Jeremiah 51:44 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will destroy Bel (Babylon's god) and restore what Babylon has swallowed, ending its dominance.
The Context of Jeremiah 51:44
God will destroy the idol Bel, restore what Babylon has conquered, and break its walls.
What Does Jeremiah 51:44 Mean?
Bel was Babylon's chief deity. 'I will punish Bel in Babylon' indicates that idols and false gods offer no protection against God's judgment. 'Bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up' is vivid: the god will disgorge (vomit) what he had consumed—the conquered nations and their wealth that Babylon had devoured. The god is depicted as a predator forced to regurgitate its prey.
'The nations shall not flow together any more unto him' means that the pilgrimage to Babylon's temple and the worship that sustained Babylon's religious and political power will cease. 'The wall of Babylon shall fall' removes the final defense. The three elements—the god's power negated, the conquered peoples restored, and the city's defenses destroyed—complete Babylon's comprehensive judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 51:44
What does Jeremiah 51:44 mean?
God will destroy Bel (Babylon's god) and restore what Babylon has swallowed, ending its dominance.
What is the context of Jeremiah 51:44?
God will destroy the idol Bel, restore what Babylon has conquered, and break its walls.