King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 51:17 Mean?

Jeremiah 51:17 in the King James Version says “Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehoo...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. is brutish: or, is more brutish than to know”

Jeremiah 51:17 · KJV

Context

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.

16

When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. multitude: or, noise

17

Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. is brutish: or, is more brutish than to know

18

They are vanity, the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

19

The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things: and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts is his name.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Every man is brutish by his knowledge—the word "brutish" (בָּעַר, ba'ar, be stupid, be brutish) means becoming animal-like, lacking spiritual discernment. The phrase "by his knowledge" is ironic: human wisdom apart from God produces stupidity. Romans 1:22 echoes this: "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." Worldly learning without divine revelation breeds spiritual ignorance.

Every founder is confounded by the graven image—the idol-maker (צֹרֵף, tsoref, goldsmith, refiner) is "confounded" (בּוֹשׁ, bosh, ashamed, disappointed) by his own creation. The craftsman knows the idol's origin yet worships it anyway—ultimate irrationality. For his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them—idols are "falsehood" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer, lie, deception) because they claim deity while being lifeless metal. The phrase "no breath" (רוּחַ, ruach, breath, spirit) emphasizes idols' inability to give life—they're inanimate. Only God breathes life (Genesis 2:7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon's idol-making industry was extensive, crafting images of Marduk, Ishtar, Nabu, and other deities. Archaeological discoveries include numerous Babylonian idols—gold, silver, stone statues. Isaiah 40:19-20 and 44:9-20 satirize the idol-making process: craftsmen using part of wood for cooking fire, part for carving a god. Babylonian religion invested enormous resources in idol worship, temple rituals, and divination. Yet when Cyrus conquered Babylon, these gods proved powerless to save their worshippers—vindicating prophetic mockery of idol impotence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does human knowledge apart from divine revelation produce spiritual 'brutishness' rather than wisdom?
  2. What contemporary 'graven images' do people craft and then worship, despite knowing their human origin?
  3. In what ways does Romans 1:18-25's description of idolatry's irrationality parallel Jeremiah's critique of Babylonian religion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
נִבְעַ֤ר1 of 14

“is brutish”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

כָּל2 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אָדָם֙3 of 14

“Every man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

מִדַּ֔עַת4 of 14

“by his knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

הֹבִ֥ישׁ5 of 14

“is confounded”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

כָּל6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צֹרֵ֖ף7 of 14

“every founder”

H6884

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)

מִפָּ֑סֶל8 of 14

“by the graven image”

H6459

an idol

כִּ֛י9 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֶׁ֥קֶר10 of 14

“is falsehood”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

נִסְכּ֖וֹ11 of 14

“for his molten image”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

וְלֹא12 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

ר֥וּחַ13 of 14

“and there is no breath”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

בָּֽם׃14 of 14
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 51:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 51:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:18-19Jeremiah 10:14Isaiah 44:18-20Psalms 14:21 Corinthians 1:19-21Romans 1:20-23

Test Your Knowledge

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