Jeremiah 25:18
To wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as it is this day;
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
To wit Jerusalem
H3389
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
To wit Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
2 of 17
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָרֵ֣י
and the cities
H5892
עָרֵ֣י
and the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
4 of 17
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
5 of 17
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שָׂרֶ֑יהָ
thereof and the princes
H8269
שָׂרֶ֑יהָ
thereof and the princes
Strong's:
H8269
Word #:
9 of 17
a head person (of any rank or class)
לָתֵ֨ת
thereof to make
H5414
לָתֵ֨ת
thereof to make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
10 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹתָ֜ם
H853
אֹתָ֜ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְחָרְבָּ֧ה
them a desolation
H2723
לְחָרְבָּ֧ה
them a desolation
Strong's:
H2723
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
Cross References
Psalms 60:3Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.Jeremiah 44:22So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.Jeremiah 24:9And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.
Historical Context
By the time this was written or edited into final form, Jerusalem had already experienced initial judgment. The 597 BC deportation removed King Jehoiachin, nobles, and skilled workers. The city itself would be destroyed in 586 BC, fulfilling the prophecy completely. The visible evidence of partial fulfillment ('as it is this day') authenticated Jeremiah's prophetic authority and warned that worse was coming if repentance didn't occur.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God's judgment begin with His own people rather than with pagan nations who never knew Him?
- How does greater spiritual privilege bring greater accountability, and what does this mean for the church today?
- In what ways does partial fulfillment of prophecy serve as warning that complete fulfillment is certain unless repentance occurs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
To wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as it is this day. Shockingly, Jerusalem and Judah appear first on the list of nations drinking God's wrath. The phrase ʾeṯ-Yĕrûshālaim wĕʾeṯ-ʿārê Yĕhûḏâ (אֶת־יְרוּשָׁלַיִם וְאֶת־עָרֵי יְהוּדָה, Jerusalem and the cities of Judah) identifies the covenant people as primary recipients of judgment. The fourfold description—lĕḥorḇâ lĕshammâ lišrêqâ wĕliqĕlālâ (לְחָרְבָּה לְשַׁמָּה לִשְׁרֵקָה וְלִקְלָלָה, desolation, astonishment, hissing, curse)—emphasizes complete devastation.
The phrase kayyôm hazzeh (כַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה, as it is this day) suggests this oracle was recorded after partial fulfillment had begun, perhaps after the first deportation (597 BC). This demonstrates a crucial biblical principle: 'judgment must begin at the house of God' (1 Peter 4:17). Greater privilege brings greater accountability. Israel received God's law, prophets, and covenant promises—their rejection warranted severer judgment than pagan nations who lacked such revelation. Jesus taught the same principle: Capernaum would be judged more severely than Sodom because it witnessed His miracles yet didn't repent (Matthew 11:23-24).