King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 25:20 Mean?

Jeremiah 25:20 in the King James Version says “And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and A...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,”

Jeremiah 25:20 · KJV

Context

18

To wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as it is this day;

19

Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his servants, and his princes, and all his people;

20

And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,

21

Edom, and Moab, and the children of Ammon,

22

And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea, isles: or, region by the sea side

Read Jeremiah 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod. The phrase ʾeṯ-kol-hāʿereḇ (אֶת־כָּל־הָעֶרֶב, all the mingled people) likely refers to mixed populations or mercenary troops serving Egypt. The ʾereṣ ʿÛṣ (אֶרֶץ עוּץ, land of Uz) is Job's homeland (Job 1:1), possibly Edomite or Arabian territory southeast of Palestine. The Philistine pentapolis (five cities) is listed: Ashkelon, Gaza (Azzah), Ekron, and notably Ashdod's 'remnant'—suggesting prior destruction, perhaps by Egyptian or Assyrian campaigns.

This catalog demonstrates God's sovereignty over all peoples, not merely Israel. The Philistines were Israel's ancient enemies; Uz represents distant territories. All stand equally under divine judgment. No nation escapes accountability before the Creator. This universality of judgment appears throughout Scripture: 'God will judge the world in righteousness' (Acts 17:31), 'every knee shall bow' (Romans 14:11), and Revelation's vision of all tribes, tongues, and nations before the throne (Revelation 7:9). Geographic, ethnic, and cultural distinctions are irrelevant before divine justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistine cities along Palestine's coast had complex relationships with surrounding powers—sometimes allied with Egypt, sometimes with Assyria, frequently at war with Israel. Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns systematically conquered these cities. Archaeological evidence shows destruction layers at Ashkelon and other Philistine sites dating to the Babylonian period. The land of Uz's exact location remains debated, but Arabian territories fell to Babylon's expanding empire, fulfilling this prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment of diverse peoples (mercenaries, distant lands, ancient enemies) demonstrate universal moral accountability?
  2. What does the inclusion of both Israel's enemies and distant nations teach about the scope of divine sovereignty?
  3. How should the certainty that all nations face God's judgment shape Christian missions and evangelism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְאֵת֙1 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל2 of 22
H3605

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

הָעֶ֔רֶב3 of 22

“And all the mingled”

H6153

dusk

וְאֵ֕ת4 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל5 of 22
H3605

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

מַלְכֵי֙6 of 22

“and all the kings”

H4428

a king

אֶ֣רֶץ7 of 22

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הָע֑וּץ8 of 22

“of Uz”

H5780

uts, a son of aram, also a seirite, and the regions settled by them

וְאֵ֗ת9 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל10 of 22
H3605

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

מַלְכֵי֙11 of 22

“and all the kings”

H4428

a king

אֶ֣רֶץ12 of 22

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים13 of 22

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וְאֶת14 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַשְׁקְל֤וֹן15 of 22

“and Ashkelon”

H831

ashkelon, a place in palestine

וְאֶת16 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַזָּה֙17 of 22

“and Azzah”

H5804

azzah, a place in palestine

וְאֶת18 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֶקְר֔וֹן19 of 22

“and Ekron”

H6138

ekron, a place in palestine

וְאֵ֖ת20 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁאֵרִ֥ית21 of 22

“and the remnant”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

אַשְׁדּֽוֹד׃22 of 22

“of Ashdod”

H795

ashdod, a place in palestine

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 25:20 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 25:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 1:1Jeremiah 50:37Isaiah 20:1Ezekiel 30:5Lamentations 4:21Exodus 12:38

Places in This Verse

AshdodSettlement · Modern: Tel Ashdod · 31.76°N, 34.66°E21 verses across 10 books
AshkelonSettlement · Modern: Tel Ashkelon · 31.66°N, 34.55°E12 verses across 8 books
EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
EkronSettlement · Modern: Tel Miqne · 31.78°N, 34.85°E20 verses across 8 books
GazaSettlement · Modern: Tell Harube · 31.50°N, 34.46°E22 verses across 12 books
UzRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E3 verses across 3 books
View all places in Jeremiah 25 →

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