Chapter Overview
Summary
The cup of wrath. THIS IS THE MOST STRUCTURALLY SIGNIFICANT CHAPTER for LXX-MT divergence. In the MT, 25:1-38 is a continuous chapter about the seventy years of exile and the cup of wrath given to all nations. In the LXX, the chapter BREAKS at v. 13, and the entire Oracles Against the Nations (MT chs. 46-51) are INSERTED here as LXX chs. 25:14ff/26-31. The MT places OAN at the end of the book (chs. 46-51); the LXX places them in the MIDDLE.
Notable Variants
V. 13 is the hinge point. MT 25:13 reads 'I will bring upon that land all My words which I have pronounced against it, all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations.' LXX 25:13 is shorter and transitions directly into the OAN. The list of nations in vv. 17-26 (MT) is ABSENT from LXX at this point — LXX replaces it with the actual oracles. The LXX ORDER of the Oracles Against the Nations is: Elam (= MT 49:34-39), Egypt (= MT 46), Babylon (= MT 50-51), Philistia (= MT 47), Edom (= MT 49:7-22), Ammon (= MT 49:1-6), Kedar/Hazor (= MT 49:28-33), Damascus (= MT 49:23-27), Moab (= MT 48). This order differs significantly from MT's order: Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar/Hazor, Elam, Babylon.
Structural Notes
CRITICAL: After LXX 25:13, the LXX inserts the Oracles Against the Nations (which in MT appear as chs. 46-51). LXX numbers these as chapters 26-31. As a result, everything after chapter 25 has DIFFERENT chapter numbers in LXX vs. MT: MT 26 = LXX 33, MT 27 = LXX 34, etc. The offset varies. 4QJerb confirms the LXX arrangement, placing OAN after 25:13. This is strong evidence that the LXX preserves the original arrangement and MT reorganized the book by moving OAN to the end.
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah — that was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon —
LXX and MT are substantially identical here.
which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to all the people of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem:
LXX and MT are substantially identical here.
From the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah, to this very day — twenty-three years — the word of the LORD has come to me, and I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened.
LXX and MT are substantially identical here.
The LORD sent to you all his servants the prophets, sending them persistently, but you did not listen or incline your ear to hear.
LXX and MT are substantially identical here.
They said: Turn back, each of you, from your evil way and from the wickedness of your deeds, and remain on the land that the LORD gave to you and your ancestors from ancient times and into the future.
LXX and MT are substantially identical here.
Do not follow other gods to serve and bow down to them, and do not provoke me to anger with the work of your hands — then I will do you no harm.
LXX and MT are substantially identical here.
But you did not listen to me, declares the LORD, so as to provoke me to anger with the work of your hands, to your own harm.
Masoretic (WLC)
וְלֹא שְׁמַעְתֶּם אֵלַי נְאֻם־יְהוָה לְמַעַן הַכְעִיסֵנִי בְּמַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵיכֶם לְרַע לָכֶם
Septuagint (LXX)
καὶ οὐκ ἠκούσατέ μου
LXX is slightly shorter — omits 'to provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.'
Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says: Because you have not listened to my words,
LXX and MT are substantially identical here.
I am about to send for and summon all the clans of the north, declares the LORD, and for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, my servant. I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all these surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and scorn, and ruins that last through the ages.
LXX and MT are substantially identical here.
I will banish from them the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstone and the light of the lamp.
LXX and MT are substantially identical here.
This entire land will become a ruin and a wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.
LXX and MT are substantially identical here.
When the seventy years are complete, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation for their iniquity, declares the LORD, and the land of the Chaldeans, and I will make it a permanent wasteland.
Masoretic (WLC)
וְהָיָה כִמְלֹאות שִׁבְעִים שָׁנָה אֶפְקֹד עַל־מֶלֶךְ בָּבֶל וְעַל־הַגּוֹי הַהוּא
Septuagint (LXX)
ὅταν πληρωθῶσιν ἑβδομήκοντα ἔτη
LXX reads 'seventy years' but omits 'I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation... for their iniquity' — a significant shortening. MT expands with the punishment on Babylon; LXX reserves this for the Babylon oracle itself.
I will bring upon that land all my words that I have spoken against it — everything written in this scroll, which Jeremiah prophesied against all the nations.
Masoretic (WLC)
וְהֵבֵאתִי עַל־הָאָרֶץ הַהִיא אֶת־כָּל־דְּבָרַי אֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתִּי עָלֶיהָ אֵת כָּל־הַכָּתוּב בַּסֵּפֶר הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר נִבָּא יִרְמְיָהוּ עַל־כָּל־הַגּוֹיִם
And I will bring upon that land all my words which I spoke against it.
Septuagint (LXX)
καὶ ἐπάξω ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἐκείνην πάντας τοὺς λόγους μου οὓς ἐλάλησα κατ᾽ αὐτῆς
And I will bring upon that land all My words which I have spoken against it — all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah prophesied against all the nations.
