Menu

Jeremiah 47:4

Jeremiah 47:4 in Multiple Translations

For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

because of the day that cometh to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper that remaineth: for Jehovah will destroy the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Caphtor.

Because of the day which is coming with destruction on all the Philistines, cutting off from Tyre and Zidon the last of their helpers: for the Lord will send destruction on the Philistines, the rest of the sea-land of Caphtor.

The day has arrived when all the Philistines will be destroyed, when Tyre and Sidon will have no more allies to help them. The Lord is going to destroy the Philistines, those who are left from the island of Crete.

Because of the day that commeth to destroy all the Philistims, and to destroy Tyrus, and Zidon, and all the rest that take their part: for the Lord will destroy the Philistims, the remnant of the yle of Caphtor.

Because of the day that hath come to spoil all the Philistines, To cut off to Tyre and to Zidon every helping remnant. For Jehovah is spoiling the Philistines, The remnant of the isle of Caphtor.

because of the day that comes to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains; for the LORD will destroy the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Caphtor.

Because of the day that cometh to lay waste all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyre and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will lay waste the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

Because of the coming of the day, in which all the Philistines shall be laid waste, and Tyre and Sidon shall be destroyed, with all the rest of their helpers. For the Lord hath wasted the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Cappadocia.

It will be the time for all the people of Philistia to be destroyed, and the time to prevent the remaining soldiers from helping the people of Tyre and Sidon cities. I, Yahweh, will get rid of the people of Philistia, those whose ancestors long ago came from Crete island.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 47:4

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 47:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB עַל הַ/יּ֗וֹם הַ/בָּא֙ לִ/שְׁד֣וֹד אֶת כָּל פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים לְ/הַכְרִ֤ית לְ/צֹר֙ וּ/לְ/צִיד֔וֹן כֹּ֖ל שָׂרִ֣יד עֹזֵ֑ר כִּֽי שֹׁדֵ֤ד יְהוָה֙ אֶת פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים שְׁאֵרִ֖ית אִ֥י כַפְתּֽוֹר
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הַ/יּ֗וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms
הַ/בָּא֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Art | V-Qal
לִ/שְׁד֣וֹד shâdad H7703 to ruin Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa
לְ/הַכְרִ֤ית kârath H3772 to cut Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לְ/צֹר֙ Tsôr H6865 Tyre Prep | N-proper
וּ/לְ/צִיד֔וֹן Tsîydôwn H6721 Sidon Conj | Prep | N-proper
כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 all N-ms
שָׂרִ֣יד sârîyd H8300 survivor N-ms
עֹזֵ֑ר ʻâzar H5826 to help V-Qal
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
שֹׁדֵ֤ד shâdad H7703 to ruin V-Qal
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa
שְׁאֵרִ֖ית shᵉʼêrîyth H7611 remnant N-fs
אִ֥י ʼîy H339 coastland Part
כַפְתּֽוֹר Kaphtôr H3731 Caphtor N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 47:4

