Jeremiah 25:10

KJV

Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover I will take {H6} from them the voice {H6963} of mirth {H8342}, and the voice {H6963} of gladness {H8057}, the voice {H6963} of the bridegroom {H2860}, and the voice {H6963} of the bride {H3618}, the sound {H6963} of the millstones {H7347}, and the light {H216} of the candle {H5216}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, I will silence among them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bridegroom and bride, the grinding of millstones and the light of lamps.

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp.

American Standard Version

Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:10 delivers a stark and comprehensive prophecy of desolation upon Judah and Jerusalem, foretelling a future stripped of all joy, celebration, and the fundamental rhythms of daily life. Through vivid and culturally resonant imagery of silenced mirth, absent marital festivities, dormant household activities, and extinguished domestic light, the verse powerfully conveys the extent of God's impending judgment, signifying a complete societal collapse and the profound emptiness that would follow persistent rebellion against Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:10 is an integral part of a sweeping prophecy delivered by Jeremiah in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, a pivotal moment in Judah's history (approximately 605 BC). This chapter serves as a summation of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry over 23 years, during which he consistently warned Judah of impending judgment due to their idolatry and disobedience, as detailed in [Jeremiah 25:1-7](/jeremiah/25-1-7 "Jeremiah 25:1-7 - Judah's Persistent Disobedience"). The verses immediately preceding Jeremiah 25:10 describe the Lord's long-suffering patience and His repeated sending of prophets, whom Judah stubbornly refused to hear. The subsequent verses, particularly [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - The Seventy-Year Babylonian Captivity"), explicitly name the seventy-year Babylonian captivity as the specific consequence of this judgment, emphasizing that the desolation described in verse 10 is a direct result of this exile and the land lying waste. The verse thus functions as a chilling description of the *effects* of the impending seventy-year judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 25:10 is deeply rooted in the geopolitical realities of the late 7th century BC. Judah, under King Jehoiakim, was caught between the declining Assyrian Empire, the rising power of Babylon, and a weakened Egypt. Despite repeated warnings from Jeremiah, the nation continued in its idolatrous practices and rejected God's covenant. The imagery employed in the verse resonates profoundly with ancient Israelite daily life and cultural norms. Weddings, symbolized by the "voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride," were central to community life, signifying continuity, blessing, and joy, essential for the perpetuation of society. The "sound of the millstones" represented the most basic, essential daily activity for food preparation, indicating the presence of life and domesticity. The "light of the candle" (or lamp) symbolized life, warmth, and safety within the home, especially after dark. The removal of these elements would have been understood as a complete cessation of normal life, a profound silence and darkness settling over the land, indicating utter abandonment, ruin, and depopulation.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** and the **Consequences of Disobedience**. God's patience has limits, and persistent rebellion inevitably leads to severe repercussions, as seen in Judah's impending exile. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Loss and Desolation**, illustrating how sin strips away not only peace and security but also the fundamental joys, celebrations, and rhythms of daily life. The absence of sound and light metaphorically represents the spiritual darkness and emptiness that accompanies separation from God. This verse also implicitly touches upon the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness** (or lack thereof), as Judah's judgment is a direct consequence of their failure to uphold their covenant obligations, a theme reiterated throughout [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon") and [Jeremiah 11](/jeremiah/11 "Jeremiah 11 - The Broken Covenant"). The removal of these signs of life indicates a reversal of the blessings promised for covenant obedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** From an unused root meaning "to call aloud," this word (H6963) is repeated five times in the verse. It signifies not just an auditory sound but often carries the nuance of proclamation, an audible presence, or activity. Its absence, therefore, implies a profound silence, a cessation of all human activity, celebration, and the very pulse of life within the community. The repeated "voice" emphasizes the profound quietness of desolation, indicating a complete lack of human presence and vitality.
* **mirth (Hebrew, _sâsôwn'_):** Derived from the root "śûś" meaning "to be cheerful," this term (H8342) denotes blithesomeness, glee, gladness, joy, and rejoicing, often specifically associated with festive occasions. Its removal signifies the extinguishing of all sources of happiness, celebration, and communal cheer, leaving behind only sorrow, despair, and a profound emptiness where vibrant life once thrived.
* **candle (Hebrew, _nîyr'_):** This term (H5216), also rendered as "lamp" or "light," refers to an illumination source, literally or figuratively. In ancient homes, lamps provided essential illumination after sunset, symbolizing life, warmth, domestic activity, and safety. The extinguishing of the candle represents the end of domestic life, the emptiness of homes, and a pervasive darkness, both literal and metaphorical, signifying the absence of hope, the cessation of daily routines, and the presence of death-like stillness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover I will take from them":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine agency behind the impending judgment. It is God Himself who is actively removing these elements of life, underscoring the severity and certainty of His decree against Judah. The verb "take" is from the Hebrew `ʼâbad` (H6), which properly means "to wander away" or "lose oneself," but by implication, "to perish" or (causative) "to destroy." Here, it implies a complete removal, a destruction of what was, signifying God's direct intervention in bringing about this desolation.
* **"the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness":** These phrases denote the cessation of all forms of public and private celebration, joy, and communal festivity. "Mirth" (`sâsôwn`) and "gladness" (`simchâh`, H8057) are often used synonymously, emphasizing the complete absence of any occasion for rejoicing, indicating a society utterly devoid of happiness.
* **"the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride":** This specific imagery points to the end of weddings, which were paramount celebrations of new life, family, and the continuation of society. Their silence signifies a halt to procreation, a break in the generational line, and the profound disruption of social order and hope for the future, representing the very end of communal life and continuity.
* **"the sound of the millstones":** Grinding grain was a daily, essential activity in every household, producing the staple food. The silence of the millstones indicates the complete absence of daily labor, sustenance, and the very presence of people in their homes, signaling widespread famine, depopulation, and the cessation of basic domestic life.
* **"and the light of the candle":** This final image represents the extinguishing of domestic life and warmth. Lamps provided light in homes after dark, symbolizing life, security, and the ongoing rhythm of daily existence. Its removal signifies empty houses, the end of normal domesticity, and a pervasive, literal and metaphorical, darkness, indicating the absence of hope, life, and divine presence.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:10 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of comprehensive desolation. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, seen in the repeated phrase "the voice of..." (Hebrew: *qôwl*). This repetition, occurring five times, creates a rhythmic, almost dirge-like quality, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the silence that will fall upon the land and underscoring the multitude of joyous sounds that will cease. The verse also employs **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. For instance, "mirth and gladness" collectively signify the entirety of human celebration and emotional well-being. Similarly, "bridegroom and bride" encapsulate the full spectrum of social continuity and the joyous beginning of new families. The "sound of the millstones" (representing daily sustenance and labor) and the "light of the candle" (representing domestic life, warmth, and safety) together encompass the full spectrum of mundane, essential human activity. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as powerful **Symbolism**, where each item—the voice of mirth, the voice of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones, and the light of the candle—is not merely a literal object but stands for a broader aspect of life, joy, and societal function. Their removal symbolizes the complete dismantling of Judah's society, from its grandest celebrations to its most basic necessities, leaving behind only emptiness, darkness, and the profound silence of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:10 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and the consequences of sustained rebellion against God. It reveals that God's justice is not merely punitive but also corrective, aiming to bring His people to repentance, even if through severe discipline. The comprehensive nature of the desolation described underscores that sin impacts every facet of human existence—from individual joy to communal well-being and the very fabric of society. This judgment is a direct outcome of Judah's persistent idolatry and rejection of God's prophetic warnings, demonstrating that true peace and flourishing are inextricably linked to a right relationship with the Creator. The loss of joy, light, and daily rhythms signifies a spiritual darkness that accompanies separation from God, where the very blessings of life are withdrawn, illustrating the principle that disobedience leads to a forfeiture of divine favor and the blessings of covenant life.

* [Jeremiah 7:34](/jeremiah/7-34 "Jeremiah 7:34 - Cessation of Joy and Marriage") – This verse from Jeremiah's Temple Sermon uses almost identical imagery, reinforcing the prophecy of desolation and the end of joy, highlighting the consistent theme of judgment.
* [Isaiah 24:7-8](/isaiah/24-7-8 "Isaiah 24:7-8 - The Earth Mourns and Joy Ceases") – Isaiah's prophecy of global judgment also speaks of the cessation of mirth and the sound of revelry, demonstrating a broader biblical theme of judgment leading to the silencing of joy and the disruption of normal life.
* [Revelation 18:22-23](/rev/18-22-23 "Revelation 18:22-23 - The Fall of Babylon the Great") – In the New Testament, the fall of "Babylon the Great" is described with strikingly similar imagery: the absence of musicians, craftsmen, millstones, and lamp light, signifying complete and utter destruction and the end of all human activity and celebration, drawing a parallel between ancient judgments and ultimate divine justice.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:10 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the inevitable consequences of persistent disobedience to God's revealed will. It challenges us to consider what "voices" of mirth, gladness, and normal life might be silenced in our own lives or societies if we stray from God's path. The verse underscores that true and lasting joy, stability, and light are not found in material possessions or fleeting pleasures, but in a vibrant, obedient relationship with the Lord. It calls us to a posture of humility and responsiveness to God's Word, recognizing that His warnings are not arbitrary but are given for our ultimate good and flourishing. For believers today, it serves as a powerful incentive to live in faithful alignment with Christ, ensuring that the "light of the candle" of our lives continues to shine brightly, reflecting His glory rather than succumbing to spiritual darkness. It prompts us to examine our priorities, repent of any unconfessed sin, and actively pursue the "fullness of joy" found only in God's presence and obedience to His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "voices" of joy and normalcy in my life might be at risk if I neglect my relationship with God or persist in disobedience?**
* **How does the imagery of silenced millstones and extinguished candles challenge my understanding of what truly sustains life and brings light?**
* **In what ways can I actively cultivate a life that reflects God's light and joy, even amidst challenging circumstances, as a counter-narrative to the desolation described here?**

### FAQ
**Why is God's judgment described in such specific, everyday terms?**

Answer: God's judgment is described in specific, everyday terms (like the voice of mirth, sound of millstones, and light of the candle) to make its impact profoundly relatable and comprehensive. For an ancient Israelite, these elements represented the very fabric of daily life, community, and domesticity. By listing them, Jeremiah emphasizes that the impending desolation would not merely be a political or military defeat, but a complete dismantling of their society from its grandest celebrations (weddings) to its most mundane, essential activities (grinding grain for food, lighting homes). This detailed imagery underscores the totality of the judgment, leaving no aspect of life untouched, making the prophecy more vivid and impactful for the original audience and for us today. It shows that God's judgment affects the entire human experience, not just abstract spiritual concepts.

**Does this prophecy of desolation offer any hope?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 25:10 itself is a stark pronouncement of judgment and desolation, the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecy, and indeed the entire biblical narrative, does offer hope. The seventy-year Babylonian captivity, explicitly mentioned in [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - The Seventy-Year Babylonian Captivity"), was a defined period, after which God promised restoration. In [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"), the Lord declares His plans for Judah's future: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This demonstrates that even in judgment, God's ultimate intention is redemptive. The desolation was a disciplinary measure designed to lead His people to repentance and a renewed relationship with Him, ultimately paving the way for a future restoration of joy, community, and divine presence, culminating in the new covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:10, with its chilling depiction of a silenced, darkened world devoid of joy and life, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate victory of Jesus over sin and death. The "voice of mirth and gladness" that was taken away from Judah is fully restored and surpassed in Christ, who brings an "inexpressible and glorious joy" to those who believe, a joy that is eternal and not dependent on earthly circumstances ([1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Joy Inexpressible and Glorious")). The absence of the "voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride" in Jeremiah foreshadows the broken covenant relationship between God and His people, a relationship perfectly and eternally restored through Christ. He is the true and eternal [Bridegroom](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - Jesus as the Bridegroom") of the Church, His redeemed people, who will one day participate in the glorious [wedding feast of the Lamb](/rev/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Wedding Feast of the Lamb"), where joy will be unending and the covenant perfectly fulfilled. Furthermore, the "light of the candle" extinguished in Judah's homes points to the spiritual darkness of a world alienated from God, a darkness dispelled by Jesus, who declared, "I am the [light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." In Him, all that was lost through sin and judgment is not only restored but transformed into an eternal, perfect reality, where there will be no more night, no need for lamp or sun, for the [Lord God will give them light](/rev/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - No More Night in New Jerusalem") and His presence will be their everlasting illumination.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 7:34

Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.

Ezekiel 26:13

And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.

Revelation 18:22

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

Revelation 18:23

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Jeremiah 16:9

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.

Jeremiah 33:10

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Again there shall be heard in this place, which ye say [shall be] desolate without man and without beast, [even] in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man, and without inhabitant, and without beast,

Jeremiah 33:11

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.