Jeremiah 51:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Human knowledge separated from God leads to brutishness, and idolatry leaves craftsmen disgraced.
The Context of Jeremiah 51:17
Human wisdom and craftsmanship apart from God produce only falsehood and confusion.
What Does Jeremiah 51:17 Mean?
The verse shifts to human limitations. 'Every man is brutish by his knowledge'—human learning and expertise, when disconnected from God, produces folly rather than wisdom. Knowledge of metallurgy, architecture, and art becomes corrupted when directed toward false purposes.
'Every founder is confounded by the graven image'—craftsmen who create idols become spiritually confused by their own creations. They make images that are pure falsehood, having no real power or life ('no breath in them'). This critique of idolatry serves to highlight Babylon's spiritual bankruptcy despite its material wealth and technical skill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 51:17
What does Jeremiah 51:17 mean?
Human knowledge separated from God leads to brutishness, and idolatry leaves craftsmen disgraced.
What is the context of Jeremiah 51:17?
Human wisdom and craftsmanship apart from God produce only falsehood and confusion.