King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 25:23 Mean?

Jeremiah 25:23 in the King James Version says “Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all that are in the utmost corners, that: Heb. cut off into corners, or, having the corner...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 25:23 · KJV

Context

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,

25

And all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes,

Read Jeremiah 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all that are in the utmost corners. These Arabian peoples represent distant territories far from Israel. Dedan and Tema were Arabian trading communities (Isaiah 21:13-14, Ezekiel 27:20); Buz was Nahor's son (Genesis 22:21), possibly related to Job's friend Elihu the Buzite (Job 32:2). The phrase kol-qĕṣûṣê pēʾâ (כָּל־קְצוּצֵי פֵאָה, all who cut the corners) likely refers to Arabian tribes who practiced distinctive hair-cutting (Jeremiah 9:26, 49:32), possibly pagan religious practice forbidden to Israel (Leviticus 19:27).

The inclusion of these remote peoples emphasizes the comprehensive scope of God's judgment. Not merely Israel's immediate neighbors but distant Arabian tribes would face Babylon's conquests. God's sovereignty extends to earth's remotest corners; no one escapes His jurisdiction. This principle culminates in Revelation's vision: 'every island fled away, and the mountains were not found' (Revelation 16:20). Geographic distance provides no refuge from the omnipresent Judge. Yet Scripture also promises that from these remote peoples, some will come to worship (Isaiah 60:6-7; Matthew 2:1-12).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Arabian territories fell under Babylonian control as Nebuchadnezzar's empire expanded. Jeremiah 49:28-33 specifically prophesies judgment on Kedar and Hazor (Arabian kingdoms), stating 'Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite them.' Cuneiform inscriptions confirm Babylonian campaigns into Arabia. These distant peoples, seemingly far from the covenant drama of Israel and Judah, were nonetheless caught in the empire's expansion—fulfilling the prophecy that God's cup of wrath would reach 'the utmost corners.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does judgment extending to remote Arabian tribes demonstrate that God's sovereignty has no geographic limits?
  2. What does the inclusion of distant peoples teach about universal accountability before the Creator, regardless of proximity to revealed religion?
  3. In what ways should the global scope of judgment motivate worldwide evangelism—taking the gospel to 'the utmost corners' before final judgment comes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאֶת1 of 10
H853

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

דְּדָ֤ן2 of 10

“Dedan”

H1719

dedan, the name of two cushites and of their territory

וְאֶת3 of 10
H853

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

תֵּימָא֙4 of 10

“and Tema”

H8485

tema, a son of ishmael, and the region settled by him

וְאֶת5 of 10
H853

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

בּ֔וּז6 of 10

“and Buz”

H938

buz, the name of a son of nahor, and of an israelite

וְאֵ֖ת7 of 10
H853

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

כָּל8 of 10
H3605

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

קְצוּצֵ֥י9 of 10

“and all that are in the utmost”

H7112

to chop off (literally or figuratively)

פֵאָֽה׃10 of 10

“corners”

H6285

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

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 25:23 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 25:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 9:26Jeremiah 49:8Jeremiah 49:32Genesis 22:21Job 6:19Genesis 25:15

Places in This Verse

BuzRegion · Modern: between Dedan and Kedar · 28.36°N, 38.99°E1 verse across 1 book
DedanSettlement · Modern: Al Khuraybah · 26.65°N, 37.92°E7 verses across 3 books
TemaSettlement · Modern: Tayma · 27.63°N, 38.55°E3 verses across 3 books
View all places in Jeremiah 25 →

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 25 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes