King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 51:21 Mean?
“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;”
Jeremiah 51:21 · KJV
Context
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;
23
I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider—God addresses either Cyrus/Medes (His instrument of judgment) or ironically Babylon herself (whom He previously used to judge nations, now broken by being His weapon). The verb "break in pieces" (נָפַץ, napats, shatter, scatter) appears 9 times in verses 20-23, emphasizing thorough destruction. Horse and rider represent military might; their shattering indicates total defeat.
And with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider—the repetition with variation (horse/chariot, rider/rider) provides poetic parallelism while emphasizing comprehensive military destruction. Chariots were ancient warfare's most advanced technology—armored vehicles of their day. Yet superior weapons cannot withstand divine judgment. This anticipates Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." Military technology proves futile against God's purposes.
And with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider—the repetition with variation (horse/chariot, rider/rider) provides poetic parallelism while emphasizing comprehensive military destruction. Chariots were ancient warfare's most advanced technology—armored vehicles of their day. Yet superior weapons cannot withstand divine judgment. This anticipates Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." Military technology proves futile against God's purposes.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Babylon's military included formidable cavalry and chariot forces, which had conquered the known world. Yet when Cyrus attacked, Babylon's military might proved inadequate. The imagery of breaking horses, riders, and chariots in pieces describes not just defeat but utter destruction of military capacity. Subsequent revolts (522 BC, 484 BC) further depleted Babylonian military strength until the once-feared army ceased to exist. Archaeological evidence shows Babylon's military installations fell into disuse after Persian conquest—literal fulfillment of breaking military power in pieces.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's breaking of military might 'in pieces' demonstrate that no human military power can ultimately resist divine purposes?
- What does the repetitive emphasis (9 times in vv. 20-23) on breaking in pieces teach about the thoroughness of God's judgments?
- In what ways do modern societies trust in 'horses and chariots' (military technology), and what should believers trust instead?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsבְךָ֔2 of 8
H0וְרֹכְבֽוֹ׃4 of 8
“and his rider”
H7392to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
בְךָ֔6 of 8
H0רֶ֖כֶב7 of 8
“the chariot”
H7393a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
וְרֹכְבֽוֹ׃8 of 8
“and his rider”
H7392to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
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 51:21 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 51:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge