King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 5:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 5:22 in the King James Version says “Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

Jeremiah 5:22 · KJV


Context

20

Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying,

21

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: understanding: Heb. heart

22

Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

23

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

24

Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 5:22 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 5:22, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah 5:22 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 5:22 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
הַאוֹתִ֨י1 of 25
H853

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

לֹא2 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִירָ֜אוּ3 of 25

Fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

נְאֻם4 of 25

ye not me saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֹ֗ה5 of 25

the LORD

H3068

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

אִ֤ם6 of 25
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מִפָּנַי֙7 of 25

at my presence

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

לֹ֣א8 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָחִ֔ילוּ9 of 25

will ye not tremble

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

אֲשֶׁר10 of 25
H834

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

שַׂ֤מְתִּי11 of 25

which have placed

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

חוֹל֙12 of 25

the sand

H2344

sand (as round or whirling particles)

גְּב֣וּל13 of 25

for the bound

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

לַיָּ֔ם14 of 25

of 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

חָק15 of 25

decree

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

עוֹלָ֖ם16 of 25

by a perpetual

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וְלֹ֣א17 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַעַבְרֻֽנְהוּ׃18 of 25

that it cannot pass

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

וַיִּֽתְגָּעֲשׁוּ֙19 of 25

thereof toss

H1607

to agitate violently

וְלֹ֣א20 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוּכָ֔לוּ21 of 25

themselves yet can they not prevail

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

וְהָמ֥וּ22 of 25

though they roar

H1993

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

גַלָּ֖יו23 of 25

it and though the waves

H1530

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

וְלֹ֥א24 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַעַבְרֻֽנְהוּ׃25 of 25

that it cannot pass

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in


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 5:22 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 5:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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