Jeremiah 48:39
Jeremiah 48:39 in Multiple Translations
“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.”
They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him.
How is it broken down! how do they wail! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab become a derision and a terror to all that are round about him.
How is it broken down! how is Moab's back turned in shame! so Moab will be a cause of sport and of fear to everyone round about him.
Moab is completely shattered! Listen to them cry! See how the Moabites turn away in shame! All the surrounding nations are horrified at what's happened to the country, and ridicule its people.
They shall howle, saying, How is he destroyed? howe hath Moab turned the backe with shame? so shall Moab be a derision, and a feare to all them about him.
How hath it been broken down! they have howled, How hath Moab turned the neck ashamed, And Moab hath been for a derision. And for a terror to all round about her.
“How it is broken down! How they wail! How Moab has turned the back with shame! So will Moab become a derision and a terror to all who are around him.”
They shall howl, saying , How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him.
How is it overthrown, and they have howled! How hath Moab bowed down the neck, and is confounded! And Moab shall be a derision, and an example to all round about him.
Moab will be completely shattered! And you will hear the people wailing loudly! They will be disgraced. Moab will become a nation that people ridicule. The people in nearby countries will be horrified about what has happened there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:39
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 48:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֥יךְ
חַ֨תָּה֙
הֵילִ֔ילוּ
אֵ֛יךְ
הִפְנָה
עֹ֥רֶף
מוֹאָ֖ב
בּ֑וֹשׁ
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
מוֹאָ֛ב
לִ/שְׂחֹ֥ק
וְ/לִ/מְחִתָּ֖ה
לְ/כָל
סְבִיבָֽי/ו
אֵ֥יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
חַ֨תָּה֙
châthath
H2865
to to be dismayed
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
הֵילִ֔ילוּ
yâlal
H3213
to wail
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
אֵ֛יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
הִפְנָה
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
עֹ֥רֶף
ʻôreph
H6203
neck
N-ms
מוֹאָ֖ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
בּ֑וֹשׁ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מוֹאָ֛ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
לִ/שְׂחֹ֥ק
sᵉchôwq
H7814
laughter
Prep | N-ms
וְ/לִ/מְחִתָּ֖ה
mᵉchittâh
H4288
terror
Conj | Prep | N-fs
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
סְבִיבָֽי/ו
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:39
אֵ֥יךְ
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.
חַ֨תָּה֙
châthath
H2865
"to to be dismayed"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
הֵילִ֔ילוּ
yâlal
H3213
"to wail"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
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.
אֵ֛יךְ
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.
הִפְנָה
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
עֹ֥רֶף
ʻôreph
H6203
"neck"
N-ms
The neck or back of the neck represents a turning point, like the back of a fleeing enemy or a stubborn person with a stiff neck.
Definition: 1) neck, back of the neck, back 1a) back of the neck 1a1) of fleeing foe 1a2) of apostasy (fig.) 1b) stiff of neck, obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: back ((stiff-) neck((-ed). See also: Genesis 49:8; 2 Chronicles 30:8; Psalms 18:41.
מוֹאָ֖ב
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.
בּ֑וֹשׁ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Inf-a
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
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.
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.
לִ/שְׂחֹ֥ק
sᵉchôwq
H7814
"laughter"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for laughter can also mean mockery or scorn, as seen in Genesis when Ishmael laughed at Isaac. It can be joyful or hollow, and is often used to describe the ridicule of others. In Psalms, it is used to describe God's laughter at the wicked.
Definition: 1) laughter, laughing stock, mocking, derision 1a) laughter 1a1) joyful 1a2) hollow 1b) derision (of object) 1c) sport
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: derision, laughter(-ed to scorn, -ing), mocked, sport. See also: Job 8:21; Ecclesiastes 7:6; Psalms 126:2.
