King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 27:5 Mean?

Jeremiah 27:5 in the King James Version says “I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.”

Jeremiah 27:5 · KJV

Context

3

And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites , and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;

4

And command them to say unto their masters, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters; to say: or, concerning their masters, saying

5

I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

6

And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

7

And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

Read Jeremiah 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse grounds God's sovereignty in His role as Creator. The phrase 'by my great power and by my outstretched arm' echoes Exodus language, now applied to giving kingdoms to whomever God chooses - including pagan Nebuchadnezzar. Reformed theology emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and rulers (Dan 4:17, Rom 13:1). No human power exists independent of God's decree.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah wore an actual wooden yoke as a prophetic sign, symbolizing submission to Babylon. This was scandalous - appearing to support the enemy - yet it was God's revealed will.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty over all nations affect your view of current events?
  2. In what ways do you struggle to accept God's authority over circumstances you dislike?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אָנֹכִ֞י1 of 20
H595

i

עָשִׂ֣יתִי2 of 20

“I have made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ4 of 20

“the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת5 of 20
H853

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

הָאָדָ֤ם6 of 20

“the man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וְאֶת7 of 20
H853

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

הַבְּהֵמָה֙8 of 20

“and the beast”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

אֲשֶׁר֙9 of 20
H834

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

עַל10 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֣י11 of 20

“that are upon”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָאָ֔רֶץ12 of 20

“the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בְּכֹחִי֙13 of 20

“power”

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

הַגָּד֔וֹל14 of 20

“by my great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּבִזְרוֹעִ֖י15 of 20

“arm”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

הַנְּטוּיָ֑ה16 of 20

“and by my outstretched”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

וּנְתַתִּ֕יהָ17 of 20

“and have given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַאֲשֶׁ֖ר18 of 20
H834

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

יָשַׁ֥ר19 of 20

“meet”

H3474

to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous

בְּעֵינָֽי׃20 of 20

“it unto whom it seemed”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 27:5 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 27:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 51:15Jeremiah 32:17Psalms 115:15-16Hebrews 1:10-11Daniel 4:17Psalms 146:5-6

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