Jeremiah 51:64

KJV

And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far [are] the words of Jeremiah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt say {H559}, Thus shall Babylon {H894} sink {H8257}, and shall not rise {H6965} from {H6440} the evil {H7451} that I will bring {H935} upon her: and they shall be weary {H3286}. Thus far are the words {H1697} of Jeremiah {H3414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and say, 'Like this, Bavel will sink, never to rise again, because of the disaster I am bringing on her; and they will grow weary.'" (Up to here, these have been the words of Yirmeyahu.)

Berean Standard Bible

Then you are to say, ‘In the same way Babylon will sink and never rise again, because of the disaster I will bring upon her. And her people will grow weary.’” Here end the words of Jeremiah.

American Standard Version

and thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise again because of the evil that I will bring upon her; and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:64 serves as the climactic and definitive declaration of Babylon's utter and irreversible destruction, concluding a lengthy prophetic oracle against the oppressive empire. It vividly portrays Babylon's demise as a permanent sinking, from which it will never recover, emphasizing the absolute certainty of divine judgment. The verse also functions as an editorial marker, signaling the completion of Jeremiah's primary prophetic messages concerning the nations, particularly those directed against Babylon.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the dramatic and conclusive statement to the extensive prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning [Jeremiah chapters 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon"). Immediately preceding it, [Jeremiah 51:59-63](/jeremiah/51-59-63 "Jeremiah 51:59-63 - Seraiah's Symbolic Act") describes a powerful symbolic act: Jeremiah instructs his aide, Seraiah, to read the entire scroll of prophecy against Babylon aloud in Babylon itself, then to tie a stone to it and cast it into the Euphrates River. This physical act of sinking the scroll directly prefigures and illustrates the spiritual truth proclaimed in verse 64 – Babylon's permanent downfall. The final phrase, "Thus far are the words of Jeremiah," acts as a colophon, a concluding statement or editorial note, marking the end of this major prophetic section within the book, before the historical appendix of [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Gedaliah's Assassination").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon") were delivered during a tumultuous period when Babylon had risen as the dominant world power, having conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and exiled its people (as recounted in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem")). For the exiled Judeans, Babylon represented the epitome of oppression and idolatry. The Euphrates River was central to Babylon's identity, providing its lifeblood through irrigation and serving as a key defensive feature. The act of casting the scroll into the Euphrates was not merely symbolic but deeply culturally resonant, as rivers were often associated with national identity and prosperity. The destruction of such a mighty empire, the "hammer of the whole earth" ([Jeremiah 50:23](/jeremiah/50-23 "Jeremiah 50:23 - Babylon, the Hammer of the Whole Earth")), would have seemed impossible from a human perspective, yet Jeremiah's prophecy assures its certain and irreversible ruin, demonstrating God's sovereign control over world empires and His commitment to justice for His people.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:64 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute authority over nations and His righteous retribution against those who defy Him and oppress His chosen people. Babylon's "sinking" signifies an irreversible and total destruction, a stark contrast to the temporary exiles or partial defeats experienced by other nations. This reinforces the theme of **God's Unwavering Word and Prophetic Fulfillment**, demonstrating that God's spoken word, even when seemingly impossible, will come to pass. The symbolic act of casting the scroll into the Euphrates (as described in [Jeremiah 51:63](/jeremiah/51-63 "Jeremiah 51:63 - The Scroll Cast into the Euphrates")) highlights the **Power of Symbolic Action** in conveying prophetic truth, making the abstract reality of judgment tangible. Finally, the concluding phrase serves as a **Literary Colophon**, marking the completion of a significant prophetic collection and underscoring the finality of Jeremiah's message concerning Babylon.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say" with great latitude, encompassing to answer, appoint, bid, command, declare, speak, tell, or utter. In this context, it signifies a direct divine imperative given to Seraiah, emphasizing the authority and certainty of the pronouncement concerning Babylon's fate. It's not merely a suggestion but a declarative statement of God's will.
* **sink (Hebrew, _shâqaʻ'_):** From H8257, a primitive root meaning "to subside"; by implication, "to be overflowed, cease." Causatively, it means "to abate, subdue"; "make deep, let down, drown, quench." This word vividly portrays Babylon's destruction not as a mere defeat or decline, but as a complete submersion, like a heavy object sinking into water, from which there is no recovery or resurgence.
* **rise (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, a primitive root meaning "to rise" in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive, and causative. It can mean to abide, confirm, endure, get up, help, lift up, ordain, perform, or stand up. In the negative "shall not rise," it powerfully conveys the absolute finality of Babylon's fall, emphasizing that it will never regain its former power, glory, or even its existence as a significant entity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine command given to Seraiah, the messenger, to declare God's judgment. The phrase "Thus shall Babylon sink" immediately introduces the central metaphor of irreversible destruction, likening the mighty empire to something heavy being submerged, never to resurface. It is a prophetic decree, not a prediction of possibility.
* **"and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her:"**: This expands on the initial declaration, explicitly stating the permanence of Babylon's downfall. The "evil" refers to the calamitous judgment and destruction that God Himself will inflict. The phrase "shall not rise" underscores the absolute finality, contrasting with the cyclical rise and fall of other empires; Babylon's end is portrayed as unique and definitive.
* **"and they shall be weary."**: This short clause, though seemingly an afterthought, can be interpreted in several ways. It might refer to the Babylonians themselves, exhausted and helpless in the face of God's overwhelming judgment, or to those who would attempt to rebuild or resist, indicating their futility and weariness in the face of an impossible task. It emphasizes the complete and debilitating nature of the divine wrath.
* **"Thus far [are] the words of Jeremiah."**: This concluding statement serves as a colophon, an ancient editorial marker signifying the end of this specific prophetic scroll or section. It authenticates the preceding prophecies as originating from Jeremiah, given by divine inspiration, and marks the completion of the extensive oracle against Babylon and, by extension, the main body of Jeremiah's prophetic messages concerning the nations within the book.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:64 employs several potent **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the act of "sinking" (prefigured by the stone and scroll in [Jeremiah 51:63](/jeremiah/51-63 "Jeremiah 51:63 - The Scroll Cast into the Euphrates")) vividly represents the complete and irreversible destruction of Babylon. This is not merely a military defeat but an existential collapse. The phrase "shall not rise" functions as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute finality of this judgment, conveying that Babylon's power and influence will be utterly extinguished without any hope of resurgence. The entire verse is a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired declaration of future events, characterized by its authoritative tone and certainty. The concluding phrase, "Thus far [are] the words of Jeremiah," acts as a **Colophon** or **Editorial Marker**, a common ancient literary device used to signify the end of a written section, authenticate authorship, and provide a sense of closure to this major prophetic segment of the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:64 profoundly underscores the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over human history and nations. It reveals a God who not only foresees but actively orchestrates the rise and fall of empires, holding them accountable for their actions, particularly their oppression of His people. The irreversible judgment pronounced upon Babylon serves as a powerful testament to divine justice, assuring the exiled Israelites that their suffering at the hands of their oppressors would not go unpunished. This certainty of judgment is inextricably linked to the faithfulness of God's word; what He declares, He will bring to pass. The "sinking" of Babylon, from which it "shall not rise," offers a profound message of hope to the oppressed, affirming that no earthly power, however mighty, can ultimately thwart the purposes of the Almighty. It foreshadows a day when all forms of evil and oppression will face a similar, definitive end.

* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19-22 "Prophecy of Babylon's Desolation")
* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "The Symbolic Fall of Babylon the Great")
* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "God's Kingdom Endures Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:64 offers profound truths for contemporary reflection. In a world where powerful nations and systems often seem invincible, this verse reminds us that all earthly powers are ultimately finite and subject to God's sovereign will and righteous judgment. It calls us to place our ultimate trust not in human might or political structures, but in the unchanging character and promises of God. For those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or despairing in the face of injustice, this passage offers a powerful assurance that God sees, hears, and will act. It is a reminder that evil, no matter how pervasive, has a divinely appointed expiration date. Conversely, for those in positions of power, it serves as a sobering warning against arrogance, oppression, and defiance of God's moral law. Our actions, whether individual or corporate, have eternal consequences, and God's justice will ultimately prevail. This verse encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in God's kingdom which "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever")), rather than in transient earthly empires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of Babylon's irreversible judgment encourage you in times of injustice or oppression?**
* **What "Babylons" (systems, ideologies, or personal habits) in our world today need to "sink" in light of God's justice?**
* **How does the finality of God's word in this verse strengthen your faith in His other promises?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "Thus far are the words of Jeremiah"?**

Answer: This phrase functions as a colophon, an ancient scribal or editorial mark indicating the conclusion of a specific section or scroll. In this context, it signifies the completion of Jeremiah's extensive prophetic messages concerning Babylon and, by extension, the major collection of his prophecies against foreign nations within the book. It authenticates the preceding text as Jeremiah's inspired words and provides a definitive end to this significant portion of his ministry, setting the stage for the historical appendix in [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Gedaliah's Assassination").

**Did Babylon truly "sink" and "not rise" as prophesied?**

Answer: Historically, yes, Babylon experienced a definitive and irreversible decline. While the city itself continued to exist for some time after its conquest by Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, it never regained its imperial power or prominence. It gradually faded into obscurity, its canals dried up, its buildings crumbled, and its population dwindled. Unlike other ancient cities that were rebuilt and re-emerged, Babylon became a desolate ruin, fulfilling the prophecy that it would "not rise from the evil" that God brought upon it. This historical outcome stands as a powerful testimony to the accuracy of biblical prophecy, as also foretold in [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19-22 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Prophecy of Babylon's Desolation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:64, with its dramatic declaration of Babylon's irreversible downfall, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers and the definitive defeat of evil through Jesus Christ. Just as ancient Babylon, the oppressor of God's people, was destined to "sink" and "not rise," so too will all systems of sin, injustice, and rebellion against God ultimately be vanquished. The New Testament book of Revelation picks up this theme, portraying a symbolic "Babylon the Great" as the embodiment of all worldly opposition to God and His people, whose fall is announced with a similar, resounding finality: "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!" ([Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - Fall of Babylon the Great")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), through His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, has already triumphed over the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and will return to establish His eternal kingdom, where there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy of Babylon's sinking foreshadows the glorious reality that Christ's reign ensures the ultimate and irreversible "sinking" of all evil, paving the way for the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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 51:58

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary.

Job 31:40

Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.

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.

Psalms 72:20

The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Nahum 1:8

But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

Nahum 1:9

¶ What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

Habakkuk 2:13

Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?