Jeremiah 25:31

KJV

A noise shall come [even] to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them [that are] wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

A noise {H7588} shall come {H935} even to the ends {H7097} of the earth {H776}; for the LORD {H3068} hath a controversy {H7379} with the nations {H1471}, he will plead {H8199} with all flesh {H1320}; he will give {H5414} them that are wicked {H7563} to the sword {H2719}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sound resounds to the ends of the earth, for ADONAI is indicting the nations, about to pass judgment on all humankind; the wicked he has handed over to the sword,' says ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

A noise shall come even to the end of the earth; for Jehovah hath a controversy with the nations; he will enter into judgment with all flesh: as for the wicked, he will give them to the sword, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:31 serves as a profound prophetic declaration, announcing the LORD's impending and widespread judgment upon the nations. It foretells a "noise"—a tumultuous uproar signifying divine retribution—that will reverberate "to the ends of the earth," emphasizing the universal scope of God's sovereign authority. The verse powerfully depicts God engaging in a legal "controversy" with all humanity, acting as both prosecutor and judge, ultimately condemning the wicked to destruction by the "sword," thereby underscoring the certainty and severity of His righteous justice against all unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25 is a pivotal chapter within the book of Jeremiah, consolidating prophecies delivered during a critical period in Judah's history, specifically the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, just prior to Nebuchadnezzar's initial invasion of Judah. The chapter sets the stage by recounting Judah's persistent disobedience and rejection of God's warnings delivered through His prophets, despite divine patience and numerous calls to repentance, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 25:3-7](/jeremiah/25-3-7 "Judah's Persistent Disobedience"). This historical context culminates in the pronouncement of the seventy-year Babylonian captivity for Judah, a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness ([Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Prophecy of Seventy Years in Babylon")). Jeremiah 25:31 is situated within a broader oracle often referred to as the "Cup of Wrath" prophecy, spanning [Jeremiah 25:15-29](/jeremiah/25-15-29 "The Cup of God's Furious Wrath"), where God commands Jeremiah to compel various nations to drink from a cup symbolizing His furious judgment. This particular verse functions as a climactic summary statement, emphasizing the universal reach and the judicial nature of this divine reckoning, which inevitably leads to the destruction of the wicked.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic message of Jeremiah 25 was delivered during a period of profound geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East. The Neo-Babylonian Empire was rapidly consolidating its power under Nebuchadnezzar, challenging the waning influence of the Assyrian Empire and the declining strength of Egypt. Judah, under the reign of King Jehoiakim, found itself precariously positioned between these formidable regional powers, often vacillating in its political alliances and, more significantly, in its covenant faithfulness to Yahweh. Culturally, the concept of a divine "controversy" or "lawsuit" (Hebrew: _rîyb_) was a familiar legal metaphor in ancient Near Eastern legal traditions. Kings and deities alike were often depicted as bringing charges against rebellious vassal states or disobedient subjects who had violated treaty obligations or divine decrees. Jeremiah’s prophecy masterfully employs this imagery to convey that God’s impending judgment is not an arbitrary display of raw power but a just and righteous legal proceeding against nations that have consistently violated His universal moral order, engaged in idolatry, and oppressed His people. The "sword" (Hebrew: _chereb_) was a ubiquitous instrument of warfare and execution in this era, serving as a potent symbol of the violent, destructive, and decisive nature of the impending divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:31 powerfully articulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader corpus of prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the **Universal Sovereignty of God**, demonstrating that the LORD's authority and jurisdiction extend far beyond the confines of Judah to encompass "all flesh" and "the ends of the earth." He is depicted not merely as a tribal deity but as the supreme, cosmic judge over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical theme of **Divine Justice and Accountability**, portraying God as an unyielding and righteous judge who holds nations responsible for their moral transgressions. The "controversy" ([Jeremiah 25:31](/jeremiah/25-31 "The LORD's Controversy with Nations")) signifies a formal legal case brought against the nations for their pervasive wickedness and rebellion against His moral law, a theme echoed in numerous oracles against foreign nations throughout the Old Testament, such as those found in [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Oracles Against the Nations"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Inevitable Consequences of Wickedness**, unequivocally stating that "them that are wicked" are "given to the sword." This illustrates the inescapable truth that persistent unrighteousness, idolatry, and injustice inevitably lead to divine retribution and destruction, a principle consistently affirmed in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "The Wicked Shall Not Go Unpunished"). Finally, the concluding phrase "saith the LORD" reinforces the **Certainty and Authority of God's Word**, affirming that these prophecies are not mere human predictions but divinely ordained declarations that will assuredly come to pass, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His pronouncements.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **controversy (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** This term (H7379) denotes a legal dispute, a lawsuit, or a contention. In the context of Jeremiah 25:31, it powerfully portrays the LORD as a divine plaintiff who is bringing formal charges against the nations. It signifies that God's actions are not arbitrary displays of power but are rooted in a just accusation and a righteous verdict against the pervasive unrighteousness and rebellion of humanity and the nations. This implies a formal, judicial process where God is the aggrieved party, asserting His sovereign rights and moral authority.
