Jeremiah 51:63
And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates:
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּכַלֹּ֣תְךָ֔
And it shall be when thou hast made an end
H3615
כְּכַלֹּ֣תְךָ֔
And it shall be when thou hast made an end
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
2 of 13
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
לִקְרֹ֖א
of reading
H7121
לִקְרֹ֖א
of reading
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַסֵּ֣פֶר
this book
H5612
הַסֵּ֣פֶר
this book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
תִּקְשֹׁ֤ר
that thou shalt bind
H7194
תִּקְשֹׁ֤ר
that thou shalt bind
Strong's:
H7194
Word #:
7 of 13
to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)
עָלָיו֙
H5921
עָלָיו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְהִשְׁלַכְתּ֖וֹ
to it and cast
H7993
וְהִשְׁלַכְתּ֖וֹ
to it and cast
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
10 of 13
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
The Euphrates was central to Babylon's identity and economy (see Isaiah 13:1, the 'burden' against 'the desert of the sea'—perhaps referencing the vast marshlands around Babylon). Cyrus later diverted this river to conquer the city—ironic fulfillment of waters becoming instrument of doom.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the theological significance of prophetic symbolic acts—how do they differ from mere illustration?
- Why cast the scroll into the Euphrates specifically rather than destroying it another way?
- How does this act prefigure Revelation 18:21's angel casting a millstone into the sea?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book (וְהָיָה כְּכַלֹּתְךָ לִקְרֹא אֶת־הַסֵּפֶר הַזֶּה, v'hayah k'khallot'kha liqro et-hasefer hazzeh)—After completing the reading, Seraiah must perform symbolic act. That thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates (וְקָשַׁרְתָּ עָלָיו אֶבֶן וְהִשְׁלַכְתּוֹ אֶל־תּוֹךְ פְּרָת, v'qasharta alav even v'hishlakhto el-tokh P'rat)—Tying a stone ensures the scroll sinks. The Euphrates River was Babylon's lifeblood, source of irrigation, transportation, drinking water, defensive moat. Casting the prophecy into Euphrates dramatizes Babylon's drowning in judgment.
This enacted parable visually communicates what words declare: Babylon will sink, never to rise. The scroll's descent into river depths prefigures the empire's descent into historical oblivion. Revelation 18:21 echoes this: an angel throws a millstone into the sea, declaring, 'Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.' Jeremiah's acted prophecy establishes the archetype for eschatological judgment.