Psalms 75:8
For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.
Psalms 75:8
Verse 8 uses vivid imagery: “For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.” The cup signifies divine judgment; the red wine and mixture suggest sorrow, fullness, and perhaps the bitter dose owed to the wicked. The imagery of pouring out the cup emphasizes God’s active discipline—He administers consequences to those who oppose Him and harm His people. The dregs, the residue or sediment, symbolize the undesirable aftereffects of judgment that the wicked must drink. The passage conveys both accountability and mercy: the righteous might suffer, but God’s justice will be fulfilled, and the ultimate fate of the wicked will be realized. This language would have resonated with ancient readers who understood the textures of courtroom justice and ritual purification.
Theologically, this verse frames God’s judgment as orderly and purposeful, not arbitrary vengeance. It underscores God’s control over history and moral order, including the fate of the wicked. It also reinforces the eschatological dimension of Scripture—people will reap what they sow, and God will make all things right. The image of the cup also carries redemption overtones in biblical symbolism: while the wicked drink the dregs, the righteous drink from a different cup—the cup of salvation in other biblical texts. This verse thus sits within a broader biblical motif of judgment, justice, and divine discipline that leads to a reordering of creation.
Practically, this is a reminder that actions have consequences and that God’s justice will address oppression and evil. It invites believers to remain steadfast in faith when confronted with injustice, choosing to respond with integrity rather than vengeance. For communities, this can translate into advocacy for justice and protection of the vulnerable, while trusting God to handle ultimate accountability. Individuals can reflect on their own “cups”: what choices lead to outcomes they don’t want to face? Use this as motivation to live with honesty, generosity, and mercy, even when wrongs are not immediately corrected. It also encourages hopeful endurance, knowing that God’s judgment is both righteous and purposeful.
Cross-References: Isaiah 51:17-23; Jeremiah 25:15-17; Revelation 14:9-10; Psalm 11:6