Jeremiah 27:5
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.
Original Language Analysis
עָשִׂ֣יתִי
I have made
H6213
עָשִׂ֣יתִי
I have made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאָדָ֤ם
the man
H120
הָאָדָ֤ם
the man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
6 of 20
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבְּהֵמָה֙
and the beast
H929
הַבְּהֵמָה֙
and the beast
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵ֣י
that are upon
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
that are upon
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
11 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בְּכֹחִי֙
power
H3581
בְּכֹחִי֙
power
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
13 of 20
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
הַגָּד֔וֹל
by my great
H1419
הַגָּד֔וֹל
by my great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
14 of 20
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וּבִזְרוֹעִ֖י
arm
H2220
וּבִזְרוֹעִ֖י
arm
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
15 of 20
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
הַנְּטוּיָ֑ה
and by my outstretched
H5186
הַנְּטוּיָ֑ה
and by my outstretched
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
16 of 20
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
וּנְתַתִּ֕יהָ
and have given
H5414
וּנְתַתִּ֕יהָ
and have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
17 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לַאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
לַאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
18 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Jeremiah 51:15He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.Jeremiah 32:17Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:Daniel 4:17This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.Isaiah 45:12I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.Isaiah 42:5Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:Colossians 1:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:Revelation 4:11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.Hebrews 1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;Isaiah 44:24Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;Isaiah 48:13Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.
Historical Context
Jeremiah wore an actual wooden yoke as a prophetic sign, symbolizing submission to Babylon. This was scandalous - appearing to support the enemy - yet it was God's revealed will.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over all nations affect your view of current events?
- In what ways do you struggle to accept God's authority over circumstances you dislike?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse grounds God's sovereignty in His role as Creator. The phrase 'by my great power and by my outstretched arm' echoes Exodus language, now applied to giving kingdoms to whomever God chooses - including pagan Nebuchadnezzar. Reformed theology emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and rulers (Dan 4:17, Rom 13:1). No human power exists independent of God's decree.