Jeremiah 25:27

KJV

Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thou shalt say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Drink {H8354} ye, and be drunken {H7937}, and spue {H7006}, and fall {H5307}, and rise {H6965} no more, because {H6440} of the sword {H2719} which I will send {H7971} among you.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to say to them, 'Here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: Drink until you're so drunk that you throw up, fall down, and never get up again, because of the sword I am sending among you!'

Berean Standard Bible

“Then you are to tell them that this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Drink, get drunk, and vomit. Fall down and never get up again, because of the sword I will send among you.’

American Standard Version

And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Drink ye, and be drunken, and spew, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:27 delivers a severe prophetic pronouncement from the LORD of hosts, commanding the nations to consume the cup of His divine wrath, a vivid metaphor for overwhelming and inescapable judgment. This decree foretells a state of complete intoxication, humiliation, and irreversible downfall, symbolized by drunkenness, vomiting, and an inability to recover. The "sword" is identified as the instrument of this judgment, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over history and His righteous indignation against the persistent rebellion of nations, culminating in their permanent ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25 marks a crucial turning point in the book of Jeremiah, shifting from specific prophecies against Judah to a broader, comprehensive oracle of judgment against all surrounding nations. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 25:15-26) introduce the powerful and terrifying imagery of the "wine cup of My fury," which the prophet Jeremiah is divinely commanded to make all nations drink. This particular verse, Jeremiah 25:27, then elaborates on the devastating consequences of imbibing this cup, detailing the profound and permanent destruction that awaits those who oppose God's will. The oracle underscores God's universal jurisdiction, demonstrating that His judgment extends far beyond His covenant people to encompass the entire world, establishing a cosmic scope for His righteous indignation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is situated in the turbulent late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period defined by the ascendance of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah's message was delivered in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, around 605 BCE, a pivotal moment following Nebuchadnezzar's decisive victory over Egypt at Carchemish, which solidified Babylon's regional dominance. The "sword" referenced in the verse directly points to the formidable military might of Babylon, which God explicitly declares He will employ as His instrument of judgment against Judah and its neighbors. Culturally, the imagery of drinking to the point of drunkenness and vomiting would have been universally understood as a profound state of helplessness, shame, and complete loss of control, serving as a potent metaphor for nations utterly overwhelmed and humiliated by a divinely orchestrated, superior force.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. A primary theme is **Divine Judgment**, portraying God not merely as the God of Israel but as the sovereign judge over all humanity. His judgment is depicted as certain, severe, and inescapable for those who defy His cosmic authority, as evidenced by the extensive list of nations destined to drink the cup in [Jeremiah 25:19-26](/jeremiah/25-19-26 "Jeremiah 25:19-26 - The Nations Drink the Cup of Wrath"). Another critical theme is the **Consequences of Rebellion**, where the vivid descriptions of "drunkenness" and "spue" graphically illustrate the shameful, debilitating, and ultimately destructive outcome of persistent sin and defiance against God's righteous standards. The phrase "rise no more" underscores the theme of permanent ruin and defeat, a concept of finality echoed in the ultimate judgment described in [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Thrown into the Lake of Fire"). Finally, the authoritative declaration, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," unequivocally highlights **God's Absolute Sovereignty** and power over human affairs and the destiny of nations, affirming that He is the one who "will send" the sword, thereby demonstrating His ultimate control over instruments of destruction and the entire course of history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This profound divine title combines the covenant name of God, YHWH (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_, "the self-Existent or Eternal"), with the term for "hosts" (H6635, _tsâbâʼ_, "a mass of persons... especially reg. organized for war (an army)"). Together, "LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's supreme power and authority as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation. This title reinforces the irresistibility and unavoidable nature of His judgment, highlighting His omnipotence and His ability to marshal both celestial and earthly forces to accomplish His sovereign will.
* **spue (Hebrew, _qâyâh'_):** From Strong's H7006, this primitive root means "to vomit." In the context of Jeremiah 25:27, its inclusion adds a graphic and visceral dimension to the metaphor of drunkenness. It signifies not merely intoxication, but a complete and humiliating loss of control, dignity, and physical well-being. The act of publicly vomiting would have been considered profoundly shameful and degrading in ancient cultures, powerfully underscoring the utter degradation, helplessness, and revulsion that will accompany God's wrath upon these condemned nations.
* **fall, and rise no more (Hebrew, _nâphal_ and _qûwm'_):** These two verbs, _nâphal_ (H5307, "to fall, in a great variety of applications... ruin, overthrow") and _qûwm_ (H6965, "to rise... endure, establish"), create a stark and powerful antithesis. The command to "fall" indicates a complete collapse, decisive defeat, and utter ruin. The subsequent phrase "and rise no more" signifies the permanence and irreversibility of this downfall. It is not a temporary setback or a recoverable defeat, but an ultimate, final destruction from which there will be no recovery, restoration of power, or resurgence of influence. This emphasizes the absolute severity and finality of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine authority and prophetic mandate behind the ensuing message. Jeremiah functions solely as the messenger, delivering a direct and certain word originating from "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel." This comprehensive title emphasizes God's universal sovereignty (as "LORD of hosts") and His unique covenant relationship with Israel, thereby implying that His judgment extends from His chosen people to encompass all nations. The "Thus saith the LORD" formula serves as a classic prophetic declaration, lending absolute weight, certainty, and divine infallibility to the pronouncement that follows.
* **"Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more,":** This segment constitutes the core command and the vivid, escalating depiction of the judgment. The imperative verbs "Drink ye," "be drunken," and "spue" are direct commands, metaphorically instructing the nations to fully and intimately experience the debilitating and humiliating effects of God's wrath, likened to consuming a potent, intoxicating draught. "Be drunken" implies a state of profound mental and physical disorientation and moral stupor, while "spue" (vomit) adds a layer of extreme degradation, public shame, and complete loss of control. The grim sequence "fall, and rise no more" describes the ultimate, irreversible outcome: complete collapse, utter ruin, and an absolute inability to recover or regain any semblance of power or dignity after the devastating impact of divine judgment.
* **"because of the sword which I will send among you.":** This concluding clause provides the explicit reason and identifies the instrument of the judgment. The "sword" serves as a literal representation of warfare, conquest, and widespread destruction, primarily executed through the formidable Babylonian army. The crucial and declarative detail is "which I will send among you," unequivocally stating that this impending military devastation is not merely a random geopolitical event or a consequence of human ambition, but a direct, intentional, and sovereign act of God's will. He is revealed as the ultimate orchestrator of history, actively using human instruments to execute His righteous and predetermined judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:27 masterfully employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its terrifying message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where God's wrath is vividly likened to a "wine cup" (implied from the broader context of [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Wine Cup of Fury")) that the nations are commanded to "drink" until they are "drunken" and "spue." This visceral imagery transforms an abstract theological concept into a tangible, repulsive, and deeply humiliating experience, powerfully emphasizing the overwhelming and debilitating nature of divine judgment. The progression from drinking to drunkenness, vomiting, falling, and ultimately being unable to rise, creates a powerful sense of **Climax** and irreversible decline, building to a devastating conclusion. The phrase "rise no more" also functions as **Hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and finality of the destruction, suggesting a complete and permanent incapacitation from which there is no recovery. Furthermore, the declaration "the sword which I will send among you" uses **Personification** by attributing active agency and intentionality to the "sword" as an instrument of God's direct will, reinforcing God's active involvement and absolute sovereignty over the impending destruction. The pervasive use of strong **Imperative Mood** verbs ("Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall") creates a sense of direct divine command and an unavoidable, predetermined destiny for the condemned nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:27 profoundly illuminates the theological truth of God's universal sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity but the supreme ruler over all nations, holding them unequivocally accountable for their actions, idolatry, and rebellion. The "wine cup of fury" is a powerful and terrifying metaphor for the full measure of His righteous indignation against sin, demonstrating with stark clarity that persistent rebellion against Him inevitably leads to devastating and inescapable consequences. This judgment is not arbitrary or capricious but a just and holy response to ingrained defiance, highlighting God's inherent holiness and His absolute intolerance for wickedness. The verse underscores that divine judgment is comprehensive, debilitating, and ultimately irreversible for those who refuse to acknowledge His authority and turn from their destructive paths. It serves as a sober reminder that while God is patient and merciful, His justice will ultimately prevail, bringing about the downfall of all who oppose His righteous and cosmic reign.

