And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider;

JEREMIAH 51:21KJV
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Jeremiah 51:21 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 51:21 mean?

Jeremiah 51:21 describes God’s promise to use someone (likely the nation of Israel, or possibly an individual) as an instrument to destroy powerful enemies, specifically mentioning breaking apart horses and their riders, and chariots and their riders. The verse uses vivid imagery to show total defeat of military strength.

In this chapter, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to announce judgment against Babylon. The verse is part of a longer section where God lists the ways He will bring Babylon’s power to an end, using His chosen people as the means. The language paints a picture of overwhelming force, emphasizing that even the mightiest warriors and their weapons will be shattered.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 51:21

  • "pieces" (נָפַץ, naphats): This word means to shatter or smash into fragments. The repetition in the verse stresses the thoroughness of the destruction God promises.
  • "horse" (סוּס, sus) and "rider" (רֹכֵב, rokhev): These refer to the classic symbols of military power and skill in ancient times. Mentioning both horse and rider highlights that both the means of war and those who wield them will be defeated.
  • "chariot" (רֶכֶב, rekhev): Chariots were advanced military technology in Jeremiah’s day, representing speed and strength in battle. Their destruction signals the end of Babylon’s military advantage.

Why Jeremiah 51:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s judgment is not just against ordinary people but targets the very core of Babylon’s military might, leaving nothing untouched.
  • The repetition of “with thee will I break in pieces” emphasizes that God is acting decisively and completely, not leaving any part of Babylon’s power intact.
  • Understanding this verse in context helps the reader see how Jeremiah’s prophecy fits into the larger message of hope for Israel and warning for oppressive empires.

Where else these words appear

“pieces” Hebrew H5310 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 9:19 These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.
  • Psalms 137:9 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.
  • Jeremiah 22:28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?

“rider” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

“chariot” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

“horse” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 14:20 And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.
  • Jeremiah 8:16 The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.