Jeremiah 50:44
New International Version
Like a lion coming up from Jordan’s thickets to a rich pastureland, I will chase Babylon from its land in an instant. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? Who is like me and who can challenge me? And what shepherd can stand against me?”

New Living Translation
“I will come like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan, leaping on the sheep in the pasture. I will chase Babylon from its land, and I will appoint the leader of my choice. For who is like me, and who can challenge me? What ruler can oppose my will?”

English Standard Version
“Behold, like a lion coming up from the thicket of the Jordan against a perennial pasture, I will suddenly make them run away from her, and I will appoint over her whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who will summon me? What shepherd can stand before me?

Berean Standard Bible
Behold, 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?”

King James Bible
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?

New King James Version
“Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the floodplain of the Jordan Against the dwelling place of the strong; But I will make them suddenly run away from her. And who is a chosen man that I may appoint over her? For who is like Me? Who will arraign Me? And who is that shepherd Who will withstand Me?”

New American Standard Bible
“Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan to a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will chase them away from it, and I will appoint over it whoever is chosen. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?”

NASB 1995
“Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan to a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will make them run away from it, and whoever is chosen I will appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand before Me?”

NASB 1977
“Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan to a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I shall make them run away from it, and whoever is chosen I shall appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand before Me?”

Legacy Standard Bible
“Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan to an enduring pasture; for in an instant I will make them run away from it, and whoever is chosen I will appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand before Me?”

Amplified Bible
“See, one will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan against the enduring habitation [of Babylon] and its watered pastures; for in an instant I will make Babylon run from his land. I will appoint over Babylon the one whom I choose. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me [into court] and prosecute Me [for this]? Who is the [earthly] shepherd who can stand [defiantly] before Me?”

Christian Standard Bible
“Look, it will be like a lion coming from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered grazing land. I will chase Babylon away from her land in a flash. I will appoint whoever is chosen for her. For who is like me? Who will issue me a summons? Who is the shepherd who can stand against me? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Look, it will be like a lion coming from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered grazing land. Indeed, I will chase Babylon away from her land in a flash. I will appoint whoever is chosen for her. For who is like Me? Who will summon Me? Who is the shepherd who can stand against Me?”

American Standard Version
Behold, the enemy shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoso is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd that can stand before me?

Contemporary English Version
Babylonia, I will attack you like a lion from the forest, attacking sheep in a meadow along the Jordan. In a moment the flock runs, and the land is empty. Who will I choose to attack you? I will do it myself! No one can force me to fight or chase me away.

English Revised Version
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the pride of Jordan against the strong habitation: but I will suddenly make them run away from her; and whoso is chosen, him will I appoint over her: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd that will stand before me?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will suddenly chase them from their places like a lion coming out of the jungle along the Jordan River into pastureland. I will appoint over Babylon whomever I choose. Who is like me? Who can challenge me? Is there any leader who can stand up to me?

Good News Translation
"Like a lion coming out of the thick woods along the Jordan up to the green pasture land, I, the LORD, will come and make the Babylonians run away suddenly from their city. Then the leader I choose will rule the nation. Who can be compared to me? Who would dare challenge me? What ruler could oppose me?

International Standard Version
"Look, like a lion comes up from the thicket of the Jordan to a pasture that grows year round, so I'll drive them away from her in an instant, and I'll appoint whomever is chosen over her. Indeed, who is like me? Who gives me counsel? Who is the shepherd who will stand against me?"

Majority Standard Bible
Behold, 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??

NET Bible
"A lion coming up from the thick undergrowth along the Jordan scatters the sheep in the pastureland around it. So too I will chase the Babylonians off of their land. Then I will appoint over it whomever I choose. For there is no one like me. There is no one who can call me to account. There is no ruler that can stand up against me.

New Heart English Bible
Look, the enemy shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, him will I appoint over it: for who is like me? And who will appoint me a time? And who is the shepherd who can stand before me?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan to the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?

World English Bible
Behold, the enemy will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan against the strong habitation; for I will suddenly make them run away from it. Whoever is chosen, I will appoint him over it, for who is like me? Who will appoint me a time? Who is the shepherd who can stand before me?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Behold, he comes up as a lion, "" Because of the rising of the Jordan, "" To the enduring habitation, "" But I cause to rest, I cause them to run from off her. And who is chosen? I lay a charge on her, "" For who [is] like Me? And who convenes Me? And who [is] this shepherd who stands before Me?

