Jeremiah 51:7 Meaning and Explanation
“Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD's hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Babylon, used as God's instrument, intoxicated the nations with power and caused their ruin.
The Context of Jeremiah 51:7
Babylon's power is depicted as a golden cup that intoxicated and corrupted the nations.
What Does Jeremiah 51:7 Mean?
The golden cup metaphor is rich: Babylon itself was a tool in God's hand, but what it dispensed—its power and influence—made nations 'drunk.' This intoxication refers to the corrupting effect of Babylon's wealth, military dominance, and the idolatry it exported. The 'nations are mad' suggests loss of judgment and rationality.
God used Babylon as His instrument of judgment against other nations, yet Babylon itself became corrupted by its power. The image of drunkenness conveys loss of control and moral blindness. This sets up the irony of the prophecy: the very power Babylon wielded at God's command becomes the source of its judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 51:7
What does Jeremiah 51:7 mean?
Babylon, used as God's instrument, intoxicated the nations with power and caused their ruin.
What is the context of Jeremiah 51:7?
Babylon's power is depicted as a golden cup that intoxicated and corrupted the nations.