Jeremiah 51:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every man {H120} is brutish {H1197} by his knowledge {H1847}; every founder {H6884} is confounded {H3001} by the graven image {H6459}: for his molten image {H5262} is falsehood {H8267}, and there is no breath {H7307} in them.

Complete Jewish Bible

At this, everyone is proved stupid, ignorant, every goldsmith put to shame by his idol! The figures he casts are a fraud, there is no breath in them,

Berean Standard Bible

Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them.

American Standard Version

Every man is become brutish and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:17 delivers a profound indictment against idolatry, asserting that human knowledge, when applied to the creation and worship of false gods, leads to spiritual foolishness and ultimate shame. The verse exposes the inherent futility of man-made images, declaring them to be mere falsehoods devoid of life or power, a stark contrast to the living God. This prophetic declaration serves as a foundational critique of any system or object that usurps the rightful place of the divine, revealing the emptiness of misplaced trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:17 is situated within a lengthy and detailed prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning the entirety of [Jeremiah 50](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Jeremiah 51](/jeremiah/51 "Jeremiah 51 - Prophecy Against Babylon"). This particular verse echoes an almost identical declaration found in [Jeremiah 10:14](/jeremiah/10-14 "Jeremiah 10:14 - The Folly of Idols"), reinforcing a recurring theme throughout Jeremiah's prophecies: the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh over all nations and the utter impotence of their gods. The immediate preceding verses in [Jeremiah 51](/jeremiah/51 "Jeremiah 51 - Prophecy Against Babylon") speak of God's power in creation and His incomparable nature, setting the stage for the contrast with lifeless idols. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on Babylon's impending destruction as a consequence of her arrogance and idolatry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prophecy is the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which had become the dominant world power, ultimately conquering Judah and taking its people into exile. Babylon was renowned for its polytheistic religion, characterized by an elaborate pantheon of gods and goddesses represented by magnificent cultic images housed in grand temples. The creation of these idols involved sophisticated craftsmanship, often utilizing precious metals and skilled artisans, as referenced by the "founder" in the verse. Jeremiah's message directly confronts this cultural reality, challenging the very foundation of Babylonian religious and political power by exposing the emptiness of their deities. This served not only as a critique of Babylon but also as an assurance to the exiled Israelites that their God, the living God, was superior to the gods of their captors.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores **the folly and absurdity of idolatry**, portraying those who engage in it as "brutish" or foolish, despite their human "knowledge" or skill in crafting images. This theme is prevalent throughout Jeremiah, as seen in his condemnations of Judah's own idolatry in [Jeremiah 2:27](/jeremiah/2-27 "Jeremiah 2:27 - Turning Backs on God"). Secondly, it highlights **the inherent lifelessness and powerlessness of false gods**, contrasting them sharply with the omnipotent and living God of Israel. Idols are "falsehood" and possess "no breath," incapable of acting, speaking, or saving, unlike the God who breathed life into humanity in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam"). Lastly, the verse reinforces the theme of **divine truth versus human deception**, asserting that reliance on human ingenuity or wisdom apart from God leads to spiritual blindness and ultimate shame, as the "molten image" is fundamentally a lie.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **brutish (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** From H1197, a primitive root meaning "to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by eating); to be(-come) brutish." In this context, it signifies a state of being dull, stupid, or ignorant, particularly in a spiritual sense. Despite possessing human knowledge (H1847, _daʻath_), the idolater becomes like an animal, lacking discernment of ultimate truth and reality, consumed by their own misguided practices.
* **confounded (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** From H3001, a primitive root meaning "to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)." Here, it denotes the shame, confusion, and disappointment that will inevitably befall the idol maker and worshipper when the futility of their trust in lifeless images is exposed. Their efforts and hopes are revealed as utterly vain, leading to a drying up of their expectations.
* **breath (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** From H7307, meaning "wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)." The declaration "no breath in them" is a powerful statement of absolute lifelessness and powerlessness. It directly contrasts with the life-giving Spirit of God, emphasizing that idols are inanimate objects, utterly incapable of sustaining life, acting, or responding, revealing their unsubstantial and vain nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every man is brutish by [his] knowledge":** This clause asserts that human intellect and wisdom, when misdirected towards the creation or worship of idols, paradoxically lead to spiritual foolishness. The "knowledge" here refers to the skill and understanding applied to crafting these images, but it results in a brutish, unintelligent state concerning true divinity.
* **"every founder is confounded by the graven image":** The "founder" (an artisan who casts metal) represents the pinnacle of human skill and effort in creating idols. Yet, despite their craftsmanship, they will ultimately be put to shame and confused by the very images they fashioned. Their intricate work is revealed as worthless, bringing only disgrace.
* **"for his molten image [is] falsehood":** This clause provides the reason for the shame and foolishness: the idol itself is inherently a lie. It is a deception, a sham, presenting itself as something it is not – a god. It offers no truth, no reality, and no genuine power.
* **"and [there is] no breath in them":** This final, stark declaration emphasizes the ultimate futility of idols. They are inanimate objects, lacking the very essence of life – breath or spirit. This absence of life underscores their inability to hear, speak, act, or save, contrasting sharply with the living God who is the source of all life and breath.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Irony** is central, as human "knowledge" (intellect and skill) is shown to lead to "brutishness" (folly), and the very creators of idols are "confounded" by their own creations. This highlights the self-defeating nature of idolatry. **Contrast** is also prominent, juxtaposing the sophisticated craftsmanship of the "founder" with the ultimate worthlessness and lifelessness of the "graven image" and "molten image." The most significant contrast, however, is implied: the lifelessness of the idols ("no breath in them") stands in stark opposition to the living, breathing, and life-giving God of Israel, whose power has just been described in the preceding verses. The phrase "no breath in them" also functions as **Depersonification**, stripping the idols of any perceived life or agency that their worshippers might attribute to them, reducing them to inert matter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical critique of idolatry, not merely as a quaint ancient practice but as a fundamental theological error that distorts human understanding of reality and divinity. It asserts that true wisdom is found only in acknowledging and worshipping the living God, while any deviation into the worship of created things, whether physical images or abstract concepts, inevitably leads to spiritual blindness and ultimate disillusionment. The lifelessness of idols stands as a perpetual reminder of the unique, vibrant, and active nature of Yahweh, who alone is worthy of worship and capable of intervention. The "falsehood" inherent in idols speaks to the deceptive nature of anything that promises life or salvation apart from the true source of all being.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Lifelessness of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Habakkuk 2:18-19](/habakkuk/2-18 "Habakkuk 2:18-19 - Woe to Idol Worshippers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the overt worship of physical idols may be less common in many contemporary societies, the spiritual principles of Jeremiah 51:17 remain profoundly relevant. We can become "brutish by our knowledge" when we place ultimate trust in human achievements, scientific advancements, economic systems, political ideologies, personal accomplishments, or even our own intellect, rather than in God. Anything that demands our ultimate devotion, trust, and hope—anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—can become a modern "molten image," a "falsehood" that ultimately disappoints and leaves us "confounded." This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to discern where our true trust lies and to recognize that only the living God can provide true meaning, purpose, and lasting hope. It reminds us that the pursuit of anything other than God as our ultimate good is a path to spiritual emptiness and shame, for only the Creator possesses the "breath" of life and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be placing ultimate trust in human knowledge, achievements, or systems rather than in God?**
* **What are the "molten images" or "falsehoods" in my contemporary culture that promise fulfillment but ultimately lack "breath" or true life?**
* **How does the "brutishness" described in this verse manifest in a society that prioritizes human wisdom over divine revelation?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my ultimate devotion, trust, and hope are directed solely towards the living God?**

### FAQ
**How does Jeremiah 51:17 compare to Jeremiah 10:14, given their similarity?**

Answer: Jeremiah 51:17 is almost identical to [Jeremiah 10:14](/jeremiah/10-14 "Jeremiah 10:14 - The Folly of Idols"), serving as a powerful reiteration of a core prophetic message. The repetition underscores the prophet's consistent critique of idolatry, applying it specifically to the context of Babylon in chapter 51. While [Jeremiah 10](/jeremiah/10 "Jeremiah 10 - The Lord and Idols") serves as a general condemnation of idol worship directed at Judah, its inclusion in the oracle against Babylon highlights that even the most powerful nations, relying on their false gods, are subject to the same divine judgment and folly. It emphasizes the universal nature of this spiritual truth: all who trust in created things rather than the Creator are ultimately deceived.

**What does "no breath in them" signify about idols?**

Answer: The phrase "no breath in them" (Hebrew: _ein ruach bahem_) is a crucial theological statement. It signifies the absolute lifelessness and inertness of idols. Unlike the living God who breathed life into humanity ([Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam")) and is the source of all existence, these man-made images are incapable of sensing, moving, speaking, or acting. They possess no inherent power, no consciousness, and no ability to respond to their worshippers or intervene on their behalf. This stark contrast underscores their utter futility and the foolishness of those who trust in them, as only the God who has the breath of life can truly sustain and save.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:17, with its scathing critique of lifeless idols and the folly of human knowledge apart from God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in Jesus Christ. The "molten image" is "falsehood" and has "no breath," but Jesus is the very embodiment of truth and life. As [John 1:1-4](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-4 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... In him was life, and the life was the light of men." He is not a created image, but the uncreated God, the one through whom all things were made ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). The "brutish" knowledge that leads to idolatry is overcome by Christ, who is the "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God")). Those who are "confounded" by their trust in false gods find clarity and salvation in Him, for He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")). The idols have no breath, but Christ breathed on His disciples, imparting the Holy Spirit ([John 20:22](/john/20-22 "John 20:22 - Jesus Breathes the Holy Spirit")), signifying His power to give spiritual life. Thus, the emptiness and deception of idolatry are fully exposed and overcome by the person and work of Jesus, the living God, who offers genuine life, truth, and salvation to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 10:14

Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them.

Habakkuk 2:18

What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Habakkuk 2:19

Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it [is] laid over with gold and silver, and [there is] no breath at all in the midst of it.

Psalms 14:2

The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God.

Isaiah 44:18

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand.

Isaiah 44:20

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?

Jeremiah 50:2

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.