Jeremiah 25:18

KJV

[To wit], Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as [it is] this day;

KJV (with Strong's)

To wit, Jerusalem {H3389}, and the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and the kings {H4428} thereof, and the princes {H8269} thereof, to make {H5414} them a desolation {H2723}, an astonishment {H8047}, an hissing {H8322}, and a curse {H7045}; as it is this day {H3117};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yerushalayim and the cities of Y'hudah, along with their kings and leaders, to make them a ruin and an object of horror, ridicule and cursing, as it is today;

Berean Standard Bible

to make them a ruin, an object of horror and contempt and cursing, as they are to this day—Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, its kings and officials;

American Standard Version

to wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, a hissing, and a curse, as it is this day;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:18 powerfully declares God's impending and severe judgment upon Jerusalem, the cities of Judah, and their leadership. This verse encapsulates the dire consequences of their persistent idolatry, covenant infidelity, and rebellion, detailing the divine decree that would transform them into a desolate ruin, an object of horror and shock, a sound of scorn, and a public curse. It ominously concludes by affirming the present reality or absolute certainty of this judgment, highlighting God's unwavering righteousness and the inevitability of His prophetic word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:18 is strategically placed within a pivotal prophetic discourse, often termed the "Seventy Years Prophecy," spanning [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - The Seventy Years Prophecy and Judgment of Nations"). The preceding verses ([Jeremiah 25:1-14](/jeremiah/25-1-14 "Jeremiah 25:1-14 - Judah's Persistent Disobedience")) establish the Lord's long-suffering patience and His repeated, yet unheeded, calls to repentance through His prophets. Verse 15 introduces the dramatic imagery of the "cup of the wine of this fury," which the Lord commands Jeremiah to make all nations drink, beginning specifically with Jerusalem and Judah. This symbolic act signifies the comprehensive outpouring of divine wrath. Jeremiah 25:18 precisely identifies the initial and primary recipients of this judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent enumeration of other nations who will also partake of this cup of judgment ([Jeremiah 25:19-26](/jeremiah/25-19-26 "Jeremiah 25:19-26 - Other Nations Drink the Cup of Wrath")), ultimately culminating in the judgment upon Babylon ([Jeremiah 25:27-38](/jeremiah/25-27-38 "Jeremiah 25:27-38 - Judgment on Babylon and the Whole Earth")). Thus, the verse functions as a concrete and specific application of the general principle of divine judgment introduced earlier in the chapter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during the turbulent late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the decline of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and the meteoric rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Judah, a small kingdom, found itself precariously positioned between these global powers, vacillating in its political alliances and, more importantly, in its religious fidelity to Yahweh. Despite repeated and urgent warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people, their kings, and their princes largely persisted in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a dangerous, false sense of security rooted in the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem. The phrase "as it is this day" in Jeremiah 25:18 strongly suggests that the prophecy was being uttered either as the initial stages of Babylonian incursions were already underway (e.g., the first deportation in 605 BCE) or with such absolute prophetic certainty that the future destruction was spoken of as if it were already a present, undeniable reality. Culturally, the concept of curses as direct consequences of covenant infidelity was deeply ingrained in Israelite thought and law, vividly outlined in passages such as [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating God's unwavering righteousness and His commitment to holding His covenant people accountable for their persistent sin. Their unrepentant disobedience, despite repeated divine warnings, necessitates this severe divine intervention. Secondly, the verse underscores the profound **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience**, vividly portraying the physical, social, and spiritual ruin that inevitably results from rejecting God's commands. The terms "desolation," "astonishment," "hissing," and "curse" are not mere rhetorical flourishes but concrete descriptions of the national humiliation, suffering, and destruction that would befall Judah. This aligns perfectly with the prophetic emphasis on the direct link between national sin and national suffering, a theme pervasive throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 1:4-9](/isaiah/1-4-9 "Isaiah 1:4-9 - Israel's Rebellion and Desolation")). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment and God's Sovereignty**, as Jeremiah's words, though initially met with resistance and skepticism, were ultimately and undeniably fulfilled through the Babylonian invasions and the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE, leading to the [Babylonian exile](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - The Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** From the passive participle of a root meaning "to found" and a root meaning "peaceful," suggesting "founded peaceful." This name, ironically, becomes the subject of utter destruction in this verse, highlighting the tragic reversal of its intended destiny due to profound sin and rebellion. It represents not merely a geographical location but the spiritual and political heart of Judah, the chosen dwelling place of God's presence, whose defilement and unfaithfulness brought about severe divine consequences.
