Jeremiah 48:31

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Jeremiah 48:31 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all of Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres.

King James Version KJV

Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kir-heres.

American Standard Version ASV

Therefore will I wail for Moab; yea, I will cry out for all Moab: for the men of Kir-heres shall they mourn.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For this cause I will give cries of grief for Moab, crying out for Moab, even for all of it; I will be sorrowing for the men of Kir-heres.

Free Bible Version FBV

So I will weep for Moab; I will cry out for all the Moabites; I will mourn for the people of Kir-heres.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore will I howle for Moab, and I will crie out for all Moab: mine heart shall mourne for the men of Kir-heres.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Therefore for Moab I howl, even for Moab — all of it, I cry for men of Kir-Heres, it doth mourn,

World English Bible WEB

Therefore I will wail for Moab. Yes, I will cry out for all Moab. They will mourn for the men of Kir Heres.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; my heart shall mourn for the men of Kirheres.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Therefore will I lament for Moab, and I will cry out to all Moab, for the men of the brick wall that mourn.

Translation for Translators T4T

So now I will wail for Moab; I will cry about all its people. I will moan for the men of Kir-Hareseth city, the old capital of Moab.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:31

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 48:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עַל כֵּן֙ עַל מוֹאָ֣ב אֲיֵלִ֔יל וּ/לְ/מוֹאָ֥ב כֻּלֹּ֖/ה אֶזְעָ֑ק אֶל אַנְשֵׁ֥י קִֽיר חֶ֖רֶשׂ יֶהְגֶּֽה

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כֵּן֙ kên H3651 right Part

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מוֹאָ֣ב Môwʼâb H4124 Moab N-proper

אֲיֵלִ֔יל yâlal H3213 to wail V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

וּ/לְ/מוֹאָ֥ב Môwʼâb H4124 Moab Conj | Prep | N-proper

כֻּלֹּ֖/ה kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff

אֶזְעָ֑ק zâʻaq H2199 to cry out V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

קִֽיר Qîyr Cheres H7025 Kir-hareseth N-proper

חֶ֖רֶשׂ Qîyr Cheres H7025 Kir-hareseth N-proper

יֶהְגֶּֽה hâgâh H1897 to mutter V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:31

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.

כֵּן֙ kên H3651 "right" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

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.

מוֹאָ֣ב Môwʼâb H4124 "Moab" N-proper

Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.

Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot

Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.

אֲיֵלִ֔יל yâlal H3213 "to wail" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

This word means to wail or howl, expressing strong emotions like sadness or pain, used to describe a loud, mournful cry.

Definition: (Hiphil) to howl, wail, make a howling

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (make to) howl, be howling. See also: Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 48:31; Isaiah 14:31.

וּ/לְ/מוֹאָ֥ב Môwʼâb H4124 "Moab" Conj | Prep | N-proper

Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.

Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot

Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.

כֻּלֹּ֖/ה kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff

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.

אֶזְעָ֑ק zâʻaq H2199 "to cry out" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.

Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)

Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.

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.

אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 "man" 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.

קִֽיר Qîyr Cheres H7025 "Kir-hareseth" N-proper

Kir-hareseth, or Kir-haresh, refers to a place in Moab, one of its chief strongholds. The name means wall of potsherds, possibly describing the materials used to build its walls. It is mentioned in the Bible as a significant location in the region of Moab.

Definition: Kir-hareseth or Kir-hares or Kir-haresh = "wall of potsherds" one of the two chief strongholds of Moab Another name of qir (קִיר "Kir" H7024B)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kir-haraseth, Kir-hareseth, Kirharesh, Kir-heres. See also: 2 Kings 3:25; Isaiah 16:11; Isaiah 16:7.

חֶ֖רֶשׂ Qîyr Cheres H7025 "Kir-hareseth" N-proper

Definition: Kir-hareseth or Kir-hares or Kir-haresh = "wall of potsherds" one of the two chief strongholds of Moab Another name of qir (קִיר "Kir" H7024B)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kir-haraseth, Kir-hareseth, Kirharesh, Kir-heres. See also: 2 Kings 3:25; Isaiah 16:11; Isaiah 16:7.

יֶהְגֶּֽה hâgâh H1897 "to mutter" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To mutter or ponder, as seen in Psalm 1:2 where it means to meditate on God's law, and also in Psalm 37:35 where it describes plotting evil.

Definition: 1) to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to roar, growl, groan 1a2) to utter, speak 1a3) to meditate, devise, muse, imagine 1b) (Poal) to utter 1c) (Hiphil) to mutter

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, [idiom] sore, speak, study, talk, utter. See also: Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 8:7; Psalms 1:2.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 48:31 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:31
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:31
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:31
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:31
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:31
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:31
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:31
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:31

Context — Judgment on Moab

29We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his proud arrogance and haughtiness of heart. 30I know his insolence,” declares the LORD, “but it is futile. His boasting is as empty as his deeds.

31Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all of Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres.

32I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah, more than I weep for Jazer. Your tendrils have extended to the sea; they reach even to Jazer. The destroyer has descended on your summer fruit and grape harvest. 33Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard and from the fields of Moab. I have stopped the flow of wine from the presses; no one treads them with shouts of joy; their shouts are not for joy.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 15:5	My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith; they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim.
2	2 Kings 3:25	They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well.
3	Jeremiah 48:36	Therefore My heart laments like a flute for Moab; it laments like a flute for the men of Kir-heres, because the wealth they acquired has perished.
4	Isaiah 16:7–11	Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth, you who are utterly stricken. For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the grapevines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled its choicest vines, which had reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots had spread out and passed over the sea. So I weep with Jazer for the vines of Sibmah; I drench Heshbon and Elealeh with my tears. Triumphant shouts have fallen silent over your summer fruit and your harvest. Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard; no one sings or shouts in the vineyards. No one tramples the grapes in the winepresses; I have put an end to the cheering. Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres.

Jeremiah 48:31 Summary

[Jeremiah 48:31 shows that God is a compassionate and merciful God, who cares deeply for all people, even those who have rebelled against Him. He expresses sorrow and regret over the coming judgment of Moab, just as a parent would mourn the suffering of their child. This verse reminds us that God's judgment is always tempered with mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:8-10, and that He desires the repentance and salvation of all people, as stated in 2 Peter 3:9. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn to balance the reality of God's judgment with the truth of His mercy and compassion, and to pray for and support those who are facing difficult circumstances.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God express sorrow for Moab in Jeremiah 48:31?

God's sorrow for Moab is a demonstration of His compassion and mercy, as seen in Jeremiah 48:31, where He says, 'Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all of Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres.' This shows that God cares for all nations and people, even those who have rebelled against Him, as stated in Ezekiel 33:11.

What is the significance of Kir-heres in Jeremiah 48:31?

Kir-heres is a city in Moab, and God's mention of it in Jeremiah 48:31 highlights the extent of His sorrow for the entire nation of Moab, including its cities and people, as also seen in Isaiah 15:1 and 16:7.

How can God's wailing and crying out for Moab be reconciled with His role as a God of judgment?

God's expression of sorrow for Moab in Jeremiah 48:31 does not contradict His role as a God of judgment, but rather highlights His mercy and compassion, as stated in Psalm 103:8-10, where it says, 'The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.'

What can we learn from God's lament over Moab in Jeremiah 48:31?

We can learn that God is a God of love and compassion, who desires the repentance and salvation of all people, as stated in 2 Peter 3:9, and that His judgment is always tempered with mercy, as seen in Jeremiah 48:31 and Lamentations 3:22-23.

Reflection Questions

What does God's expression of sorrow for Moab reveal about His character, and how can I apply this to my own understanding of God's nature?
In what ways can I, like God, express compassion and sorrow for those who are facing judgment or hardship, as seen in Jeremiah 48:31?
How can I balance the reality of God's judgment with the truth of His mercy and compassion, as demonstrated in Jeremiah 48:31 and other scriptures?
What are some ways that I can pray for and support those who are facing difficult circumstances, just as God weeps and cries out for Moab in Jeremiah 48:31?
How can I use Jeremiah 48:31 as a reminder to pray for and witness to those who do not know God, that they might turn to Him and avoid judgment?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:31

Therefore will I howl for Moab,.... The prophet, being as a man affected with the miseries of a people very wicked, and so deserving of them; though indeed by this he does not so much design to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:31

Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kirheres.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:31

Though wicked men rejoice and triumph in the ruin of good men, yet their charity suffereth them not to do the like, but engageth them to mourn for them in the day of their affliction. Jeremiah declareth his compassion toward these Moabites, though they derided the Jews when they were carried into captivity. nay, he mourns upon the prospect of their misery at some distance; when the sight of the Jews’ present calamity would not affect the Moabites with any compassion at all. We find the like compassion in another prophet, there it is called Kir-hareseth, which was a city of Moab, as we read, .

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:31

Jeremiah 48:31 Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; [mine heart] shall mourn for the men of Kirheres.Ver. 31. Therefore will I howl.] Isaiah 16:7; Isaiah 15:5.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:31

(31) Therefore will I howl for Moab.—The changes of person are remarkable. The “I” that speaks is neither Jehovah nor the prophet, but the unnamed mourner, who in the next clause appears in the third person (“she shall mourn,” the English “mine heart” having no equivalent in the Hebrew) as the representative of those who mourn for Moab. In Jeremiah 48:33, “I have caused wine to fail” appears as the utterance of Jehovah. In Isaiah 16:7, of which the whole passage is a free reproduction, Moab is named as the mourner. Possibly, however, Jeremiah in his sympathy may speak here in his own person. For the men of Kir-heres.—The name appears in Isaiah 16:7 as Kirhareseth, and is probably identical with the “Kir of Moab” of Isaiah 15:1. The place was obviously an important stronghold. The Targum on Isaiah and Jeremiah renders it by Crac, and this has led to its being identified with the modern Kerak, occupying a strong position on one of the Moabite mountains to the south-east of the Dead Sea. The name, which signifies “City of the Sun,” may indicate its connection with that form of nature-worship.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:31

31. Based on Isaiah 16:7, but the influence of the first person in Jeremiah 48:9 there (“I will, etc.”) has led here to the prophet’s grief for Moab being represented as caused by her pride. will I howl] In the corresponding passage in Isaiah it is first the country that mourns for itself, Jeremiah 48:7, and only later, Jeremiah 48:9, the prophet also expresses grief. For “the men of” we should probably read, as in Isaiah, raisin-cakes of Kir-heres. They were made of a mixture of raisins and meal. Cp. Hosea 3:1. The two words in the original resemble each other. Kir-heres was probably the modern Kerak, eighteen miles S. of the Arnon and eight miles E. of the Dead Sea; a strong fortress on a steep hill surrounded by ravines.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:31

Mine heart ... - Rather, “there shall be mourning for” etc.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:31

29-33. Substantially taken from Isaiah 16:6-10.