Jeremiah 51:63

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 51:63 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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 the Euphrates:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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 the Euphrates:
Jeremiah 51:63 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 51

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
63And 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 the Euphrates:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, etc.] To the captive Jews; and having also said the above words by way of prayer and approbation: [that] thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates; a river by which Babylon was situated. The book, being read, was to be rolled up again, and then a stone tied to it, and cast into the middle of the river, where the waters were deepest, and from whence it could not be taken up; and this was a sign confirming the above prophecy; compare with this what was done by a mighty angel concerning mystical Babylon, in which there is an allusion to this, (<661821>Revelation 18:21).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“bind a stone, &c.-- (Rev 18:21). So the Phoceans in leaving their country, when about to found Marseilles, threw lead into the sea, binding themselves not to return till the lead should swim.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Historical appendix. In his fourth year Zedekiah journeyed to Babylon either to obtain some favor from Nebuchadnezzar, or because he was summoned to be present on some state occasion. Jeremiah took the opportunity of sending to the exiles at Babylon this prophecy. Jeremiah 51:59 Seraiah - Brother to Baruch. A quiet prince - literally, “prince of the resting place, i. e., quartermaster.” It was his business to ride forward each day, and select the place where the king would halt and pass the night. Jeremiah 51:60 In a book - literally, in one book, on one scroll of parchment. Jeremiah 51:61 And shalt see, and shalt read - Or, then see that thou read etc. Jeremiah 51:62-64 The sinking of the…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“51:63-64 Throwing the scroll . . . into the Euphrates River signaled the permanent destruction of Babylon.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“thou shalt bind: This was the emblem of its overthrow and irretrievable ruin; and the same emblem is employed in Rev 18:21, to denote the utter ruin of mystical Babylon. Jer 19:10, Jer 19:11; Rev 18:21 Jeremiah 51:64”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification