Jeremiah 51:13
Jeremiah 51:13 in Multiple Translations
You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut.
O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.
O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, the measure of thy covetousness.
O you whose living-place is by the wide waters, whose stores are great, your end is come, your evil profit is ended.
You people who live beside by many waters, and have so much wealth, this is the time of your end—your life will be cut short.
O thou that dwellest vpon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine ende is come, euen the ende of thy couetousnes.
O dweller on many waters, abundant in treasures, Come in hath thine end, the measure of thy dishonest gain.
You who dwell on many waters, abundant in treasures, your end has come, the measure of your covetousness.
O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thy end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.
O thou that dwellest upon many waters, rich in treasures, thy end is come for thy entire destruction.
Babylon is a city near the great Euphrates River, a city in which there are many rich people, but it is time for Babylon to be finished; the time for the city to exist is ended.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 51:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 51:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שכנתי
שֹׁכַנְתְּ֙
עַל
מַ֣יִם
רַבִּ֔ים
רַבַּ֖ת
אֽוֹצָרֹ֑ת
בָּ֥א
קִצֵּ֖/ךְ
אַמַּ֥ת
בִּצְעֵֽ/ךְ
שכנתי
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
V-Qal
שֹׁכַנְתְּ֙
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מַ֣יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
רַבִּ֔ים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
רַבַּ֖ת
rab
H7227
many
Adj
אֽוֹצָרֹ֑ת
ʼôwtsâr
H214
treasure
N-mp
בָּ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
קִצֵּ֖/ךְ
qêts
H7093
end
N-ms | Suff
אַמַּ֥ת
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fs
בִּצְעֵֽ/ךְ
betsaʻ
H1215
unjust-gain
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 51:13
שכנתי
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
שֹׁכַנְתְּ֙
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מַ֣יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
רַבִּ֔ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
רַבַּ֖ת
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
אֽוֹצָרֹ֑ת
ʼôwtsâr
H214
"treasure"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for treasure refers to a storehouse or depository, like a treasure house or armory, as seen in 1 Kings 7:51.
Definition: 1) treasure, storehouse 1a) treasure (gold, silver, etc) 1b) store, supplies of food or drink 1c) treasure-house, treasury 1c1) treasure-house 1c2) storehouse, magazine 1c3) treasury 1c4) magazine of weapons (fig. of God's armoury) 1c5) storehouses (of God for rain, snow, hail, wind, sea)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y). See also: Deuteronomy 28:12; Nehemiah 10:39; Psalms 33:7.
בָּ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
קִצֵּ֖/ךְ
qêts
H7093
"end"
N-ms | Suff
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
אַמַּ֥ת
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fs
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
בִּצְעֵֽ/ךְ
betsaʻ
H1215
"unjust-gain"
N-ms | Suff
This word describes unjust gain or profit, often acquired through violence or dishonest means, as referred to in the Bible.
Definition: profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit. See also: Genesis 37:26; Isaiah 56:11; Psalms 30:10.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 51:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 51:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 51:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 51:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:13
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 51:13
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 51:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:13
- Sermons on Jeremiah 51:13
Context — Judgment on Babylon
11Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD— vengeance for His temple.
12Raise a banner against the walls of Babylon; post the guard; station the watchmen; prepare the ambush. For the LORD has both devised and accomplished what He spoke against the people of Babylon.
13You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut.
