Old Testament
Jeremiah 51:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Babylon is depicted as a golden cup held by God, symbolizing its power and influence over the nations.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Babylon was like a golden cup in the LORD's hand, making the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine, and it drove them mad.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Babylon is depicted as a golden cup held by God, symbolizing its power and influence over the nations. The wine represents the seductive allure of Babylon's culture and practices, which intoxicated the nations, leading them to madness. This imagery illustrates how Babylon's influence spread across the earth, causing people to abandon their reason and moral judgment. The madness refers to the chaos and destruction that results from turning away from God and embracing worldly desires. Ultimately, this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of succumbing to the temptations of a corrupt society, highlighting the consequences of losing one's spiritual clarity and direction.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 51:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to be aware of the influences in our lives that can lead us away from God. Just as Babylon's allure caused nations to lose their sanity, we must guard against cultural pressures that may compromise our faith and values. Staying grounded in God's truth is essential.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 51:7 mean?
Jeremiah 51:7 describes Babylon as a golden cup in God's hand, symbolizing its power and influence over other nations. The verse illustrates how Babylon's seductive culture intoxicated the nations, leading them to chaos and madness.
What is the significance of the golden cup in Jeremiah 51:7?
The golden cup in Jeremiah 51:7 represents Babylon's wealth and influence, suggesting that it was used by God to affect the nations. This imagery highlights how Babylon's allure led others away from reason and moral clarity.
What does the wine in Jeremiah 51:7 symbolize?
In Jeremiah 51:7, the wine symbolizes the enticing and corrupting influence of Babylon's culture. It represents how the nations were drawn into madness by indulging in Babylon's practices and values.
How can we apply Jeremiah 51:7 to our lives today?
Jeremiah 51:7 reminds us to be cautious of cultural influences that may lead us away from our values and faith. Staying rooted in God's truth helps us resist the temptations of a corrupt society.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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