Old Testament
Jeremiah 27:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I made the earth and every person and animal on it by my great power and my outstretched arm. I give it to whoever I choose.
Compare translations
I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.
What Jeremiah 27:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God emphasizes His sovereignty and creative power. He declares that He is the creator of the earth, all living beings, and everything that exists. By using His 'great power' and 'outstretched arm,' He asserts that He has the authority to give the earth to whomever He chooses. This highlights God's control over the world and His ability to determine the fate of nations and individuals. The phrase 'outstretched arm' symbolizes His strength and willingness to act on behalf of His creation. This verse serves as a reminder that God is not only the creator but also the ruler of all things, and His decisions are based on His wisdom and purpose. It encourages believers to trust in God's plan and recognize His ultimate authority over their lives and the world around them.
How to apply Jeremiah 27:5 to your life
Understanding God's sovereignty can help us navigate life's challenges with confidence. When we face uncertainty, we can trust that God, who created everything, is in control. This assurance encourages us to seek His guidance and align our lives with His will, knowing He has a purpose for us.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 27:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 27:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 27:5 mean?
Jeremiah 27:5 emphasizes God's sovereignty as the creator of the earth and all living beings. It highlights His authority to give the earth to whomever He chooses, showcasing His control over nations and individuals.
What is the significance of 'great power' in Jeremiah 27:5?
The phrase 'great power' in Jeremiah 27:5 signifies God's immense strength and ability to create and govern the world. It underscores His authority and capability to enact His will in creation and history.
What does 'outstretched arm' symbolize in Jeremiah 27:5?
In Jeremiah 27:5, 'outstretched arm' symbolizes God's strength and readiness to act on behalf of His creation. It reflects His active involvement in the world and His willingness to exercise His authority.
How does Jeremiah 27:5 relate to God's authority?
Jeremiah 27:5 illustrates God's ultimate authority over the earth and all its inhabitants. It reassures believers that God has the power to determine the fate of nations and individuals according to His wisdom.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.