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/יּ֗וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/בָּא֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Art | V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לִ/שְׁד֣וֹד shâdad H7703 "to ruin" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
לְ/הַכְרִ֤ית kârath H3772 "to cut" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
לְ/צֹר֙ Tsôr H6865 "Tyre" Prep | N-proper
Tyre refers to a city on the Mediterranean coast, mentioned in the Bible as a major Phoenician city, translated as Tyre or Tyrus, meaning a rock. It appears in books like Matthew and Acts. The city was an important trade center.
Definition: § Tyre or Tyrus = "a rock" the Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Tyre, Tyrus. See also: Joshua 19:29; Jeremiah 27:3; Psalms 45:13.
וּ/לְ/צִיד֔וֹן Tsîydôwn H6721 "Sidon" Conj | Prep | N-proper
Sidon was an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast, named after a son of Canaan, and is mentioned in the Bible as a major Phoenician city.
Definition: Sidon = "hunting" ancient Phoenician city, on Mediterranean coast north of Tyre Another name of tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Sidon, Zidon. See also: Genesis 10:15; Isaiah 23:2; Isaiah 23:4.
כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שָׂרִ֣יד sârîyd H8300 "survivor" N-ms
A survivor is someone who remains alive after a difficult event, and this word is used to describe those who are left after a disaster or war. It can also refer to a remnant of people who continue to exist despite challenges. The Bible often uses this term to describe the remaining Israelites.
Definition: 1) survivor, remnant, that which is left 1a) survivor
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] alive, left, remain(-ing), remnant, rest. See also: Numbers 21:35; 2 Kings 10:11; Isaiah 1:9.
עֹזֵ֑ר ʻâzar H5826 "to help" V-Qal
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שֹׁדֵ֤ד shâdad H7703 "to ruin" V-Qal
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
שְׁאֵרִ֖ית shᵉʼêrîyth H7611 "remnant" N-fs
The Hebrew word for remnant refers to what is left after something has been destroyed or taken away, like the Israelites who survived the Babylonian exile. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The concept of a remnant is key to God's plan for his people.
Definition: 1) rest, residue, remainder, remnant 1a) rest, what is left 1b) remainder, descendants
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: that had escaped, be left, posterity, remain(-der), remnant, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 45:7; Jeremiah 42:19; Psalms 76:11.
אִ֥י ʼîy H339 "coastland" Part
This word refers to a habitable spot, such as a coast, island, or dry land. It is used to describe desirable places in the Bible, like a country or region.
Definition: coast, island, shore, region
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: country, isle, island. See also: Genesis 10:5; Isaiah 51:5; Psalms 72:10.
כַפְתּֽוֹר Kaphtôr H3731 "Caphtor" N-proper
Caphtor refers to the original home of the Philistines, possibly an island like Crete. It is mentioned in the Bible as the place where the Philistines came from, as seen in Amos 9:7.
Definition: § Caphtor = "a crown" the original home of the Philistines, perhaps on the southwest coast of Asia Minor, maybe in Egypt or close by, or more probably on the island of Crete (TWOT) the island of Crete, homeland or staging area of the Philistines
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Caphtor. See also: Deuteronomy 2:23; Jeremiah 47:4; Amos 9:7.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 47:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Amos 9:7 “Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD. “Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir?
2 Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, were destroyed by the Caphtorites, who came out of Caphtor and settled in their place.)
3 Isaiah 20:6 And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, ‘See what has happened to our source of hope, those to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’”
4 Amos 1:8–10 I will cut off the ruler of Ashdod and the one who wields the scepter in Ashkelon. I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines will perish,” says the Lord GOD. This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Tyre, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they delivered up a whole congregation of exiles to Edom and broke a covenant of brotherhood. So I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre to consume its citadels.”
5 Jeremiah 46:10 For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of Hosts, a day of vengeance against His foes. The sword will devour until it is satisfied, until it is quenched with their blood. For the Lord GOD of Hosts will hold a sacrifice in the land of the north by the River Euphrates.
6 Ezekiel 7:5–7 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Disaster! An unprecedented disaster — behold, it is coming! The end has come! The end has come! It has roused itself against you. Behold, it has come! Doom has come to you, O inhabitants of the land. The time has come; the day is near; there is panic on the mountains instead of shouts of joy.
7 Ezekiel 21:25 And you, O profane and wicked prince of Israel, the day has come for your final punishment.’
8 Psalms 37:13 but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.
9 Ezekiel 21:29 while they offer false visions for you and lying divinations about you— to be placed on the necks of the wicked who are slain, whose day has come, the time of their final punishment.
10 Ezekiel 7:12 The time has come; the day has arrived. Let the buyer not rejoice and the seller not mourn, for wrath is upon the whole multitude.

Jeremiah 47:4 Summary

Jeremiah 47:4 tells us that God is going to destroy the Philistines, a neighboring nation that had been enemies of Israel, because of their wickedness and idolatry. This is a reminder that God is a holy and just God who judges sin, as seen in (Psalm 92:15) and (Isaiah 30:18). The destruction of the Philistines serves as a warning to other nations and to us today to turn to God and seek His mercy and forgiveness, as encouraged in (1 Timothy 2:4) and (Acts 17:30-31). This verse teaches us about the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, and living in obedience to Him, as taught in (Matthew 25:31-46) and (Romans 11:25-26).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Philistines in Jeremiah 47:4?

The Philistines were a neighboring nation to Israel, often at odds with them, and their destruction is a sign of God's judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 47:4, and also prophesied in other scriptures like Ezekiel 25:15-17.

What is the meaning of 'the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor'?

The remnant from the coasts of Caphtor refers to the Philistines who originated from Caphtor, an island in the eastern Mediterranean, as mentioned in Amos 9:7, and their destruction is a fulfillment of God's promise to judge the nations, as seen in Jeremiah 47:4 and also in Deuteronomy 28:63.

Why does God say He is about to destroy the Philistines in Jeremiah 47:4?

God's destruction of the Philistines is an act of judgment for their wickedness and idolatry, as seen in Jeremiah 47:4, and is consistent with His character as a holy and just God, as described in Isaiah 30:18 and Psalm 92:15.

How does Jeremiah 47:4 relate to other prophecies in the Bible?

