Jeremiah 5:22

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Fear {H3372} ye not me? saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: will ye not tremble {H2342} at my presence {H6440}, which have placed {H7760} the sand {H2344} for the bound {H1366} of the sea {H3220} by a perpetual {H5769} decree {H2706}, that it cannot pass {H5674} it: and though the waves {H1530} thereof toss {H1607} themselves, yet can they not prevail {H3201}; though they roar {H1993}, yet can they not pass over {H5674} it?

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't you fear me? - says ADONAI. Won't you tremble at my presence? I made the shore the limit for the sea; by eternal decree it cannot pass. Its waves may toss, but to no avail; although they roar, they cannot cross it.

Berean Standard Bible

Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it.

American Standard Version

Fear ye not me? saith Jehovah: will ye not tremble at my presence, who 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:22 presents a profound rhetorical challenge from the LORD to the unfaithful people of Judah, questioning their lack of reverence and awe. God underscores His absolute sovereignty and undeniable power by pointing to His miraculous control over the vast and tumultuous sea, which, despite its inherent might, is perpetually confined by the seemingly insignificant sand through His unyielding decree. This powerful imagery serves as a stark contrast to Judah's widespread moral and spiritual corruption and their blatant disregard for divine commands, compelling them to recognize that if the formidable forces of nature submit to God's word, humanity has an even greater, rational obligation to fear and obey Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5 is a scathing indictment against the spiritual and moral decay of Judah, detailing their pervasive unfaithfulness, idolatry, and social injustice. The chapter opens with God's desperate search for one righteous person in Jerusalem, quickly revealing the depth of their spiritual depravity and the absence of truth (cf. [Jeremiah 5:1](/jeremiah/5-1 "Jeremiah 5:1 - The Search for Righteousness")). The people have broken covenant, rejected God's prophets, and become utterly unresponsive to divine warnings, demonstrating spiritual blindness and stubborn hearts (cf. [Jeremiah 5:21](/jeremiah/5-21 "Jeremiah 5:21 - Blind and Deaf Hearts")). In this immediate context, Jeremiah 5:22 functions as a climactic rhetorical question, a direct challenge from the Creator to His rebellious creation. It uses the undeniable evidence of His power over the natural world as a foundational argument for their required reverence, setting the stage for the impending judgment that will inevitably follow such persistent disobedience. The verse highlights the irrationality of their rebellion when even inanimate creation obeys.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a turbulent and pivotal period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah, as the nation teetered on the brink of Babylonian exile. This era was marked by profound political instability, shifting international alliances, and a deep-seated spiritual apostasy, where syncretism and idolatry were rampant despite Josiah's earlier reforms. The people had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, adopting the pagan practices of surrounding nations. In the ancient Near East, the sea was often viewed as a symbol of chaos, untamed power, and even primordial evil, as seen in various creation mythologies where deities struggled to subdue the waters. Against this backdrop, God's assertion of His absolute and effortless control over the sea in Jeremiah 5:22 would have been a profoundly powerful statement. It underscored His unique sovereignty, distinguishing Him from the impotent idols and demonstrating His unparalleled might over all forces, natural or human, that might seem chaotic or uncontrollable.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Power**, emphasizing that the Creator alone has the authority to set immutable laws for the most formidable elements of His creation. The sea, with all its might and roar, is utterly subservient to His "perpetual decree," underscoring that if God can control the untamed ocean, He certainly has authority over humanity and their actions. Secondly, it addresses the theme of **Divine Authority and Unchangeable Decrees**. God's word is not merely a suggestion but an eternal, unalterable command that even nature must obey, reinforcing His reliability and the futility of defying His will. This contrasts sharply with the people's casual disregard for His moral and spiritual laws, as seen throughout the book (cf. [Jeremiah 7:23-24](/jeremiah/7-23-24 "Jeremiah 7:23-24 - Disobedience and Stubborn Hearts")). Thirdly, the rhetorical question "Fear ye not me?" exposes **Human Rebellion and Lack of Reverence**. Despite witnessing God's power daily in creation, Judah failed to acknowledge Him and live in awe of His presence, a recurring theme of Israel's unfaithfulness (cf. [Isaiah 1:2-3](/isaiah/1-2-3 "Isaiah 1:2-3 - God's Indictment of Israel")). Finally, the verse implicitly warns of **The Inevitable Consequence of Disobedience**. If God's decrees for nature are unyielding, then His decrees concerning human conduct and judgment will also be carried out, implying that their lack of fear will ultimately lead to divine judgment, a consistent message throughout Jeremiah's prophecies (cf. [Jeremiah 6:19](/jeremiah/6-19 "Jeremiah 6:19 - Rejection of God's Law Leads to Judgment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely terror or fright, but a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission that leads to obedience. In this context, it implies a proper acknowledgment of God's majesty, power, and authority, which should naturally elicit a response of humble worship and adherence to His will. The rhetorical question challenges Judah's failure to possess this foundational reverence for their Creator.