* **desolation (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_):** Feminine of a word meaning "drought," this term properly signifies a state of dryness or barrenness. By implication, it refers to utter ruin, a place laid waste, or a decayed place. In this context, it speaks to the profound physical devastation and emptiness that would befall the land and its cities, transforming once vibrant life and habitation into a desolate wasteland, devoid of prosperity and human presence.
* **curse (Hebrew, _qᵉlâlâh'_):** From a root meaning "to be light" or "to be swift," which in a negative sense implies vilification, contempt, or a state of being under divine disfavor. A curse denotes the bringing of misfortune, adversity, and a reversal of blessing. It signifies a public declaration of divine judgment, marking the cursed as an object of scorn, divine displeasure, and the withdrawal of God's favor and protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[To wit], Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof":** This opening clause precisely identifies the comprehensive targets of God's impending judgment. The archaic phrase "to wit" functions as an explanatory "namely" or "that is to say," introducing the specific entities. "Jerusalem," as the capital, religious center, and symbolic heart of the nation, and "the cities of Judah" represent the entire populace and geographical extent of the kingdom. The explicit inclusion of "the kings thereof, and the princes thereof" underscores that the leadership, who bore significant responsibility for guiding the nation in righteousness but instead often led them astray into idolatry and injustice, would not be exempt from the impending catastrophe. This highlights the all-encompassing nature of the judgment, affecting both the general populace and their highest authorities.
* **"to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse;":** This is the core declaration of judgment, detailing the fourfold, devastating outcome of God's wrath. The verb "to make" (Hebrew _nâthan_, "to give, put, make") indicates God's active, intentional, and sovereign role in bringing about these conditions. "Desolation" (Hebrew _chorbâh_) speaks to the physical ruin and emptiness that would render the land uninhabitable. "Astonishment" (Hebrew _shammâh_) describes the profound shock, horror, and consternation that would grip both the surviving inhabitants and, more broadly, those who witnessed Judah's catastrophic plight. "Hissing" (Hebrew _shᵉrêqâh_) refers to a sound of derision, scorn, or lament, indicating that Judah would become an object of mockery, pity, or sorrow for surrounding nations. Finally, "a curse" (Hebrew _qᵉlâlâh_) signifies a state of profound divine disfavor, where all blessings are withdrawn, and misfortune, adversity, and public disgrace prevail. These terms collectively paint a vivid and inescapable picture of utter ruin, national humiliation, and divine abandonment.
* **"as [it is] this day;":** This concluding phrase is profoundly significant and carries deep prophetic weight. It can be interpreted in two complementary ways, both valid within the broader context of prophetic literature. Firstly, it could mean that the initial stages of this prophesied judgment were already visibly manifesting or beginning to occur at the very moment Jeremiah uttered this prophecy, perhaps referring to the early Babylonian incursions or the increasing distress and decline within Judah. Secondly, and more commonly in prophetic contexts, it functions as a powerful declaration of the absolute certainty and inevitability of the prophecy's fulfillment. God's word is so sure, His decree so unchangeable, that the future event is spoken of as if it were already a present reality. This serves as a potent validation of Jeremiah's prophetic message, underscoring the divine decree's unalterable nature and the guaranteed outcome of Judah's persistent rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:18 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of impending and inescapable judgment. The primary device is the **Prophetic Oracle**, where the prophet delivers a direct, authoritative message from God, often in the form of a declaration of future events. The phrase "to make them..." clearly indicates divine agency and intentionality in bringing about the described conditions. **Enumeration** is used effectively to list the specific, comprehensive targets of judgment ("Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof"), emphasizing the wide-reaching scope of the divine wrath. The most striking device is the use of a **Fourfold Parallelism** or a **Quartet of Judgment Terms**: "a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse." This creates a powerful cumulative effect, intensifying the sense of utter ruin, public disgrace, and divine abandonment. Each term builds upon the last, painting a vivid and inescapable picture of national catastrophe. The final phrase, "as it is this day," functions as a powerful **Affirmation of Certainty**, blurring the lines between future prophecy and present reality, thus underscoring the absolute reliability of God's word and the inevitability of the judgment. This also serves as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the "peaceful foundation" of Jerusalem is utterly shattered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:18 stands as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering justice, His holiness, and His absolute sovereignty over nations. It reveals that the Lord is not merely a benevolent deity but also a righteous judge who holds His covenant people, and indeed all humanity, accountable for their actions. The severe judgment pronounced upon Judah underscores the gravity of covenant infidelity, persistent rebellion, and spiritual apathy against divine commands. This passage reminds us that God's patience, though immense, has limits, and His warnings, delivered through His faithful prophets, are not to be trifled with. The "cup of wrath" imagery, introduced earlier in the chapter, signifies a deliberate, comprehensive, and just outpouring of divine displeasure, a righteous recompense for generations of idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual indifference. The theological implication is clear: sin, left unrepented and unaddressed, inevitably leads to devastating consequences, both individually and corporately, demonstrating that God's character demands a response of reverence and obedience.

* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 2:15](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15 - Jerusalem as a Hissing and Astonishment")
* [Ezekiel 5:14-15](/ezekiel/5-14-15 "Ezekiel 5:14-15 - Jerusalem a Reproach and Astonishment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:18, though deeply rooted in the ancient history of Judah, carries timeless and profound relevance for believers today. It serves as a sober reminder that God is eternally holy and just, and His immutable character demands a response of profound reverence, humble submission, and faithful obedience from His people. While we now live under the New Covenant of grace, the spiritual principles of sowing and reaping, and the inherent seriousness of sin, remain immutable. This verse challenges us to engage in honest self-examination of our own lives and communities: are there areas where we, individually or corporately, have become complacent, rebellious, or indifferent to God's revealed will in His Word? Are we living in a way that truly brings honor and glory to His name, or are we, like ancient Judah, inadvertently inviting spiritual consequences through our choices and priorities? This passage calls us to genuine repentance, to heed the warnings and wisdom found in God's Word, and to live in humble, active submission to His sovereign authority. It fosters a healthy and reverent fear of God, not as a terror-inducing dread, but as a profound respect for His righteousness, power, and the ultimate consequences of rejecting His truth, thereby motivating us to pursue holiness and to cherish the boundless grace that has been so freely given to us in Christ Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of God's judgment on Judah in this verse deepen your understanding of His holiness and justice, and how does this impact your daily walk with Him?**
* **In what specific ways might we, as individuals or as the church today, be prone to similar forms of spiritual complacency, idolatry, or rebellion that could invite divine displeasure or spiritual barrenness?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can you take this week to ensure your life is more fully aligned with God's will, so that you might avoid the "desolation" of spiritual barrenness and instead experience His abundant life?**

### FAQ
**What does "as it is this day" mean in Jeremiah 25:18?**

Answer: The phrase "as it is this day" in Jeremiah 25:18 carries significant prophetic weight and can be interpreted in two primary, complementary ways, both reflecting the absolute certainty of God's word. Firstly, it might indicate that the initial stages of the prophesied judgment were already beginning to manifest or were visibly apparent at the very time Jeremiah spoke these words, perhaps referring to the early Babylonian incursions (such as the first deportation in 605 BCE) or the increasing distress and decline within Judah. Secondly, and more commonly in prophetic literature, it serves as a powerful rhetorical device emphasizing the absolute certainty and inevitability of the prophecy's complete fulfillment. God's word is so utterly sure, His divine decree so unchangeable, that the future event is spoken of as if it were already a present reality. This serves to underscore the unalterable nature of His divine judgment and powerfully validate Jeremiah's message, confirming that the promised devastation was not a distant possibility but a guaranteed outcome due to Judah's persistent sin, a theme echoed in other prophetic warnings like [Jeremiah 19:8](/jeremiah/19-8 "Jeremiah 19:8 - Jerusalem as an Astonishment and Hissing").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 25:18 speaks pointedly of judgment and desolation for Old Testament Israel due to their covenant unfaithfulness, its ultimate theological trajectory and redemptive fulfillment point profoundly towards Christ. The "curse" pronounced upon Judah in this verse, a consequence of their sin, finds its most radical and glorious resolution in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, indeed all creation, was fundamentally under a curse due to sin, a state of alienation, condemnation, and judgment from a holy God, as the Apostle Paul articulates in [Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - Under the Curse of the Law"), stating that "all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse." However, Christ, in an unparalleled act of divine love and substitutionary atonement, became a curse for us, bearing the full, unmitigated weight of divine judgment on the cross. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") triumphantly declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." He absorbed the "desolation," the "astonishment," and the "hissing" of God's righteous wrath, transforming the curse into an outpouring of blessing for all who place their faith in Him. The judgment that fell upon Jerusalem for its unfaithfulness thus foreshadows the greater, universal judgment for sin, from which believers are miraculously delivered through faith in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Therefore, while Jeremiah 25:18 vividly reveals the severity of God's justice against sin, it simultaneously magnifies the glorious and unparalleled grace found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the demands of the law and bore its curse, offering true peace, reconciliation, and eternal life where there was once only desolation and despair.

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 44:22

So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, [and] because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.

Jeremiah 24:9

And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

Psalms 60:3

Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

Jeremiah 21:6

And I will smite the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast: they shall die of a great pestilence.

Jeremiah 21:10

For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.

Daniel 9:12

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.