Jeremiah 10:7

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Context

Jeremiah 10:7 is part of a powerful declaration by the prophet Jeremiah, contrasting the living God with the lifeless idols worshipped by the surrounding nations and increasingly by Judah itself. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 10:1-6) vividly describe the futility and absurdity of crafting gods from wood and silver, which are then adorned and worshipped, yet are utterly powerless. This verse serves as a rhetorical climax, affirming the incomparable majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in stark opposition to these vain practices. Jeremiah's message was a vital warning to the people of Judah, who were susceptible to pagan influences and faced impending judgment and exile to Babylon, a land steeped in idolatry.

Key Themes

  • God's Incomparable Sovereignty: The title "King of nations" underscores God's universal dominion, not just over Israel, but over all peoples and kingdoms. He is not merely a tribal deity but the supreme ruler of creation. The phrase "there is none like unto thee" powerfully asserts His unique nature and omnipotence.
  • Rightful Reverence and Awe: The rhetorical question "Who would not fear thee, O King of nations?" implies that all rational beings, understanding His true nature, should naturally accord Him profound respect, reverence, and submission. This "fear" (Hebrew: yirah) is not terror but a deep, worshipful awe that acknowledges His supreme authority and holiness.
  • Futility of Human Wisdom and Power: The verse explicitly states that "among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee." This highlights the limitations of human wisdom, political power, and philosophical systems when compared to the divine wisdom and power of the Creator. Earthly rulers and their advisors cannot stand in comparison to the Lord God.
  • Divine Prerogative: The phrase "for to thee doth it appertain" emphasizes that dominion, worship, and reverence are not merely given to God but are His inherent right and due. It is His by nature and by creation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fear" (ירא - yare) in this context signifies a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect, rather than mere terror. It suggests acknowledging God's majesty and power, leading to submission and worship. The title "King of nations" (מ֢ל֢ךְ הַגּוֹיִם - melek haggoyim) is significant, emphasizing God's universal reign beyond the boundaries of Israel, a concept often reiterated in prophetic literature.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 10:7 challenges believers today to examine what or whom they truly revere. In a world that often exalts human achievement, political power, or material wealth, this verse calls us back to the singular worship of the one true God. It reminds us that no earthly institution, no human wisdom, and certainly no created thing can compare to the Lord's majesty and authority. Living in the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, means acknowledging His supreme rule over all aspects of life, finding security in His power, and offering Him our devoted worship. It serves as a comfort that even amidst global turmoil and the rise and fall of nations, there is one King who reigns supreme over all the earth, and there is truly none like Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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?
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