King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 25:13 Mean?
“And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations.”
Jeremiah 25:13 · KJV
Context
11
And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
12
And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations. punish: Heb. visit upon
13
And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations.
14
For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.
15
For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd I will bring upon that land all my words which I have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations. This self-referential statement confirms the prophetic authority and written preservation of Jeremiah's oracles. The phrase ʾeṯ-kol-dĕḇāray ʾăsher-dibbartî ʿālehā (אֶת־כָּל־דְּבָרַי אֲשֶׁר־דִּבַּרְתִּי עָלֶיהָ, all my words which I have spoken against it) emphasizes comprehensive fulfillment—not selective or partial but complete execution of every prophesied judgment.
The reference to hassēp̄er hazzeh (הַסֵּפֶר הַזֶּה, this book) indicates Jeremiah's prophecies were recorded in written form, not merely oral tradition. This written record allowed verification—when prophecies came to pass, people could confirm God's word was true. The phrase ʾăsher-nibbāʾ Yirmĕyāhû ʿal-kol-haggôyim (אֲשֶׁר־נִבָּא יִרְמְיָהוּ עַל־כָּל־הַגּוֹיִם, which Jeremiah prophesied against all the nations) points to chapters 46-51, the oracles against foreign nations. God's sovereignty extends beyond Israel to all peoples—He judges universal sin, not merely covenant unfaithfulness.
The reference to hassēp̄er hazzeh (הַסֵּפֶר הַזֶּה, this book) indicates Jeremiah's prophecies were recorded in written form, not merely oral tradition. This written record allowed verification—when prophecies came to pass, people could confirm God's word was true. The phrase ʾăsher-nibbāʾ Yirmĕyāhû ʿal-kol-haggôyim (אֲשֶׁר־נִבָּא יִרְמְיָהוּ עַל־כָּל־הַגּוֹיִם, which Jeremiah prophesied against all the nations) points to chapters 46-51, the oracles against foreign nations. God's sovereignty extends beyond Israel to all peoples—He judges universal sin, not merely covenant unfaithfulness.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Jeremiah's prophecies were written and preserved (chapter 36 describes the writing of his oracles, their burning by Jehoiakim, and their re-writing with additions). This written record allowed later generations—including Daniel in exile (Daniel 9:2)—to study and understand God's purposes. The oracles against nations (chapters 46-51) were fulfilled as predicted: Egypt fell to Babylon (605 BC), Philistia was conquered, Moab and Ammon were destroyed, Edom disappeared from history, and Babylon itself fell to Persia. The comprehensive fulfillment validated Jeremiah's prophetic ministry.
Reflection Questions
- How does the written preservation of prophecy enable future generations to verify God's faithfulness and build faith?
- What does God's judgment of 'all nations' (not just Israel) reveal about universal moral accountability before the Creator?
- How should the complete fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies against ancient nations strengthen our confidence in unfulfilled biblical prophecies?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 21 wordsעַל2 of 21
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַהִ֔יא4 of 21
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֶת5 of 21
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל6 of 21
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דְּבָרַ֖י7 of 21
“all my words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁר8 of 21
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבַּ֣רְתִּי9 of 21
“which I have pronounced”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עָלֶ֑יהָ10 of 21
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֵ֤ת11 of 21
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל12 of 21
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַכָּתוּב֙13 of 21
“against it even all that is written”
H3789to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
בַּסֵּ֣פֶר14 of 21
“in this book”
H5612properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
אֲשֶׁר16 of 21
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִבָּ֥א17 of 21
“hath prophesied”
H5012to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
עַל19 of 21
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל20 of 21
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַגּוֹיִֽם׃21 of 21
“against all the nations”
H1471a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Jeremiah 25:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Jeremiah 25:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge