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.

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}.

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!

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!

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

Jeremiah 25:28 (KJV) delivers a powerful and stark message from the LORD, emphasizing the inevitability of divine judgment for those who resist His will. This verse is part of a larger prophetic declaration concerning God's wrath poured out upon various nations, symbolized by a "cup of wine of fury."

Context of Jeremiah 25:28

In Jeremiah chapter 25, the prophet Jeremiah is commanded by God to make the nations drink from a symbolic "cup of the wine of God's fury." This cup represents the severe judgment and punishment that God is about to inflict upon Jerusalem, Judah, and surrounding nations for their idolatry and disobedience. The prophecy specifically highlights the seventy-year Babylonian captivity for Judah, a period of severe chastisement (see Jeremiah 29:10). Verse 28 underscores that if any nation or people refuse to accept this divine judgment willingly, they will be forced to endure it nonetheless. The implication is clear: God's word and decree will be fulfilled, regardless of human resistance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) powerfully asserts God's absolute authority and control over all creation and nations. It signals that this is not merely Jeremiah's word, but a direct, unchangeable decree from the Almighty.
  • Inevitable Judgment: The core message is the certainty of judgment for disobedience. Refusal to acknowledge or submit to God's ordained consequences does not avert them; it only guarantees they will be experienced by force. This highlights God's justice and His commitment to upholding His moral order.
  • The "Cup" Metaphor: Throughout the Bible, a "cup" often symbolizes destiny, suffering, or divine wrath. Here, it represents the full measure of God's judgment and punishment. Other scriptures similarly use this imagery to depict judgment (e.g., Psalm 75:8) or even suffering that must be endured, as seen in Christ's prayer in Gethsemane.

Linguistic Insights

The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is particularly significant. Sabaoth means "armies" or "hosts," referring to celestial armies, earthly armies, or the entire created order. When God is called "LORD of hosts," it emphasizes His supreme power as the commander of all forces, both heavenly and earthly. This title reinforces the idea that His decrees are backed by irresistible might, making the judgment of the cup truly inescapable.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 25:28 serves as a timeless reminder of God's unwavering justice and the consequences of rebellion. For a general audience today, it teaches several important lessons:

  • Accountability: All people and nations are accountable to God. Ignoring His commands or denying the reality of His judgments does not make them disappear.
  • The Seriousness of Sin: The "cup of wrath" imagery underscores the gravity of sin and disobedience in God's eyes. There are always consequences for turning away from His ways.
  • Humility and Submission: The verse encourages humility and submission to God's will. It is far better to acknowledge and repent than to stubbornly resist and face forced judgment. While this passage speaks of national judgment, the principle applies personally: God’s truth and justice will ultimately prevail.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:
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