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.

JEREMIAH 51:26KJV
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Jeremiah 51:26 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 51:26 mean?

Jeremiah 51:26 says that Babylon will be so completely destroyed that no one will ever use its stones again for building, not even for the most important parts like corners or foundations; instead, Babylon will remain a ruin forever, as declared by the LORD. The verse highlights the total and lasting nature of Babylon’s downfall.

Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people about Babylon, the powerful empire that had conquered Jerusalem. In this verse, God is saying that Babylon’s destruction will be so thorough that its ruins will never be rebuilt or reused. This is part of a larger prophecy where Jeremiah describes the coming judgment on Babylon for its pride and violence.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 51:26

  • "stone" (אֶבֶן, ’even): This word is used twice, emphasizing that not even a single stone from Babylon will be valuable enough to reuse, not even for the most basic or important building work.
  • "corner" (פִּנָּה, pinnāh): This refers to a cornerstone, a key part of a building’s structure. The verse stresses that Babylon’s remains will be so worthless that no one will take even a cornerstone from its ruins.
  • "desolate" (שָׁמֵם, shāmēm): This word often means utterly ruined or laid waste. Here, it underscores the idea that Babylon will not just be defeated, but left empty and abandoned forever.
  • "ever" (עוֹלָם, ‘olām): This word can mean a very long time or forever. In this context, it strengthens the warning that Babylon’s destruction will be permanent.

Why Jeremiah 51:26 matters

  • Jeremiah 51:26 makes it clear that Babylon’s fall is not just temporary or partial, but total and irreversible—no rebuilding or restoration will come from its ruins.
  • The verse uses building imagery to show how completely Babylon will be wiped out, contrasting its former greatness with its future emptiness.
  • This verse ties into the larger message of Jeremiah 50–51, where God judges Babylon for its actions against other nations, especially Israel, and promises that its power will come to a permanent end.

Where else these words appear

“foundations” Hebrew H4146 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.
  • Psalms 18:15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
  • Isaiah 58:12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

“corner” Hebrew H6438 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 27:2 And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.
  • Nehemiah 3:24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.
  • Isaiah 19:13 The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof.

“desolate” Hebrew H8077 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 23:29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
  • Jeremiah 44:6 Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day.
  • Ezekiel 35:3 And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate.