Jeremiah 51:26

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִקְח֤וּ

H3947

And they shall not take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִמְּךָ֙

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וְאֶ֖בֶן

H68

nor a stone

a stone

לְפִנָּ֔ה

H6438

for a corner

an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

וְאֶ֖בֶן

H68

nor a stone

a stone

לְמֽוֹסָד֑וֹת

H4146

for foundations

a foundation

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שִׁמְמ֥וֹת

H8077

but thou shalt be desolate

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

#10

עוֹלָ֛ם

H5769

for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#11

תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

#13

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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