A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.

JEREMIAH 25:31KJV
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Jeremiah 25:31 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 25:31 mean?

Jeremiah 25:31 says that a loud, far-reaching sound will go out across the whole earth because the LORD has a dispute with all nations; God will judge everyone and hand over the wicked to destruction by the sword. This verse warns that God's judgment is not limited to one nation but extends to all people everywhere.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah, but the message is much broader. God is described as having a "controversy" or legal case against the nations, signaling a time of reckoning for wrongdoing. The language paints a picture of a courtroom where God is both the judge and the one bringing charges, and the outcome is severe for those found wicked.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 25:31

  • "controversy" (רִיב, riv): This word means a legal dispute or lawsuit. Here, it shows that God is not acting out of anger alone but is presenting a case against the nations, emphasizing justice and fairness.
  • "plead" (שָׁפַט, shaphat): This word means to judge or decide a case. It highlights that God is making a formal judgment, not just expressing displeasure.
  • "give" (נָתַן, natan): This word means to hand over or deliver. In this context, it underscores that the fate of the wicked is not accidental but a deliberate act of divine judgment.
  • "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha): This word refers to those who are morally wrong or guilty. The verse makes clear that the sword is specifically for those who have done evil.

Why Jeremiah 25:31 matters

  • Jeremiah 25:31 clarifies that God's judgment is universal, not just for Israel or Judah, but for all nations and peoples.
  • The verse uses legal language to show that God's actions are based on justice, not random punishment or favoritism.
  • This verse connects to the wider chapter, where Jeremiah warns of coming disaster as part of God's plan to hold all nations accountable for their actions.

Where else these words appear

“noise” Hebrew H7588 · used in 16 verses

  • Psalms 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
  • Isaiah 17:12 Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!
  • Jeremiah 46:17 They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed.

“controversy” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
  • Proverbs 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

“ends” Hebrew H7097 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 8:3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
  • Joshua 3:15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water,(for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
  • Psalms 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.