Old Testament
Jeremiah 47:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah speaks about a powerful force, likely a metaphor for an invading army or a calamity, that cannot remain still or quiet.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
But how can it be still, when the LORD has given it a charge against Ashkelon and against the sea shore? That is where he has appointed it.
How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah speaks about a powerful force, likely a metaphor for an invading army or a calamity, that cannot remain still or quiet. The reason for this unrest is that the Lord has commanded this force to act against Ashkelon, a city on the coast, and the surrounding shoreline. The imagery suggests that the divine will is at work, directing events toward a specific outcome. The mention of Ashkelon indicates that the judgment or action is targeted, emphasizing that God has a plan and purpose for the events unfolding. The verse highlights the inevitability of God's plans and the futility of resisting them. It serves as a reminder that when God issues a command, it will be fulfilled, and nothing can stand in the way of His intentions. This reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and events, illustrating that His authority extends even to the forces of nature and human actions.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 47:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God's plans are unstoppable. In our lives, we may face challenges that seem overwhelming, but we can trust that God is in control. We should seek to align ourselves with His will, understanding that His purposes will ultimately prevail, even in difficult circumstances.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 47:7 mean?
Jeremiah 47:7 conveys that a powerful force, possibly an invading army, cannot remain still because the Lord has commanded it to act against Ashkelon and the sea shore. This illustrates God's sovereignty and the certainty of His plans being fulfilled.
What is the significance of Ashkelon in Jeremiah 47:7?
Ashkelon is significant in Jeremiah 47:7 as it represents a targeted location for God's judgment. The mention of this city emphasizes that God's actions are purposeful and directed towards specific outcomes.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 47:7?
Key themes in Jeremiah 47:7 include Divine Sovereignty, Judgment, and the Inevitability of God's Will. The verse highlights God's authority over events and His control over nations.
How does Jeremiah 47:7 relate to God's plans?
Jeremiah 47:7 illustrates that God's plans are unstoppable and will be carried out as He commands. It serves as a reminder that no force can resist God's intentions.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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