Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

JEREMIAH 47:4KJV
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Jeremiah 47:4 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 47:4 mean?

Jeremiah 47:4 predicts a coming day when the Philistines will be destroyed, along with the allies from Tyre and Sidon who might have helped them, because the LORD will bring disaster on the Philistines, the survivors from the land of Caphtor. The verse describes a total judgment that will leave the Philistines without support or escape.

Jeremiah is speaking a prophecy from God against the Philistines, a group living along the coast near Israel, during a time when foreign armies threatened many nations. The verse points out that not only will the Philistines be attacked, but even their helpers from nearby cities like Tyre and Sidon will be cut off. Mentioning Caphtor connects the Philistines to their ancient origins, emphasizing that this judgment will reach all who belong to them.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 47:4

  • "spoils" (שָׁדַד, shadad): This word means to devastate or destroy, not just to rob. The sense here is of complete ruin, not just defeat in battle.
  • "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit): This word means those who are left or survivors. The verse stresses that even the last remaining Philistines, not just the main population, will face judgment.
  • "Caphtor" (כַּפְתוֹר, Kaphtor): This is often identified with the island of Crete or a region nearby, which ancient tradition links to the origins of the Philistines. Naming Caphtor highlights that the destruction will reach the very roots of the Philistine people.

Why Jeremiah 47:4 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the Philistines' destruction is not just a local defeat but a divinely ordered event that affects their entire people, even those with distant origins.
  • It shows that alliances and outside help (from Tyre and Sidon) will not save the Philistines, underlining the completeness of the coming judgment.
  • By connecting the prophecy to Caphtor, Jeremiah ties the fate of the Philistines to their history, showing that no part of their identity or legacy will escape what is coming.

Where else these words appear

“Caphtor” Hebrew H3731 · used in 3 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)
  • Amos 9:7 Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?

“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 25:22 And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,

“remaineth” Hebrew H8300 · used in 28 verses

  • Numbers 21:35 So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.
  • Joshua 10:37 And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein.
  • Job 27:15 Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep.

“country” 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 25:22 And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,