* **Sand (Hebrew, _chôwl'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to whirl," this refers to sand as fine, whirling particles. In this verse, it represents an apparently insignificant, loose, and porous material. Its designation as the "bound" for the mighty sea highlights the miraculous and counter-intuitive nature of God's control. The weakest element is made entirely sufficient by divine decree to restrain the most powerful natural force.
* **Decree (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** This term, often appearing with "perpetual" (_ʻôwlâm_), denotes an unchangeable, divinely established law, ordinance, or statute. It signifies a fixed, immutable command or appointment. In Jeremiah 5:22, it underscores the steadfastness and absolute immutability of God's command over creation, contrasting sharply with the transient and unreliable nature of human covenants and promises, and emphasizing the futility of defying His established order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence,"**: This opening rhetorical question is a direct and indignant challenge from Yahweh to His people. It expresses divine astonishment at Judah's utter lack of reverence and awe. The "presence" of the LORD refers to His manifest power and authority, which should naturally evoke a response of fear (in the sense of awe and respect) and trembling—a deep, visceral reaction to His might and holiness.
* **"which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it:"**: God immediately provides the irrefutable evidence for why they *should* fear Him. He is the one who, with seemingly fragile "sand," has established an unbreachable "bound" for the vast and powerful "sea." This boundary is not temporary but set by a "perpetual decree," an eternal and unchangeable law that the sea itself cannot transgress, demonstrating God's absolute and unwavering control over creation.
* **"and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail;"**: This clause further emphasizes the sea's inherent power and restless, chaotic nature ("toss themselves"), acknowledging its mighty force. However, despite this internal energy and potential for overwhelming destruction, the sea's waves "cannot prevail" against the divinely established boundary. Their strength is utterly nullified by God's decree, highlighting the futility of any force attempting to defy the Creator's will.
* **"though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?"**: The final clause personifies the sea, giving it a voice ("roar"), perhaps suggesting its frustration, immense power, or untamed energy. Yet, even with its tumultuous sound and apparent might, it "cannot pass over" the boundary. This reiterates the unyielding nature of God's command and serves as a powerful metaphor for Judah's own rebellious "roaring" against God's law, which, like the sea, will ultimately be unable to overcome His sovereign will or escape His judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:22 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Fear ye not me? ...will ye not tremble at my presence?" This is not a genuine inquiry for information but a forceful assertion designed to provoke introspection, expose the profound spiritual blindness, and highlight the moral failure of the people. It underscores the absurdity of their lack of reverence in the face of such overwhelming divine power. **Personification** is vividly employed in the description of the sea, whose "waves... toss themselves" and "roar." This imbues the sea with a sense of agency, making its ultimate, compelled submission to God's decree even more striking and a direct rebuke to human willfulness. The sea itself serves as a powerful **Symbolism** for chaos, untamed power, and potentially even the rebellious nations or forces that seem uncontrollable. By demonstrating His absolute control over the sea, God asserts His ultimate authority over all forms of chaos and rebellion. Finally, the verse employs stark **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast**. The seemingly weak and formless "sand" is contrasted with the immense, dynamic power of the "sea," highlighting the miraculous and counter-intuitive nature of God's decree. This also creates a profound contrast between the sea's compelled obedience to God's "perpetual decree" and Judah's willful, defiant disobedience to His moral and spiritual laws, despite their rational capacity for understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:22 profoundly articulates God's absolute sovereignty, not only as the Creator who establishes the natural order but also as the moral Governor who expects reverence and obedience from His intelligent creatures. The unyielding obedience of the natural world to God's decree serves as a powerful rebuke to humanity's rebellion. If the vast and powerful sea, a symbol of untamed chaos, submits without question to the boundaries set by a mere "sand," how much more should humanity, endowed with reason and conscience, submit to the divine will? This verse underscores that true wisdom begins with the "fear of the LORD," which is not a cowering terror but a reverential awe that acknowledges His supreme authority and leads to a life of obedience and trust. It reminds us that God's power is not abstract but tangibly demonstrated in the created order, making human defiance all the more inexcusable.

