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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Jeremiah 51  › Jeremiah 51:30

Jeremiah 51:30

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Jeremiah 51:30 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The warriors of Babylon have stopped fighting; they sit in their strongholds. Their strength is exhausted; they have become like women. Babylon’s homes have been set ablaze, the bars of her gates are broken.

King James Version KJV

The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in their holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.

American Standard Version ASV

The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in their strongholds; their might hath failed; they are become as women: her dwelling-places are set on fire; her bars are broken.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Babylon's men of war have kept back from the fight, waiting in their strong places; their strength has given way, they have become like women: her houses have been put on fire, her locks are broken.

Free Bible Version FBV

Babylon's defenders have given up fighting—they're just sitting in their fortresses. They're worn out; they've become like frightened women. Babylon's houses are burning; the bars securing her gates have been smashed.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The strong men of Babel haue ceased to fight: they haue remayned in their holdes: their strength hath fayled, and they were like women: they haue burnt her dwelling places, and her barres are broken.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Ceased have the mighty of Babylon to fight, They have remained in strongholds, Failed hath their might, they have become woman, They have burnt her tabernacles, Broken have been her bars.

World English Bible WEB

The mighty men of Babylon have stopped fighting, they remain in their strongholds. Their might has failed. They have become as women. Her dwelling places are set on fire. Her bars are broken.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they have remained in their holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwelling-places; her bars are broken.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The valiant men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they have dwelt in holds: their strength hath failed, and they are become as women: her dwelling places are burnt, her bars are broken.

Translation for Translators T4T

When their enemies attack, the strongest warriors in Babylon will not fight. They will remain in their barracks, without any strength. They will be as timid/weak as [SIM] women. The enemy soldiers will burn the buildings in the city and pull down the bars of the city gates.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 51:30

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 51:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB חָדְלוּ֩ גִבּוֹרֵ֨י בָבֶ֜ל לְ/הִלָּחֵ֗ם יָֽשְׁבוּ֙ בַּ/מְּצָד֔וֹת נָשְׁתָ֥ה גְבוּרָתָ֖/ם הָי֣וּ לְ/נָשִׁ֑ים הִצִּ֥יתוּ מִשְׁכְּנֹתֶ֖י/הָ נִשְׁבְּר֥וּ בְרִיחֶֽי/הָ
חָדְלוּ֩ châdal H2308 to cease V-Qal-Perf-3cp
גִבּוֹרֵ֨י gibbôwr H1368 mighty man Adj
בָבֶ֜ל Bâbel H894 Babylon N-proper
לְ/הִלָּחֵ֗ם lâcham H3898 to fight Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
יָֽשְׁבוּ֙ yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בַּ/מְּצָד֔וֹת mᵉtsad H4679 stronghold Prep | N-fp
נָשְׁתָ֥ה nâshath H5405 be dry V-Qal-Perf-3fs
גְבוּרָתָ֖/ם gᵉbûwrâh H1369 might N-fs | Suff
הָי֣וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/נָשִׁ֑ים ʼishshâh H802 woman Prep | N-fp
הִצִּ֥יתוּ yâtsath H3341 to kindle V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
מִשְׁכְּנֹתֶ֖י/הָ mishkân H4908 tabernacle N-mp | Suff
נִשְׁבְּר֥וּ shâbar H7665 to break V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בְרִיחֶֽי/הָ bᵉrîyach H1280 bar N-mp | 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 51:30

