Jeremiah 51:15
He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.
Original Language Analysis
עֹשֵׂ֥ה
He hath made
H6213
עֹשֵׂ֥ה
He hath made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּכֹח֔וֹ
by his power
H3581
בְּכֹח֔וֹ
by his power
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
3 of 9
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
מֵכִ֥ין
he hath established
H3559
מֵכִ֥ין
he hath established
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
תֵּבֵ֖ל
the world
H8398
תֵּבֵ֖ל
the world
Strong's:
H8398
Word #:
5 of 9
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
וּבִתְבוּנָת֖וֹ
by his understanding
H8394
וּבִתְבוּנָת֖וֹ
by his understanding
Strong's:
H8394
Word #:
7 of 9
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
Cross References
Revelation 4:11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.Jeremiah 32:17Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:Acts 14:15And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:Romans 1:20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:Job 9:8Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.Psalms 104:2Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:Proverbs 3:19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
Historical Context
This verse is nearly identical to Jer 10:12, emphasizing the consistency of God's self-revelation. In context of Babylon's fall, it grounds God's sovereignty over nations in His role as Creator.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering God as Creator affect your confidence in His control of current events?
- What 'vanities' and 'errors' tempt you to trust in created things rather than the Creator?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This doxology celebrating God as Creator stands in stark contrast to Babylon's impotent idols. The threefold declaration - made earth by power, established world by wisdom, stretched heavens by understanding - ascribes all creation to God alone. Babylon's gods are 'vanity' and 'the work of errors' (v18), but YAHWEH is 'the portion of Jacob' (v19). Worship belongs to the Creator, not the created.