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.