Jeremiah 48:38
Jeremiah 48:38 in Multiple Translations
On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD.
There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD.
On all the housetops of Moab and in the streets thereof there is lamentation every where; for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein none delighteth, saith Jehovah.
On all the house-tops of Moab and in its streets there is weeping everywhere; for Moab has been broken like a vessel in which there is no pleasure, says the Lord.
Everyone is mourning on all the flat roofs and streets of Moab, because I have smashed the country like a jar nobody wants, declares the Lord.
And mourning shall be vpon all the house toppes of Moab and in all the streetes thereof: for I haue broken Moab like a vessell wherein is no pleasure, sayeth the Lord.
On all roofs of Moab, and in her broad-places, All of it — [is] lamentation, For I have broken Moab as a vessel in which there is no pleasure, An affirmation of Jehovah.
On all the housetops of Moab, and in its streets, there is lamentation everywhere; for I have broken Moab like a vessel in which no one delights,” says the LORD.
There shall be lamentation generally upon all the house-tops of Moab, and in its streets: for I have broken Moab like a vessel in which is no pleasure, saith the LORD.
Upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof general mourning: because I have broken Moab as an useless vessel, saith the Lord.
In every home and in the town plazas/centers in Moab there will be people who are mourning, because I will have destroyed Moab like [SIM] someone smashes an old jar that no one wants any more.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:38
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 48:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַ֣ל
כָּל
גַּגּ֥וֹת
מוֹאָ֛ב
וּ/בִ/רְחֹבֹתֶ֖י/הָ
כֻּלֹּ֣/ה
מִסְפֵּ֑ד
כִּֽי
שָׁבַ֣רְתִּי
אֶת
מוֹאָ֗ב
כִּ/כְלִ֛י
אֵֽין
חֵ֥פֶץ
בּ֖/וֹ
נְאֻם
יְהוָֽה
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
גַּגּ֥וֹת
gâg
H1406
roof
N-mp
מוֹאָ֛ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
וּ/בִ/רְחֹבֹתֶ֖י/הָ
rᵉchôb
H7339
street/plaza
Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
כֻּלֹּ֣/ה
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
מִסְפֵּ֑ד
miçpêd
H4553
mourning
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁבַ֣רְתִּי
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מוֹאָ֗ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
כִּ/כְלִ֛י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Prep | N-ms
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
חֵ֥פֶץ
chêphets
H2656
pleasure
N-ms
בּ֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:38
עַ֣ל
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
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.
גַּגּ֥וֹת
gâg
H1406
"roof"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for roof, or the top of an altar, like the one in the temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) roof, top, housetop 1a) roof (of house) 1b) top (of altar of incense)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: roof (of the house), (house) top (of the house). See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Kings 23:12; Psalms 102:8.
מוֹאָ֛ב
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.
וּ/בִ/רְחֹבֹתֶ֖י/הָ
rᵉchôb
H7339
"street/plaza"
Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
A street or plaza, referring to a public area or open space, like a marketplace or a thoroughfare. This word is used to describe urban settings and community gathering places, often in stories about city life and trade. It appears in books like Nehemiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: broad or open place or plaza
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: broad place (way), street. See also H1050 (בֵּית רְחוֹב). See also: Genesis 19:2; Proverbs 7:12; Psalms 55:12.
כֻּלֹּ֣/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.
מִסְפֵּ֑ד
miçpêd
H4553
"mourning"
N-ms
This word describes a lamentation or mourning, often expressed through wailing. It is used in the Bible to convey intense grief and sadness, like in a lamentation.
Definition: wailing
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: lamentation, one mourneth, mourning, wailing. See also: Genesis 50:10; Ezekiel 27:31; Psalms 30:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁבַ֣רְתִּי
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מוֹאָ֗ב
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.
כִּ/כְלִ֛י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
חֵ֥פֶץ
chêphets
H2656
"pleasure"
N-ms
This word refers to pleasure or delight, often describing something that brings joy or happiness. In the Bible, it can also mean a valuable thing or a desire, like in Psalm 1.
Definition: 1) delight, pleasure 1a) delight 1b) desire, longing 1c) the good pleasure 1d) that in which one takes delight
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired, matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalms 1:2.
בּ֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 48:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:38
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:38
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:38
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:38
- Sermons on Jeremiah 48:38
Context — Judgment on Moab
36Therefore 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.
37For every head is shaved and every beard is clipped; on every hand is a gash, and around every waist is sackcloth.
38On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD.
39“How shattered it is! How they wail! How Moab has turned his back in shame! Moab has become an object of ridicule and horror to all those around him.” 40For this is what the LORD says: “Behold, an eagle swoops down and spreads his wings against Moab.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 22:28 | Is this man Coniah a despised and shattered pot, a jar that no one wants? Why are he and his descendants hurled out and cast into a land they do not know? |
| 2 | Jeremiah 25:34 | Wail, you shepherds, and cry out; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. For the days of your slaughter have come; you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery. |
| 3 | Isaiah 22:1 | This is the burden against the Valley of Vision: What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the rooftops, |
| 4 | Romans 9:21–22 | Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? |
| 5 | Revelation 2:27 | He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery —just as I have received authority from My Father. |
| 6 | Isaiah 30:14 | It will break in pieces like a potter’s jar, shattered so that no fragment can be found. Not a shard will be found in the dust large enough to scoop the coals from a hearth or to skim the water from a cistern.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 15:3 | In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping. |
| 8 | 2 Timothy 2:20–21 | A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. |
| 9 | Psalms 2:9 | You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” |
| 10 | Hosea 8:8 | Israel is swallowed up! Now they are among the nations like a worthless vessel. |
Jeremiah 48:38 Summary
In Jeremiah 48:38, God says that He has shattered Moab like an unwanted jar, which means He has completely destroyed and rejected them. This is because Moab had turned away from God and was living in sin, and God is a God of justice who will not tolerate wickedness (as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4). The people of Moab are mourning on the rooftops and in public squares because they are in great distress and sorrow over the destruction that has come upon them, similar to the mourning seen in Isaiah 15:3. This verse reminds us that God is a God of love and mercy, but also of justice and judgment, and we should strive to live in obedience to Him, trusting in His promise of love and forgiveness in John 3:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God has shattered Moab like an unwanted jar?
This means that God has completely destroyed and rejected Moab, much like a broken and useless jar is discarded, as seen in Jeremiah 48:38 and also in Psalm 2:9 where God says He will dash the nations like a potter's vessel.
Why is everyone in Moab mourning on the rooftops and in public squares?
The people of Moab are mourning because of the complete destruction and judgment that God has brought upon them, as stated in Jeremiah 48:38, similar to the mourning seen in Isaiah 15:3 where the people of Moab are also in great distress.
What is the significance of the rooftops and public squares in this verse?
The rooftops and public squares represent the most visible and public areas of the city, indicating that the mourning is widespread and openly visible to all, much like the public displays of repentance seen in Joel 2:15-16.
How does this verse relate to God's character and nature?
This verse shows that God is a God of justice and judgment, who will not tolerate sin and wickedness, as seen in Jeremiah 48:38 and also in Deuteronomy 32:4 where God is described as a Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the concept of God's judgment and justice to my own life, recognizing that He is a God who will not tolerate sin and wickedness?
- How can I balance the idea of God's judgment with His love and mercy, as seen in Jeremiah 48:38 and other verses like John 3:16?
- In what ways can I openly and publicly express my faith and repentance, like the mourning on the rooftops and in public squares in this verse, similar to the public confession in Romans 10:9-10?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's judgment and allow Him to 'shatter' my old ways, just like He did with Moab in Jeremiah 48:38, and trust in His promise of new life in 2 Corinthians 5:17?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:38
[There shall be] lamentation generally,.... Or, "all of it [is] mourning" (n); the whole country of Moab is in mourning; or all is full of mourning; all persons, places, and things, express nothing
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:38
There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:38
We met with the same phrase applied to Coniah, . The meaning is, I have broken Moab all to pieces, as people use to do vessels they care not for; they never go about to mend such a vessel, but dash it in pieces against some stones or walls.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:38
Jeremiah 48:38 [There shall be] lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure, saith the LORD.Ver. 38. There shall be lamentation.] See Isaiah 15:3. Like a vessel wherein is no pleasure.] See Jeremiah 22:28.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:38
(38) Upon all the housetops of Moab.—The flat roof of Eastern houses was the natural gathering place of men in a time of panic and distress, as it was, in a time of peace, for prayer or meditation, or even for festive meetings. So in Isaiah 22:1, the city described as “the valley of vision” (Samaria or Jerusalem) is represented as “gone up to the house tops.” I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure.—The image is one with which the prophet had made men familiar by his symbolic act in Jeremiah 19:10. So Coniah was “a vessel wherein is no pleasure” (Jeremiah 22:28).
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:38
38. vessel, etc.] See on Jeremiah 22:28.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:38
Generally - Rather, entirely.
Sermons on Jeremiah 48:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Vision That Constitutes a Vocation by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of having a divine vision to fulfill one's vocation in Christ, arguing that the people of Jerusalem, despite their knowledge of the Script |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 21-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the United States and the world, highlighting the military buildup by Russia and the impending superwar. The preacher em |
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(Isaiah) What to Hang Your Life On by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking why people rush to the rooftop when there is commotion or excitement. He questions whether the noise and commotion they hear is somethi |
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In Time of War by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the Valley of Vision, using the prophecy in Isaiah to warn about the impending danger faced by Jerusalem due to their sins and lack of r |
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The Burden of the Valley of Vision (Isaiah 22:1) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks discusses the profound burden carried by prophets, emphasizing their role in discerning spiritual decline and the need for a deeper connection with God's vision. H |
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In the Potters Hands by Steve Hill | This sermon emphasizes how God works uniquely in each of our lives according to His purpose, even when we struggle with the trials and challenges He allows. It highlights the analo |
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Beloved Let Us Love by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. He highlights that true success is not measured by worldly standards, but by God's |