Jeremiah 49:4
Jeremiah 49:4 in Multiple Translations
Why do you boast of your valleys— your valleys so fruitful, O faithless daughter? You trust in your riches and say, ‘Who can come against me?’
Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?
Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?
Why are you lifted up in pride on account of your valleys, your flowing valley, O daughter ever turning away? who puts her faith in her wealth, saying, Who will come against me?
Why do you boast that your valleys are so productive, you unfaithful people? You trust in your wealth, saying, “Who would dare attack us?”
Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleis? thy valley floweth away, O rebellious daughter: she trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come vnto me?
What — dost thou boast thyself in valleys? Flowed hath thy valley, O backsliding daughter, Who is trusting in her treasures: Who doth come in unto me?
Why do you boast in the valleys, your flowing valley, backsliding daughter? You trusted in her treasures, saying, ‘Who will come to me?’
Why gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying , Who shall come to me?
Why gloriest thou in the valleys? thy valley hath flowed away, O delicate daughter, that hast trusted in thy treasures, and hast said: Who shall come to me?
You are [RHQ] very proud of your very fertile valleys, but they will soon be ruined. You rebellious people, you trusted in your wealth, and you said, ‘Certainly no [RHQ] army will be able to attack us!’
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 49:4
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 49:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
תִּתְהַֽלְלִי֙
בָּֽ/עֲמָקִ֔ים
זָ֣ב
עִמְקֵ֔/ךְ
הַ/בַּ֖ת
הַ/שּֽׁוֹבֵבָ֑ה
הַ/בֹּֽטְחָה֙
בְּ/אֹ֣צְרֹתֶ֔י/הָ
מִ֖י
יָב֥וֹא
אֵלָֽ/י
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תִּתְהַֽלְלִי֙
hâlal
H1984
to shine
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2fs
בָּֽ/עֲמָקִ֔ים
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
Prep | N-mp
זָ֣ב
zûwb
H2100
to flow
V-Qal
עִמְקֵ֔/ךְ
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
N-ms | Suff
הַ/בַּ֖ת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
Art | N-fs
הַ/שּֽׁוֹבֵבָ֑ה
shôwbêb
H7728
backsliding
Art | Adj
הַ/בֹּֽטְחָה֙
bâṭach
H982
to trust
Art | V-Qal
בְּ/אֹ֣צְרֹתֶ֔י/הָ
ʼôwtsâr
H214
treasure
Prep | N-mp | Suff
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 49:4
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.
תִּתְהַֽלְלִי֙
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2fs
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
בָּֽ/עֲמָקִ֔ים
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
Prep | N-mp
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
זָ֣ב
zûwb
H2100
"to flow"
V-Qal
To flow means to have a continuous movement, like water, and can also refer to wasting away or overflowing. It is used in the Bible to describe various physical and emotional states.
Definition: : flowing 1) to flow, gush, issue, discharge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flow, gush 1a2) to die, pine away (fig.) 1a3) to flow (of issue from woman), have an issue, flux 1a4) flowing (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: flow, gush out, have a (running) issue, pine away, run. See also: Exodus 3:8; Numbers 13:27; Psalms 78:20.
עִמְקֵ֔/ךְ
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
N-ms | Suff
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
הַ/בַּ֖ת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
הַ/שּֽׁוֹבֵבָ֑ה
shôwbêb
H7728
"backsliding"
Art | Adj
This word describes someone who has turned away from God and is living in a heathenish way. It is often translated as backsliding or apostate, and is used to describe those who have rejected God's laws and ways.
Definition: backturning, apostate, backsliding
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: backsliding. See also: Jeremiah 31:22; Jeremiah 49:4; Micah 2:4.
הַ/בֹּֽטְחָה֙
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
Art | V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
בְּ/אֹ֣צְרֹתֶ֔י/הָ
ʼôwtsâr
H214
"treasure"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for treasure refers to a storehouse or depository, like a treasure house or armory, as seen in 1 Kings 7:51.
