Jeremiah 50:43
Jeremiah 50:43 in Multiple Translations
The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor.
The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail.
The king of Babylon hath heard the tidings of them, and his hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail.
The king of Babylon has had news of them, and his hands have become feeble: trouble has come on him and pain like the pain of a woman in childbirth.
The king of Babylon has heard the news and he's terrified. He's overcome with fear, in pain like a woman in labor.
The King of Babel hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: sorow came vpon him, euen sorowe as of a woman in trauaile.
Heard hath the king of Babylon their report, And feeble have been his hands, Distress hath seized him; pain as a travailing woman.
The king of Babylon has heard the news of them, and his hands become feeble. Anguish has taken hold of him, pains as of a woman in labor.
The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands became feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail.
The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands are grown feeble: anguish hath taken hold of him, pangs as a, woman in labour.
The King of Babylon says, “I have heard reports about the enemy approaching; so I am very frightened, with the result that I am weak. I am very fearful, and anguished/worried, like [SIM] a woman who is about to give birth to a baby.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 50:43
BAB
Word Study
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Jeremiah 50:43 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁמַ֧ע
מֶֽלֶךְ
בָּבֶ֛ל
אֶת
שִׁמְעָ֖/ם
וְ/רָפ֣וּ
יָדָ֑י/ו
צָרָה֙
הֶחֱזִיקַ֔תְ/הוּ
חִ֖יל
כַּ/יּוֹלֵדָֽה
שָׁמַ֧ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
בָּבֶ֛ל
Bâbel
H894
Babylon
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שִׁמְעָ֖/ם
shêmaʻ
H8088
sound
N-ms | Suff
וְ/רָפ֣וּ
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
יָדָ֑י/ו
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
צָרָה֙
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
N-fs
הֶחֱזִיקַ֔תְ/הוּ
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs | Suff
חִ֖יל
chîyl
H2427
agony
N-ms
כַּ/יּוֹלֵדָֽה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Prep | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 50:43
שָׁמַ֧ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
בָּבֶ֛ל
Bâbel
H894
"Babylon"
N-proper
Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.
Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שִׁמְעָ֖/ם
shêmaʻ
H8088
"sound"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a report, rumor, or announcement, something that is heard or spoken. In the Bible, it is used to describe news, fame, or a loud noise, often in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: sound
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bruit, fame, hear(-ing), loud, report, speech, tidings. See also: Genesis 29:13; Psalms 18:45; Psalms 150:5.
וְ/רָפ֣וּ
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
יָדָ֑י/ו
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
צָרָה֙
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
N-fs
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
הֶחֱזִיקַ֔תְ/הוּ
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs | Suff
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
חִ֖יל
chîyl
H2427
"agony"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means agony or intense pain, like the kind experienced in childbirth. It's used to describe strong emotions, such as sorrow or anguish. In the Bible, it appears in Isaiah 66:7-9.
Definition: 1) pain, agony, sorrow, a writhing, anguish 1a) writhing (of fear) 1b) anguish Also means: chi.lah (חִילָה "agony" H2427B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: pain, pang, sorrow. See also: Exodus 15:14; Jeremiah 6:24; Psalms 48:7.
כַּ/יּוֹלֵדָֽה
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Prep | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 50:43
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 50:43 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 50:43
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 50:43
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 50:43
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 50:43
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 50:43
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 50:43
- Sermons on Jeremiah 50:43
Context — The Destruction of Babylon
41Behold, an army is coming from the north; a great nation and many kings are stirred up from the ends of the earth.
42They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Babylon.
43The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor.
44Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Babylon from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” 45Therefore hear the plans that the LORD has drawn up against Babylon and the strategies He has devised against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the little ones of the flock will be dragged away; certainly their pasture will be made desolate because of them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 51:31 | One courier races to meet another, and messenger follows messenger, to announce to the king of Babylon that his city has been captured from end to end. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 49:24 | Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor. |
| 3 | Isaiah 21:3–4 | Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see. My heart falters; fear makes me tremble. The twilight of my desire has turned to horror. |
| 4 | Daniel 5:5–6 | At that moment the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. As the king watched the hand that was writing, his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 49:22 | Look! An eagle will soar and swoop down, spreading its wings over Bozrah. In that day the hearts of Edom’s mighty men will be like the heart of a woman in labor. |
| 6 | Isaiah 13:6–8 | Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt. Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear. |
Jeremiah 50:43 Summary
[The king of Babylon has just received some very bad news, and he is so afraid that his hands are limp and he is in a lot of pain, much like a woman giving birth, as described in Jeremiah 50:43. This shows that even the most powerful people can be afraid when they hear about God's judgment, as seen in Isaiah 13:8. We can learn from this that our trust should be in God, not in human strength or power, as emphasized in Psalm 20:7. Just like the king of Babylon had to face the report of the approaching army, we can trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand the circumstances, and surrender our fears and struggles to Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the report that the king of Babylon has heard?
The report likely refers to the news of the approaching army from the north, as described in Jeremiah 50:41-42, which has caused the king's hands to hang limp in fear and anguish, much like the fear experienced by those who heard the report of the plague in Exodus 9:20.
Why is the king of Babylon's pain compared to that of a woman in labor?
The comparison to a woman in labor, as seen in Jeremiah 50:43, is used to convey the intense and unbearable nature of the king's pain, similar to the pain described in Isaiah 13:8, and highlights the severity of God's judgment upon Babylon.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?
This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations, including Babylon, as He is the one who has ordained the report that has caused the king's fear, much like He ordained the rise and fall of nations in Daniel 2:21 and Isaiah 40:15-17.
What can we learn from the king of Babylon's reaction to the report?
We can learn that even the most powerful leaders are not immune to fear and anguish when faced with God's judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 50:43, and that our trust should be in God, not in human strength or power, as emphasized in Psalm 20:7 and Proverbs 21:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the concept of God's sovereignty to my own life, especially in times of uncertainty or fear?
- How can I trust in God's plan, even when I don't understand the circumstances, just like the king of Babylon had to face the report of the approaching army?
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to rely on my own strength or power, rather than trusting in God, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others who may be facing their own struggles or fears, and point them to the hope and comfort found in God's Word?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 50:43
The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them,.... Belshazzar, as Kimchi; he had the report brought him of the invasion of his land by them; of their approach to Babylon, and design upon it; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 50:43
Behold, a people shall come from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 50:43
The Medes shall not be more prepared to destroy the Babylonians, than they shall be unprepared to make any resistance; as God will animate their enemies, so he will dispirit them, so as they shall faint upon the report of their coming, and be like a woman upon whom strong pangs of travail are.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 50:43
Jeremiah 50:43 The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, [and] pangs as of a woman in travail.Ver. 43. The king of Babylon, &c.] See Jeremiah 6:24 Daniel 5:6.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 50:43
41–43. A repetition, with the necessary changes, of Jeremiah 6:22-24, where Jerusalem is the object of the threat. See notes there.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 50:43
THE AGENTS OF THIS , Jeremiah 50:41-46.41-46. A people shall come from the north, etc.
Sermons on Jeremiah 50:43
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Weighed and Found Wanting by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Daniel preaches to Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, about the consequences of pride and disobedience to God. He reminds Belshazzar of how Nebuchadnezzar |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 41-42 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses God's self-definition and his power as the creator of the heavens and the earth. The preacher references the story of Belshazzar and the hand |
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Belshazzer by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher uses the story of Belshazzar from the book of Daniel to illustrate the consequences of ignoring God's offer of salvation. Belshazzar, a pleasure-loving |
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The Gospel in Genesis by Glenn Matthews | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing God's loneliness and decision to create the world. God brings light into the darkness and shapes the earth, creating valleys and m |
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Sunday Night Meditations 31 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon, and his downfall. Belshazzar was a pleasure-loving king who dismissed all fear and indulg |
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Eternal Hell (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon transcript, the speaker expresses his frustration with the lack of preaching on the judgment of God and the impending return of Jesus as a judge. He longs for the re |
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The Fire of God's Judgment by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher describes a horrifying train journey through Europe, where people were living in filth and despair. He emphasizes the need for a message on the judgmen |