Jeremiah 47:4 is part of a larger narrative of God's judgment on the nations, as seen in Isaiah 13-23 and Ezekiel 25-32, and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power, as declared in Psalm 103:19 and Jeremiah 32:17.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jeremiah 47:4 reveal about God's character and His relationship with the nations?
  2. How does the destruction of the Philistines in Jeremiah 47:4 serve as a warning to other nations and to us today?
  3. What does this verse teach us about the importance of turning to God and seeking His mercy and forgiveness, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:4 and Acts 17:30-31?
  4. How can we apply the message of Jeremiah 47:4 to our own lives and communities, in light of scriptures like Matthew 25:31-46 and Romans 11:25-26?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 47:4

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines,.... The time appointed by the Lord for their destruction, which should be universal: [and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 47:4

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:4

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines; the day which God hath set and appointed for the ruin of the Philistines. Tyre and Zidon were neighbouring to the Philistines, as appears from ,15 Joe 3:4, and so were often called to their help. God threateneth both to destroy them, and also those that helped them. It appeareth, from , that the Philistines and Caphtorims were related; for their first progenitors, Philistim and Caphtorim, were both the sons of Mizraim the son of Ham, one of the sons of Noah. It appears, from , that they expelled the Avites, and dwelt in Hazerim to Azzah; whether their country be what was afterwards called Cappadocia or Damiata is not much material for us to know, they were a people confederate with the Philistines, whom God here threateneth to destroy with them.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:4

Jeremiah 47:4 Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, [and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.Ver. 4. Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines.] God will find a time of vengeance to fall upon the wicked enemies of his people, though he bear long with them. Patientia Dei quo diuturnior, eo minacior. "The wicked practiseth against the just, and guasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming." And to cut off from Tyrus and Sidon.] The inhabitants whereof were the Philistines’ kinsmen and confederates, but could not rescue them or deliver themselves from the Chaldean conqueror. The remnant of the country of Caphtor.] These Caphtorim were neither the Cappadocians, the Cyprians, nor the Colchians, as sundry make them; but as of the same lineage with the Philistines, so their complices and confederates, with whom therefore they were to fare alike.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:4

(4) To cut off from Tyrus and Zidon.—The two Phœnician cities are coupled with Philistia. Both, as occupying the sea-board of Palestine, were to suffer from Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion. Psalms 83:7 indicates that they were not unfrequently in alliance. In the “helper that remaineth” we have probably a reference to the foreign mercenaries, especially the Philistines, employed by the two great commercial cities. “Caphtor” has been identified with Crete, Cyprus, Caria, Cappadocia, and the delta of the Nile. On the latter view the name is held to be connected with Coptic. Amos 9:7 points to a migration of the people known as Philistines from that region, and there is accordingly a touch of scorn in the way in which Jeremiah speaks of them as the mere “remnant of Caphtor.” In agreement with the first view we find among David’s mercenaries the Cherethim and Pelethim (2 Samuel 8:18), the two names being probably modifications of Cretans and Philistines. The ethnological table of Gen 10:14 connects both the Philistines and the Caphtorim with Mizraim or Egypt, and is, so far as it goes, in favour of the Egyptian identification.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:4

Verse 4. To spoil all the Philistines] These people, of whom there were five seignories, occupied the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, to the south of the Phoenicians. Tyrus and Zidon] Places sufficiently remarkable both in the Old and New Testament, and in profane history. They belonged to the Phoenicians; and at this time were depending on the succour of their allies, the Philistines. But their expectation was cut off. The remnant of the country of Caphtor.] Crete, or Cyprus. Some think it was a district along the coast of the Mediterranean, belonging to the Philistines; others, that the Cappadocians are meant.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 47:4

4. The text is difficult, and may be corrupt. As Co. points out, the Hebrew for “that remaineth” is rather a survivor, one who has escaped. Moreover, he remarks that we have no reason from other sources to suppose that, as the v. implies, the Philistines were the chief allies of the Phoenicians (“Tyre and Zidon”). He therefore reads (changing slightly the MT.) “all the remnant of their excellency.” Both Gi. and Co. make the next clause (“for … Philistines”) a gloss. The LXX support this view, and render the last clause of the v. “and the Lord will destroy the remnant of the islands,” omitting “Caphtor.” every helper that remaineth] in other words the Philistines, the other helpers having been already cut off. the remnant of the isle of Caphtor] the few of the Philistine nation that still survive after the wars with Egypt and Assyria, from which they had long suffered. Caphtor is spoken of also in Deuteronomy 2:23; Amos 9:7, as the original abode of the Philistines. It is probably to be identified with Crete. isle] For mg. sea coast See on Jeremiah 25:22.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 47:4

Because of the day that cometh to spoil - “Because” the day has come “to devastate.” The Philistines are called Tyre’s remaining (i.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 47:4

4. The destruction is represented as falling upon the Philistines and Phenicians. This suggests an expedition directed against this whole region of country. The Philistines are called the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate