Jeremiah 25:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, if they refuse {H3985} to take {H3947} the cup {H3563} at thine hand {H3027} to drink {H8354}, then shalt thou say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; Ye shall certainly {H8354} drink {H8354}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If they refuse to take the cup from your hand and drink it, then say to them, 'Here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: You must drink!

Berean Standard Bible

If they refuse to take the cup from your hand and drink it, you are to tell them that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘You most certainly must drink it!

American Standard Version

And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thy hand to drink, then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Ye shall surely drink.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:28 delivers a stark and unyielding message from the LORD, underscoring the absolute certainty of divine judgment for those nations and peoples who resist His sovereign will. It is a prophetic declaration that regardless of human defiance, God's decree of punishment, symbolized by a "cup of fury," will be fully executed, ensuring that all who are appointed to drink from it will indeed do so. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate authority and the inevitability of His just consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:28 is situated within a pivotal chapter that marks a significant turning point in Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. Following two decades of warnings to Judah (Jeremiah 25:3), the chapter culminates in a comprehensive prophecy of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations. God commands Jeremiah to make all nations drink from "the cup of the wine of this fury" (Jeremiah 25:15). This symbolic action represents the outpouring of God's wrath. The preceding verses list numerous nations destined to experience this judgment, starting with Jerusalem and Judah (Jeremiah 25:18). Verse 28 specifically addresses the anticipated refusal of these nations to accept their decreed fate, emphasizing that their resistance will be futile; the judgment is inescapable and will be forcibly administered if not willingly received. This verse reinforces the divine imperative and the futility of human opposition to God's ultimate plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 25 was delivered in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, king of Judah (605 BC), a critical juncture in Judah's history. This was the year of the Battle of Carchemish, where Babylon decisively defeated Egypt, solidifying Babylon's regional dominance. Judah, caught between these two great powers, had repeatedly vacillated in its allegiance and continued in its idolatry and injustice, despite Jeremiah's persistent warnings. The "cup of fury" metaphor was a common ancient Near Eastern motif, often used to symbolize a portion or destiny, particularly one of suffering or judgment. Kings would sometimes force conquered peoples to drink a bitter potion as a sign of their subjugation. Thus, the imagery would have been immediately comprehensible to Jeremiah's audience, signifying a forced and bitter experience of divine retribution at the hands of the rising Babylonian Empire, which God used as His instrument of judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, particularly through the emphatic declaration, "[Thus saith the LORD of hosts](/jeremiah/25-28 "Jeremiah 25:28 - The LORD of Hosts Decrees Judgment"). This title underscores God's absolute control over all nations and armies, asserting His unchallengeable power to execute His will. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Inevitable Judgment for Disobedience**. It conveys that God's justice is not merely a threat but a certainty; refusal to acknowledge or submit to His ordained consequences does not avert them but guarantees their forceful experience. This theme is pervasive throughout Jeremiah, as the prophet consistently warns of the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to Judah's persistent sin, as seen in the prophecies of the [seventy-year Babylonian captivity](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Captivity"). Finally, the "cup" metaphor is a significant **Symbol of Divine Wrath and Destiny**. Throughout scripture, a cup often represents one's allotted portion, whether of blessing or, as here, of suffering and judgment, a concept echoed in passages like [Psalm 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cup (Hebrew, _kôwç'_):** H3563. From an unused root meaning "to hold together," this word denotes a container, specifically a cup. Figuratively, it represents a "lot" or "portion," as if a potion. In this context, it is explicitly the "cup of the wine of this fury" (Jeremiah 25:15), symbolizing the full measure of God's wrath and judgment to be consumed by the nations. The imagery implies a bitter, unavoidable destiny.
* **refuse (Hebrew, _mâʼên'_):** H3985. A primitive root meaning "to refuse" or "to utterly reject." This word highlights the defiant posture of the nations. Their refusal is not merely a polite decline but an act of stubborn rebellion against God's decree. The verse makes it clear that such resistance will be met with overwhelming divine force, rendering their refusal ultimately meaningless in the face of God's determined will.
* **drink (Hebrew, _shâthâh'_):** H8354. A primitive root meaning "to imbibe," literally or figuratively. The repetition of this verb, "Ye shall certainly drink," emphasizes the absolute certainty and inevitability of the judgment. Despite any refusal, the act of drinking the cup of wrath is assured, underscoring the futility of resistance against the sovereign decree of the LORD of hosts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thine hand to drink":** This clause sets up the hypothetical scenario of human defiance. Jeremiah, acting as God's representative, extends the "cup" of judgment to the nations. Their "refusal to take" signifies an act of rebellion, a rejection of God's sovereign decree and the consequences for their sin. The phrase "at thine hand" emphasizes that the judgment is being administered directly by God through His prophet, making the refusal a direct affront to divine authority.
* **"then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ye shall certainly drink.":** This clause delivers the divine, unalterable response to human defiance. The emphatic "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" serves as a powerful preamble, asserting the supreme authority and irresistible power of God, the commander of all heavenly and earthly armies. The subsequent declaration, "Ye shall certainly drink," uses a strong, double emphasis in the Hebrew (an infinitive absolute before the finite verb) to convey absolute certainty. It means, "Drinking, you shall drink!" or "You shall surely, indeed, without fail drink!" This leaves no room for escape or negotiation; God's judgment will be executed fully and inescapably, regardless of their resistance.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:28 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "cup" (Jeremiah 25:15) serves as a powerful symbol for God's wrath, judgment, and the destined suffering of the nations. This metaphor transforms an ordinary object into a vessel of divine retribution, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible and stark. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis through Repetition and Intensification**, particularly in the Hebrew original of "Ye shall certainly drink." The use of the infinitive absolute before the verb ("drinking, you shall drink") creates an emphatic and absolute statement, leaving no doubt about the inevitability of the judgment. Furthermore, the phrase "at thine hand" can be seen as a subtle form of **Personification**, as the cup is presented as something offered by Jeremiah's hand, implying a direct, personal, and unavoidable encounter with the divine decree. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, a formal pronouncement of future events rooted in divine authority, characterized by its direct address and solemn tone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:28 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His absolute sovereignty over all creation. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not merely an observer of human history but its ultimate orchestrator, holding all nations accountable for their actions. The "cup of wrath" imagery is a profound theological concept, representing the full measure of divine indignation against sin and rebellion. This passage emphasizes that while God is patient and merciful, His justice is an intrinsic part of His character, and there are inevitable consequences for persistent disobedience. The refusal of nations to "take the cup" highlights humanity's propensity for rebellion against divine authority, yet God's declaration, "Ye shall certainly drink," asserts that His will ultimately prevails, regardless of human defiance. This divine resolve ensures that His moral order will be upheld and His purposes fulfilled, even through the painful process of judgment.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:28 serves as a profound and sobering reminder that God's justice is not a theoretical concept but an active, inescapable reality. For us today, this verse calls for a deep introspection into our own lives and our posture towards God's will. Do we, individually or corporately, harbor a spirit of defiance, refusing to acknowledge areas where we fall short of God's standards or stubbornly resist His clear commands? The "cup" can represent not only judgment but also the difficult circumstances or disciplinary actions God allows in our lives to bring us to repentance and conformity to His will. This passage challenges us to consider the futility of resisting God's sovereign hand; true wisdom lies in humble submission and repentance rather than defiant opposition. It compels us to recognize that God's word, whether of warning or promise, will always come to pass. Therefore, we are called to align our lives with His truth, embracing His righteous ways and seeking His mercy, knowing that His ultimate purposes cannot be thwarted by human stubbornness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "refusing to take the cup" – resisting God's will or ignoring His call to repentance?**
* **How does the inevitability of God's judgment, as described in this verse, shape my understanding of His character and my response to His commands?**
* **What does it mean to "drink" from God's hand willingly, rather than being forced to, in the context of my spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**What does the "cup" symbolize in Jeremiah 25:28 and other biblical passages?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 25:28, the "cup" symbolizes the full measure of God's wrath and judgment. It is explicitly called "the cup of the wine of this fury" (Jeremiah 25:15). This imagery is common in the Old Testament, where drinking from a cup often represents receiving one's allotted destiny, whether of blessing or, more frequently, of suffering, sorrow, or divine punishment. For instance, [Psalm 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of Wrath") speaks of God holding a cup of "foaming wine" for the wicked, and [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - Jerusalem Drinks the Cup of Trembling") describes Jerusalem drinking "the cup of staggering." In the New Testament, this metaphor extends to the suffering Christ would endure, as seen in His prayer in Gethsemane, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Ultimately, the cup represents the bitter, unavoidable portion of divine justice.

**Is God's judgment always inevitable, as suggested by "Ye shall certainly drink"?**

Answer: Jeremiah 25:28 strongly emphasizes the inevitability of God's judgment when His warnings are persistently ignored and His will is defiantly resisted. The phrase "Ye shall certainly drink" uses an emphatic Hebrew construction to convey absolute certainty. While God is merciful and offers opportunities for repentance (as Jeremiah consistently did for Judah for over two decades, [Jeremiah 25:3](/jeremiah/25-3 "Jeremiah 25:3 - Jeremiah's Twenty Years of Prophecy")), there comes a point when His patience is exhausted, and His justice must be executed. For those who "refuse to take the cup" of judgment willingly through repentance, the judgment becomes a forced and inescapable reality. This principle is foundational to understanding God's character: He is both loving and just, and His word will not return to Him empty ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:28, with its stark declaration of inevitable judgment and the forced drinking of the cup of God's wrath, finds its profoundest Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the nations of Jeremiah's day were compelled to drink the cup of God's fury due to their rebellion, Jesus, the innocent Son of God, willingly drank the ultimate cup of divine wrath on behalf of a rebellious humanity. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus agonized over this very "cup," praying, "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 was not a cup of physical suffering alone, but the concentrated essence of God's righteous indignation against all human sin, the very wrath described in passages like [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed"). By drinking this cup to its dregs on the cross, Jesus fully absorbed the judgment that was due to us, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His voluntary suffering ensures that all who believe in Him are spared from having to drink that cup themselves, demonstrating that while judgment is certain, for those in Christ, it has been fully satisfied by the one who "became sin for us" ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:51 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy of an inescapable cup of judgment ultimately points to the Messiah who willingly embraced that inescapable judgment for the salvation of all who would otherwise be forced to drink it.

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

Job 34:33

[Should it be] according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Isaiah 46:11

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.

Jeremiah 49:12

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, they whose judgment [was] not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunken; and [art] thou he [that] shall altogether go unpunished? thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink [of it].

Jeremiah 51:29

And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant.

Ephesians 1:11

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: