Jeremiah 48:14
Jeremiah 48:14 in Multiple Translations
How can you say, ‘We are warriors, mighty men ready for battle’?
¶ How say ye, We are mighty and strong men for the war?
How say ye, We are mighty men, and valiant men for the war?
How say you, We are men of war and strong fighters?
How on earth can you Moabites say, “We're heroes, strong men ready to fight in battle”?
Howe thinke you thus, We are mightie and strong men of warre?
How do ye say, We [are] mighty, And men of strength for battle?
“How do you say, ‘We are mighty men, and valiant men for the war’?
How say ye, We are mighty and strong men for the war?
How do you say: We are valiant, and stout men in battle?
The soldiers of Moab previously said, “We are warriors; we have fought bravely in battles!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:14
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 48:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֚יךְ
תֹּֽאמְר֔וּ
גִּבּוֹרִ֖ים
אֲנָ֑חְנוּ
וְ/אַנְשֵׁי
חַ֖יִל
לַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
אֵ֚יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
תֹּֽאמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
גִּבּוֹרִ֖ים
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
אֲנָ֑חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
וְ/אַנְשֵׁי
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-mp
חַ֖יִל
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms
לַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:14
אֵ֚יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
תֹּֽאמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
גִּבּוֹרִ֖ים
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
אֲנָ֑חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/אַנְשֵׁי
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חַ֖יִל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
לַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 48:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:14
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:14
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:14
- Sermons on Jeremiah 48:14
Context — Judgment on Moab
12Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will send to him wanderers, who will pour him out. They will empty his vessels and shatter his jars.
13Then Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, just as the house of Israel was ashamed when they trusted in Bethel.
14How can you say, ‘We are warriors, mighty men ready for battle’?
15Moab has been destroyed and its towns have been invaded; the best of its young men have gone down in the slaughter, declares the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts. 16Moab’s calamity is at hand, and his affliction is rushing swiftly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 33:16 | No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. |
| 2 | Isaiah 10:13 | For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. |
| 3 | Isaiah 10:16 | Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts will send a wasting disease among Assyria’s stout warriors, and under his pomp will be kindled a fire like a burning flame. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 49:16 | The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 8:8 | How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? |
| 6 | Zephaniah 2:10 | This they shall have in return for their pride, for taunting and mocking the people of the LORD of Hosts. |
| 7 | Isaiah 16:6 | We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his overflowing arrogance. But his boasting is empty. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 30:6 | For this is what the LORD says: The allies of Egypt will fall, and her proud strength will collapse. From Migdol to Syene they will fall by the sword within her, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 9:23 | This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. |
| 10 | Psalms 11:1 | In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain! |
Jeremiah 48:14 Summary
[This verse is asking how the people of Moab can claim to be strong warriors when they are actually weak and vulnerable, similar to the way the Israelites were warned against pride in Deuteronomy 8:17-18. God is calling out their pride and lack of true strength, as He does in Ezekiel 28:2-5. The people of Moab are trusting in their own abilities rather than in God, which is a recipe for disaster, as seen in Jeremiah 17:5-8. We can learn from this verse by recognizing that true strength comes from God, and that we should not trust in our own abilities, but rather in His power and provision, as stated in Psalm 28:7-8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Jeremiah 48:14?
Jeremiah 48:14 is part of a prophecy against Moab, where God declares judgment against the nation for its pride and idolatry, as seen in Jeremiah 48:13 where Moab is ashamed of its idol Chemosh, just like Israel was ashamed of Bethel in Jeremiah 48:13.
Who is being addressed in Jeremiah 48:14?
The people of Moab are being addressed, as they are the ones claiming to be warriors and mighty men ready for battle, but God is calling out their pride and lack of true strength, similar to the way He addressed the Israelites in Ezekiel 28:2-5.
What is the significance of the question in Jeremiah 48:14?
The question highlights the discrepancy between Moab's claims of military prowess and their actual vulnerability, which is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18 where God warns against pride and forgetting His provision.
How does Jeremiah 48:14 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Jeremiah 48:14 is a pivotal verse in the chapter, as it transitions from God's declaration of judgment in Jeremiah 48:12-13 to the description of Moab's destruction in Jeremiah 48:15-16, emphasizing the consequences of pride and idolatry, as also seen in Isaiah 2:11-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be claiming strength or ability, but actually be weak or vulnerable, like the Moabites in Jeremiah 48:14?
- How can I cultivate humility and recognize my true dependence on God, as opposed to trusting in my own strength or abilities, as warned against in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some idols or false sources of security that I may be trusting in, and how can I turn away from them and towards God, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10?
- How can I apply the lesson of Jeremiah 48:14 to my own life, recognizing that true strength comes from God and not from my own abilities, as stated in Psalm 28:7-8?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:14
How say ye, we [are] mighty and strong men for the war?] The Moabites were proud, haughty, and arrogant; boasted much of their strength and valour; of the strength of their bodies, and fitness for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:14
How say ye, We are mighty and strong men for the war? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:14
How can ye justify what you say, or why say you so, or to what purpose do you brag of your valour?
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:14
Jeremiah 48:14 How say ye, We [are] mighty and strong men for the war?Ver. 14. How say ye, We are mighty?] q.d., Ye have great cause to crack, and to stand upon your pantofle. A slipper or sandle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:14
(14-17) How say ye . . .—In the boast that follows we trace the characteristic pride of Moab. The prophet points to the fact that the pride is brought low. She, too, is subject, like other nations, to invasion and defeat. He summons her people to wail for her overthrow. The “staff” is the sceptre of the ruler, as in Psalms 110:2. The “rod” is the stick with which a man walks (Genesis 32:10; Exodus 12:11), but which may also be used as a weapon. The epithet “beautiful” perhaps points to the splendour of a royal staff or wand of ivory and gold.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:14
11–19. See introd. summary to the ch.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:14
Mighty - Heroes, veteran warriors.
Sermons on Jeremiah 48:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo |
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God Works for Those Who Wait for Him by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the importance of trusting in the Lord's work for those who wait for Him, emphasizing that God's labor surpasses human efforts in providing for our needs and |
|
To the Parliament, the Army by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches a message of repentance and humility to the Parliament, the Army, and all the Well-affected in the Nation who have strayed from the Good Old Cause. He high |
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Practical Atheism, in Denying the Agency of Divine Providence, Exposed by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the prevalence of practical atheism in denying the agency of divine providence, exposing the consequences of settling on one's own understanding and ne |
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Porn's Influence on Christians by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the danger of pride leading to regression from God, as seen in the backsliding and deception caused by the lust and perversions of the heart. The speaker hig |
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Why Pride Before Prayer? (Where God Begins in Reviving His People) by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the speaker shares anecdotes and testimonies to highlight the destructive nature of pride. He tells a story of a father who boasts about his hunting skills, but fai |