Jeremiah 10:25
Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.
Jeremiah 10:25 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament speaks about God's anger towards those who do not know Him and do not call upon His name. The heathen, or non-believers, are seen as the enemies of the Israelites, who are referred to here as Jacob. The verse describes how these heathen nations have devoured and consumed the people of Israel, leading to the destruction of their homes and communities. The plea for God to pour out His fury upon these enemies reflects a common theme in the Bible of asking for divine justice and protection from those who seek to harm God's chosen people. It serves as a reminder of the consequences that can come from turning away from God and the importance of seeking His guidance and protection in times of hardship and struggle.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that it speaks to the concept of divine judgment upon those who do not acknowledge or worship God. In this context, "pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not" could be seen as a plea for God's justice to be enacted upon those who are ignorant of Him. The phrase "upon the families that call not on thy name" reinforces this idea, emphasizing the importance of calling upon God in times of trouble and acknowledging Him as the ultimate authority. The imagery of the heathen "eating up Jacob" and making "his habitation desolate" further underscores the consequences of turning away from God and the destruction that can result. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and the potential consequences of neglecting a relationship with God.
Jeremiah 10:25 in other translations
American Standard Version
Pour out thy wrath upon the nations that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have devoured Jacob, yea, they have devoured him and consumed him, and have laid waste his habitation.
World English Bible
Pour out your wrath on the nations that don’t know you, and on the families that don’t call on your name: for they have devoured Jacob, yes, they have devoured him and consumed him, and have laid waste his habitation.
Douay-Rheims
Pour out thy indignation upon the nations that have not known thee, and upon the provinces that have not called upon thy name: because they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have destroyed his glory.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Powre out thy wrath vpon the heathen, that knowe thee not, and vpon the families that call not on thy Name: for they haue eaten vp Iaakob and deuoured him and consumed him, and haue made his habitation desolate.