Jeremiah 25:20 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 25:20 mean?

Jeremiah 25:20 lists various peoples and rulers who would experience God’s judgment, as announced by the prophet Jeremiah. The verse names groups and cities—such as the “mingled people,” the kings of Uz, the Philistines, and several Philistine cities—showing that the coming judgment would not be limited to Judah but would reach neighboring nations as well.

In this chapter, Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people of Judah and surrounding nations during a time of political upheaval. The verse is part of a longer section where Jeremiah names specific nations that will drink the “cup of God’s wrath,” meaning they will face consequences for their actions. The mention of different groups and cities highlights the broad scope of the coming events, emphasizing that God’s judgment is not just for Israel but for many nations in the region.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 25:20

• “mingled” (עֵרֶב, ʿerev): This word refers to mixed or diverse peoples, likely groups living among or near Israel who were not ethnically Israelite. The mention of “mingled people” suggests that God’s message was aimed at all who lived in the area, not just specific ethnic groups.
• “Uz” (עוּץ, ʿutz): Uz is a region east or southeast of Israel, known from other biblical stories (such as Job). Naming Uz shows the geographic reach of the prophecy.
• “Philistines” (פְּלִשְׁתִּים, Pelishtim): The Philistines were a well-known group living along the coast. Listing their main cities—Ashkelon, Azzah (Gaza), Ekron, and Ashdod—underscores that the prophecy targets all their major centers.
• “remnant” (שְׁאֵרִית, she’erit): This word means what is left over or survives. Mentioning the “remnant of Ashdod” hints that the city had already suffered losses, but even those who remained would not escape judgment.

Why Jeremiah 25:20 matters

• Jeremiah 25:20 clarifies that God’s judgment was not only for Judah but extended to many neighboring nations, showing the universal scope of the prophecy.
• The verse helps readers see that God’s concerns in Jeremiah’s message go beyond Israel’s borders, challenging any idea that God’s actions were limited to one people.
• By naming specific cities and groups, Jeremiah 25:20 connects the prophecy to real historical places and peoples, grounding the message in the concrete realities of the ancient world.