Young's Literal Translation
Lo, as a lion he cometh up, Because of the rising of the Jordan, Unto the enduring habitation, But I cause to rest, I cause them to run from off her. And who is chosen? on her I lay a charge, For who is like Me? And who doth convene Me? And who is this shepherd who standeth before Me?

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, as a lion he will come up from the excellency of Jordan to the habitation of strength: for I will wink; I will cause them to run away from her: and who the chosen I shall appoint to her? for who like me? and who shall arraign me? and who that shepherd who shall stand before me?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of the Jordan to the strong and beautiful: for I will make him run suddenly upon her: and who shall be the chosen one whom I may appoint over her? for who is like to me? and who shall bear up against me? and who is that shepherd that can withstand my countenance?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, he will ascend like a lion from the arrogance of the Jordan to the robust beauty. For I will cause him to rush upon her suddenly. And who will be the elect one, whom I may appoint over her? For who is like me? And who can endure me? And who is that pastor who can withstand my countenance?”

New American Bible
As happens when a lion comes up from a thicket of the Jordan to permanent pasture, So I, in an instant, will chase them off, and establish there whomever I choose! For who is like me? Who can call me to account? What shepherd can stand against me?

New Revised Standard Version
Like a lion coming up from the thickets of the Jordan against a perennial pasture, I will suddenly chase them away from her; and I will appoint over her whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who can summon me? Who is the shepherd who can stand before me?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold, the enemy shall come up like a lion from the thickets of Jordan against the folds of Athan; and I will make the people suddenly run away from Babylon; and I will charge young warriors against her; for who is like me? Or who shall assail me? Or what leader is there who can prevail against me?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Behold, as a lion ascends from the lushness of Jordan to the sheepfolds of Athan, so quickly I shall chase them from her, and young men I shall order against her, for who is like me, or who is going to assault me, or who is the Shepherd who shall stand against me?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan Against the strong habitation; For I will suddenly make them run away from it, And whoso is chosen, him will I appoint over it; For who is like Me? and who will appoint Me a time? And who is that shepherd that will stand before Me?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Behold, he shall come up as a lion from Jordan to Gaethan; for I will speedily drive them from her, and I will set all the youths against her: for who is like me? and who will resist me? and who is this shepherd who will stand before me?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Destruction 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
Isaiah 31:4
For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.

Hosea 5:14
For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them.

Amos 3:8
The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?

Isaiah 46:10-11
I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ / I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it.

Isaiah 5:29
Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away, and no one can rescue it.

Ezekiel 22:14
Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will act.

Isaiah 10:6-7
I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. / But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations.

Isaiah 14:24-27
The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. / I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” / This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. ...

Isaiah 42:13
The LORD goes forth like a mighty one; He stirs up His zeal like a warrior. He shouts; yes, He roars in triumph over His enemies:

Isaiah 13:4-5
Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mobilizing an army for war. / They are coming from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens—the LORD and the weapons of His wrath—to destroy the whole country.

Revelation 5:5
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Revelation 6:16-17
And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. / For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”

Revelation 19:11-16
Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. / He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. / He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. ...

1 Thessalonians 5:3
While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

2 Thessalonians 2:8
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival.


Treasury of Scripture

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan to the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?

like a lion

Jeremiah 25:38
He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.

Jeremiah 49:19-21
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? …

who is a

Job 41:10,11
None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? …

Isaiah 41:25
I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.

Isaiah 46:11
Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

for who

Exodus 15:11
Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Psalm 89:6,8
For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? …

Isaiah 40:18,25
To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? …

appoint me the time.

Jeremiah 49:19
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?

Job 41:10
None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?

