Jeremiah 25:16

KJV

And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall drink {H8354}, and be moved {H1607}, and be mad {H1984}, because {H6440} of the sword {H2719} that I will send {H7971} among them.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will drink, stagger to and fro and behave like crazy people because of the sword that I will send among them.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And they will drink and stagger and go out of their minds, because of the sword that I will send among them.”

American Standard Version

And they shall drink, and reel to and fro, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:16 vividly prophesies the severe, disorienting, and inescapable judgment awaiting various nations, compelling them to "drink" from the metaphorical cup of God's wrath. This powerful imagery describes the profound physical and psychological distress—manifesting as violent trembling, confusion, and madness—that will overwhelm these nations as a direct consequence of the destructive "sword" of warfare and divine retribution that God is poised to unleash among them. The verse underscores the terrifying certainty and comprehensive nature of God's justice against unrepentant sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:16 is a pivotal verse within a sweeping prophetic oracle delivered by Jeremiah, which begins in [Jeremiah 25:1](/jeremiah/25-1 "Jeremiah 25:1 - Introduction to the Prophecy") and extends through [Jeremiah 25:38](/jeremiah/25-38 "Jeremiah 25:38 - The Roar of Judgment"). The preceding verses establish the seventy-year Babylonian exile for Judah ([Jeremiah 25:11-12](/jeremiah/25-11-12 "Jeremiah 25:11-12 - Seventy Years of Exile and Babylon's Judgment")) and, crucially, introduce the central metaphor of the "wine cup of God's fury" in [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Wine Cup of God's Fury"). In this preceding verse, Jeremiah is commanded to make all nations drink from this cup, symbolizing the full measure of God's wrath and judgment. Verse 16 then immediately details the horrific, disorienting, and maddening effects of consuming this cup. The subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 25:17-26](/jeremiah/25-17-26 "Jeremiah 25:17-26 - List of Nations to Drink the Cup")) proceed to list the specific nations destined to experience this judgment, culminating in a prophecy against Babylon itself in [Jeremiah 25:26](/jeremiah/25-26 "Jeremiah 25:26 - Judgment on Babylon"). This structured progression emphasizes the universality and inevitability of God's judgment against all who oppose Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 25 was delivered in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, coinciding with the first year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (approximately 605 BC). This era marked a dramatic shift in Near Eastern geopolitics, with the Assyrian Empire in decline and the Neo-Babylonian Empire rapidly ascending to dominance. Judah, often caught between the great powers of Egypt and Babylon, frequently faced warnings from Jeremiah to submit to Babylon, recognizing it as God's divinely appointed instrument of judgment. The nations listed in the broader oracle (e.g., Egypt, Philistia, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, Sidon) were Judah's immediate neighbors, frequently engaging in political alliances, idolatrous practices, and often hostile actions against God's people. The imagery of drinking a cup of wrath was a potent and widely understood motif in the ancient Near East, symbolizing the reception of one's divinely appointed destiny, often one of suffering, humiliation, or utter destruction. For Jeremiah's audience, the "sword" would have been a terrifyingly real symbol of the invading armies that would bring widespread devastation, famine, and exile, serving as the tangible fulfillment of God's pronouncements against their idolatry, injustice, and unfaithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing that God is not a passive observer but the active orchestrator of history, even using pagan empires like Babylon ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant")) to execute His righteous judgment against sin. This demonstrates His ultimate control over nations and their destinies. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience and Idolatry**, illustrating the severe and inescapable repercussions for nations that reject God's warnings and persist in their wickedness. The "madness" and "trembling" are direct, terrifying results of their rebellion against divine truth and justice. Thirdly, the vivid imagery of the "wine cup of fury" and the "sword" points to the theme of **God's Wrath and Justice**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to upholding His moral order and bringing about justice upon the earth. This serves as a stark warning and a profound call to repentance, not only for the nations mentioned but for all who hear and consider God's word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drink (Hebrew, _shâthâh'_):** From H8354, a primitive root meaning to imbibe, literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies the forced and inescapable consumption of God's wrath, indicating that the nations will fully experience the devastating consequences of divine judgment, as if drinking a potent, intoxicating, and debilitating draught. It implies an overwhelming and unavoidable encounter with divine retribution.
* **moved (Hebrew, _gâʻash'_):** From H1607, a primitive root meaning to agitate violently; to move, shake, toss, or trouble. This word vividly describes the profound physical and psychological turmoil that will seize the nations. It conveys a sense of extreme instability, trembling, and fear, akin to a convulsion or earthquake, reflecting the utter disruption, terror, and disarray brought by the impending judgment and invasion.
* **mad (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, a primitive root meaning to be clear (originally of sound, usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus, to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave. In this context, it speaks to a state of mental derangement, confusion, and loss of composure, similar to being severely intoxicated or insane. It portrays the nations as utterly disoriented, irrational, and frantic under the weight of God's judgment, losing all control and reason.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall drink,"**: This clause immediately follows the command in [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Wine Cup of God's Fury") for Jeremiah to make the nations drink the "wine cup of God's fury." It signifies the inevitable and compulsory reception of God's judgment. The nations have no choice but to consume this bitter cup, indicating their complete subjection to divine will and the full, unmitigated experience of His wrath.
* **"and be moved,"**: This phrase describes the immediate physical and psychological effect of "drinking" the cup. The nations will be violently agitated, trembling, and shaken to their core. This depicts a state of profound instability, fear, and even physical convulsions, reflecting the overwhelming shock and terror that accompanies the invasion and destruction. Their foundations, both societal and personal, will be violently disturbed.
* **"and be mad,"**: Following "be moved," this clause intensifies the description of distress. The nations will descend into a state of mental derangement, confusion, and irrational behavior, akin to madness or extreme intoxication. This illustrates the utter loss of composure, reason, and control in the face of overwhelming calamity, signifying a complete breakdown of their societal order and individual well-being.
* **"because of the sword that I will send among them."**: This final clause provides the explicit cause and divine agency behind the nations' suffering. The "sword" symbolizes warfare, invasion, and military defeat—the primary instrument through which God's judgment will be executed. The emphatic "that I will send among them" underscores God's active role and sovereign control over these events, affirming that the destruction is not random but a deliberate, purposeful act of divine retribution against their sin.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:16 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The central metaphor is the "wine cup of God's fury," which the nations are compelled to "drink." This is a powerful symbol of receiving and experiencing the full measure of divine wrath and judgment, much like consuming an intoxicating and debilitating poison that strips away reason and stability. The effects of this "drink"—to "be moved" and "be mad"—are vivid **hyperbolic** descriptions of extreme physical and psychological distress, akin to severe intoxication or insanity, emphasizing the overwhelming, disorienting, and utterly devastating nature of the impending calamity. The "sword" is another potent symbol, representing the instrument of God's judgment, specifically warfare, invasion, destruction, and violence. The phrase "I will send" highlights divine **Agency** and **Sovereignty**, asserting that God is the ultimate orchestrator of these events, using human instruments (like the Babylonian army) to achieve His righteous purposes. The progression from drinking to being moved and then mad creates a powerful sense of escalating horror and irreversible decline, employing **Climax** to underscore the severity and finality of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:16 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divine retribution and the inescapable consequences of corporate and national sin. It serves as a stark reminder that God, as the righteous judge of all the earth, holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly their idolatry, injustice, and rejection of His prophetic warnings. The imagery of the "cup of wrath" is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, symbolizing the full measure of God's indignation poured out upon the wicked. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to use even pagan empires as instruments of His justice, ultimately bringing about His will in human history. The resulting madness and confusion emphasize the terrifying nature of being outside of God's favor and under the weight of His righteous judgment, serving as a powerful testament to the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin.

* [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - Jerusalem Drinks the Cup of Trembling")
* [Psalm 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath")
* [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:16 offers a sobering reflection on the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. It challenges us to consider the seriousness with which God views unrighteousness, both individually and corporately. The "madness" and "trembling" described serve as a powerful warning: to persist in rebellion against God is to invite profound disorientation, instability, and suffering into one's life or society. This verse compels us to examine our own lives and communities, asking whether we are living in alignment with God's truth and righteous standards or if we are, perhaps unknowingly, "drinking" from a cup of self-chosen destruction through our choices and priorities. It calls for humility, genuine repentance, and a renewed commitment to seeking God's will above all else, recognizing that His justice is as sure as His love. Understanding the severity of judgment should not lead to despair, but rather to a deeper appreciation for God's boundless mercy and an urgent desire to walk in His ways, trusting in His ultimate sovereignty and finding true peace in His presence, even amidst the chaos of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "drinking" God's wrath challenge my understanding of His justice and holiness, and what does it reveal about the nature of sin?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be experiencing spiritual or emotional "madness" or "trembling" due to choices that defy God's will or neglect His truth?**
* **What specific actions can I take today to align my life more fully with God's righteous standards, and how can I share this understanding with others who may be unaware of the consequences of disobedience?**

### FAQ
**What does the "wine cup of God's fury" symbolize in Jeremiah and other biblical texts?**

Answer: The "wine cup of God's fury" is a powerful and recurring biblical metaphor symbolizing the full measure of God's righteous wrath and judgment poured out upon individuals or nations for their sin. When someone is made to "drink" from this cup, it means they are compelled to experience the devastating and unavoidable consequences of divine retribution, often manifested through war, destruction, exile, or other forms of severe suffering and calamity. It signifies an inescapable and overwhelming encounter with God's justice, where the recipient must endure the bitter and intoxicating effects of His indignation. This imagery appears in various prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - Jerusalem Drinks the Cup of Trembling"), where Jerusalem itself drinks the cup, and [Ezekiel 23:33](/ezekiel/23-33 "Ezekiel 23:33 - The Cup of Horror and Desolation"), emphasizing the horror and desolation it brings. This motif culminates in the New Testament with vivid descriptions of God's final judgment in [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath"), where the wicked drink "the wine of the wrath of God, poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 25:16 vividly portrays the terrifying judgment awaiting unrepentant nations, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment points to the profound mercy and substitutionary work of Jesus Christ. The "wine cup of God's fury" that the nations were compelled to drink, leading to madness and trembling, represents the full, undiluted wrath of God against human sin and rebellion. Yet, in the New Testament, we witness Jesus Himself grappling with this very cup in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). This was not a cup of mere physical suffering, but the terrifying cup of God's righteous wrath against the sins of all humanity. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly drank this cup to its dregs on the cross, enduring the full measure of divine judgment that we, by our sin, justly deserved. Through His unparalleled sacrifice, those who believe in Him are miraculously spared from drinking this cup of wrath, for He has fully absorbed its bitterness and its devastating effects. His death and glorious resurrection offer a pathway to true peace, spiritual sanity, and eternal life, rescuing humanity from the spiritual "madness" and "trembling" that sin inevitably brings, offering instead the [peace of God, which surpasses all understanding](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy, while a stark warning of judgment, ultimately magnifies the immeasurable grace and redemptive power found in Christ, who became our substitute and bore our judgment, offering salvation to all who trust in Him.

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

Nahum 3:11

Thou also shalt be drunken: thou shalt be hid, thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy.

Jeremiah 51:7

Babylon [hath been] a golden cup in the LORD'S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.

Revelation 16:9

And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

Revelation 16:11

And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

Ezekiel 23:32

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large: thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much.

Ezekiel 23:34

Thou shalt even drink it and suck [it] out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 51:39

In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the LORD.