14The LORD of Hosts has sworn by Himself: “Surely I will fill you up with men as with locusts, and they will shout in triumph over you.” 15The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 17:1 | Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. |
| 2 | Isaiah 45:3 | I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. |
| 3 | Revelation 17:15 | Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. |
| 4 | Genesis 6:13 | Then God said to Noah, “The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 51:36 | Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance on your behalf; I will dry up her sea and make her springs run dry. |
| 6 | Luke 12:19–21 | Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” |
| 7 | Daniel 5:26 | And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 50:31 | “Behold, I am against you, O arrogant one,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts, “for your day has come, the time when I will punish you. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 50:27 | Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them, for their day has come— the time of their punishment. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 7:2–12 | “O son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says to the land of Israel: ‘The end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land. The end is now upon you, and I will unleash My anger against you. I will judge you according to your ways and repay you for all your abominations. I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Disaster! An unprecedented disaster — behold, it is coming! The end has come! The end has come! It has roused itself against you. Behold, it has come! Doom has come to you, O inhabitants of the land. The time has come; the day is near; there is panic on the mountains instead of shouts of joy. Very soon I will pour out My wrath upon you and vent My anger against you; I will judge you according to your ways and repay you for all your abominations. I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow. Behold, the day is here! It has come! Doom has gone out, the rod has budded, arrogance has bloomed. Their violence has grown into a rod to punish their wickedness. None of them will remain: none of their multitude, none of their wealth, and nothing of value. The time has come; the day has arrived. Let the buyer not rejoice and the seller not mourn, for wrath is upon the whole multitude. |
Jeremiah 51:13 Summary
Jeremiah 51:13 is a warning to the nation of Babylon that its time of wealth and prosperity is coming to an end. The 'many waters' refer to the abundance and influence that Babylon had, but also its spiritual darkness. The 'thread of life' being cut means that Babylon's time is up, and God is bringing judgment on the nation for its sins, as seen in Jeremiah 50:1-51:64. This verse reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than relying on our own strength and wealth, and to prioritize what is truly important in life, as seen in Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Timothy 6:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to dwell by many waters in Jeremiah 51:13?
In this context, dwelling by many waters refers to a place of abundance and prosperity, but also of spiritual darkness, as seen in Revelation 17:1-5, where the prostitute of Babylon sits on many waters, symbolizing her influence over the nations.
What is the thread of life being cut, as mentioned in Jeremiah 51:13?
The cutting of the thread of life is a metaphor for the end of one's life or the demise of a nation, as seen in Isaiah 38:12, where the thread of life is cut short, and in Job 6:9, where the thread of life is snapped by God.
Is Jeremiah 51:13 speaking of a specific nation or people?
Yes, the verse is speaking of Babylon, which was a powerful and wealthy nation at the time, but was also a nation that had turned against God, as seen in Jeremiah 50:1-51:64, where God pronounces judgment on Babylon for its sins.
What is the significance of the treasures mentioned in Jeremiah 51:13?
The treasures mentioned in the verse refer to the wealth and riches of Babylon, which were gained through its powerful trade and commerce, but also through its idolatry and rebellion against God, as seen in Ezekiel 28:4-5, where the king of Tyre is condemned for his pride and wealth.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'many waters' in my life that I have been relying on for comfort and security, rather than trusting in God?
- How can I apply the warning of Jeremiah 51:13 to my own life, recognizing that my 'thread of life' can be cut short at any moment?
