And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,

JEREMIAH 25:22KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 25:22 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 25:22 mean?

Jeremiah 25:22 lists several groups—specifically the kings of Tyre, the kings of Sidon, and the kings of distant islands across the sea—who will experience the judgment that God is announcing through Jeremiah. This verse is part of a larger message declaring that not only Judah, but many surrounding nations, will face consequences for their actions.

In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s words to a wide audience, warning that judgment is coming not just for his own people, but for neighboring nations as well. Tyre and Sidon were important Phoenician cities known for their trade and influence, and the “isles beyond the sea” likely refers to distant coastal lands or islands in the Mediterranean. The verse emphasizes the broad scope of God’s message, showing that no powerful nation or distant people is beyond God’s reach.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 25:22

  • kings (מֶלֶךְ, melek): This word appears several times in the verse, highlighting that the message is directed to rulers and leaders, not just ordinary people. It underscores the seriousness and reach of the coming judgment.
  • Tyrus (צֹר, tsor) and Zidon (צִידוֹן, tsidon): These are the Hebrew names for Tyre and Sidon, major Phoenician cities. Mentioning them specifically points to their significance in the region’s politics and commerce.
  • isles (אִי, ’iy): This term often means coastlands or distant islands, suggesting that even far-off places are included in God’s warning.
  • beyond (עֵבֶר, eber) and sea (יָם, yam): Together, these words describe lands “across the sea,” further broadening the scope to include peoples not immediately neighboring Israel.

Why Jeremiah 25:22 matters

  • Jeremiah 25:22 makes clear that God’s message of judgment is not limited to Israel or Judah, but extends to powerful foreign nations and even distant lands, showing the universal scope of God’s authority.
  • By naming Tyre and Sidon, well-known centers of trade and influence, the verse highlights that wealth and power do not exempt anyone from accountability before God.
  • This verse connects to the larger context of Jeremiah 25, where a long list of nations is given, reinforcing the idea that God’s plans and concerns are global, not just local or national.

Where else these words appear

“Zidon” Hebrew H6721 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 10:15 And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,
  • Judges 18:28 And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein.
  • Jeremiah 27:3 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;

“isles” Hebrew H339 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Isaiah 41:5 The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

“Tyrus” Hebrew H6865 · used in 39 verses

  • Joshua 19:29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:
  • Psalms 87:4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
  • Ezekiel 27:2 Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

“beyond” Hebrew H5676 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
  • Joshua 7:7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!
  • 1 Samuel 31:7 And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.