THIS IS THE HINGE VERSE. In MT, this verse reads 'I will bring upon that land all My words which I have spoken against it, all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah prophesied against all the nations.' In LXX, the verse is shorter and serves as the transition point into the Oracles Against the Nations, which are inserted immediately after this verse. MT continues with the cup-of-wrath passage (vv. 15-38); LXX inserts the entire OAN collection before resuming the cup passage (which appears later in LXX numbering). The phrase 'all that is written in this book' in MT appears to be a later editorial addition referencing the OAN in their MT position at the end of the book.
For many nations and great kings will also make them serve, and I will repay them according to their deeds and the work of their hands.
Masoretic (WLC)
כִּי עָבְדוּ בָם גַּם־הֵמָּה גּוֹיִם רַבִּים וּמְלָכִים גְּדוֹלִים
[Oracles Against the Nations begin here in LXX]
Septuagint (LXX)
[OAN insertion point in LXX]
For many nations and great kings shall make bondmen of them also.
In LXX, this verse is absent at this location — the OAN begins instead. MT continues with 'For many nations and great kings shall make bondmen of them also.' In LXX numbering, the equivalent material appears later (after the OAN) as part of LXX ch. 32.
For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: Take this cup of the wine of wrath from my hand, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink from it.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:15]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:1 approximately]
MT v. 15 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
They will drink and stagger and go mad because of the sword I am sending among them.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:16]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:2 approximately]
MT v. 16 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
So I took the cup from the LORD's hand and made all the nations drink — all those to whom the LORD had sent me:
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:17]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:3 approximately]
MT v. 17 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, its kings and its officials — to make them a ruin, a horror, an object of scorn, and a curse, as they are this day;
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:18]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:4 approximately]
MT v. 18 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
Pharaoh king of Egypt, his servants, his officials, and all his people;
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:19]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:5 approximately]
MT v. 19 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
all the mixed peoples; all the kings of the land of Uz; all the kings of the land of the Philistines — Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod;
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:20]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:6 approximately]
MT v. 20 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
Edom, Moab, and the Ammonites;
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:21]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:7 approximately]
MT v. 21 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
all the kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the coastlands across the sea;
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:22]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:8 approximately]
MT v. 22 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who shave their temples;
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:23]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:9 approximately]
MT v. 23 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
all the kings of Arabia and all the kings of the mixed peoples who live in the desert;
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:24]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:10 approximately]
MT v. 24 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
all the kings of Zimri, all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of Media;
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:25]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:11 approximately]
MT v. 25 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
all the kings of the north, near and far, one after another; and all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth. And the king of Sheshach will drink after them all.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:26]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:12 approximately]
MT v. 26 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
Say to them: This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says — Drink, get drunk, vomit, and fall down never to rise, because of the sword I am sending among you.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:27]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:13 approximately]
MT v. 27 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
If they refuse to take the cup from your hand and drink, say to them: This is what the LORD of Hosts says — You will certainly drink.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:28]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:14 approximately]
MT v. 28 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
For look — I am beginning to bring disaster on the city that bears my name, and should you go entirely unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am summoning a sword against all the inhabitants of the earth, declares the LORD of Hosts.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:29]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:15 approximately]
MT v. 29 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
You will prophesy all these words against them and say to them: The LORD roars from on high; from his holy dwelling he thunders. He roars fiercely against his fold; he shouts like those who tread the grapes against all the inhabitants of the earth.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:30]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:16 approximately]
MT v. 30 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
The uproar reaches to the ends of the earth, for the LORD has a case against the nations. He enters judgment against all flesh; the wicked he gives over to the sword, declares the LORD.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:31]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:17 approximately]
MT v. 31 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a great storm is stirring from the farthest corners of the earth.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:32]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:18 approximately]
MT v. 32 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
The slain of the LORD on that day will stretch from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned, they will not be gathered, they will not be buried — they will be like dung on the surface of the ground.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:33]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:19 approximately]
MT v. 33 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
Wail, you shepherds, and cry out! Roll in the dust, you lords of the flock! For your time for slaughter has come; you will be shattered like a prized vessel.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:34]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:20 approximately]
MT v. 34 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
There will be no escape for the shepherds, no way out for the lords of the flock.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:35]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:21 approximately]
MT v. 35 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
The sound of the shepherds' cry, the wailing of the lords of the flock! For the LORD is destroying their pasture.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:36]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:22 approximately]
MT v. 36 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
The peaceful meadows are silenced because of the burning anger of the LORD.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:37]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:23 approximately]
MT v. 37 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.
He has left his lair like a young lion, for their land has become a desolation because of the raging sword and because of his burning anger.
Masoretic (WLC)
[MT 25:38]
Septuagint (LXX)
[LXX 32:24 approximately]
MT v. 38 is part of the cup-of-wrath oracle (vv. 15-38). In LXX, this material is relocated to after the OAN and appears with different numbering (LXX ch. 32). The content is largely the same but the LIST OF NATIONS receiving the cup (vv. 17-26 in MT) is significantly shorter in LXX, omitting many of the names.