King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 25:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 25:22 in the King James Version says “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, ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 25:22 · KJV

Context

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

23

Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all that are in the utmost corners, that: Heb. cut off into corners, or, having the corners of the hair polled

24

And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the desert,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea. Tyre and Sidon were Phoenician city-states on the Mediterranean coast, famous for seafaring, commerce, and wealth. The phrase malkê haʾî ʾăsher bĕʿēḇer hayyām (מַלְכֵי הָאִי אֲשֶׁר בְּעֵבֶר הַיָּם, kings of the isles/coastlands beyond the sea) likely refers to Phoenician trading colonies across the Mediterranean—Cyprus, Crete, perhaps even Carthage and Spain. Tyre's pride in its commercial empire and perceived invulnerability drew extensive prophetic condemnation (Isaiah 23, Ezekiel 26-28).

Ezekiel 28 describes Tyre's king in terms echoing Eden's fall, suggesting satanic pride behind human arrogance. The city's wealth, built on international trade, created false security: 'I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas' (Ezekiel 28:2). God's judgment on Tyre demonstrates that economic power and geographic isolation provide no protection from divine justice. Jesus later condemned Tyre and Sidon for rejecting His ministry, declaring they would be judged more severely than Sodom (Matthew 11:21-22). Commercial success and cultural sophistication don't exempt anyone from accountability before God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre for thirteen years (585-572 BC), partially fulfilling this prophecy. The mainland city was destroyed, though the island fortress survived. Alexander the Great finally conquered island Tyre in 332 BC, fulfilling Ezekiel's prophecy that the city would become 'a place for the spreading of nets' (Ezekiel 26:14). Today, fishermen spread nets on the ancient site—a precise literal fulfillment. Sidon was also conquered by Babylon and later destroyed by Persians (351 BC). The 'isles beyond the sea' fell as Phoenician power collapsed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment on wealthy, sophisticated Tyre challenge our tendency to trust in economic prosperity and cultural achievement?
  2. What does the pride of Tyre—'I am a god'—reveal about the spiritual dangers of commercial success and self-sufficiency?
  3. In what ways might modern Western civilization mirror Tyre's false confidence in wealth, technology, and perceived invulnerability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאֵת֙1 of 14
H853

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

כָּל2 of 14
H3605

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

מַלְכֵ֣י3 of 14

“And all the kings”

H4428

a king

צֹ֔ר4 of 14

“of Tyrus”

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

וְאֵ֖ת5 of 14
H853

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

כָּל6 of 14
H3605

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

מַלְכֵ֣י7 of 14

“And all the kings”

H4428

a king

צִיד֑וֹן8 of 14

“of Zidon”

H6721

tsidon, the name of a son of canaan, and of a place in palestine

וְאֵת֙9 of 14
H853

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

מַלְכֵ֣י10 of 14

“And all the kings”

H4428

a king

הָאִ֔י11 of 14

“of the isles”

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

אֲשֶׁ֖ר12 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּעֵ֥בֶר13 of 14

“which are beyond”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַיָּֽם׃14 of 14

“the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

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 25:22 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 25:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 47:4Zechariah 9:1-4Ezekiel 32:30Jeremiah 31:10Ezekiel 28:22-23Amos 1:3-5

Places in This Verse

SidonSettlement · Modern: Sandikli archaeological site in Sidon · 33.56°N, 35.37°E37 verses across 16 books
TyreSettlement · Modern: Tyre · 33.27°N, 35.20°E64 verses across 19 books
View all places in Jeremiah 25 →

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