Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

JEREMIAH 5:22KJV
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Jeremiah 5:22 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 5:22 mean?

Jeremiah 5:22 describes God asking why the people do not fear or respect Him, pointing out that He is the one who set the sand as a boundary for the sea, keeping its powerful waves in check by His unchanging command. The verse uses the image of the sea’s limits to show God’s authority and power, which should inspire awe and reverence.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s words to the people of Judah, who have become stubborn and rebellious. God reminds them that He alone controls the forces of nature, like the sea, by His own decree. The verse is meant to highlight how unreasonable it is for people to ignore or disrespect the God who holds such power over creation.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 5:22

  • "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to have awe or deep respect, not just to be afraid. God is asking why the people do not have proper reverence for Him, given His power.
  • "Perpetual" (עוֹלָם, olam): This word often means everlasting or unending. The boundary God set for the sea is described as a lasting decree, emphasizing God’s ongoing control.
  • "Waves" (גַּל, gal): This word refers to the rolling or surging of the sea. The verse points out that even though the waves are strong and restless, they cannot cross the boundary God has set.

Why Jeremiah 5:22 matters

  • Jeremiah 5:22 clears up the idea that God’s authority is only spiritual or distant; it shows that His power is seen in the everyday world, even in the boundaries of nature.
  • The verse emphasizes how the people’s lack of respect for God is unreasonable, since even the chaotic sea obeys His command.
  • This verse ties into the wider message of Jeremiah 5, where God is confronting the people’s stubbornness and calling them back to recognize His rightful place as Creator and Lord.