King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 10:7 Mean?

Jeremiah 10:7 in the King James Version says “Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the na...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. to: or, it liketh thee”

Jeremiah 10:7 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

5

They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

6

Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.

7

Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. to: or, it liketh thee

8

But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities. altogether: Heb. in one, or, at once

9

Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse declares universal divine sovereignty: 'Who would not fear thee, O King of nations?' The rhetorical question expects universal answer: everyone should fear this King. 'For to thee doth it appertain.' The Hebrew ya'atha (יָאֲתָה) means 'it is fitting, appropriate, proper'—fear is YHWH's rightful due. 'Forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.' Even pagan wisdom and royal power find nothing comparable to YHWH. The 'wise men of nations' (chakhmei haggoyim) would include Babylonian sages famed for astronomical and magical knowledge; even they possess nothing equal to Israel's God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian 'wise men' were renowned throughout the ancient world—Daniel was enrolled among them (Daniel 2:12-13). Their astronomical knowledge, mathematical skills, and divinatory practices impressed all cultures. Yet Jeremiah dismisses all this sophistication as nothing compared to knowing YHWH. The title 'King of nations' claims universal sovereignty—YHWH rules not just Israel but all peoples.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does calling YHWH 'King of nations' claim about His sovereignty over all peoples, not just Israel?
  2. How should the acknowledgment that fear is 'fitting' for God shape our approach to worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
מִ֣י1 of 16
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

לֹ֤א2 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִֽרָאֲךָ֙3 of 16

“Who would not fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֶ֣לֶךְ4 of 16

“thee O King”

H4428

a king

הַגּוֹיִ֛ם5 of 16

“men of the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

כִּ֥י6 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְךָ֖7 of 16
H0
יָאָ֑תָה8 of 16

“for to thee doth it appertain”

H2969

to be suitable

כִּ֣י9 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְכָל10 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חַכְמֵ֧י11 of 16

“forasmuch as among all the wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

הַגּוֹיִ֛ם12 of 16

“men of the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וּבְכָל13 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַלְכוּתָ֖ם14 of 16

“and in all their kingdoms”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

מֵאֵ֥ין15 of 16
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כָּמֽוֹךָ׃16 of 16
H3644

as, thus, so

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 10:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 15:4Psalms 22:28Jeremiah 5:22Jeremiah 10:61 Corinthians 1:19-20Psalms 89:6

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