- What are the 'treasures' in my life that I have been prioritizing, and are they aligned with God's values and purposes?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when my circumstances seem uncertain or unstable, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 51:13
O thou that dwellest upon many waters,.... Here Babylon is addressed, either by the Lord, or by the prophet, or the godly Jews; who is described by her, situation, which was by the great river
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 51:13
O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness. O thou that dwellest upon many waters - (Jeremiah 51:32; Jeremiah 51:36; note, Isaiah 21:1).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:13
Babylon is said to dwell upon many waters, because upon the great river Euphrates, which they say did not only run by it, but almost encompass it, branching itself into many smaller rivers, which made several parts of the city islands. Abundant in treasures; it is a city much noted in Scripture for wealth, and made much more wealthy than it was by traffic by the conquest of many nations. Thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness: the prophet tells them that now their gathering time was over, there was now a boundary set to their covetousness; in the Hebrew it is, the cubit of thy covetousness, which is by our translators well translated a measure, because it was amongst the Jews the common measure of height and depth. The word by us translated covetousness, as , may either signify riches, the object of their covetousness, or prosperity, or that unlawful desire of having more, which is properly called covetousness, either because they should be destroyed utterly, or because they should prosper no more; there was no end put to the Babylonians’ lusts, but there was an end put to the satisfaction of their lusts.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:13
Jeremiah 51:13 O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, [and] the measure of thy covetousness.Ver. 13. O thou that dwellest upon many waters.] Euphrates and Tigris especially, famous rivers running from Babylonia into the Persian Sea. Hence most geographers hold, and not improbably, that that land was a part of the garden of Eden; fruitful it was beyond credulity. Thine end is come, and the measure (Heb., the cubit) of thy covetousness.] Cuius avaritiae totus non sufficit orbis. The covetous cormorant’ s mouth, with his Give, give, shall shortly be stopped with a spadeful of mould, and his "never enough" quit with fire enough in the bottom of hell.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:13
(13) O thou that dwellest upon many waters.—The words find an illustration of singular interest in an inscription of Nebuchadnezzar’s given by Oppert (Expéd. en Mésop. i. p. 231): “I made water to flow all around in this immense dyke of earth. I carried an aqueduct across these great waters that are like unto the depths of the sea.” See also Records of the Past, v. 128. The channels which were cut for the waters of the Euphrates seemed at once intended for a line of defence against attack, and for irrigation and navigation. To some extent Babylon, though an inland city, must have presented an appearance like that of Venice or Amsterdam. The measure of thy covetousness.—The measure is literally “an ell,” and for “covetousness” many commentators give the meaning of “that which is cut off,” a “piece” or “section.” So taken, we may translate the ell-measure of thy portion, the allotted time of prosperity decreed in the Divine counsels. Others, following the Vulgate, “pedalis precisionis tuœ,” give “the ell-measure of thy cutting off,” i.e., the appointed time of destruction.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:13
Verse 13. O thou that dwellest upon many waters] Thou who hast an abundant supply of waters. It was built on the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates; the latter running through the city. But the many waters may mean the many nations which belonged to the Babylonish empire; nations and people are frequently so called in Scripture.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 51:13
13. upon many waters] See on Jeremiah 50:38. abundant in treasures] conveyed to Babylon from the conquered provinces. the measure of thy covetousness] better, the cubit where thou shalt be cut off. The metaphor is taken from weaving. “The web of thy destiny is finished. Cf. for the figure Isaiah 38:12 (where the word for ‘cut off’ is the same as here).” Dr.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 51:13
Upon many waters - The great wealth of Babylonia was caused not merely by the Euphrates, but by a vast system of canals, which served for defense as well as for irrigation. The measure of thy covetousness - i.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:13
13. Dwellest upon many waters — An allusion to the elaborate system of irrigation in the Babylonian plain, to which was due its extraordinary fruitfulness, and in some degree the eminence of Babylon herself.
Sermons on Jeremiah 51:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Revelation 17-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of the false religious system, referred to as Babylon, which has deceived many people. The speaker mentions Jesus' warning about |
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(Common Market) Its Religion - Part 1 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of the "great whore" mentioned in Revelation 17. The speaker believes that this whore represents a system or institution rather t |
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Come Out of the Darkness of Babylon by Steve Gallagher | The video shown during the sermon was described as a production created by the church. The speaker prayed for the congregation and mentioned that some people may choose to stay beh |
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(Revelation) Part 2 the Doom of the Scarlet Woman by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the seven-headed beast mentioned in the book of Revelation. He explains that five of the heads have already fallen, one is cur |
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Mystery Babylon by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the symbolism of a woman sitting on a scarlet colored beast in the book of Revelation. He explains that this woman represents Satan's counter |
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The Church: Recovery & Testimony - History of the Church in China - Part 1 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the reason for a revival that occurred in Bucho and into college. The revival was initiated by two western sisters, one of whom was mentioned |
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Middle East Crisis: What Is Mystery Babylon? by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the concept of Babylon. He suggests that Babylon can refer to various things, such as the ancient |