חָדְלוּ֩ châdal H2308 "to cease" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
גִבּוֹרֵ֨י gibbôwr H1368 "mighty man" Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
בָבֶ֜ל 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.
לְ/הִלָּחֵ֗ם lâcham H3898 "to fight" Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
יָֽשְׁבוּ֙ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בַּ/מְּצָד֔וֹת mᵉtsad H4679 "stronghold" Prep | N-fp
A stronghold or fort, often in a mountainous area, providing a safe place for people to hide or defend themselves, like the castle of David in 2 Samuel 5:7. It represents a secure and protected location.
Definition: 1) fort, stronghold, fastness 1a) mountain-fastness 1b) stronghold
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: castle, fort, (strong) hold, munition. See also: Judges 6:2; 1 Chronicles 12:9; Isaiah 33:16.
נָשְׁתָ֥ה nâshath H5405 "be dry" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To dry up or be parched, often used to describe a lack of water or nourishment. In the Bible, it is used to describe the consequences of disobedience or neglect, as seen in Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be parched 1a) (Qal) to be dry, be parched 1b) (Niphal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: fail. See also: Isaiah 19:5; Isaiah 41:17; Jeremiah 51:30.
גְבוּרָתָ֖/ם gᵉbûwrâh H1369 "might" N-fs | Suff
This word means strength, might, or power, like God's mighty power in Psalm 111:6. It can describe a person's bravery or the strength of an action, as in the mighty deeds of God in Psalm 145:11.
Definition: 1) strength, might 1a) strength 1b) might, valour, bravery 1c) might, mighty deeds (of God) Aramaic equivalent: ge.vu.rah (גְּבוּרָה "might" H1370)
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength. See also: Exodus 32:18; Psalms 71:18; Psalms 20:7.
הָי֣וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/נָשִׁ֑ים ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Prep | N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
הִצִּ֥יתוּ yâtsath H3341 "to kindle" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To kindle means to start a fire or burn something, and can also mean to leave something desolate. It appears in various forms, including being kindled or setting something on fire.
Definition: 1) to kindle, burn, set on fire 1a) (Qal) to kindle 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be kindled 1b2) to be left desolate 1c) (Hiphil) to set on fire, kindle
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: burn (up), be desolate, set (on) fire (fire), kindle. See also: Joshua 8:8; Jeremiah 11:16; Isaiah 9:17.
מִשְׁכְּנֹתֶ֖י/הָ mishkân H4908 "tabernacle" N-mp | Suff
The tabernacle was a special tent where God met with the Israelites, as described in Exodus and Leviticus. It was a portable place of worship, like a dwelling place for God. The Israelites carried it with them.
Definition: 1) dwelling place, tabernacle 1a) dwelling-place 1b) dwellings Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. See also: Exodus 25:9; Numbers 3:23; Psalms 26:8.
נִשְׁבְּר֥וּ shâbar H7665 "to break" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
בְרִיחֶֽי/הָ bᵉrîyach H1280 "bar" N-mp | Suff
A bar or bolt, often made of wood, used to secure city gates or as a symbol of tribulation. It represents a fortress or a prison.
Definition: 1) bar 1a) of wood 1b) of city gates 2) of tribulation, a fortress, of the earth as a prison (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bar, fugitive. See also: Exodus 26:26; 2 Chronicles 14:6; Psalms 107:16.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 51:30

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Nahum 3:13 Look at your troops— they are like your women! The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies; fire consumes their bars.
2 Jeremiah 50:36–37 A sword is against her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is against her warriors, and they will be filled with terror. A sword is against her horses and chariots and against all the foreigners in her midst, and they will become like women. A sword is against her treasuries, and they will be plundered.
3 Lamentations 2:9 Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD.
4 Isaiah 13:7–8 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.
5 Isaiah 19:16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them.
6 Psalms 76:5 The valiant lie plundered; they sleep their last sleep. No men of might could lift a hand.
7 Isaiah 45:1–2 This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.
8 Jeremiah 48:41 Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab’s warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
9 Amos 1:5 I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler of the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD.
10 Psalms 147:13 For He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses the children within you.

Jeremiah 51:30 Summary

This verse describes a scene where the warriors of Babylon are too exhausted to fight and have retreated to their strongholds, much like the fearful and weak in Isaiah 19:16. The city is being destroyed, with homes on fire and gates broken, as a fulfillment of God's judgment, similar to what is described in Ezekiel 26:3. This shows that even the strongest nations can fall when they rebel against God, as seen in Jeremiah 50:1-46. We can learn from this that our strength comes from God, and when we trust in Him, we can face any challenge, as stated in Psalms 28:7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the warriors of Babylon becoming like women?

This phrase likely indicates that the warriors have lost their strength and courage, much like the description of the fearful and weak in Isaiah 19:16, and are no longer able to fight effectively.

Why have the warriors stopped fighting and retreated to their strongholds?

The warriors have stopped fighting because their strength is exhausted, as stated in Jeremiah 51:30, and they are likely trying to escape the destruction of the city, similar to the scenes described in Jeremiah 4:5-6.

What is the meaning of the homes being set ablaze and the bars of the gates being broken?

This describes the destruction and chaos that has come upon Babylon, much like the prophecies against other nations in Ezekiel 26:3 and Ezekiel 28:18, where God's judgment is poured out on those who have rebelled against Him.

How does this verse relate to God's overall plan for Babylon?

This verse is a part of the larger prophecy against Babylon, as seen in Jeremiah 50:1-46, where God declares His intentions to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant, as stated in Jeremiah 51:29, and this verse shows the beginning of that fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can apply the concept of spiritual exhaustion to my own life, and how can I avoid becoming weak in my faith?
  2. How can I trust in God's power and strength when I feel like I am facing overwhelming challenges, just like the warriors of Babylon?
  3. What are some ways that I can be a source of strength and courage for others, rather than becoming like the weak warriors in this verse?
  4. How can I prepare myself for the spiritual battles that I will face, and what are some strategies for staying strong in the Lord?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 51:30

The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight,.... Or, "ceased from fighting" (h) for it seems, upon Cyrus's first coming, the king of Babylon and his army gave him battle; but being overthrown,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 51:30

The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in their holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:30

When God hath determined an end, he ordereth means proportionable to that end. Babylon had many valiant and mighty men, and it is very probable the Babylonians trusted very much to them; but when it came to, God took off their courage, so as they had no heart to fight, but kept themselves in their strong holds, and if at any time they came out, their courage failed them, and they behaved themselves more like women than men of war; so as their enemies burned their cities, brake down their fortifications, and made what havoc they pleased.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:30

Jeremiah 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in [their] holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.Ver. 30. The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight.] At Cyrus’ s first coming they gave him battle; but being worsted, they from thenceforth remained in their holds till Babylon was taken. Their might hath failed.] Or, Their courage is shrunk, as Jacob’ s sinew did. They became as women.] See Jeremiah 50:37.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:30

(30) The mighty men of Babylon have for born to fight.—The verses that follow paint the capture of the city by the stratagem related in the Note on Jeremiah 50:24. Those who “have burned” are, of course, the invaders. They here begin by setting the houses of the city on fire and breaking open the gates that led from the river into the streets of the city, while the panic-stricken people fled to their citadel in despair.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:30

Verse 30. The mighty men - have forborne to fight] They were panic-struck when they found the Medes and Persians within their walls, and at once saw that resistance was useless.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 51:30

30. Description of the capture of Babylon. they are become as women] Cp. Jeremiah 50:37.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 51:30

Have forborn to fight - Or, have ceased to fight: in despair when they saw that the conflict was hopeless. Holds - The word properly means an acropolis, and so any inaccessible place of refuge. They have burned - i.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:30

30. Have forborne — Have ceased; not from cowardice, but from hopelessness. They become as women, and stay in the inaccessible places to await the end.

Sermons on Jeremiah 51:30

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill John 7:37 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker discusses a period of 400 years of darkness and stillness without any prophetic voice. Suddenly, a man appears in the wilderness, wearing a piece of old
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 113 by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and warning others about the corruption of the word of God. He highlights the need for accurate translati
Alan Redpath Battling With God by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Ezra by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker talks about a man who had been bragging to the king about the power and greatness of God. As a result, the king gave him a lot of gold and silver, but n
T. Austin-Sparks The Sovereignty of God as to the House of God by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and heartfelt relationship with God. He highlights how the prophets in the Bible, such as Hosea and Ezekie
David Shirley Progress of Redemption #04 by David Shirley In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the word of God and how it can change people's lives. The sermon takes place in Judea, a Persian province, around 430 BC. T
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Ezra by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine stirring of Cyrus as a fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the importance of prayer and obedience in responding to God's call. He reflects on the
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