The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.

JEREMIAH 47:1KJV
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Jeremiah 47:1 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 47:1 mean?

Jeremiah 47:1 introduces a message from the LORD to Jeremiah about the Philistines, specifically before Pharaoh attacked the city of Gaza. This verse sets the stage for a prophecy concerning the fate of the Philistines at a particular moment in history.

Jeremiah, acting as a prophet, receives a word from the LORD (the God of Israel) that is directed "against the Philistines." The verse notes that this message comes before Pharaoh (the ruler of Egypt) struck Gaza, a major Philistine city. This historical note helps the reader understand the timing and context of the prophecy that follows in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 47:1

  • דָּבָר (davar, H1697): This word means "word" or "message." Here, it emphasizes that what follows is not Jeremiah's own thoughts but a direct communication from God.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, H3068): This is the personal name of the LORD, underscoring that the prophecy carries divine authority.
  • פְּלִשְׁתִּים (Pelishtim, H6430): This is the Hebrew name for the Philistines, a group often in conflict with Israel. Naming them directly highlights the specific target of this prophecy.
  • עָזָּה (Azzah, H5804): This is the Hebrew name for Gaza, one of the main Philistine cities. Mentioning Gaza gives a concrete historical anchor for the events described.

Why Jeremiah 47:1 matters

  • Jeremiah 47:1 clarifies that the prophecy is not general but is specifically about the Philistines and is tied to a real historical event (Pharaoh’s attack on Gaza), helping readers place the message in its historical context.
  • The verse shows that God’s messages through the prophets often responded to or anticipated significant political and military events in the region, showing the Bible’s engagement with real-world history.
  • By naming both the Philistines and Pharaoh, the verse hints at the complex relationships and conflicts among ancient nations, which will shape the meaning of the prophecy that follows.

Where else these words appear

“Gaza” Hebrew H5804 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Judges 6:4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:28 And their possessions and habitations were, Bethel and the towns thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto Gaza and the towns thereof:

“Jeremiah” Hebrew H3414 · used in 133 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
  • Jeremiah 28:15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
  • Jeremiah 38:7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;