For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

JEREMIAH 25:15KJV
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Jeremiah 25:15 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 25:15 mean?

Jeremiah 25:15 describes God commanding Jeremiah to take a symbolic cup of His anger and make all the nations to whom God sends him drink from it, representing that they will experience God’s judgment. The verse uses the image of a wine cup to show that God’s fury will be poured out on many peoples, not just Israel.

In this verse, the LORD (God of Israel) speaks directly to Jeremiah, instructing him to deliver a message of coming judgment to various nations. The “wine cup of this fury” is a picture of God’s wrath, and making the nations “drink it” means they will be forced to face consequences for their actions. This moment sets up a larger section where Jeremiah lists the nations that will face God’s judgment.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 25:15

  • “cup” (כּוֹס, kos): This word refers to a drinking vessel, often used in the Hebrew Bible as a symbol for a person’s fate or destiny, especially when it comes to experiencing suffering or judgment. Here, it is a vivid image for God’s punishment.
  • “fury” (חֵמָה, chemah): This word means intense anger or wrath. It emphasizes the seriousness and heat of God’s response to wrongdoing, not just mild displeasure.
  • “nations” (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word means peoples or nations other than Israel. Its use here shows that God’s message is not limited to Israel but extends to many different groups.
  • “drink” (שָׁקָה, shaqah): This verb means to cause someone to drink, often against their will. It highlights that the nations will not be able to avoid what God is bringing upon them.

Why Jeremiah 25:15 matters

  • Jeremiah 25:15 makes clear that God’s judgment is not just for Israel but for all nations, showing His authority over the whole world.
  • The use of the “cup” image helps readers understand that God’s wrath is something that must be experienced—it cannot be ignored or escaped by those to whom it is given.
  • This verse introduces a major theme in Jeremiah’s prophecies: that God holds all peoples accountable for their actions, not just His own people.