* **plead (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** The word (H8199) primarily means to judge, to govern, or to execute judgment. While it can carry the nuance of arguing or litigating a case, in this specific context, especially following the declaration of a "controversy" and preceding the outcome of the "sword," it signifies the active carrying out of a judicial sentence. God is not merely engaging in a debate; He is acting as both the prosecutor and the executor of justice, bringing His verdict to fruition through decisive and punitive action.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** This adjective (H7563) describes someone who is morally wrong, ungodly, or concretely, an actively bad person. It refers to those who are guilty, condemned, and stand in direct opposition to God's righteous standards and moral law. In Jeremiah 25:31, this term specifically identifies the recipients of God's severe judgment—those whose actions, character, and spiritual orientation are fundamentally out of alignment with divine justice and morality, thus meriting divine retribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A noise shall come [even] to the ends of the earth":** This opening clause vividly describes the widespread and inescapable impact of God's impending judgment. The "noise" (H7588, _shâʼôwn_) suggests a great uproar, tumult, or the terrifying din of war and destruction, indicating a cataclysmic event. The phrase "to the ends of the earth" (H7097, _qâtseh_ and H776, _ʼerets_) emphatically conveys the universal, inescapable scope of this divine reckoning, signifying that no nation or people group, no matter how remote, will be untouched by the consequences of their actions.
* **"for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations":** This clause provides the divine rationale and theological foundation for the impending "noise." The LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel and the sovereign Creator, is depicted as having a legal "controversy" (H7379, _rîyb_) or formal lawsuit against "the nations" (H1471, _gôwy_). This signifies that God's judgment is not arbitrary or capricious but is a just and warranted response to the accumulated sins, idolatry, oppression, and rebellion perpetrated by the peoples of the earth against His universal moral order.
* **"he will plead with all flesh":** Building upon the established legal imagery, this phrase further elaborates on God's active engagement in this divine lawsuit. To "plead" (H8199, _shâphaṭ_) here means to judge, to pronounce sentence, or to execute judgment. "All flesh" (H1320, _bâsâr_) is a comprehensive and inclusive term for all humanity, emphasizing the universal reach of God's judicial action. It means God will directly confront, indict, and judge every individual and nation without exception.
* **"he will give them [that are] wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.":** This final clause declares the inevitable and severe outcome of God's judgment. Those identified as "wicked" (H7563, _râshâʻ_) will be "given" (H5414, _nâthan_) to the "sword" (H2719, _chereb_), a powerful and stark symbol of violent destruction, divine wrath, and the ultimate consequence of unrighteousness, often enacted through warfare and conquest. The concluding "saith the LORD" (H5002, _nᵉʼum_ and H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) serves as an authoritative divine stamp, guaranteeing the absolute certainty, immutability, and divine origin of this prophetic pronouncement.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:31 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of universal and decisive judgment. **Hyperbole** is vividly evident in the phrase "A noise shall come [even] to the ends of the earth," which dramatically emphasizes the vast, inescapable, and globally comprehensive reach of God's impending judgment, suggesting a scale of destruction that is truly universal. **Anthropomorphism** is central to the verse, as God is portrayed with human-like actions and attributes: He "hath a controversy" and "will plead." This device makes the abstract concept of divine justice relatable and tangible, presenting God as a righteous judge engaged in a formal legal dispute with humanity, highlighting His active involvement in human affairs. The "sword" functions as a powerful **Symbol** or **Metonymy**, representing not merely a physical weapon but the broader concept of violent destruction, divine wrath, and the ultimate, fatal consequence of unrighteousness and rebellion against God. Finally, the repetition of "saith the LORD" at the end serves as a powerful **Affirmation** of divine authority, reinforcing the absolute certainty, immutability, and divine origin of the prophecy, leaving no doubt as to its inevitable fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:31 stands as a profound theological statement on God's universal sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. It decisively dismantles any notion of a limited, tribal deity, asserting Yahweh's supreme authority over all nations and peoples, demonstrating that His dominion extends far beyond Israel's borders. The "controversy" highlights that God's judgment is not capricious or arbitrary but is based on a righteous legal case against the deep-seated wickedness of humanity. This divine reckoning serves as a stark and sobering reminder that sin, whether individual or corporate, carries severe and inevitable consequences, and no one is exempt from ultimate accountability before the Creator. This passage powerfully foreshadows a future day of universal judgment where all will face the consequences of their actions, ultimately affirming God's immutable character as both perfectly just and absolutely holy.

