Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

Jeremiah 51:9

We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.

Jeremiah 51:9 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse "We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies" from the book of Jeremiah in the Bible speaks about the impending judgment of Babylon. The prophet Jeremiah is expressing the futility of trying to heal or save Babylon from its impending destruction. Despite efforts to bring about healing and restoration, Babylon's sins have reached such a level that judgment is inevitable. The imagery of Babylon's judgment reaching unto heaven and being lifted up to the skies indicates the severity and extent of the punishment that Babylon will face. The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of wickedness and the importance of repentance and turning away from sin to avoid facing divine judgment.

Theological Overview

Within this verse from the Book of Jeremiah, there is a theological interpretation that reveals the prophet's frustration with the city of Babylon. The use of the word "healed" in this context speaks to the idea of restoration and redemption. Despite the desire to see Babylon restored, it is declared that she is beyond help, indicating that her sins are so great that divine restoration is no longer possible. The call to forsake Babylon and return to one's own country reflects the punishment that is to come upon this sinful city. The mention of judgment reaching unto heaven and lifting up to the skies suggests the severity and extent of the punishment that Babylon will face due to her sins. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and emphasizes the importance of turning away from sin to avoid facing divine judgment.

Jeremiah 51:9 in other translations

American Standard Version

We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country; for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.

World English Bible

We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go everyone into his own country; for her judgment reaches to heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.

Douay-Rheims

We would have cured Babylon, but she is not healed: let us forsake her, and let us go every man to his own land: because her judgment hath reached even to the heavens, and is lifted up to the clouds.

Geneva Bible (1599)

We would haue cured Babel, but she could not be healed: forsake her, and let vs go euery one into his owne countrey: for her iudgement is come vp vnto heauen, and is lifted vp to ye cloudes.