Jeremiah 25:27

Therefore thou shalt say vnto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Drinke ye and bee drunken, and spue and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I wil send among you. Jeremiah 25:27 (KJV)

The passage often cited as “Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.” does not appear in the Book of Jeremiah or any chapter of the KJV Bible. No biblical text contains those exact words, so it cannot be presented as a genuine Jeremiah quotation.

Historical context: Jeremiah was a prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah during a time of great turmoil. The alleged passage is sometimes linked to a larger message attributed to Jeremiah that warns nations of impending judgment and destruction due to disobedience and idolatry.

Symbolic language: The wording “Drink ye, and be drunken” is interpreted by some as referring to nations’ indulgence in wickedness and rebellion against God, depicting excessive and uncontrolled behavior that represents spiritual drunkenness and moral decay.

Consequences of sin: The phrase “spue, and fall, and rise no more” is used to illustrate severe judgment that would befall the nations. As a person who drinks excessively may vomit and stumble, the nations would experience devastation and defeat. The sword mentioned symbolizes the military might that God would send against them as a form of punishment.

God’s sovereignty: The passage emphasizes the authority and power of God as the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, conveying that God is in control and will execute judgment according to righteous standards. Nations may have thought they were powerful, but ultimately they would be brought down by God’s hand.

Spiritual application: While the alleged passage is said to address the nations in Jeremiah’s time, it is taken by some to carry broader spiritual implications. It serves as a reminder that there are consequences for disobedience and rebellion against God, highlighting the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty and aligning our lives with His will. Just as the nations faced judgment for their sins, believers are encouraged to live in obedience to God’s commands and seek His forgiveness when they fall short.