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Jeremiah 48:19

Jeremiah 48:19 in Multiple Translations

Stand by the road and watch, O dweller of Aroer! Ask the man fleeing or the woman escaping, ‘What has happened?’

O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done?

O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and watch: ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth; say, What hath been done?

O daughter of Aroer, take your station by the way, on the watch: questioning him who is in flight, and her who has got away safe, say, What has been done?

Stand at the roadside and watch, you who live in Aroer. Ask the men and women who are running away to escape, “What's happened?”

Thou that dwellest in Aroer, stand by the way, and beholde: aske him that fleeth and that escapeth, and say, What is done?

On the way stand, and watch, O inhabitant of Aroer, Ask the fugitive and escaped, Say, What hath happened?

Inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way and watch. Ask him who flees, and her who escapes; say, ‘What has been done?’

O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done?

Stand in the way, and look out, O habitation of Aroer: inquire of him that fleeth: and say to him that hath escaped: What Is done?

You people of Aroer town, stand along the road and watch. Shout to the men and women who will be fleeing from Moab, “What has happened there?”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:19

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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 48:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֶל דֶּ֛רֶךְ עִמְדִ֥י וְ/צַפִּ֖י יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת עֲרוֹעֵ֑ר שַׁאֲלִי נָ֣ס וְ/נִמְלָ֔טָה אִמְרִ֖י מַה נִּֽהְיָֽתָה
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
דֶּ֛רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs
עִמְדִ֥י ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Impv-2fs
וְ/צַפִּ֖י tsâphâh H6822 to watch Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2fs
יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal
עֲרוֹעֵ֑ר ʻĂrôwʻêr H6177 Aroer N-proper
שַׁאֲלִי shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Impv-2fs
נָ֣ס nûwç H5127 to flee V-Qal
וְ/נִמְלָ֔טָה mâlaṭ H4422 to escape Conj | V-Niphal-Inf-c
אִמְרִ֖י ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Impv-2fs
מַה mâh H4100 what? Part
נִּֽהְיָֽתָה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:19

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דֶּ֛רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
עִמְדִ֥י ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Impv-2fs
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
וְ/צַפִּ֖י tsâphâh H6822 "to watch" Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2fs
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עֲרוֹעֵ֑ר ʻĂrôwʻêr H6177 "Aroer" N-proper
Aroer is a place name in the Bible, referring to three different locations in or near Palestine. The name means ruins, and it is mentioned in the book of Joshua. This place was significant in biblical times.
Definition: § Aroer = "ruins" a town in southern Judah
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Aroer. See also: Numbers 32:34; Judges 11:26; Isaiah 17:2.
שַׁאֲלִי shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
נָ֣ס nûwç H5127 "to flee" V-Qal
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
וְ/נִמְלָ֔טָה mâlaṭ H4422 "to escape" Conj | V-Niphal-Inf-c
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
אִמְרִ֖י ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Impv-2fs
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.
מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נִּֽהְיָֽתָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the valley, even as far as Gilead, not one city had walls too high for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them.
2 1 Samuel 4:16 “I have just come from the battle,” the man said to Eli. “I fled from there today.” “What happened, my son?” Eli asked.
3 1 Samuel 4:13–14 When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out. Eli heard the outcry and asked, “Why this commotion?” So the man hurried over and reported to Eli.
4 1 Chronicles 5:8 and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in Aroer and as far as Nebo and Baal-meon.
5 Numbers 32:34 And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer,
6 2 Samuel 18:24–32 Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. The watchman said, “The first man appears to me to be running like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.” “This is a good man,” said the king. “He comes with good news.” Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!” And he bowed facedown before the king. He continued, “Blessed be the LORD your God! He has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king.” The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I do not know what it was.” “Move aside,” said the king, “and stand here.” So he stepped aside. Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: Today the LORD has avenged you of all who rose up against you!” The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you to harm you.”
7 2 Samuel 1:3–4 “Where have you come from?” David asked. “I have escaped from the Israelite camp,” he replied. “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”
8 2 Samuel 24:5 They crossed the Jordan and camped near Aroer, south of the town in the middle of the valley, and proceeded toward Gad and Jazer.

Jeremiah 48:19 Summary

[Jeremiah 48:19 is a call to witness the destruction of Moab, a nation that had turned away from God, and to ask those fleeing about the destruction, much like a reporter gathering news (Jeremiah 48:18). The verse is asking the people of Aroer to be aware of what is happening in the world around them and to ask questions, just like we should be aware of the world around us and ask God for wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). This verse reminds us that God is a God of justice and will judge those who turn away from Him, but He is also a God of mercy and love, who desires that all people would come to know Him (Romans 11:22, John 3:16).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Aroer in Jeremiah 48:19?

Aroer was a city located near the border of Moab, and its inhabitants are being called to witness the destruction of Moab, as prophesied in Jeremiah 48:18, where the destroyer of Moab has come against the daughter dwelling in Dibon.

Why are the people of Aroer being asked to stand by the road and watch?

The people of Aroer are being asked to stand by the road and watch so they can see the devastation of Moab firsthand and ask those fleeing about the destruction, similar to how the prophet Habakkuk was asked to watch and see the evil that would befall Babylon in Habakkuk 2:1.

What can we learn from the man fleeing or the woman escaping in Jeremiah 48:19?

The man fleeing or the woman escaping in Jeremiah 48:19 represents the desperate state of those trying to escape the judgment of God, much like the inhabitants of Babylon in Isaiah 47:1-3, who were also trying to escape the judgment of God.

How does Jeremiah 48:19 relate to the rest of the chapter?

Jeremiah 48:19 is part of a larger prophecy against Moab, where God is warning the people of Moab about the destruction that is coming upon them, as seen in Jeremiah 48:20, where Moab is put to shame and destroyed.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would you ask someone who has experienced the judgment of God, and how would you respond to their story?
  2. How can we, like the people of Aroer, be witnesses to the power and majesty of God in our own lives and in the world around us?
  3. What are some ways we can 'stand by the road and watch' in our own lives, being aware of the world around us and the ways in which God is working?
  4. How can we balance the need to be aware of the evil and destruction in the world with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Psalm 23:4?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:19

O inhabitant of Aroer,.... Another city that belonged to Moab, situated on the border of it towards Ammon, near the river Arnon; [See comments on Isaiah 17:2]; stand by the way, and espy; get to the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:19

O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done? Aroer - on the north bank of the Arnon, a city of Ammon (Deuteronomy 2:36; Deuteronomy 3:12).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:19

Aroer was a city in the lot of Gad and Reuben, . In David’ s time it was in the hand of the Jews, , but in Isaiah’ s time it belonged to Syria, , and here it is reckoned to the Moabites. The inhabitants of it are called to stand by the way, and seeing the Moabites fleeing, to ask what news. Others think that Aroer was at this time a city of the Ammonites, and here called unto to see their neighbours the Moabites fleeing before their enemies.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:19

Jeremiah 48:19 O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, [and] say, What is done?Ver. 19. Stand by the way and espy, &c.] What brave rhetoric is here? Tenendum quidem, prophetas et apostolos non affectasse artem dicendi: vide tamen quanta etoquentia peroret Spiritus, Sanctus. Egregia est prosopopoeia.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:19

(19) O inhabitant of Aroer.—There seems to have been two cities of this name: one which had belonged first to the territory of Sihon, then to Reuben, then to Moab, on the north side of the Arnon (Deuteronomy 2:36; Deuteronomy 3:12; Deuteronomy 4:48; Joshua 12:2); another in the Ammonite territory belonging to Gad, near Rabbath-Ammon, in the valley of the Jabbok (Numbers 32:34; Joshua 13:25; Judges 11:33). Both are probably comprised under the “cities of Aroer” in Isaiah 17:2. The name exists in the modern Arair. As lying on the frontier, the inhabitants of the Northern Aroer are represented as seeing the fugitives, male and female, from Dibon, and asking what had happened to drive them from their city. Milton’s lines (Par. Lost, L 407) may be quoted as illustrating the topography : “From Aroer to Nebo, and the wild Of Southmost Abarim; in Hesebon And Horonaim, Seon’s realm . . .”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:19

Verse 19. O inhabitant of Aroer] See Clarke on Jeremiah 48:6. This place, being at a greater distance, is counselled to watch for its own safety, and inquire of every passenger, What is done? that it may know when to pack up and be gone.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:19

19. Aroer] now ‘Ara‘ir, not to be confounded with the Aroer of Num 32:34, a Gadite city, or with an Aroer belonging to Judah (1 Samuel 30:28). The Aroer of the text was a few miles S.W. of Dibon. Mesha records on the “Moabite stone” that he “built (i.e. restored) the city and made the road over the Arnon.”

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:19

Aroer - On the Arnon, due south of Dibon. If Dibon falls, the turn of Aroer will come next, and therefore its inhabitants are to be on the look out, asking for news.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:19

19. Aroer — A town on the northern bank of the Arnon, once belonging to Ammon, but now, apparently, to Moab.

Sermons on Jeremiah 48:19

SermonDescription
Joshua Daniel 1 Samuel 4:13 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of trembling for the presence of God, using the story of Eli and his sons as a cautionary tale. It highlights the consequences of hidden sin a
David Guzik (1 Samuel) Has the Glory Departed? by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of pushing God away and becoming calloused towards Him. He highlights the certainty that every person will have to stand before G

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