Jeremiah 49 12

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.

Jeremiah 49:12 nkjv

For thus says the LORD: "Behold, those whose judgment was not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunk. And are you the one who will altogether go unpunished? You shall not go unpunished, but you shall surely drink of it.

Jeremiah 49:12 niv

This is what the LORD says: "If those who do not deserve to drink the cup must drink it, why should you go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, but must drink it.

Jeremiah 49:12 esv

For thus says the LORD: "If those who did not deserve to drink the cup must drink it, will you go unpunished? You shall not go unpunished, but you must drink.

Jeremiah 49:12 nlt

And this is what the LORD says: "If the innocent must suffer, how much more must you! You will not go unpunished! You must drink this cup of judgment!

Jeremiah 49 verses

Jeremiah 49 12 Meaning

This verse in Jeremiah 49:12 addresses the judgment of God upon the people of Edom, stating that even those who are numerous and privileged will not escape punishment. It suggests that judgment will be far-reaching, affecting even those who might seem secure or of high status. The passage implies that no one, regardless of their social standing or perceived strength, is exempt from divine retribution when they engage in sin and injustice.

Jeremiah 49 12 Context

Jeremiah 49 contains prophecies concerning several nations, including Damascus (v. 23-27), Kedar and Hazor (v. 28-33), Elam (v. 34-39), and Edom (v. 7-22). This particular verse, Jeremiah 49:12, is situated within the prophecy against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom had a history of animosity and violence against Israel, particularly evident during the Babylonian exile. God's judgment is declared upon Edom for their cruelty and their failure to show compassion. The chapter as a whole reflects God's sovereignty and His commitment to justice, indicating that He will hold all nations accountable for their actions. This prophecy was relevant to the original audience of Judah, who were experiencing their own hardships and would have seen these judgments as a validation of God's justice and a demonstration of His power over the nations.

Jeremiah 49 12 Word Analysis

• "And, ve (וְ)": A common conjunction, here connecting this statement to the preceding pronouncements against Edom. It signifies addition or continuation of the thought.
• "behold, hinnēh (הִנֵּה)": An interjection used to draw attention. It emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of what is about to be stated. It signals an important declaration.
• "the LORD: YHWH (יהוה)": The personal, covenantal name of God, signifying His enduring presence and relationship with His people, even in judgment.
• "did amar (אָמַר)": This verb typically means "said" or "commanded." Here it implies that God decreed or ordained this judgment. It underscores God's active role in bringing about these events.
• "say."
• "if im (אִם)": Introduces a conditional clause. However, in prophetic literature, "if not" or a statement framed conditionally often functions as a strong affirmation, meaning "indeed" or "it shall surely happen." Here it is a rhetorical device indicating that the following situation, despite appearing secure, will not result in escape from judgment.
• "I ani (אֲנִי)": The first-person pronoun, referring to God.
• "must ḥayâ (חָיָה)": Root meaning "to live" or "to be alive." The construction here, "ḥayô tayhêh" (חָיֹה תִהְיֶה), implies a living out of existence, or existence itself. The sentence implies that it is impossible for the privilege of living to extend to those destined for destruction.
• "bring hēbî' (הֵבִיא)": A causative verb, "to bring," "to cause to come." It speaks of God actively causing something to occur.
• "judgment mišpāṭ (מִשְׁפָּט)": A key Hebrew word referring to justice, righteousness, decree, or legal sentence. Here, it denotes the divine sentence of punishment.
• "on al (עַל)": A preposition indicating the target or object of the action.
• "the"
• "great gadôl (גָּדוֹל)": "Large," "great," "important."
• "place; māqôm (מָקוֹם)": "Place," "location," "site."
• "and, ve (וְ)": Another conjunction.
• "when kî (כִּי)": Can mean "because," "if," or "when." Here it introduces the second part of the condition.
• "I ani (אֲנִי)": Again, God.
• "shall"
• "turn šûḇ (שׁוּב)": "To turn back," "return." Here it implies removal or captivity.
• "away"
• "the"
• "captivity šĕḇî (שְׁבִי)": "Captivity," "captives," "plunder." It refers to the removal of people and goods.
• "of"
• "its"
• "captivity, šĕḇî (שְׁבִי)": Repetition for emphasis, signifying the complete removal and subjugation.
• "then, ve (וְ)": Conjunction.
• "behold, hinnēh (הִנֵּה)": Again, draws attention to what follows.
• "I ani (אֲנִי)": God.
• "will"
• "turn šûḇ (שׁוּב)": "To turn back." Here it signifies God bringing about a restoration, but ironically, it leads them to a place where they will face judgment, or it refers to the ultimate reversal of fortunes for those who are the captors. The implication is that even their "captivity" will not be reversed for their benefit.
• "you āpîḵ (אַפִיךְ)": "You" (second person masculine singular, referring to Edom as a collective entity or its leaders).
• "also gam (גַּם)": "Also," "even."
• "into al (אֶל)": "To," "into."
• "such"
• "captivity gal (גָּל)": Another word for "exile," "captivity," "rolling." It signifies being removed or dispersed. It intensifies the idea of removal.
• "as"
• "would"
• "turn šûḇ (שׁוּב)": "To turn back," "return."
• "away"
• "you ḵōm (כֹּם)": This word is debated. Some scholars interpret it as a form of kāmas (כָּמַס) meaning "to be hidden," thus implying that they would be hidden away, but more likely it is a copyist error or a less common form relating to kēmô (כְּמוֹ) meaning "like." Another understanding is related to "ḥam (חָם)" referring to warmth, suggesting an oppressive heat, but this is less likely. The sense might be "turn you like the turning." A more widely accepted reading relates it to bringing to destruction or oblivion, "like those who are ruined." However, standard translations render it as "turn you." Given the context of gal, the idea is likely a "turning away" that leads to dispersal or destruction, like "those who have been dispersed." The use of two distinct words for "captivity" emphasizes the thoroughness of the removal and judgment. The latter gal often refers to the exilic experience itself.

Word Group Analysis:

• "if I must bring judgment on a great place; and when I shall turn away the captivity of its captivity,": This phrase is a form of hyperbole and poetic parallelism. "A great place" signifies Edom's pride and presumed security. The phrase "turn away the captivity of its captivity" is particularly strong. It implies not only removing them from their land but also reversing the state of their prior captivity or possession of others. It suggests a complete dismantling of their status, even beyond typical exile. It means their exile will be a profound removal from any esteemed position. The LORD's action is presented as an unavoidable fate that dismantles all security and status.

Jeremiah 49 12 Bonus Section

The judgment against Edom in Jeremiah 49 serves as a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament prophets. Edom's actions, particularly their hostility and lack of compassion toward Israel during times of distress, such as the Babylonian exile, were well-documented (Ezekiel 35, Obadiah). This verse, therefore, fits within a broader prophetic pattern of divine retribution for such behavior. The concept of God bringing judgment on "great places" or nations also reflects the overarching theme of God's sovereignty over the entire world, not just His chosen people. This judgment ultimately foreshadows the greater Messianic judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom where righteousness will prevail over all nations. The rhetorical "if not" construction is a common prophetic idiom to express absolute certainty. The emphasis on "captivity of captivity" highlights a complete dismantling of the existing order, going beyond mere military defeat or temporary exile. It implies a reversal of fortune so profound that their former position becomes irrelevant or even inverted in its consequence.

Jeremiah 49 12 Commentary

This verse is a solemn declaration of God's impending judgment on Edom. It underscores the principle that no entity, no matter how seemingly great or powerful ("a great place"), is beyond the reach of divine justice. The phrase "when I shall turn away the captivity of its captivity" is particularly forceful. It conveys a sense of absolute ruin and reversal. It signifies that Edom's prosperity and territorial control, which likely came from past subjugations or exploitations, would itself be overthrown. The judgment is not merely exile but a complete dismantling of their entire national and possibly political existence. This language speaks to the totality of God's wrath against those who exhibit persistent wickedness, especially towards His covenant people. The message serves as a stern reminder of God's impartiality and His ultimate control over all nations, His judgment being a righteous consequence of their deeds.