Jeremiah 51:58 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Babylon's walls will be broken, gates burned, and all defensive efforts will be futile and exhausting.
The Context of Jeremiah 51:58
Babylon's defenses crumble and all efforts to resist or escape prove futile.
What Does Jeremiah 51:58 Mean?
The specific physical destruction is detailed: broad walls are 'utterly broken' and high gates are 'burned with fire.' These defenses represent Babylon's security and power. Their destruction is complete and devastating. The imagery shows structural collapse and defeat of protective infrastructure.
'The people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary' indicates that efforts to defend or escape are exhausting and fruitless. Whether people labor to rebuild, defend, or flee, their efforts accomplish nothing. The 'folk in the fire' suggests people caught in flames, unable to escape. Exhaustion without achievement marks the final state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 51:58
What does Jeremiah 51:58 mean?
Babylon's walls will be broken, gates burned, and all defensive efforts will be futile and exhausting.
What is the context of Jeremiah 51:58?
Babylon's defenses crumble and all efforts to resist or escape prove futile.