King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 51:26 Mean?

Jeremiah 51:26 in the King James Version says “And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate for ever, ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate for ever, saith the LORD. desolate: Heb. everlasting desolations”

Jeremiah 51:26 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

24

And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.

25

Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.

26

And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate for ever, saith the LORD. desolate: Heb. everlasting desolations

27

Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers.

28

Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion.

Read Jeremiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate for ever, saith the LORD—This prophecy declares Babylon's permanent ruin. Unlike typical ancient cities that were rebuilt after destruction (Jerusalem was rebuilt after Babylonian conquest), Babylon would become so desolate that not even its stones would be salvaged for new construction. The corner stone (pinnat, פִּנָּה) and foundation stones (mosadot, מוֹסָדוֹת) were the most valued stones in ancient construction—yet Babylon's ruins wouldn't even yield these.

The phrase "desolate for ever" (shemamot olam, שְׁמָמוֹת עוֹלָם) appears repeatedly in Jeremiah regarding Babylon (50:13, 26, 39-40; 51:26, 37, 43, 62). This isn't hyperbole but literal prophecy: Babylon would never again function as an imperial capital. The emphasis on stones connects to Jesus's words about Jerusalem's temple: "There shall not be left here one stone upon another" (Matthew 24:2)—fulfilled in 70 CE.

Theologically, the cornerstone imagery gains significance through Christ, "the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6). Earthly kingdoms may reject the true cornerstone (Psalm 118:22; Acts 4:11), but those kingdoms become perpetual ruins while Christ's kingdom endures forever (Daniel 2:44).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cities were typically rebuilt after conquest, with conquerors often reusing building materials from previous structures. Babylon's bricks, many stamped with Nebuchadnezzar's name, were prized building materials. Yet the prophecy states these wouldn't be used for cornerstones or foundations in future building projects.

Historically, Babylon's decline was gradual. After Persian conquest (539 BCE), it remained a provincial city. Alexander the Great died there (323 BCE) planning to rebuild it as his capital, but his successors chose other locations. The Seleucids built Seleucia on the Tigris nearby (circa 305 BCE), drawing population away. By the first century CE, classical writers (Strabo, Pliny) described Babylon as mostly deserted. While some settlement continued sporadically, Babylon never regained significance—fulfilling "desolate for ever" in the sense of permanent loss of imperial status and glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Babylon's permanent desolation demonstrate the certainty of God's prophetic word?
  2. What does the contrast between Babylon's worthless stones and Christ the cornerstone teach about true foundations?
  3. Why does God decree permanent ruin for some cities/nations while allowing others to be rebuilt?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 13
H3808

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

יִקְח֤וּ2 of 13

“And they shall not take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִמְּךָ֙3 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וְאֶ֖בֶן4 of 13

“nor a stone”

H68

a stone

לְפִנָּ֔ה5 of 13

“for a corner”

H6438

an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

וְאֶ֖בֶן6 of 13

“nor a stone”

H68

a stone

לְמֽוֹסָד֑וֹת7 of 13

“for foundations”

H4146

a foundation

כִּֽי8 of 13
H3588

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

שִׁמְמ֥וֹת9 of 13

“but thou shalt be desolate”

H8077

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

עוֹלָ֛ם10 of 13

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה11 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נְאֻם12 of 13

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 51:26 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 51:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 13:19-22Revelation 18:20-24Jeremiah 51:43Jeremiah 50:12-13Jeremiah 51:29Isaiah 14:23

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