Jeremiah 51:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall not take {H3947} of thee a stone {H68} for a corner {H6438}, nor a stone {H68} for foundations {H4146}; but thou shalt be desolate {H8077} for ever {H5769}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No one will make cornerstones or foundation-stones from you again; but you will be desolate forever," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

No one shall retrieve from you a cornerstone or a foundation stone, because you will become desolate forever,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:26 delivers a definitive and irreversible judgment against Babylon, prophesying a destruction so absolute that its very building materials—cornerstones and foundation stones—will be rendered useless for any future construction. This potent imagery underscores the completeness of its desolation, signifying an eternal ruin decreed by the sovereign Lord, a stark contrast to its former might and a powerful testament to divine justice against pride, idolatry, and wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:26 is situated within the extensive prophetic oracle against Babylon, which encompasses chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. This section follows Jeremiah's earlier prophecies concerning Judah's exile and eventual restoration, establishing Babylon as God's chosen instrument for judging Judah. However, the focus here shifts to Babylon's own inevitable and severe reckoning, a consequence of its arrogance, pervasive idolatry, and cruel treatment of God's people. The verses immediately preceding 51:26 detail the Lord's unwavering resolve to dismantle Babylon, describing the various nations (like the Medes) that will serve as agents of its destruction and the utter devastation that awaits it. The specific imagery of unsalvageable stones in verse 26 powerfully reinforces the overarching theme of total annihilation, building upon previous pronouncements of Babylon's catastrophic fall and setting the stage for subsequent descriptions of its complete and permanent abandonment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period of Jeremiah's prophecy, ancient Babylon, under the formidable rule of Nebuchadnezzar II, stood as the preeminent superpower of the Near East. It was celebrated for its colossal walls, magnificent architecture, and a vast empire that extended its dominion over many nations, including Judah. Babylon was responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the forced exile of its inhabitants. In the ancient world, it was common practice for conquered cities to be rebuilt, often by the conquerors themselves, who would salvage valuable building materials from the ruins. Cornerstones and foundation stones were particularly prized, symbolizing stability, permanence, and the very possibility of future construction. The prophecy in Jeremiah 51:26 directly challenges this historical norm, declaring that Babylon's ruin would be so profound that even its most essential building blocks would be rendered utterly useless, signaling an unprecedented and permanent cessation of its existence as a functional, powerful city. This pronouncement was a direct affront to Babylon's perceived invincibility and a dramatic reversal of its historical role as a builder and maintainer of empires.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several pivotal themes found within the book of Jeremiah and the broader corpus of prophetic literature. A primary theme is **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**. It unequivocally declares that God, not human empires, ultimately orchestrates the course of history, raising up and casting down nations according to His righteous judgment, a truth echoed in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). The verse also powerfully highlights the **Consequences of Pride and Idolatry**, as Babylon's catastrophic downfall is directly attributed to its arrogant defiance against the Lord and its reliance on false gods, a recurring motif throughout Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - Babylon's Pride and Punishment")). Furthermore, the prophecy underscores the **Certainty and Irreversibility of God's Word**, demonstrating with absolute clarity that what the Lord declares will unfailingly come to pass, regardless of the apparent strength or invincibility of the target. This offers both a solemn warning to the wicked and unwavering assurance to the faithful, paralleling the certainty expressed in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stone (Hebrew, _ʼeben'_):** From the root of בָּנָה (banah), meaning "to build," this term refers to a fundamental building block. Its denial for future use in Babylon underscores the complete and utter cessation of the city's existence as a viable, functioning urban center. The very elements that signify construction, stability, and permanence are prophesied to be rendered entirely useless.
* **foundations (Hebrew, _môwçâdâh'_):** This word denotes the base or underpinning of a structure, upon which everything else rests and is built. The inability to take stones for foundations signifies that Babylon will never again be rebuilt or re-established in its former glory or power. It speaks to a destruction that penetrates to the very core of its being, preventing any future resurgence or re-emergence as a significant entity.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** This term conveys a state of utter devastation, emptiness, and ruin. It implies a place left uninhabited, waste, and devoid of life or purpose, emphasizing the complete abandonment and thorough destruction of the city. The prophecy is not merely about a military defeat but about a complete and lasting erasure of its vitality and presence.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** Properly meaning "concealed" or "the vanishing point," this term generally refers to time out of mind, eternity, or a very long, indefinite period. In the context of divine judgment and destruction, it emphasizes the enduring, perpetual nature of Babylon's desolation, indicating that its ruin will be lasting and not merely a temporary setback from which it could recover.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner,"**: This clause prophesies that Babylon's destruction will be so thorough and absolute that no one will even be able to salvage a cornerstone from its ruins. A cornerstone was critically important for the stability, alignment, and structural integrity of a building, symbolizing strength, permanence, and the very possibility of future construction. Its absence highlights the complete and irreversible collapse of Babylon's physical structure and its historical significance.
* **"nor a stone for foundations;"**: Reinforcing the previous phrase, this part emphasizes that even the basic, most essential building blocks for new construction—the foundation stones—will be unobtainable or useless from Babylon's remnants. This signifies that the city will not be rebuilt; its destruction is not a temporary setback but a permanent, enduring end to its urban existence and imperial power.
* **"but thou shalt be desolate for ever,"**: This declaration explicitly states the ultimate consequence of the unsalvageable stones: Babylon will be reduced to an uninhabited wasteland. The phrase "for ever" underscores the enduring nature of this desolation, indicating a perpetual state of ruin and abandonment, serving as a lasting and undeniable testament to God's righteous judgment.
* **"saith the LORD."**: This concluding phrase serves as the divine authentication and authoritative seal upon the prophecy. It asserts that this pronouncement is not merely a human prediction or a speculative utterance, but a direct, infallible word from Yahweh, the sovereign God of Israel. This guarantees its certain fulfillment and underscores His ultimate control over the destinies of all nations.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:26 masterfully employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of absolute and irreversible destruction. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where the statement that no stone will be taken for corner or foundation is a deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize the totality and permanence of Babylon's ruin. It is not merely that the city will fall, but that its very essence, its most fundamental building blocks, will be rendered utterly useless for any future construction, signifying an unprecedented level of desolation. This vivid imagery also functions as **Metonymy**, where "a stone for a corner" and "a stone for foundations" stand in for the entire concept of rebuilding, stability, and future prosperity. By denying the availability of these essential elements, the prophecy effectively denies Babylon any future resurgence. Furthermore, the phrase "desolate for ever" uses **Foreshadowing** to hint at the long-term historical abandonment of the ancient city, while also serving as a **Divine Oracle**, explicitly marked by the authoritative declaration "saith the LORD," which underscores the certainty and divine origin of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:26 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. Babylon, once the proud instrument of God's judgment against Judah, now faces its own, even more severe, divine reckoning. This verse highlights that no human power, no matter how formidable or seemingly eternal, can ultimately defy the will of the Almighty. The complete and irreversible desolation of Babylon serves as a stark reminder that pride, idolatry, and oppression inevitably lead to divine judgment, and that God's word, once spoken, will be fulfilled with precision and finality. It underscores the transient nature of earthly kingdoms in contrast to the eternal reign of God.

* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Prophecy of Babylon's Utter Desolation")
* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Symbolic Fall of Babylon the Great")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:26 offers a sobering yet profoundly hopeful message for believers today. It reminds us that while earthly powers and systems may seem unshakeable, their ultimate destiny rests in the hands of a sovereign God. This truth should humble us, preventing us from placing our ultimate trust in human institutions, economic stability, or political might. Instead, our hope and security must be firmly rooted in the eternal and unchanging Kingdom of God. The complete desolation of Babylon serves as a powerful warning against pride, self-sufficiency, and any form of rebellion against God's righteous standards. It calls us to examine our own lives and societies, asking where we might be building on shifting sand rather than on the solid rock of God's truth. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that only what is built according to God's will and for His glory will endure the tests of time and judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in our society do I see "Babylonian" tendencies of pride, self-sufficiency, or opposition to God's ways?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Babylon strengthen my faith in His promises regarding His people and His ultimate victory?**
* **What does it mean for me to build my life on "foundations" that will endure, rather than on those destined for desolation?**
* **How can I better align my priorities and actions with God's eternal kingdom, rather than with the fleeting systems of this world?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "not taking a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations"?**

Answer: This imagery signifies the absolute and irreversible destruction of Babylon. In the ancient world, cities were often rebuilt after conquest, and valuable building materials, especially strong cornerstones and foundation stones, would be salvaged for new construction. The prophecy means that Babylon's ruin will be so complete that its very building blocks will be useless, indicating that the city will never be restored to its former glory or even rebuilt. It emphasizes a permanent desolation, a total cessation of its urban life and power, as declared by the Lord. This contrasts sharply with cities that might experience temporary defeat but eventually rise again.

**Did this prophecy of Babylon's "eternal" desolation literally come true?**

Answer: Yes, in a profound and historically verifiable way. While the site of ancient Babylon was never completely lost, it never regained its former glory or status as a major world capital after its decline following the Persian conquest. Over centuries, the city fell into ruin, its massive structures crumbling, and it became largely uninhabited, a desolate wasteland. Attempts at rebuilding or significant habitation were short-lived or never fully materialized. The "for ever" (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_) in this context signifies a long, indefinite, and perpetual period of ruin, effectively meaning it would never recover its former imperial status, which has indeed been the case. This historical outcome powerfully confirms the prophetic accuracy of God's word concerning Babylon, as also seen in [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Babylon's Desolation Prophecy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:26, with its pronouncement of irreversible desolation upon Babylon, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the physical destruction of an ancient city, but in the triumph of God's eternal kingdom over all systems of rebellion and opposition to Him, culminating in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Babylon's stones were rendered useless for future building, so too is the old covenant system, built on human efforts and adherence to the law, declared obsolete and unable to provide a true foundation for salvation (see [Hebrews 8:13](/hebrews/8-13 "Hebrews 8:13 - The New Covenant Makes the First Obsolete")). Jesus Christ Himself is presented as the true and living **Cornerstone** upon whom God's eternal spiritual temple is built—a stone rejected by human builders but chosen and precious in God's sight (as prophesied in [Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected") and quoted in [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - Jesus, the Rejected Cornerstone")). Any kingdom, ideology, or human system that stands in defiance of Him is ultimately destined for the same "desolation" as Babylon, unable to endure the righteous judgment of God. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, He has disarmed the powers of darkness and established a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")), ensuring that all who build their lives upon Him will find an eternal, unshakeable foundation, in stark contrast to the fleeting empires of this world. The ultimate "Babylon" of Revelation, representing all that opposes God and His people, is also destined for complete and final destruction, signifying Christ's ultimate victory and the establishment of His everlasting reign ([Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Final Fall of Babylon")).

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

Isaiah 13:19

¶ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

Isaiah 13:22

And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in [their] pleasant palaces: and her time [is] near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

Jeremiah 51:43

Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth [any] son of man pass thereby.

Jeremiah 50:12

Your mother shall be sore confounded; she that bare you shall be ashamed: behold, the hindermost of the nations [shall be] a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert.

Jeremiah 50:13

Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

Jeremiah 50:40

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD; [so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

Jeremiah 50:41

Behold, a people shall come from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.