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Jeremiah 50
1. The judgment of Babylon and the redemption of Israel














Behold
The Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as a call to attention, urging the listener to focus on the significance of what follows. In the context of prophecy, it often introduces a divine revelation or a moment of great importance. Here, it signals the dramatic and inevitable action of God against Babylon, emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of the forthcoming judgment.

like a lion
The imagery of a lion is powerful and evocative, symbolizing strength, ferocity, and authority. In the ancient Near East, lions were often associated with kingship and divine power. The comparison to a lion underscores the unstoppable and fearsome nature of God's judgment. It conveys the message that just as a lion is a dominant predator, so is God's sovereignty over nations.

coming up from the thickets of the Jordan
The "thickets of the Jordan" refers to the dense, often impenetrable vegetation along the Jordan River. This area was known for its wild and untamed nature, providing a fitting metaphor for the sudden and unexpected emergence of a lion. Historically, this imagery would resonate with the audience, as the Jordan River was a significant geographical and cultural landmark. It suggests the suddenness and unpredictability of God's intervention.

to a perennially watered pasture
A "perennially watered pasture" represents a place of abundance and security, a stark contrast to the wild thickets. This phrase highlights the transition from chaos to order, from threat to peace. In the context of Babylon, it signifies the displacement from a place of perceived safety and prosperity to one of vulnerability and exposure to divine judgment.

so I will chase Babylon from her land in an instant
The phrase "in an instant" emphasizes the swiftness and decisiveness of God's action. The Hebrew root "רָגַע" (raga) conveys the idea of a sudden, momentary event. This underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, where God's will is executed without delay or hindrance. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire, yet this prophecy foretells its rapid downfall, demonstrating that no earthly power can withstand God's decree.

Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this?
This rhetorical question highlights God's sovereign choice in executing His plans. The "chosen one" refers to an instrument of God's judgment, possibly a leader or nation raised up to fulfill His purposes. It reflects the biblical theme of divine election, where God selects individuals or groups to carry out His will, often beyond human understanding or expectation.

For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me?
These questions assert the uniqueness and supremacy of God. The phrase "who is like Me" echoes the Hebrew "מִי כָמוֹנִי" (mi kamoni), a declaration of God's unparalleled nature. It reinforces the idea that no one can rival God's power or authority. The challenge to any contender underscores the futility of opposing God's will, a central tenet of monotheistic belief.

And what shepherd can stand against Me?
The term "shepherd" is often used metaphorically in the Bible to denote leaders or rulers. In this context, it suggests that no earthly leader, regardless of their power or influence, can withstand God's judgment. The imagery of a shepherd also evokes themes of guidance and protection, contrasting human leadership with God's ultimate authority and care for His people. This serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power in the face of divine sovereignty.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Behold,
הִ֠נֵּה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

one will come
יַעֲלֶ֨ה (ya·‘ă·leh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

like a lion
כְּאַרְיֵ֞ה (kə·’ar·yêh)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 738: A lion

from the thickets
מִגְּא֣וֹן (mig·gə·’ō·wn)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1347: Arrogance, majesty, ornament

of the Jordan
הַיַּרְדֵּן֮ (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the watered pasture.
נְוֵ֣ה (nə·wêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5116: Abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation

For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

in an instant
אַרְגִּ֤עָה (’ar·gi·‘āh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 7280: To toss violently and suddenly, to settle, quiet, to wink

I will chase [Babylon]
אֲרִיצֵם֙ (’ă·rî·ṣêm)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7323: To run

from her land.
מֵֽעָלֶ֔יהָ (mê·‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition-m | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Who
וּמִ֥י (ū·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

is the chosen one
בָח֖וּר (ḇā·ḥūr)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 970: Selected, a youth

I will appoint
אֶפְקֹ֑ד (’ep̄·qōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

over her?
אֵלֶ֣יהָ (’ê·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

who
מִ֤י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

is like Me,
כָמ֙וֹנִי֙ (ḵā·mō·w·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 3644: Like, as, when

and who
וּמִ֣י (ū·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

can challenge Me?
יוֹעִדֶ֔נִּי (yō·w·‘i·ḏen·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 3259: To fix upon, to meet, to summon, to direct, to engage

What
וּמִֽי־ (ū·mî-)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

shepherd
רֹעֶ֔ה (rō·‘eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

can stand
יַעֲמֹ֖ד (ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

against Me??
לְפָנָֽי׃ (lə·p̄ā·nāy)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440: The face


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 50:44 Behold the enemy shall come up like (Jer.)
Jeremiah 50:43
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