Jeremiah 51:26 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Babylon will be so thoroughly destroyed that nothing will remain to rebuild with—it will be desolate forever.
The Context of Jeremiah 51:26
Nothing of Babylon will remain useful or habitable—it will be eternally desolate.
What Does Jeremiah 51:26 Mean?
The destruction is so complete that nothing will be salvageable for reconstruction. 'Not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations'—even the rubble will be unusable. In the ancient world, one could often salvage building stones from ruins for new construction. The verse indicates such salvage will be impossible.
'Thou shalt be desolate for ever' pronounces permanent ruin. This extreme language reflects the prophetic conviction that Babylon's judgment is irreversible and absolute. No rebuilding, no recovery, no restoration—only eternal desolation. The word of the Lord seals this fate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 51:26
What does Jeremiah 51:26 mean?
Babylon will be so thoroughly destroyed that nothing will remain to rebuild with—it will be desolate forever.
What is the context of Jeremiah 51:26?
Nothing of Babylon will remain useful or habitable—it will be eternally desolate.