Jeremiah 51:63

KJV

And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, [that] thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, when thou hast made an end {H3615} of reading {H7121} this book {H5612}, that thou shalt bind {H7194} a stone {H68} to it, and cast {H7993} it into the midst {H8432} of Euphrates {H6578}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When you finish reading this scroll, tie a rock to it, throw it into the middle of the Euphrates,

Berean Standard Bible

When you finish reading this scroll, tie a stone to it and cast it into the Euphrates.

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of the Euphrates:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:63 concludes a dramatic prophetic section detailing God's impending judgment against Babylon. It instructs Seraiah, a quartermaster, to read a scroll containing these prophecies, then to bind a stone to it and cast it into the midst of the Euphrates River. This powerful symbolic act serves as a vivid, performative prophecy, underscoring the absolute certainty and irreversible finality of Babylon's downfall, signifying that the mighty empire would sink and never rise again. This potent visual declaration reaffirms God's supreme sovereignty over all nations and the unfailing truth of His declared word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:63 serves as the climactic conclusion to a lengthy, two-chapter oracle, [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50-51 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon"), specifically dedicated to the prophecy of Babylon's destruction. This section stands in stark contrast to the preceding chapters, which largely focus on Judah's sin and impending judgment, and the subsequent chapters that detail Jeremiah's personal experiences and the fall of Jerusalem. The preceding verses, [Jeremiah 51:59-64](/jeremiah/51-59-64 "Jeremiah 51:59-64 - Instructions to Seraiah for the Scroll"), describe the specific instructions given by Jeremiah to Seraiah, Zedekiah's quartermaster, who was to take this scroll of prophecy to Babylon. The act described in verse 63 functions as the dramatic, symbolic capstone to the entire oracle, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the judgment just proclaimed and reinforcing the divine certainty of its collapse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophetic act is set around 593 BC, during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, who was a vassal of Babylon. Seraiah, the recipient of the scroll, was on an official diplomatic mission to Babylon, a testament to Babylon's dominant imperial power at the time. The Euphrates River was not merely a geographical feature; it was the lifeblood of the Babylonian empire, central to its economy, agriculture, defense, and identity. Its waters nourished the land, facilitated trade, and formed a natural barrier. Prophetic symbolic actions, like this one, were a common and powerful means for Old Testament prophets to convey God's message, making abstract divine decrees tangible and unforgettable. Examples include [Isaiah walking naked and barefoot](/isaiah/20 "Isaiah 20 - Prophecy Against Egypt and Cush") to symbolize Egypt's coming humiliation, or [Ezekiel lying on his side](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Siege of Jerusalem") to represent the siege of Jerusalem. The act of sinking the scroll into the Euphrates would have been understood as a direct assault on the very essence of Babylon's power and existence.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme woven throughout [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50-51 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon"), and powerfully underscored by this verse, is the **certainty of divine judgment** against oppressive empires. Despite Babylon's perceived invincibility and its role as God's instrument of judgment against Judah, God unequivocally declares its downfall, demonstrating that no human power can ultimately thwart His sovereign will. This highlights God's **sovereignty over nations**, a recurring motif in prophetic literature, where even the mightiest kingdoms are subject to His ultimate authority (e.g., [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and God's Sovereignty")). Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the **power of God's spoken word** and the **efficacy of symbolic action** as a means of prophecy. The physical act of casting the scroll into the river is not merely illustrative but performative, an enacted prophecy that guarantees the fulfillment of the written word, signifying that Babylon would "sink and not rise again" ([Jeremiah 51:64](/jeremiah/51-64 "Jeremiah 51:64 - Babylon Will Not Rise Again")). This reinforces the concept that God's word, once declared, will surely come to pass, as seen in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **End (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3615, this primitive root signifies completion, cessation, or consumption. In this context, "made an end of reading" implies the full delivery and reception of the prophetic message. More profoundly, its connection to "perish," "destroy," and "fail" foreshadows the complete and utter cessation of Babylon's power, aligning with the symbolic act of its sinking, never to rise again ([Jeremiah 51:64](/jeremiah/51-64 "Jeremiah 51:64 - Babylon Will Not Rise Again")). It speaks to the finality of God's judgment.
* **Book (Hebrew, _çêpher'_):** From H5612, this term refers to a written document or scroll. Here, it is not just any book but a specific prophetic scroll containing God's detailed pronouncements against Babylon. The physical scroll embodies the divine word, making its symbolic destruction a powerful representation of the destruction of the entity it prophesies against. It underscores the authority and tangibility of the prophetic message.
* **Cast (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** From H7993, this primitive root means to throw out, down, or away. The act of "casting" the weighted scroll into the Euphrates is deliberate and forceful, signifying an irreversible act of rejection and destruction. It is a decisive, final action that mirrors the definitive nature of Babylon's impending downfall, emphasizing the complete removal and disappearance of the empire from prominence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book":** This clause sets the stage for the performative prophecy. It implies that the entire detailed oracle against Babylon, contained within the "book" or scroll, must first be fully delivered and absorbed. The completion of the reading signifies the full declaration of God's word, ensuring that the subsequent symbolic act is understood as the divine seal upon that word, not an arbitrary gesture.
* **"[that] thou shalt bind a stone to it":** This instruction is crucial for the symbolic act's effectiveness. The "stone" (H68, _ʼeben_) provides weight, ensuring the scroll sinks quickly and permanently. This binding signifies an irreversible attachment, a deliberate act to guarantee the scroll's submersion. Symbolically, it represents the heavy, unyielding weight of God's judgment that will drag Babylon down.
* **"and cast it into the midst of Euphrates":** This is the culminating action of the prophecy. The "casting" (H7993, _shâlak_) is a forceful, decisive act of rejection. The "midst of Euphrates" (H8432, _tâvek_, and H6578, _Pᵉrâth_) is highly symbolic, as the river was the very lifeblood and symbol of Babylonian power and prosperity. To sink the scroll, representing Babylon's fate, into its own foundational river signifies that the source of its strength would become the instrument of its demise, ensuring its complete disappearance and inability to rise again.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:63 is a powerful example of **Symbolic Action**, a common prophetic device where a physical act embodies and dramatizes a divine message. The act of binding a stone to a scroll and casting it into the Euphrates is not merely illustrative but **performative**, meaning the action itself is understood to bring about the reality it represents. The sinking of the scroll into the river is a vivid **Metaphor** for Babylon's irreversible downfall, its "sinking" never to rise again ([Jeremiah 51:64](/jeremiah/51-64 "Jeremiah 51:64 - Babylon Will Not Rise Again")). The Euphrates River itself functions as a potent **Symbol**, representing Babylon's power, prosperity, and very existence; thus, its depths become the grave for the empire's future. The entire scene is imbued with **Foreshadowing**, as it visually anticipates the actual destruction of Babylon, making the abstract prophecy concrete and unforgettable for the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:63 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to His declared word. It underscores that even the most formidable human empires, built on perceived strength and self-reliance, are ultimately subject to divine judgment when they oppose God's purposes and oppress His people. This act of symbolic destruction serves as a profound reminder that God's justice will prevail, and those who exalt themselves against Him will inevitably be brought low. It also highlights the reliability of prophetic utterance, demonstrating that God's word is not just a pronouncement but a guarantee of future events, bringing comfort to the oppressed and warning to the arrogant.

* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")
* [Ezekiel 4:1-8](/ezekiel/4-1-8 "Ezekiel 4:1-8 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Siege")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:63 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers, regardless of their apparent might or influence. In a world often dominated by oppressive systems, political turmoil, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, this passage instills confidence that God's ultimate justice will prevail. It encourages us to trust in His declared word, knowing that what He has promised, whether blessing or judgment, will surely come to pass. This should inspire both a holy fear of God's righteous judgment and a deep comfort in His faithfulness to His people. Furthermore, the symbolic act challenges us to consider how we might tangibly embody our faith and prophetic witness in our own contexts, demonstrating the truth of God's word not just through speech but also through action and lifestyle. It calls us to align ourselves with God's purposes, to advocate for justice, and to remember that all earthly kingdoms are temporary, while God's kingdom is eternal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Babylon encourage your faith in God's sovereignty over current world powers and systems?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, be called to perform "symbolic acts" of faith or witness in our own lives today, making God's truth tangible to others?**
* **What "Babylons" (systems, ideologies, or personal habits) in our lives or society need to be "sunk" by the weight of God's truth and justice?**

### FAQ
**Was Babylon literally sunk into the Euphrates River?**

Answer: No, the prophecy in [Jeremiah 51:63](/jeremiah/51-63 "Jeremiah 51:63 - The Symbolic Act of Sinking the Scroll") describes a powerful symbolic act, not a literal physical event that happened to the city of Babylon. The city of Babylon was not literally submerged in the Euphrates. Instead, the act of casting the weighted scroll into the river was a performative prophecy, vividly symbolizing the complete and irreversible downfall of the Babylonian empire. Just as the scroll would sink and never rise, so too would Babylon "sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her" ([Jeremiah 51:64](/jeremiah/51-64 "Jeremiah 51:64 - Babylon Will Not Rise Again")). The historical fall of Babylon occurred in 539 BC when Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered the city, famously diverting the Euphrates to march his army under the city walls, which could be seen as a fulfillment in a different, yet equally decisive, manner.

**Why was the Euphrates River chosen for this symbolic act?**

Answer: The Euphrates River was chosen for profound symbolic reasons. It was the lifeblood of Babylon, providing water for agriculture, serving as a vital trade route, and forming a natural defensive barrier around the city. It was intrinsically linked to Babylon's prosperity, power, and very existence. Casting the scroll, which represented Babylon's doom, into the "midst of Euphrates" ([Jeremiah 51:63](/jeremiah/51-63 "Jeremiah 51:63 - The Symbolic Act of Sinking the Scroll")) symbolized that the very source of Babylon's strength and identity would become the instrument of its symbolic burial. It conveyed the message that Babylon's end would be complete, irreversible, and directly tied to the elements that sustained it, ensuring it would "sink and not rise again" ([Jeremiah 51:64](/jeremiah/51-64 "Jeremiah 51:64 - Babylon Will Not Rise Again")). This choice amplified the message of utter destruction and divine judgment.

**Are there other instances of symbolic actions in the Bible similar to this one?**

Answer: Yes, symbolic actions were a common and powerful method employed by Old Testament prophets to convey God's messages in a tangible and unforgettable way. The act in [Jeremiah 51:63](/jeremiah/51-63 "Jeremiah 51:63 - The Symbolic Act of Sinking the Scroll") is one of many such examples. For instance, [Isaiah walked naked and barefoot for three years](/isaiah/20 "Isaiah 20 - Prophecy Against Egypt and Cush") to symbolize the coming captivity and humiliation of Egypt and Cush. [Ezekiel performed numerous dramatic acts](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Siege of Jerusalem"), such as lying on his side for extended periods to represent the siege of Jerusalem and the years of Israel's punishment, or cutting his hair and dividing it to signify the fate of Jerusalem's inhabitants. These actions served to vividly impress upon the audience the certainty and nature of God's impending judgments or promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:63 directly prophesies the downfall of literal Babylon, its deeper theological resonance finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing earthly powers, culminating in the reign of Christ. Babylon, throughout Scripture, becomes a powerful symbol of worldly systems built on rebellion against God, pride, and oppression, as seen in the later "Babylon the Great" of [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Prostitute and the Beast"). Just as the scroll representing Babylon's doom was irrevocably cast into the Euphrates, so too is the ultimate judgment against all sin, death, and the forces of evil sealed and accomplished through Christ. His death on the cross was the decisive act that "bound a stone" to the power of sin, ensuring its defeat, and His resurrection was the casting of that defeated power into the depths, never to rise again. The victory foreshadowed in Jeremiah's symbolic act is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who [disarmed the powers and authorities](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") and whose kingdom will ultimately [crush and bring to an end all other kingdoms, standing forever](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom"). The final "sinking" of all that opposes God is assured through the Lamb of God, who will one day [cast the beast and the false prophet into the lake of fire](/revelation/19-20 "Revelation 19:20 - The Beast and False Prophet Cast into the Lake of Fire"), and ultimately, [death itself will be thrown into the lake of fire](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14 - Death and Hades Cast into the Lake of Fire"). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy, while specific to an ancient empire, points forward to the comprehensive and final victory achieved by Christ, ensuring that His people will inherit an everlasting kingdom, free from the oppression of any earthly "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

Revelation 18:21

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

Jeremiah 19:10

¶ Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee,

Jeremiah 19:11

And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as [one] breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury [them] in Tophet, till [there be] no place to bury.