King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 47:4 Mean?

Jeremiah 47:4 in the King James Version says “Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remai... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor. the country: Heb. the isle

Jeremiah 47:4 · KJV


Context

2

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl. all that: Heb. the fulness thereof

3

At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands;

4

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor. the country: Heb. the isle

5

Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?

6

O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still. put: Heb. gather thyself


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prophecy against Philistia emphasizes total destruction - God will 'cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth.' The Philistines would lose all allies. This demonstrates that human alliances fail when God decrees judgment. The rhetorical question 'how long will it be ere thou be quiet?' (v6) emphasizes the unstoppable nature of divine judgment once unleashed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This was fulfilled by Babylonian conquest. The Philistines, ancient enemies of Israel, faced the same judgment as Judah - showing God's impartiality in justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do earthly alliances prove futile when facing God's judgment?
  2. What does God's judgment on Israel's enemies teach about His sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
עַל1 of 21
H5921

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

הַיּ֗וֹם2 of 21

Because of the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַבָּא֙3 of 21

that cometh

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שֹׁדֵ֤ד4 of 21

to spoil

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

אֶת5 of 21
H853

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

כָּל6 of 21
H3605

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

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים7 of 21

all the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

לְהַכְרִ֤ית8 of 21

and to cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לְצֹר֙9 of 21

from Tyrus

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

וּלְצִיד֔וֹן10 of 21

and Zidon

H6721

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

כֹּ֖ל11 of 21
H3605

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

שָׂרִ֣יד12 of 21

that remaineth

H8300

a survivor

עֹזֵ֑ר13 of 21

every helper

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

כִּֽי14 of 21
H3588

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

שֹׁדֵ֤ד15 of 21

to spoil

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

יְהוָה֙16 of 21

for the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת17 of 21
H853

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

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים18 of 21

all the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

שְׁאֵרִ֖ית19 of 21

the remnant

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

אִ֥י20 of 21

of the country

H339

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

כַפְתּֽוֹר׃21 of 21

of Caphtor

H3731

caphtor (i.e., a wreath-shaped island), the original seat of the philistines


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 47:4 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 47:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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