Jeremiah 49:12

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Behold, they whose judgment {H4941} was not to drink {H8354} of the cup {H3563} have assuredly {H8354} drunken {H8354}; and art thou he that shall altogether {H5352} go unpunished {H5352}? thou shalt not go unpunished {H5352}, but thou shalt surely {H8354} drink {H8354} of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this is what ADONAI says: "Those who do not deserve to drink from this cup will have to drink it anyway, so should you go unpunished? No, you will not go unpunished; you will certainly drink it.

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD says: “If those who do not deserve to drink the cup must drink it, can you possibly remain unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for you must drink it too.

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah: Behold, they to whom it pertained not to drink of the cup shall assuredly drink; and art thou he that shall altogether go unpunished? thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:12 delivers a stark and unyielding declaration of divine judgment against the nation of Edom. Through the prophet, the LORD proclaims that if even those who might have seemed less deserving of severe punishment have already endured the "cup" of divine wrath, then Edom, known for its persistent hostility and pride, will certainly not escape. The verse emphasizes the absolute certainty and impartiality of God's justice, underscoring that no nation or individual can evade the consequences of their rebellion against Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49 is part of a larger section within the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) containing prophecies against various foreign nations. These oracles demonstrate God's universal sovereignty, proving that He is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme ruler over all peoples and their destinies. Specifically, Jeremiah 49:7-22 focuses on the judgment against Edom, following pronouncements against Ammon, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and preceding that against Elam. This placement highlights Edom's significance as a persistent antagonist to Judah, setting the stage for a particularly severe divine reckoning. The verse itself serves as a climactic rhetorical question and emphatic statement, solidifying the inevitability of Edom's fate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of Judah in the rugged region of Seir, was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, making them distant relatives of the Israelites. Despite this familial connection, Edom maintained a long and bitter history of animosity towards Israel, often exploiting Judah's weaknesses and even rejoicing in their misfortunes. This antagonism is evident in historical accounts and prophetic condemnations, particularly during the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, where Edom actively participated in or celebrated Judah's downfall (as lamented in [Psalm 137:7](/psalms/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Edom's Role in Jerusalem's Fall") and extensively detailed in the book of [Obadiah](/obadiah/1 "Obadiah - Prophecy Against Edom")). The "cup" imagery was a common ancient Near Eastern metaphor for one's destiny or portion, often signifying suffering or divine judgment, a concept well understood by the original audience.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 49:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting God's impartial judgment over all nations. The verse emphasizes the **Certainty of Judgment**, reiterating that God's word of judgment is firm and will be fulfilled, especially for those who persist in wickedness. The recurring motif of the **Cup of Wrath** is central, symbolizing the full measure of God's indignation and punishment, which those who oppose Him are forced to drink (cf. [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of God's Fury") and [Psalm 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of Fury")). Finally, the prophecy underscores **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating that His authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples, holding them accountable for their actions and pride, as seen in Edom's specific condemnation in [Obadiah 1:3](/obadiah/1-3 "Obadiah 1:3 - Edom's Pride").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal One." Its use here emphasizes that the declaration of judgment comes from the ultimate, sovereign authority, the God who is faithful to His word and righteous in His dealings with all nations. It is not merely a human pronouncement but a divine decree.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** Properly, this term refers to a "verdict" pronounced judicially, encompassing a sentence, formal decree, or divine law. It can also abstractly mean "justice." In this context, "whose judgment was not to drink of the cup" refers to those who, by strict legal or moral standard, might not have been expected to receive such a severe verdict or punishment. It implies a sense of relative innocence or lesser culpability compared to Edom, yet they still suffered.
* **unpunished (Hebrew, _nâqâh'_):** This primitive root means "to be (or make) clean," "innocent," or "acquitted." In an adverse sense, it can mean "to be bare" or "extirpated." The rhetorical question "shall altogether go unpunished?" and the emphatic negative "thou shalt not go unpunished" powerfully convey the absolute certainty that Edom will not escape accountability or be declared innocent; they will face the full consequence of their deeds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD; Behold, they whose judgment [was] not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunken;":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the prophecy. "They whose judgment was not to drink of the cup" likely refers to Judah or other nations who, despite their covenant relationship or lesser wickedness compared to Edom, still experienced severe divine chastisement, such as exile or destruction. The phrase "have assuredly drunken" emphasizes the undeniable reality of their suffering, setting a precedent for the inevitability of judgment.
* **"and [art] thou he [that] shall altogether go unpunished?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question directed at Edom. Given that others, perhaps less deserving of such a harsh fate, have already "drunken the cup," the question challenges Edom's presumption of immunity. It implies that Edom, with its history of pride and hostility towards God's people, has even less right to expect leniency.
* **"thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink [of it].":** This final, emphatic declaration provides the unequivocal answer to the rhetorical question. It removes all doubt, confirming that Edom will not escape divine retribution. The repetition and strong affirmation ("surely drink") underscore the absolute certainty and severity of their impending judgment, leaving no room for evasion or acquittal.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:12 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of inescapable judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the "cup" as a symbol of divine wrath and judgment. This imagery is deeply embedded in biblical prophecy, representing a portion of suffering or destiny that one is forced to consume. The use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("and art thou he that shall altogether go unpunished?") powerfully engages the audience, forcing them to confront the logical conclusion that if others have suffered, Edom cannot escape. This is immediately followed by **Emphatic Negation and Affirmation** ("thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink [of it]"), which creates a strong sense of certainty and finality, leaving no ambiguity about Edom's fate. The **Repetition** of the concept of "drinking" and "unpunished" reinforces the inevitability and severity of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the principle of divine justice, demonstrating that God's judgment is impartial and universal. It reveals that God holds all nations accountable for their actions, particularly their pride and hostility towards His people. The "cup of wrath" imagery serves as a powerful reminder that there is a full measure of divine indignation reserved for those who persist in rebellion and wickedness. The theological implication is clear: no one, regardless of their perceived strength or immunity, can ultimately escape the just consequences of their sin before a holy God. This truth underscores the necessity of humility, repentance, and a reverent fear of the LORD.

* [Psalm 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of Fury")
* [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins at the House of God")
* [Proverbs 11:31](/proverbs/11-31 "Proverbs 11:31 - The Righteous and the Wicked Recompensed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:12 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's unwavering justice and the certainty of accountability for all. It challenges any human presumption of immunity from divine consequences, whether for individuals or nations. If God's own people, who were under a covenant, faced severe judgment for their disobedience, how much more will those who openly defy Him or live in persistent rebellion face His wrath? This verse calls us to a profound humility, recognizing that our actions have eternal consequences and that God is not to be trifled with. It compels us to examine our own hearts and lives, urging us to turn from pride and self-sufficiency to seek God's mercy and walk in His righteous ways, rather than presuming upon His patience or believing we can escape the just recompense for our deeds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be presuming upon God's patience or believing I can escape the consequences of my actions?**
* **How does the certainty of divine judgment motivate me to live a life of greater humility and obedience?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's character, particularly His justice and sovereignty over all things?**

### FAQ

**What is the "cup" referred to in Jeremiah 49:12?**

Answer: The "cup" in Jeremiah 49:12 is a powerful biblical metaphor for divine wrath and judgment. It symbolizes the full measure of God's indignation and the suffering or punishment that individuals or nations are destined to experience due to their sin and rebellion. This imagery is common throughout the Old and New Testaments, signifying a portion or destiny, often one filled with sorrow, calamity, or God's righteous anger, which those who oppose Him are compelled to "drink." Examples include [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of God's Fury") and [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath").

**Who are "they whose judgment was not to drink of the cup" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: This phrase most likely refers to the people of Judah (Israel) or other nations who, despite being God's covenant people or relatively less wicked than Edom, still experienced severe divine judgment, such as the Babylonian exile. The point is that if those who might have seemed less deserving of such a harsh fate still suffered, then Edom, known for its deep-seated hostility and pride towards God's people (as seen in [Obadiah 1:10](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")), certainly would not escape. It establishes a precedent for the universality and impartiality of God's justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:12 directly speaks of God's judgment against Edom, its theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The "cup" of divine wrath, so vividly depicted here, ultimately points to the ultimate drinking of that cup by Jesus Christ on the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this [cup](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane") pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). He, the sinless Son of God, drank the full measure of God's wrath against sin, a judgment that was ours to bear. By His sacrifice, those who truly belong to Him are declared "unpunished" in a way Edom never could be. His perfect obedience and atoning death mean that believers are acquitted, not because of their own merit, but because Christ bore their judgment. Thus, while Edom "assuredly drunken" the cup of punishment, believers, through Christ, "assuredly drink" of the cup of salvation and blessing, having been freed from the condemnation that justly falls upon all who reject God's gracious offer in His Son ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ 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

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.

Jeremiah 25:29

For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.

Obadiah 1:16

For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, [so] shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.

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.

Lamentations 4:22

The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins.

Jeremiah 46:27

But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make [him] afraid.

Proverbs 17:5

¶ Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.