* [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - Jerusalem Drinks the Cup of Wrath")
* [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - Drinking the Wine of God's Wrath")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - The Wrath of God Revealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:27, though originally addressed to ancient nations, carries profound and timeless implications for individuals and societies today. It compels us to confront the uncomfortable but vital reality of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering justice. In a world that frequently dismisses accountability, redefines moral truth, or seeks to establish its own autonomy, this verse stands as a stark and urgent warning: persistent rebellion against God's moral order and His ultimate authority will inevitably lead to devastating consequences. It calls us to a posture of profound humility and reverence, recognizing that our lives, our nations, and our collective choices are never outside the purview of the Almighty. For believers, this passage reinforces the gravity of sin and, by contrast, highlights the immense, undeserved grace found in Christ, who delivers us from such wrath. For those who do not yet know God, it serves as an urgent summons to recognize His supreme authority, repent of sin, and seek refuge in His mercy before the day of ultimate reckoning arrives. We are called to examine our own lives for any spiritual "drunkenness"—any apathy, moral compromise, or self-sufficiency that blinds us to God's truth and His impending judgment—urging us to live soberly, righteously, and with humble anticipation of His return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "drinking and being drunken" from God's wrath challenge or deepen my understanding of sin and its ultimate consequences?**
* **In what ways might I, or the society I live in, be spiritually "drunken" or complacent regarding God's absolute authority and unchanging moral standards?**
* **What does the phrase "rise no more" teach me about the finality and seriousness of divine judgment, and how should this understanding impact my daily living and choices?**

### FAQ
**What does the "wine cup of fury" symbolize in Jeremiah and other prophetic books?**

Answer: The "wine cup of fury" (or wrath) is a powerful and recurring biblical metaphor, particularly prominent in prophetic literature like Jeremiah and Revelation. It symbolizes the full measure of God's righteous indignation and judgment poured out upon individuals or nations for their sin, rebellion, and idolatry. Just as a cup of wine is consumed, so too must those who defy God fully experience the devastating consequences of His wrath. The act of drinking it to the point of "drunkenness" and "spue" signifies a complete loss of control, dignity, and ultimately, life, as the judgment overwhelms and incapacitates them. This metaphor emphasizes the certainty, severity, and personal experience of divine retribution, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Wine Cup of God's Fury") and vividly portrayed in [Revelation 16:19](/revelation/16-19 "Revelation 16:19 - The Great City Divided").

**Is this prophecy only for ancient nations, or does it have modern relevance?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 25:27 was immediately directed at specific ancient nations facing judgment through the Babylonian Empire, its underlying principles possess profound and timeless relevance. The prophecy reveals enduring truths about God's immutable character: His absolute sovereignty over all nations, His unwavering justice in holding humanity accountable for sin, and the inevitable consequences of rebellion against Him. Therefore, it serves as a universal warning that no nation, society, or individual is exempt from divine judgment. Though the specific instruments of judgment may change throughout history, the principle of God's righteous reckoning remains constant. Modern societies that reject God's moral law, embrace idolatry (whether of wealth, power, or self), and oppress the vulnerable can expect to face forms of divine judgment, whether through societal decay, political instability, natural disaster, or ultimately, eternal condemnation, as the Apostle Paul articulates in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - The Wrath of God Revealed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:27, with its terrifying imagery of a cup of wrath leading to irreversible downfall, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in two profound and redemptive ways. First, Jesus Christ, the innocent and spotless Son of God, voluntarily drank the full, bitter cup of God's wrath on behalf of humanity. In the agonizing Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). This "cup" was not merely physical suffering, but the concentrated, undiluted fury of God against the totality of human sin, which He, as the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore in our place on the cross. His substitutionary suffering and death absorbed the righteous judgment that justly belonged to us, thereby allowing all who believe in Him to escape the "fall, and rise no more" fate described in Jeremiah. Second, Christ is also the one through whom all future judgment will be executed. The Father has committed all judgment to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge")), meaning that the "sword" of divine retribution, whether in historical events or at the final, eschatological judgment, is ultimately wielded by the resurrected Christ. Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy of inescapable judgment underscores the immense and unparalleled salvation offered in Christ, who both bore the wrath and is the righteous judge, providing the only means of escape from the eternal consequences of sin and the only pathway to eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 25:16

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

Habakkuk 2:16

Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing [shall be] on thy glory.

Lamentations 4:21

¶ Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.

Ezekiel 21:4

Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:

Ezekiel 21:5

That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more.

Isaiah 51:21

Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:

Jeremiah 50:35

A sword [is] upon the Chaldeans, saith the LORD, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise [men].