* [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalm/9-7-8 "The LORD Judges the World in Righteousness")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "God's Wrath Revealed Against Ungodliness")
* [Revelation 19:11-15](/revelation/19-11-15 "The Rider on the White Horse and the Sword of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:31 serves as a timeless and profoundly sobering reminder of God's ultimate authority and the certainty of His justice. In a world often marked by pervasive injustice, moral relativism, and the apparent impunity of the wicked, this verse stands as an unshakeable declaration that a day of comprehensive reckoning is coming for all. It challenges us to deeply consider our own accountability, not just as isolated individuals but also as integral members of communities and nations. Are we actively living in alignment with God's righteous standards, or are we, through our actions or inactions, contributing to the "wickedness" that inevitably incurs divine judgment? This passage calls us to cultivate a profound sense of humility and reverence before the Almighty, urging us to recognize that our choices and actions, both personal and collective, have eternal consequences. Furthermore, it offers a measure of profound hope for the oppressed and marginalized, knowing with certainty that the God of perfect justice will ultimately right all wrongs, vindicate the righteous, and bring a decisive end to all unrighteousness, establishing His perfect order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God having a "controversy with the nations" challenge our contemporary understanding of His relationship with the world and global affairs today?**
* **In what specific ways might we, as individuals, communities, or even nations, be inadvertently contributing to the "wickedness" that, according to this verse, incurs divine judgment?**
* **What does the phrase "A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth" imply about the universal scope, inevitability, and overwhelming nature of God's justice?**
* **How should the absolute certainty of God's judgment, powerfully declared by "saith the LORD," influence our daily choices, our ethical conduct, and our advocacy for justice in a fallen world?**

### FAQ
**What does "the LORD hath a controversy with the nations" mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that God is initiating a formal legal case or lawsuit against the nations of the world. It portrays the LORD as a divine judge and prosecutor, holding all peoples accountable for their pervasive unrighteousness, idolatry, and rebellion against His moral law and universal standards. It implies that His impending judgment is not an arbitrary act of power but a just and warranted response to their accumulated sins, much like a legal proceeding where charges are laid, evidence is presented, and a righteous verdict is rendered. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's covenant relationship with humanity and His role as the sovereign ruler over all creation, as seen in passages like [Micah 6:2](/micah/6-2 "The LORD's Controversy with His People").

**Does "he will plead with all flesh" imply God will reason with people, or something else?**

Answer: While the word "plead" can sometimes carry the nuance of reasoning or arguing a case, in the specific context of Jeremiah 25:31, especially when paired with the preceding "controversy" and the ensuing outcome of "the sword," it carries the much stronger and more definitive meaning of executing judgment or pronouncing and carrying out a sentence. The Hebrew word (_shâphaṭ_) primarily means to judge, govern, or carry out a judicial verdict. Therefore, "he will plead with all flesh" means God will actively and decisively judge all humanity, bringing His divine sentence to bear upon them. It is not a negotiation or a debate, but a powerful declaration and execution of His righteous judgment, as further illustrated in other judgment passages like [Joel 3:2](/joel/3-2 "God's Judgment of the Nations in the Valley of Jehoshaphat").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:31, with its pronouncement of universal judgment and the "sword" of divine wrath, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets foretold a coming day when God would "plead with all flesh" and bring judgment upon the wicked, the New Testament reveals that this divine authority to judge is ultimately committed entirely to the Son. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "The Father Has Given All Judgment to the Son") unequivocally declares that the Father "judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son." Jesus, who first came as the sacrificial Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), will return not only as Savior but also as the righteous and sovereign Judge, wielding the "sword" of His word. [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "The Sword from Christ's Mouth") vividly portrays Christ with a sharp sword coming out of His mouth, "with which to strike down the nations," symbolizing His authoritative and decisive judgment. Thus, the "controversy with the nations" and the giving of the wicked to the "sword" are not merely historical events but point forward to Christ's final, decisive judgment at the end of the age, where He will justly separate the righteous from the wicked and establish His eternal kingdom in perfect righteousness ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "The Judgment of the Nations")). In Him, both the terrifying severity of God's holiness and the boundless richness of His mercy are perfectly revealed, offering salvation and redemption to "all flesh" who repent and believe, even as He remains the one before whom "every knee should bow" in ultimate accountability and worship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")).

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

Hosea 4:1

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Joel 3:2

I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

Isaiah 66:16

For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

Micah 6:2

Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.

Ezekiel 20:35

And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.

Ezekiel 20:36

Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 34:8

For [it is] the day of the LORD'S vengeance, [and] the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.