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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 51:8 Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/51-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/24_Jer_51_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 51:8 - The Judgment on Babylon" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. 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Wail over her! Get balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/51.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But suddenly Babylon, too, has fallen. Weep for her. Give her medicine. Perhaps she can yet be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/51.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; wail for her! Take balm for her pain; perhaps she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/51.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/51.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/51.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Babylon has suddenly fallen and been destroyed. Wail for her! Take balm for her pain; Perhaps she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/51.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; Wail over her! Bring balm for her pain; Perhaps she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/51.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; Wail over her! Bring balm for her pain; Perhaps she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/51.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; Wail over her! Bring balm for her pain; Perhaps she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/51.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; Wail over her! Take balm for her pain; Perhaps she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/51.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Babylon has suddenly fallen and is shattered! Wail for her [if you care to]! Get balm for her [incurable] pain; Perhaps she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/51.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Suddenly Babylon fell and was shattered. Wail for her; get balm for her wound — perhaps she can be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/51.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Suddenly Babylon fell and was shattered. Wail for her; get balm for her wound— perhaps she can be healed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/51.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: wail for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/51.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But suddenly, Babylon will fall and be destroyed. I, the LORD, told the foreigners who lived there, "Weep for the city! Get medicine for its wounds; maybe they will heal." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/51.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/51.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Babylon will suddenly fall and be shattered. Cry for it. Bring medicine for its pain. Maybe it can be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/51.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Babylonia has suddenly fallen and is destroyed! Mourn over it! Get medicine for its wounds, and maybe it can be healed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/51.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Suddenly, Babylon fell down and was shattered. Wail for her! Bring balm for her wound, perhaps she will be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/51.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/51.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But suddenly Babylonia will fall and be destroyed. Cry out in mourning over it! Get medicine for her wounds! Perhaps she can be healed! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/51.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: wail for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/51.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, it may be she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/51.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Babylon has suddenly fallen and been destroyed! Wail for her! Take balm for her pain. Perhaps she may be healed. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/51.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Babylon has suddenly fallen, "" Indeed, she is broken, howl for her, "" Take balm for her pain, perhaps she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/51.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Suddenly hath Babylon fallen, Yea, it is broken, howl ye for it, Take balm for her pain, if so be it may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/51.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Babylon fell suddenly, and she will be broken: wail ye for her; take balsam for her pain, perhaps she will be healed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/51.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Babylon is suddenly fallen, and destroyed: howl for her, take balm for her pain, if so she may be healed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/51.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Suddenly, Babylon has fallen and been crushed. Wail over her! Take a balm to her pain, if perhaps she may be healed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/51.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Babylon suddenly falls and is broken: wail over her! Bring balm for her wounds, in case she can be healed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/51.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Suddenly Babylon has fallen and is shattered; wail for her! Bring balm for her wound; perhaps she may be healed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/51.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed; wail for her, take balm for her wound; perhaps she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/51.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Suddenly Babel has fallen and she is pillaged! Wail over her! Take medicines for her sickness; perhaps she will be healed<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/51.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed, Wail for her; Take balm for her pain, If so be she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/51.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Babylon is fallen suddenly, and is broken to pieces: lament for her; take balm for her deadly wound, if by any means she may be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=15891" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/51.htm">The Judgment on Babylon</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>Babylon was a gold cup in the hand of the LORD, making the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore the nations have gone mad. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6597.htm" title="6597: piṯ·’ōm (Adv) -- Suddenness, suddenly. Or pith.om; from petha'; instantly.">Suddenly</a> <a href="/hebrew/894.htm" title="894: ḇā·ḇel (N-proper-fs) -- From balal; confusion; Babel, including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire.">Babylon</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: nā·p̄ə·lāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">has fallen</a> <a href="/hebrew/7665.htm" title="7665: wat·tiš·šā·ḇêr (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To break, break in pieces. A primitive root; to burst.">and been shattered.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3213.htm" title="3213: hê·lî·lū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To howl, make a howling. A primitive root; to howl or yell.">Wail</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·le·hā (Prep:: 3fs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">for her;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: qə·ḥū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">get her</a> <a href="/hebrew/6875.htm" title="6875: ṣo·rî (N-ms) -- (a kind of) balsam. Or tsoriy; from an unused root meaning to crack, hence, to leak; distillation, i.e. Balsam.">balm</a> <a href="/hebrew/4341.htm" title="4341: lə·maḵ·’ō·w·ḇāh (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3fs) -- Pain. Sometimes makcowb; also makfobah; from ka'ab; anguish or affliction.">for her pain;</a> <a href="/hebrew/194.htm" title="194: ’ū·lay (Adv) -- Perhaps. Or rulay; from 'ow; if not; hence perhaps.">perhaps</a> <a href="/hebrew/7495.htm" title="7495: tê·rā·p̄ê (V-Nifal-Imperf-3fs) -- To heal. Or raphah; a primitive root; properly, to mend, i.e. to cure.">she can be healed.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>“We tried to heal Babylon, but she could not be healed. Abandon her! Let each of us go to his own land, for her judgment extends to the sky and reaches to the clouds.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-2.htm">Revelation 18:2</a></span><br />And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/21-9.htm">Isaiah 21:9</a></span><br />Look, here come the riders, horsemen in pairs.” And one answered, saying: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon! All the images of her gods lie shattered on the ground!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/14-8.htm">Revelation 14:8</a></span><br />Then a second angel followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who has made all the nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-11.htm">Isaiah 47:11</a></span><br />But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-10.htm">Revelation 18:10</a></span><br />In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-19.htm">Isaiah 13:19</a></span><br />And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-19.htm">Revelation 18:19</a></span><br />Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-4.htm">Isaiah 14:4</a></span><br />you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-21.htm">Revelation 18:21</a></span><br />Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-1.htm">Isaiah 47:1</a></span><br />“Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of the Chaldeans! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-8.htm">Revelation 18:8</a></span><br />Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and grief and famine—and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-20.htm">Isaiah 48:20</a></span><br />Leave Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! Declare it with a shout of joy, proclaim it, let it go out to the ends of the earth, saying, “The LORD has redeemed His servant Jacob!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/17-5.htm">Revelation 17:5</a></span><br />And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-1.htm">Isaiah 13:1</a></span><br />This is the burden against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz received:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/16-19.htm">Revelation 16:19</a></span><br />The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.</p><p class="hdg">suddenly</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/51-41.htm">Jeremiah 51:41</a></b></br> How is Sheshach taken! and how is the praise of the whole earth surprised! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/50-2.htm">Jeremiah 50:2</a></b></br> Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, <i>and</i> conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/21-9.htm">Isaiah 21:9</a></b></br> And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, <i>with</i> a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.</p><p class="hdg">howl</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/48-20.htm">Jeremiah 48:20,31</a></b></br> Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/13-6.htm">Isaiah 13:6,7</a></b></br> Howl ye; for the day of the LORD <i>is</i> at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/27-30.htm">Ezekiel 27:30-32</a></b></br> And shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes: … </p><p class="hdg">take balm</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/8-22.htm">Jeremiah 8:22</a></b></br> <i>Is there</i> no balm in Gilead; <i>is there</i> no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/30-12.htm">Jeremiah 30:12-15</a></b></br> For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise <i>is</i> incurable, <i>and</i> thy wound <i>is</i> grievous… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/46-11.htm">Jeremiah 46:11</a></b></br> Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; <i>for</i> thou shalt not be cured.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/51-7.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-11.htm">Balm</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-36.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-31.htm">Cries</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-6.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-1.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-21.htm">Downfall</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-4.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-4.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-31.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-6.htm">Healed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-3.htm">Howl</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-11.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-43.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-7.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-22.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-4.htm">Sudden</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-44.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-11.htm">Sweet</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-3.htm">Wail</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/51-9.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-17.htm">Balm</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-20.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-12.htm">Cries</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-20.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-18.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-35.htm">Downfall</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-44.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-44.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-5.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-9.htm">Healed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-12.htm">Howl</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-20.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-29.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-29.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-12.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/amos/5-9.htm">Sudden</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-6.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-3.htm">Sweet</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-12.htm">Wail</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 51</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/51-1.htm">The severe judgment of God against Babylon, in revenge of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">59. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/51-59.htm">Jeremiah delivers the book of this prophecy to Seraiah, to be cast into Euphrates, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">64. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/51-64.htm">in token of the perpetual sinking of Babylon</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/51.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/jeremiah/51.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered.</b><br>This phrase highlights the unexpected and swift nature of Babylon's downfall. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire, known for its grandeur and influence. The suddenness of its fall is emphasized, reflecting the divine judgment pronounced by God. This mirrors the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets, such as Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/21-9.htm">Isaiah 21:9</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/5-30.htm">Daniel 5:30-31</a>), who foretold Babylon's destruction. The imagery of being "shattered" suggests complete and irreversible ruin, symbolizing God's ultimate authority over nations.<p><b>Wail for her;</b><br>The call to "wail" indicates a deep mourning and lamentation over Babylon's destruction. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, wailing was a common expression of grief and loss. This mourning could be seen as both a literal and metaphorical response, reflecting the sorrow of those who relied on Babylon's power and wealth. It also serves as a warning to other nations about the consequences of pride and idolatry.<p><b>Get her balm for her pain;</b><br>The mention of "balm" refers to a healing ointment, often associated with the region of Gilead (<a href="/jeremiah/8-22.htm">Jeremiah 8:22</a>). This suggests an attempt to find a remedy for Babylon's suffering. However, the futility of this effort is implied, as no earthly solution can heal the divine judgment inflicted upon Babylon. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual condition of nations and individuals who turn away from God.<p><b>Perhaps she can be healed.</b><br>The use of "perhaps" indicates uncertainty and doubt about the possibility of Babylon's recovery. This reflects the broader biblical theme that true healing and restoration come only through repentance and turning to God. The rhetorical nature of this statement underscores the inevitability of Babylon's fate, as prophesied by Jeremiah. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of human efforts in the face of divine will and the need for reliance on God's mercy and grace.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>A significant empire in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its wealth, power, and opposition to God's people. In the Bible, Babylon often symbolizes human pride and rebellion against God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a></b><br>A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah and the surrounding nations, including Babylon.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/fall_of_babylon.htm">Fall of Babylon</a></b><br>A prophetic event foretelling the sudden and complete destruction of Babylon, symbolizing God's judgment against pride and idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>God is in control of all nations and empires. No matter how powerful a nation may seem, it is subject to God's authority and judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_pride_and_idolatry.htm">The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry</a></b><br>Babylon's fall serves as a warning against pride and idolatry. Nations and individuals who exalt themselves against God will ultimately face His judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>The call to "get balm for her pain" suggests a possibility for healing if there is repentance. This highlights God's desire for repentance and restoration.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_suddenness_of_god's_judgment.htm">The Suddenness of God's Judgment</a></b><br>The sudden fall of Babylon reminds us that God's judgment can come unexpectedly. We must live in readiness and obedience to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_amidst_judgment.htm">Hope Amidst Judgment</a></b><br>Even in the midst of judgment, there is a call to wail and seek healing, pointing to the hope of redemption and restoration through God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_51.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 51</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_babylon's_fall_reconciled.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 says Babylon has “suddenly fallen,” yet historical records indicate a gradual decline—how is this reconciled? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/revelation_18_10__'one_hour'_vs._other_judgments.htm">Revelation 18:10 – How does the city’s destruction “in one hour” align with or contradict other biblical texts about judgment events? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_punish_babylon_if_god_used_it.htm">Jeremiah 51:7 calls Babylon a 'golden cup' in God's hand; if God used Babylon, why should the nation be punished?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_jer._51_37_align_with_babylon's_history.htm">Jeremiah 51:37 claims Babylon will be 'a heap of ruins,' but archaeological findings indicate the city remained active for centuries--how does this align with the text?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/51.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">Babylon is suddenly fallen . . .</span>--The form of announcement seems taken in part from <a href="/isaiah/21-9.htm" title="And, behold, here comes a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he has broken to the ground.">Isaiah 21:9</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Take balm for her pain . . .</span>--The words are significant. The captive people are not invited simply to raise a shout of triumph at the fall of their oppressor: they are to "take balm" (comp. the use of the same image in <a href="/jeremiah/8-22.htm" title="Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?">Jeremiah 8:22</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/46-11.htm" title="Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shall you use many medicines; for you shall not be cured.">Jeremiah 46:11</a>), and try to heal her. They are still to "seek the peace of the city" (<a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm" title="And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray to the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall you have peace.">Jeremiah 29:7</a>), to render kindly service, to pour balm into the bleeding wounds.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/51.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Destroyed</span>. The Hebrew, more forcibly, has "is broken." The Authorized Version wished, perhaps, to avoid the objection that a golden cup could not, properly speaking, be broken. But if we once begin to harmonize the language of Hebrew poetry, we shall have no end. It is not the cup which falls, but the state, considered as a house (the "breach" of God's people is constantly referred to; <span class="accented">e.g.</span> <a href="/psalms/60-2.htm">Psalm 60:2</a>; <a href="/isaiah/30-26.htm">Isaiah 30:26</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Howl for her</span>. Sympathetic bystanders are dramatically appealed to. From the next verse it would seem that they are the various foreigners who, whether by choice or force, have been resident in Babylon, and who have acquired an interest in her fate. Hitzig thinks the foreign mercenaries (<a href="/jeremiah/50-37.htm">Jeremiah 50:37</a>) or allies are specially referred to. <span class="cmt_word">Take balm for her pain</span> (comp. <a href="/jeremiah/8-22.htm">Jeremiah 8:22</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/46-11.htm">Jeremiah 46:11</a>). The images of fracture and wound are combined, as in <a href="/isaiah/30-26.htm">Isaiah 30:26</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Suddenly</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּתְאֹ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(piṯ·’ōm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6597.htm">Strong's 6597: </a> </span><span class="str2">Suddenness, suddenly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Babylon</span><br /><span class="heb">בָבֶ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_894.htm">Strong's 894: </a> </span><span class="str2">Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has fallen</span><br /><span class="heb">נָפְלָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(nā·p̄ə·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and been shattered.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּשָּׁבֵ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiš·šā·ḇêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7665.htm">Strong's 7665: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break, break in pieces</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Wail</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵילִ֣ילוּ</span> <span class="translit">(hê·lî·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3213.htm">Strong's 3213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To howl, make a howling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for her;</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלֶ֗יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·le·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">get her</span><br /><span class="heb">קְח֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(qə·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">balm</span><br /><span class="heb">צֳרִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(ṣo·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6875.htm">Strong's 6875: </a> </span><span class="str2">Distillation, balsam</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for her pain;</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַכְאוֹבָ֔הּ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·maḵ·’ō·w·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4341.htm">Strong's 4341: </a> </span><span class="str2">Anguish, affliction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">perhaps</span><br /><span class="heb">אוּלַ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ū·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_194.htm">Strong's 194: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps</span><br /><br /><span class="word">she can be healed.</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּרָפֵֽא׃</span> <span class="translit">(tê·rā·p̄ê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7495.htm">Strong's 7495: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mend, to cure</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/51-8.htm">Jeremiah 51:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/51-8.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 51:8 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: wail (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/51-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 51:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 51:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/51-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 51:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 51:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>