וְ/לִ/מְחִתָּ֖ה
mᵉchittâh
H4288
"terror"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means terror or ruin, causing consternation or destruction. It is used to describe something that inspires fear or dread, and is translated as 'destruction' or 'terror' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) destruction, ruin, terror, a breaking 1a) terror, dismay, object of terror 1b) ruin
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror. See also: Psalms 89:41; Proverbs 14:28; Proverbs 10:14.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
סְבִיבָֽי/ו
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cp | Suff
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:39
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 48:39 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:39
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:39
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:39
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:39
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:39
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:39
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:39
- Sermons on Jeremiah 48:39
Context — Judgment on Moab
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. 41Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab’s warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 20:4–6 | so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, naked and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame. Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed. And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, ‘See what has happened to our source of hope, those to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’” |
| 2 | Lamentations 4:1 | How the gold has become tarnished, the pure gold has become dull! The gems of the temple lie scattered on every street corner. |
| 3 | Lamentations 2:1 | How the Lord has covered the Daughter of Zion with the cloud of His anger! He has cast the glory of Israel from heaven to earth. He has abandoned His footstool in the day of His anger. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 48:17 | Mourn for him, all you who surround him, everyone who knows his name; tell how the mighty scepter is shattered— the glorious staff! |
| 5 | Jeremiah 48:26–27 | “Make him drunk, because he has magnified himself against the LORD; so Moab will wallow in his own vomit, and he will also become a laughingstock. Was not Israel your object of ridicule? Was he ever found among thieves? For whenever you speak of him you shake your head. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 26:16–18 | All the princes of the sea will descend from their thrones, remove their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments. Clothed with terror, they will sit on the ground, trembling every moment, appalled over you. Then they will lament for you, saying, “How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men— she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples! Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your downfall; the islands in the sea are dismayed by your demise.”’ |
| 7 | Revelation 18:15–16 | The merchants who sold these things and grew their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn, saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! |
| 8 | Lamentations 1:1 | How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become a widow. The princess of the provinces has become a slave. |
| 9 | Revelation 18:9–10 | Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” |
Jeremiah 48:39 Summary
This verse is talking about how the nation of Moab has been completely destroyed and is now a laughingstock to other nations. Moab's people are filled with shame and are wailing in sadness, as they realize their mistakes and the consequences of turning away from God (similar to what happens in Jeremiah 2:13). Just like how God judges Moab, He also calls us to turn away from our own sins and to follow Him, as seen in 1 John 1:9, where we are promised forgiveness if we confess our sins. By looking at Moab's example, we can learn to be humble and obedient to God's will, and to trust in His goodness and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Moab to be 'shattered' in Jeremiah 48:39?
To be shattered means to be completely broken or destroyed, as seen in the judgment of God against Moab, similar to what is described in Isaiah 13:19, where Babylon is also judged by God.
Why is Moab 'an object of ridicule and horror' to those around him?
Moab's shame and destruction have made him a laughingstock and a source of fear to neighboring nations, much like the shame and fear experienced by those who oppose God, as written in Proverbs 10:5 and Deuteronomy 28:37.
How does God's judgment on Moab relate to His people?
God's judgment on Moab serves as a reminder of His holiness and justice, and it encourages His people to remain faithful and obedient, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:5-6, where God disciplines His people for their own good.
Is Moab's destruction a permanent condition?
While Moab's destruction is severe, the Bible also speaks of God's desire to restore and redeem nations, as seen in Jeremiah 12:15-17, where God expresses His desire to plant and not uproot nations.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have experienced shame or ridicule, and how can I turn to God for redemption and restoration?
- How can I apply the lessons of God's judgment on Moab to my own life, particularly in regards to obedience and faithfulness?
- In what ways can I be a source of comfort and encouragement to those who are experiencing shame or difficulty, rather than ridiculing or judging them?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's will and allow Him to 'shatter' my own pride or self-reliance?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:39
They shall howl, [saying], how is it broken down?.... Or, "how is it broken" or "thrown into consternation (p)?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:39
They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him. How is it broken down. "It" - i:e., Moab.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:39
Those that formerly lived in Moab, when it was in its glory, shall lament to see how the case is altered with it, that all its glory is broken down, and they that were wont to conquer their enemies turn their backs with shame upon their enemies. And Moab, that was wont to be the praise and admiration of all people, was become an astonishment, and an object of derision and scoffing to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:39
Jeremiah 48:39 They shall howl, [saying], How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him.Ver. 39. How hath Moab turned the back with shame?] Heb., Neck. “ Submisit tristi colla superba iugo. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:39
(39) They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down!—Better, taking the words in the Hebrew order, How is she broken down! How do they howl! In the word “derision” we have the emphatic iteration of the term that had been pointedly used in Jeremiah 48:26; Jeremiah 48:2. At this stage the parallelism with Isaiah 15, 16 ceases, and the prediction has a more independent character.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:39
39. broken down] See on Jeremiah 48:1.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:39
Literally, “How is it broken down! they wail! How hath Moab tutored the back in shame! Yea, Moab is become a laughter and a terror Jeremiah 17:17 to all who are round about him.”
Sermons on Jeremiah 48:39
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Has the Church Lost It's Luster? by Derek Melton | Derek Melton preaches on the dimming of the Church's glory, likening it to the fading of gold's luster in Lamentations 4:1. He highlights the shift from fervent prayer to worldly s |
|
The Rod and the Cross by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of 'Footstool' as mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing God's authority and power over all things. The footstool represents a place of worship an |
|
James 04 by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of Christians being sober and vigilant because the devil is constantly seeking to devour them. The sermon emphasizes that Chr |
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The Papacy Is the Antichrist 1 of 3 (1888) - Part 3 by J.A. Wylie | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the depiction of judgment and the destruction of Babylon in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes that this day of wrath will be one of the |
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My Peace I Give Unto You by A.B. Simpson | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of fiery ordeal as depicted in the Bible, particularly focusing on the refining process likened to a smelting furnace where imp |