Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.

JEREMIAH 10:7KJV
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Jeremiah 10:7 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 10:7 mean?

Jeremiah 10:7 declares that no one among all the nations and their wise men is like God, and that God alone deserves reverence as the true King over all peoples. The verse emphasizes that fearing and honoring God is fitting because of His unique greatness and authority.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah, contrasting the living God with the idols worshiped by other nations. Jeremiah points out that even the most respected leaders and thinkers among the nations cannot compare to God’s wisdom and power. The verse highlights God’s unmatched status and rightful place as King over every nation.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 10:7

  • "fear" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to revere, respect, or stand in awe. Here, it points to the kind of deep respect and honor that only God deserves, not just ordinary fear.
  • "King" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): Calling God "King" stresses His authority and rule, not just over Israel, but over all the nations (גּוֹיִם, goyim).
  • "nations" (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word refers to all peoples outside Israel, showing that God’s rule and uniqueness are not limited to one group.
  • "appertain" (יָאָתָה, ya’atah): This word means "it is fitting" or "it belongs to you." Jeremiah is saying that reverence is something that rightly belongs to God alone.
  • "wise" (חָכָם, chakam): This word refers to those considered wise or learned among the nations, highlighting that even the best human wisdom cannot match God.

Why Jeremiah 10:7 matters

  • Jeremiah 10:7 clears up any idea that God is just one among many gods; instead, it insists that God is uniquely worthy of honor above all others.
  • The verse highlights that wisdom and authority, no matter how great among humans, are nothing compared to God’s. This sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which contrasts God with lifeless idols.
  • By calling God "King of nations," Jeremiah reminds the people that God’s sovereignty extends far beyond Israel, challenging narrow or tribal views of God’s rule.

Where else these words appear

“kingdoms” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.
  • Esther 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.