Jeremiah 25:17

KJV

Then took I the cup at the LORD'S hand, and made all the nations to drink, unto whom the LORD had sent me:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then took {H3947} I the cup {H3563} at the LORD'S {H3068} hand {H3027}, and made all the nations {H1471} to drink {H8248}, unto whom the LORD {H3068} had sent {H7971} me:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I took the cup from ADONAI's hand and made all the nations drink, where ADONAI had sent me -

Berean Standard Bible

So I took the cup from the LORD’s hand and made all the nations drink from it, each one to whom the LORD had sent me,

American Standard Version

Then took I the cup at Jehovah’s hand, and made all the nations to drink, unto whom Jehovah had sent me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:17 describes the prophet Jeremiah's obedient act of taking a symbolic cup from the hand of the LORD and making all the nations, to whom the LORD had sent him, drink from it. This action vividly portrays the impending and universal judgment of God, signifying that the divine wrath, symbolized by the "cup of fury," would be poured out not only upon Judah but also upon the surrounding Gentile nations that had engaged in wickedness and opposed God's purposes. Jeremiah, in this prophetic drama, serves as the direct instrument of God's sovereign will in executing this widespread judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25 marks a crucial turning point in the prophet's message, serving as a summary and culmination of his warnings over 23 years, as explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 25:3](/jeremiah/25-3 "Jeremiah 25:3 - Jeremiah's 23 Years of Prophecy"). The chapter begins by prophesying the 70-year Babylonian exile for Judah due to their persistent disobedience ([Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Prophecy of Babylonian Exile")). Immediately following this, the prophetic scope broadens dramatically from Judah to encompass a "cup of the wine of this fury" that is to be drunk by "all the nations" ([Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Fury")). Verse 17 directly follows this divine command, depicting Jeremiah's immediate and faithful execution of the symbolic act, thereby initiating the detailed "oracle against the nations" that continues through [Jeremiah 25:18-26](/jeremiah/25-18 "Jeremiah 25:18-26 - The Nations Drink the Cup"). This structure underscores the universality of God's judgment and the prophet's role as God's messenger to the entire world, not just Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 25 is the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period dominated by the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. Judah, caught between the declining Assyrian power and the ascendant Babylon, frequently vacillated between alliances and rebellion, often looking to Egypt for support rather than trusting in the LORD. Culturally, the "cup" was a common ancient Near Eastern metaphor for one's destiny or lot, often associated with suffering or divine judgment. Kings and nations understood the concept of a conquering power imposing its will and exacting tribute or punishment. Jeremiah's prophetic action would have resonated deeply with a people familiar with such imagery, signifying an inescapable fate decreed by the ultimate sovereign, Yahweh, who was now using Babylon as His instrument of judgment against not only Judah but also the surrounding nations like Egypt, Philistia, Edom, Moab, and Ammon, all of whom had their own histories of idolatry, injustice, and opposition to God's people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **universality of God's judgment**, demonstrating that the LORD's authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations, holding them accountable for their actions and idolatry, a theme echoed in prophetic books like [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against the Nations") and [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Secondly, it emphasizes **divine sovereignty**, asserting that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, using even pagan empires like Babylon to fulfill His purposes, as seen in [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Thirdly, the "cup" imagery underscores the **inevitability of divine wrath** against sin and rebellion, a motif found elsewhere, such as in [Psalm 75:8](/psalm/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath"). Finally, Jeremiah's obedient act reinforces the theme of **prophetic faithfulness**, as he courageously delivers a message of doom, even when it is unpopular and dangerous, fulfilling his commission from [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Commission to Uproot and Build").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cup (Hebrew, _kôwç'_):** H3563. This word, derived from a root meaning "to hold together," refers to a container for drinking. In this context, it is used figuratively to represent a "lot" or "potion," specifically the portion of divine wrath and judgment. The imagery of drinking a cup of suffering or wrath is a pervasive biblical metaphor, signifying the full, inescapable experience of a decreed destiny. Here, it is the "cup of the wine of this fury" (Jeremiah 25:15), indicating the intoxicating and overwhelming nature of God's indignation.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027. This primitive word refers to the open hand, often symbolizing power, means, direction, or agency. When Jeremiah takes the cup "at the LORD'S hand," it emphasizes that the authority, initiative, and power behind this act of judgment originate solely with Yahweh. Jeremiah is not acting on his own volition or power but as a direct agent of divine command, highlighting God's absolute control and active involvement in the unfolding events.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** H1471. This term refers to a foreign nation or Gentile people. Its use here signifies the universal scope of God's judgment, extending beyond Israel to include all the surrounding peoples. This underscores the theological truth that God is the sovereign ruler over all humanity, not just a tribal deity, and that all nations are accountable to Him for their actions, particularly their oppression of His people and their idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then took I the cup at the LORD'S hand,"**: This clause immediately establishes Jeremiah's active obedience to the divine command given in [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Command to Take the Cup"). The phrase "at the LORD'S hand" signifies that the action is not merely symbolic but is divinely ordained and empowered. Jeremiah is acting as God's representative, receiving the instrument of judgment directly from the ultimate authority. This highlights the prophet's submission and the divine origin of the impending judgment.
* **"and made all the nations to drink, unto whom the LORD had sent me:"**: This second clause details the execution of the prophetic act and clarifies its extensive scope. Jeremiah's role is to ensure that "all the nations" partake in this bitter cup of wrath. The qualifying phrase "unto whom the LORD had sent me" reinforces the divine commission and limits the scope to those specific nations listed in the subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 25:18-26](/jeremiah/25-18 "Jeremiah 25:18-26 - The Nations Drink the Cup")). It emphasizes that the judgment is not random but targeted and precise, directed by God's sovereign will through His chosen messenger. The act of "making them drink" implies an unavoidable, forced reception of the judgment, signifying their inescapable fate.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:17 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The central symbol is the "cup," which serves as a powerful **metaphor** for divine wrath and judgment. This is a recurring motif in biblical literature, where drinking from a cup signifies experiencing a decreed destiny, often one of suffering or punishment. The act of Jeremiah taking the cup and making nations drink is a form of **prophetic drama** or **acted prophecy**, where the prophet's physical actions embody and communicate God's message more vividly than words alone. This dramatic performance serves to impress upon the audience the certainty and severity of the impending judgment. The phrase "at the LORD'S hand" also employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (having a hand) to God, which serves to emphasize God's direct agency and involvement in the events, making the divine command tangible and immediate to the prophet.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:17 powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. The "cup of wrath" imagery is a profound theological statement, signifying that sin, whether by God's covenant people or by pagan nations, will inevitably incur divine judgment. This passage underscores that God is not merely the God of Israel but the Lord of all creation, holding all humanity accountable to His moral standards. The prophet's obedient act highlights the principle that God often uses human instruments, even in difficult and unpopular tasks, to execute His divine will on earth. This universal judgment serves to vindicate God's righteousness and demonstrate that no nation can defy Him with impunity.

* [Psalm 75:8](/psalm/75-8 "The Cup of God's Wrath") - "For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them."
* [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Jerusalem Drinks the Cup of Wrath") - "Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out."
* [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Drinking the Wine of God's Wrath") - "The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:17 serves as a stark reminder of God's justice and His ultimate control over human history. In a world often characterized by geopolitical turmoil, the rise and fall of empires, and the apparent triumph of injustice, this verse reassures us that God is sovereign over all nations and will hold them accountable for their actions. It challenges us to consider our own lives and nations in light of God's righteous standards. While the immediate context is ancient judgment, the underlying principle of divine accountability remains timeless. For believers, it calls for a deep trust in God's perfect justice, even when circumstances seem chaotic. It also compels us to live in obedience to His commands, recognizing that disobedience, whether individual or national, carries consequences. Furthermore, it encourages us to pray for our nations, that they might turn from wickedness and embrace righteousness, and to participate in God's redemptive work in the world, knowing that His kingdom will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah's immediate obedience to a difficult divine command challenge my own willingness to obey God, especially when His will is unpopular or demanding?**
* **In what ways do I see the "cup of wrath" principle at work in the world today, whether in natural consequences, societal decline, or historical events?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over all nations (as depicted in this verse) impact my perspective on current global events and political landscapes?**
* **What specific actions can I take to live in greater alignment with God's righteous standards, both personally and in my influence on my community or nation?**

### FAQ
**What does the "cup" symbolize in Jeremiah 25:17?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 25:17, the "cup" is a powerful biblical metaphor symbolizing the outpouring of God's wrath and judgment. It represents the decreed destiny of suffering, punishment, and destruction that the nations must endure because of their wickedness, idolatry, and opposition to God's purposes. This imagery is common in the Old Testament, signifying an inescapable and overwhelming experience of divine indignation, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - Jerusalem Drinks the Cup of Wrath") and [Psalm 75:8](/psalm/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath").

**Why does Jeremiah make "all the nations" drink from the cup?**

Answer: Jeremiah makes "all the nations" drink from the cup because the LORD's judgment extends beyond Judah to encompass the entire known world of that time. This emphasizes God's universal sovereignty; He is not just the God of Israel but the supreme ruler over all peoples and kingdoms. The nations listed in [Jeremiah 25:18-26](/jeremiah/25-18 "Jeremiah 25:18-26 - The Nations Drink the Cup") had engaged in various forms of idolatry, injustice, and often oppressed God's people, making them accountable for their actions. Jeremiah's act signifies that no nation is exempt from God's righteous judgment.

**How does Jeremiah's action relate to his role as a prophet?**

Answer: Jeremiah's action in verse 17 is an example of "acted prophecy" or "prophetic drama." Rather than merely speaking God's words, Jeremiah physically performs a symbolic act that vividly communicates the divine message. By taking the cup "at the LORD'S hand" and making the nations drink, he demonstrates his faithful obedience to God's difficult commission and serves as a tangible instrument of God's will. This reinforces his role as God's chosen messenger, whose actions carry divine authority and signify the certainty of the prophesied events, as established in his initial call in [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Commission").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 25:17 speaks of a cup of judgment for the nations, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to the ultimate and profound turning of this cup in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The terrifying cup of God's wrath, which fallen humanity deserved to drink in its entirety, was instead willingly taken and fully drained by the Son of God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). This was not a physical cup, but the full measure of divine fury against sin, the very wrath symbolized in Jeremiah. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, became the recipient of this judgment, thereby absorbing the wrath that was due to all who would believe in Him. His crucifixion was the ultimate act of drinking that cup, allowing those who trust in Him to receive instead a cup of salvation and blessing ([Psalm 116:13](/psalm/116-13 "Psalm 116:13 - The Cup of Salvation")). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the universal judgment prophesied for the nations in Jeremiah is transformed into an offer of universal grace and reconciliation for all who turn to Him, fulfilling God's redemptive plan to gather people from "every nation, and all kindreds, and people, and tongues" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")) into His eternal kingdom.

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 1:10

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Jeremiah 25:28

And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thine hand to drink, then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ye shall certainly drink.

Jeremiah 46:1

¶ The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;

Jeremiah 46:28

Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I [am] with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.

Jeremiah 27:3

And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;

Ezekiel 43:3

And [it was] according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, [even] according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions [were] like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.