King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 51:20 Mean?

Jeremiah 51:20 in the King James Version says “Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destro...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; with thee: or, in thee, or, by thee”

Jeremiah 51:20 · KJV

Context

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.

20

Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; with thee: or, in thee, or, by thee

21

And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider;

22

With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid;

Read Jeremiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God calls Babylon 'my battle axe and weapons of war' - acknowledging He used them to execute judgment on nations. This doesn't excuse Babylon's cruelty but recognizes God's sovereignty in using evil nations to accomplish His purposes. God can use wicked instruments for righteous ends, yet the instruments remain accountable for their motives and methods (Hab 1:6-17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This title is ironic - Babylon was God's tool for judgment, yet remained under judgment herself for her pride and violence. Being used by God doesn't mean approved by God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use wicked people or nations to accomplish His purposes?
  2. What does it mean that God's instruments of judgment themselves face judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
מַפֵּץ1 of 11

“Thou art my battle axe”

H4661

a smiter, i.e., a war club

אַתָּ֣ה2 of 11
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לִ֔י3 of 11
H0
כְּלֵ֖י4 of 11

“and weapons”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

מִלְחָמָ֑ה5 of 11

“of war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וְנִפַּצְתִּ֤י6 of 11

“for with thee will I break in pieces”

H5310

to dash to pieces, or scatter

בְךָ֙7 of 11
H0
גּוֹיִ֔ם8 of 11

“the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְהִשְׁחַתִּ֥י9 of 11

“and with thee will I destroy”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

בְךָ֖10 of 11
H0
מַמְלָכֽוֹת׃11 of 11

“kingdoms”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

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 51:20 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 51:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 41:15-16Micah 4:13Isaiah 37:26Zechariah 9:13-14Jeremiah 27:5-7Isaiah 14:5-6

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Jeremiah 51 →

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