Jeremiah 10:7

KJV

Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who would not fear {H3372} thee, O King {H4428} of nations {H1471}? for to thee doth it appertain {H2969}: forasmuch as among all the wise {H2450} men of the nations {H1471}, and in all their kingdoms {H4438}, there is none like unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Who would not fear you, king of the nations? For it is your due! - since among all the wise of the nations and among all their royalty, there is no one like you.

Berean Standard Bible

Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You.

American Standard Version

Who should not fear thee, O King of the nations? for to thee doth it appertain; forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their royal estate, there is none like unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:7 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's incomparable sovereignty and unique majesty, contrasting Him sharply with the impotent idols of the nations. It asserts that the Lord, as the true "King of nations," inherently deserves the fear and reverence of all peoples, for His wisdom and power far transcend anything found among the wisest of human rulers or their earthly kingdoms. This verse functions as a powerful rhetorical climax within Jeremiah's broader indictment of idolatry, calling Judah back to exclusive devotion to the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 10:7 is strategically positioned within a powerful polemic against idolatry that begins in [Jeremiah 10:1](/jeremiah/10-1 "Jeremiah 10:1 - Warning Against Idolatry"). The preceding verses (Jeremiah 10:2-5) vividly describe the absurdity and futility of crafting gods from wood and silver, which are then adorned and worshipped, yet are utterly powerless and inanimate. These verses highlight the human effort and expense invested in creating lifeless objects that cannot speak, walk, or do good or evil. Following this detailed exposé of idol worship, verse 6 introduces a direct contrast, declaring, "Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might." Verse 7 then serves as a rhetorical crescendo, building upon this declaration of incomparability by posing a question that demands an affirmative response, thereby solidifying the Lord's supreme authority and the universal obligation to fear Him. This section sets the stage for Jeremiah's continued prophecies of judgment against Judah for its spiritual infidelity and impending exile to Babylon, a land steeped in polytheistic practices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BC). This era was marked by political instability, moral decay, and widespread religious syncretism, where the worship of Yahweh was increasingly mingled with the pagan practices of surrounding nations, particularly those associated with Baal and Asherah. The people of Judah, despite their covenant relationship with God, were constantly tempted by the perceived power and prosperity of the idolatrous empires around them. The "nations" (Hebrew: *goyim*) in this verse refer to these foreign powers, such as Assyria, Egypt, and the rising Babylonian empire, each with their own pantheons and claims of divine backing for their rulers. Jeremiah's message directly challenges the prevailing worldview that attributed power to these national deities or to the wisdom of earthly kings, asserting Yahweh's unique and universal dominion over all peoples and their supposed gods. The impending threat of Babylonian conquest made this message particularly urgent, as Judah was about to face a powerful, idolatrous empire.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 10:7 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's Incomparable Sovereignty**, declaring Him the "King of nations" who reigns supreme over all peoples and kingdoms, not merely Israel. This title emphasizes His universal dominion, a concept echoed in passages like [Psalm 47:8](/psalms/47-8 "Psalm 47:8 - God Reigns Over the Nations"). Secondly, the rhetorical question "Who would not fear thee?" highlights the theme of **Rightful Reverence and Awe**. This "fear" (Hebrew: *yir'ah*) is not terror but a profound, worshipful awe that acknowledges God's supreme authority, holiness, and power, leading to submission and obedience, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Thirdly, the verse exposes the **Futility of Human Wisdom and Power** when compared to divine wisdom. The assertion that "among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee" directly challenges the perceived might and sagacity of earthly rulers and their advisors, affirming God's unique omnipotence and omniscience, a theme also found in [Isaiah 40:25](/isaiah/40-25 "Isaiah 40:25 - To Whom Then Will You Liken God?"). Finally, the phrase "for to thee doth it appertain" emphasizes **Divine Prerogative**, asserting that dominion, worship, and reverence are not merely given to God but are His inherent right and due by nature and by creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârê'_):** This primitive root signifies a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect, rather than mere terror or fright. In this context, it denotes a proper, worshipful acknowledgment of God's majesty, power, and holiness, leading to submission and obedience. It implies recognizing His supreme authority and acting accordingly.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** Derived from the root "to rule," this term refers to a sovereign ruler. When applied to God, "King" denotes His ultimate authority, dominion, and supreme reign over all creation, not just a specific nation. The addition of "of nations" further emphasizes His universal and unparalleled kingship.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This word primarily refers to foreign nations or Gentiles, distinct from Israel. In a broader sense, it can mean a people or troop. Here, its use highlights God's sovereignty extending beyond the chosen people to encompass all human societies and their respective kingdoms, underscoring His universal reign in contrast to limited, regional deities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who would not fear thee, O King of nations?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question, implying that no rational being, upon truly understanding the Lord's nature and supreme authority, could possibly withhold fear (reverence and awe) from Him. Addressing God as "King of nations" immediately elevates Him above any earthly monarch or tribal deity, asserting His universal dominion.
* **"for to thee doth it appertain:"**: This clause provides the justification for the rhetorical question. The Hebrew word *yâʼâh* (appertain) means "to be suitable" or "to be proper." It signifies that this fear, reverence, and universal dominion are not merely granted to God but are His inherent right, His due, and His natural prerogative. It is fitting and proper for Him to be feared and acknowledged as King.
* **"forasmuch as among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee."**: This final clause offers further evidence for God's unique claim to universal fear and kingship. It contrasts God's unparalleled wisdom and power with the limited, finite wisdom and authority of even the most sagacious rulers and the most powerful empires of the world. Despite all human efforts to achieve wisdom, power, or establish dominion, none can compare to the Lord God. This underscores His singular nature and omnipotence.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Who would not fear thee, O King of nations?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make an emphatic statement, implying that the answer is self-evident: everyone should fear the Lord. This device compels the listener or reader to acknowledge the undeniable truth of God's supremacy. Furthermore, the verse utilizes stark **Contrast**, setting the incomparable nature of Yahweh against the "wise men of the nations and all their kingdoms," implicitly drawing a parallel with the impotent idols described in the preceding verses. This contrast highlights God's unique power and wisdom over all human and created entities. The phrase "none like unto thee" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration for Emphasis**, stressing God's absolute uniqueness and incomparability, a common theme in prophetic literature when describing the divine. Finally, the repetition of "nations" (Hebrew: *gôwy*) serves to emphasize the universal scope of God's kingship and the widespread recognition of His unmatched nature that is due Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 10:7 articulates a foundational truth about God's nature: His absolute incomparability and supreme sovereignty over all creation. This verse is a powerful affirmation of monotheism in a polytheistic world, declaring that Yahweh is not merely one god among many, nor even the greatest of gods, but utterly unique and without peer. His kingship extends beyond Israel to encompass all "nations," signifying a universal dominion that transcends human political boundaries and the limitations of national deities. The "fear" He commands is not terror but a profound, worshipful awe rooted in His inherent majesty, wisdom, and power, which are beyond any human or created capacity. This theological bedrock underpins the call to exclusive worship and obedience, challenging any allegiance to idols, human wisdom, or earthly powers.

* [Psalm 96:4-5](/psalms/96-4-5 "Psalm 96:4-5 - The Lord is Great and Greatly to Be Praised")
* [Isaiah 40:18](/isaiah/40-18 "Isaiah 40:18 - To Whom Then Will You Liken God?")
* [Daniel 2:20-21](/daniel/2-20-21 "Daniel 2:20-21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 10:7 serves as a timeless call to re-evaluate our reverence and priorities in a world that often exalts human achievement, technological prowess, political power, or material wealth. In an age saturated with competing ideologies and sources of authority, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze to the one true God, reminding us that no earthly institution, no human wisdom, and certainly no created thing can compare to the Lord's majesty and authority. To truly "fear" the King of nations means acknowledging His supreme rule over every aspect of life, finding our ultimate security not in fleeting human systems but in His unchanging power and wisdom. It calls us to a life of worshipful submission, where our decisions, aspirations, and allegiances are shaped by His divine prerogative. Amidst global turmoil, the rise and fall of nations, and the shifting sands of human wisdom, this verse offers profound comfort and stability: there is one King who reigns supreme over all the earth, and there is truly none like Him. Our proper response is to live in awe, reverence, and obedience to Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely more on human wisdom or earthly power than on the incomparable wisdom and sovereignty of God?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to "fear" the Lord in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **How does recognizing God as the "King of nations" impact my perspective on global events, politics, and the future?**
* **What idols, subtle or overt, might be competing for the reverence that rightfully belongs only to God in my heart?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear" mean in Jeremiah 10:7?**

Answer: In this context, the Hebrew word for "fear" (*yârê'*) signifies much more than mere terror or fright. It denotes a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respectful submission. It is the recognition of God's incomparable majesty, holiness, and supreme power, which naturally leads to worship, obedience, and a deep respect for His authority. This "fear of the Lord" is often presented in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and the foundation of a right relationship with God, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

**Why is God called the "King of nations" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "King of nations" (*melek haggoyim*) is highly significant because it emphasizes God's universal sovereignty and dominion. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, each nation typically had its own patron deity. By calling Yahweh the "King of nations," Jeremiah asserts that His authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples, kingdoms, and their supposed gods. This declaration directly challenges the polytheistic worldview prevalent at the time and underscores God's unique and unparalleled reign over all creation, a theme echoed in [Psalm 47:7-8](/psalms/47-7-8 "Psalm 47:7-8 - God Reigns Over the Nations").

**How does this verse challenge human wisdom and power?**

Answer: Jeremiah 10:7 explicitly states that "among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee." This directly contrasts God's infinite wisdom and power with the finite and limited wisdom, political might, and philosophical systems of humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder that no human intellect, no earthly ruler, and no worldly empire can compare to the divine wisdom and omnipotence of the Creator. This challenges human arrogance and self-sufficiency, calling for humility and a recognition of God as the ultimate source of all true wisdom and authority, as also seen in [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God Brings Princes to Nothing").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 10:7's declaration of God's incomparable kingship and the universal reverence due to Him finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the visible manifestation of the invisible God, the very "King of nations" whom Jeremiah extols. He is the one through whom all things were created, and in whom all things hold together, embodying the divine wisdom and power that transcends all earthly kingdoms and human wisdom ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ is the Image of the Invisible God")). The "fear" or worshipful awe that rightly "appertains" to the Father is now directed to the Son, for God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name above every name, so that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Jesus, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is also the Lion of Judah, the reigning King who will ultimately judge the nations and establish His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on a White Horse")). Thus, the incomparable God of Jeremiah 10:7 is fully revealed and made accessible through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is indeed "none like unto" any other, and to whom all reverence and dominion are rightfully due.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Psalms 22:28

For the kingdom [is] the LORD'S: and he [is] the governor among the nations.

1 Corinthians 1:19

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

1 Corinthians 1:20

Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Jeremiah 10:6

Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.

Psalms 89:6

For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? [who] among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

Jeremiah 5:22

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?