all the kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the coastland across the sea;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jeremiah 25:22
What does Jeremiah 25:22 mean?
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Jeremiah 25:22
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This verse uses "all the kings" of Tyre and Sidon not to suggest they literally had multiple rulers at once, but to emphasize that God's judgment would fall on every single leader who held power, not just the current one. The phrase "kings of the coastland across the sea" is a clever way to refer to Phoenician colonies and regions far beyond the immediate geographical horizon, highlighting the vast reach of God's decree.
all the kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the coastland across the sea;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah is pronouncing God's judgment, not just on Judah, but on the entire known world, symbolized by listing various nations and peoples. This verse specifically targets the powerful Phoenician city-states of Tyre and Sidon, along with the distant coastal regions and islands of the Mediterranean, which were known for their extensive trade networks. These proud, wealthy maritime powers, like so many others, will also face the coming wrath of God, indicated by their inclusion in the grand procession of nations destined to drink the cup of judgment.
Jeremiah's prophecy isn't just about one nation. It stretches far beyond Judah's borders. What does this tell us about the scope of God's justice?
In Jeremiah 25:22, the prophet lists not just local rulers but kings from far-flung places like Tyre, Sidon, and the distant 'coastlands across the sea.' This wasn't a small-scale announcement; it was a declaration that God's judgment was coming for many nations.
The phrase 'kings of the isles' might make you picture small islands, but the meaning here is richer and broader. What did this term really signify?
The Hebrew word translated as 'isles' in verse 22 (and in the margin as 'coastland' or 'region by the sea-side') doesn't necessarily mean small islands surrounded by water. Scholars point out that it often referred to:
Ask a follow-up
Why does Jeremiah list 'all the kings' of Tyre and Sidon, even if they likely didn't rule simultaneously? What does this repetition tell us about divine justice?
The prophecy declares 'all the kings of Tyre' and 'all the kings of Sidon.' Commentators note that these cities typically had one king at a time. So, why the plural?
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
In the Old Testament, these terms frequently refer to specific nations neighboring Israel that often stood in opposition to God’s covenant people or were subject to His sovereign judgment. They represent the nations of the world that fall under the universal rule of Yahweh.
The mention of Tyre and Sidon, along with 'coastlands,' highlights the far-reaching influence of these Phoenician maritime powers, whose wealth and interactions with surrounding nations made them part of God's judgment against a rebellious world.
c. 1200 BC
Phoenician Maritime Expansion
Phoenician cities like Tyre and Sidon establish extensive trade networks and colonies across the Mediterranean, becoming major maritime powers.
c. 8th Century BC
Assyrian Dominance in Phoenicia
Assyrian empires exert control over Phoenician city-states, demanding tribute and influencing their political affairs.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Tyre
The powerful Assyrian king Sennacherib attempts to subdue Tyre, though the city's island location makes it difficult to conquer completely.
c. 664 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Conquest of Phoenicia
Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar conquers Phoenician cities, including Tyre and Sidon, incorporating them into his vast empire.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling many Judeans. This event is a major backdrop to Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers the Neo-Babylonian Empire, leading to a shift in regional powers and the eventual return of some exiles to Judah.
This chapter offers a vivid, detailed lament over the city of Tyre, highlighting its extensive trade and influence, mirroring Jeremiah's focus on its kings and those in distant maritime regions.
Isaiah 23:1-18Isaiah also pronounces judgment on Tyre, describing its pride and eventual destruction, which provides a prophetic context for the judgment Jeremiah announces against the same region.
Psalm 72:9-11This psalm presents a contrasting vision of kings from distant lands and islands bringing tribute to a righteous ruler, offering a hopeful counterpoint to the judgment declared against these same coastal kings in Jeremiah.
Acts 12:20This passage mentions Herod Agrippa I, who had connections to Tyre and Sidon, showing that these cities, though facing judgment, remained significant in the historical and political landscape relevant to the early spread of Christianity.
calvinJeremiah 25:22: "And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,"
- Et omnibus regibus Tyri et omnibus regibus Sidonis, et omnibus regibus insulae, quae est (vel, qui sunt; nam verbum nullum ponitur; potest igitur hoc tam ad reges ipsos quam ad insulam referri; qui sunt ergo) ultra mare,
As to the word Island, the number is to be changed; for the Prophet means not one island, but the countries beyond the sea. Some restrict the refe…
pooleJeremiah 25:22: "And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,"
Tyrus was a strong city upon the borders of the tribe of Asher, Joshua 19:29 2 Samuel 24:7 , a very rich city, and a kingdom, with the king of which (who was Hiram) Solomon in his time traded much, 2 Chronicles 2:3 . Isaiah prophesied its ruin, Jeremiah 23:1 ; so did Ezekiel, Ezekiel 27:28,29 : it was destroyed by Nebuchadrezzar, Ezekiel 29:18 . Zidon was nigh to it, th…
This verse uses "all the kings" of Tyre and Sidon not to suggest they literally had multiple rulers at once, but to emphasize that God's judgment would fall on every single leader who held power, not just the current one. The phrase "kings of the coastland across the sea" is a clever way to refer to Phoenician colonies and regions far beyond the immediate geographical horizon, highlighting the vast reach of God's decree.
Jeremiah is pronouncing God's judgment, not just on Judah, but on the entire known world, symbolized by listing various nations and peoples. This verse specifically targets the powerful Phoenician city-states of Tyre and Sidon, along with the distant coastal regions and islands of the Mediterranean, which were known for their extensive trade networks. These proud, wealthy maritime powers, like so many others, will also face the coming wrath of God, indicated by their inclusion in the grand procession of nations destined to drink the cup of judgment.
Jeremiah is pronouncing God's judgment, not just on Judah, but on the entire known world, symbolized by listing various nations and peoples. This verse specifically targets the powerful Phoenician city-states of Tyre and Sidon, along with the distant coastal regions and islands of the Mediterranean, which were known for their extensive trade networks. These proud, wealthy maritime powers, like so many others, will also face the coming wrath of God, indicated by their inclusion in the grand procession of nations destined to drink the cup of judgment.
"all the kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the coastland across the sea;" — This verse uses "all the kings" of Tyre and Sidon not to suggest they literally had multiple rulers at once, but to emphasize that God's judgment would fall on every single leader who held power, not…
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Last reviewed October 2026