* [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God's Challenge to Job on Controlling the Sea")
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Psalm 104:9](/psalm/104-9 "Psalm 104:9 - God Sets Boundaries for the Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:22 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to examine the depth of our own reverence for God. In a world that often dismisses divine authority or seeks to redefine truth, this verse stands as an unwavering declaration of God's unassailable power and the immutability of His decrees. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial acknowledgment of God to a profound, heart-transforming awe that shapes our every thought, word, and deed. Just as the raging sea, despite its might, cannot transgress the boundaries set by a simple grain of sand at God's command, so too are we called to live within the moral and spiritual boundaries He has established for our good. Recognizing His immense power over creation should inspire not only humility in our own limitations but also profound trust in His providential care, knowing that the God who controls the chaotic forces of nature is also sovereign over the complexities and uncertainties of our lives. Our response to His revealed will should be one of humble submission and joyful obedience, reflecting the order and purpose He has woven into the very fabric of the cosmos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a true "fear of the LORD" – a reverential awe and respect for His presence and power?**
* **In what areas of my life do I, like the people of Judah, perhaps subtly or overtly, attempt to "pass over" God's established boundaries or decrees?**
* **What comfort and challenge do I find in the fact that the same God who controls the mighty sea is sovereign over my personal circumstances and the broader chaos of the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "Fear ye not me?" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 5:22, "fear" (Hebrew _yârêʼ_) does not primarily mean to be terrified, but rather to hold God in profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission. It implies acknowledging His supreme authority, power, and holiness, which should naturally lead to obedience and worship. The rhetorical question expresses God's astonishment and indignation that His people, despite witnessing His undeniable power in creation, fail to show Him this foundational reverence. It's a call to proper recognition of who He is, as demonstrated by His control over the natural world, such as setting boundaries for the sea (cf. [Psalm 33:8-9](/psalm/33-8-9 "Psalm 33:8-9 - Let all the earth fear the LORD")).

**How does God's control over the sea relate to His control over human affairs?**

Answer: God's control over the sea in Jeremiah 5:22 serves as a powerful metaphor and irrefutable evidence of His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including human affairs. If the LORD can effortlessly command the vast, powerful, and seemingly untamable ocean to stay within its bounds by a "perpetual decree," then He certainly has the power and authority to govern human actions, establish moral laws, and execute judgment. The sea's compelled obedience highlights the inexcusable nature of Judah's willful rebellion. It implies that just as natural laws are immutable, so too are God's moral laws, and His decrees concerning human conduct and judgment will inevitably be fulfilled (cf. [Isaiah 45:9-10](/isaiah/45-9-10 "Isaiah 45:9-10 - God's Authority Over His Creation")).

**What is the significance of the "sand" as the "bound of the sea"?**

Answer: The "sand" (Hebrew _chôwl_) as the "bound" (Hebrew _gᵉbûwl_) of the sea is highly significant because it represents an apparently weak, loose, and porous material. This highlights the miraculous and counter-intuitive nature of God's power. It is not the inherent strength of the sand that holds back the mighty ocean, but the divine "perpetual decree" (Hebrew _ʻôwlâm chôq_). This imagery underscores that God's power operates not by brute force alone, but by His spoken word and unchangeable will. It demonstrates that even the most formidable forces of nature are utterly subservient to His quiet command, making His authority undeniable and His people's rebellion all the more egregious (cf. [Job 26:10](/job/26-10 "Job 26:10 - God's Boundary for the Waters")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:22, with its powerful depiction of God's sovereign control over the chaotic sea, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very God who "placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree" is revealed in the New Testament as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and by whom all things hold together (cf. [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, demonstrates this same divine authority over creation, most vividly seen when He rebukes the wind and the waves, commanding, "Peace! Be still!" and immediately there is a great calm (cf. [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). This miracle is a direct echo of the Creator's power in Jeremiah 5:22, revealing that the "presence" at which all should tremble is embodied in Him. Furthermore, the "fear of the LORD" that Judah lacked is perfectly exemplified in Christ's obedient life and His submission to His Father's will, even unto death (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/phil/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus addresses the very rebellion and lack of reverence that Jeremiah condemned, offering a path for humanity to be reconciled to the sovereign God and to live in true, reverent awe, no longer under the judgment of a broken covenant but under the grace of a new one (cf. [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28-29 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Reverent Worship in the New Covenant")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's perpetual decree, not only in creation but in redemption, bringing order to the chaos of sin and establishing an eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken.

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

Job 38:10

And brake up for it my decreed [place], and set bars and doors,

Job 38:11

And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

Psalms 104:9

Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

Job 26:10

He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.

Proverbs 8:29

When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

Deuteronomy 28:58

If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;

Psalms 119:120

My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.