Definition: 1) treasure, storehouse 1a) treasure (gold, silver, etc) 1b) store, supplies of food or drink 1c) treasure-house, treasury 1c1) treasure-house 1c2) storehouse, magazine 1c3) treasury 1c4) magazine of weapons (fig. of God's armoury) 1c5) storehouses (of God for rain, snow, hail, wind, sea)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y). See also: Deuteronomy 28:12; Nehemiah 10:39; Psalms 33:7.
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 49:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 49:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 49:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 49:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:4
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 49:4
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 49:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:4
- Sermons on Jeremiah 49:4
Context — Judgment on the Ammonites
2Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will sound the battle cry against Rabbah of the Ammonites. It will become a heap of ruins, and its villages will be burned. Then Israel will drive out their dispossessors, says the LORD.
3Wail, O Heshbon, for Ai has been destroyed; cry out, O daughters of Rabbah! Put on sackcloth and mourn; run back and forth within your walls, for Milcom will go into exile together with his priests and officials.
4Why do you boast of your valleys— your valleys so fruitful, O faithless daughter? You trust in your riches and say, ‘Who can come against me?’
5Behold, I am about to bring terror upon you, declares the Lord GOD of Hosts, from all those around you. You will each be driven headlong, with no one to regather the fugitives. 6Yet afterward I will restore the Ammonites from captivity, ” declares the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 6:17 | Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 21:13 | Behold, I am against you who dwell above the valley, atop the rocky plateau— declares the LORD— you who say, “Who can come against us? Who can enter our dwellings?” |
| 4 | Psalms 62:10 | Place no trust in extortion, or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 48:7 | Because you trust in your works and treasures, you too will be captured, and Chemosh will go into exile with his priests and officials. |
| 6 | Psalms 52:7 | “Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.” |
| 7 | Psalms 49:6 | They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 3:14 | “Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 7:24 | Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. |
| 10 | Isaiah 28:1–4 | Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine. Behold, the Lord has one who is strong and mighty. Like a hailstorm or destructive tempest, like a driving rain or flooding downpour, he will smash that crown to the ground. The majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards will be trampled underfoot. The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest: Whoever sees it will take it in his hand and swallow it. |
Jeremiah 49:4 Summary
This verse is warning us not to put our trust in the good things we have, like money or possessions, because they can't keep us safe. Instead, we should trust in God, who is our true provider and protector, as seen in Philippians 4:19. When we boast about our own strength and riches, we are essentially saying that we don't need God, which is a dangerous and faithless attitude. By trusting in God, we can have true security and peace, as promised in Isaiah 26:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue with the faithless daughter in Jeremiah 49:4?
The main issue is her trust in her riches and her boastful attitude, which is condemned by God, as seen in Jeremiah 49:4 and also warned against in Proverbs 28:26.
What does it mean to 'boast of your valleys' in this verse?
It means to take pride in the fruitful and prosperous areas of one's life, but in this case, it is a misplaced trust, as God is the one who gives and takes away, as stated in Deuteronomy 8:18.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the importance of putting one's trust in God, rather than in material wealth or earthly prosperity, as emphasized in Psalms 20:7 and Matthew 6:19-21.
What is the consequence of the faithless daughter's actions?
The consequence is that God will bring terror upon her, as stated in Jeremiah 49:5, and she will be driven headlong, with no one to regather the fugitives, a fate that could have been avoided if she had trusted in God, as seen in Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I trust in my own strength and riches, rather than in God's provision and power?
- How can I cultivate a humble and faithful heart, recognizing that all my blessings come from God, as stated in James 1:17?
- What are the 'valleys' in my life where I tend to boast and take pride, and how can I redirect my focus to God's sovereignty and grace?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Jeremiah 49:4 to my own life, recognizing the dangers of self-reliance and the importance of trusting in God?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 49:4
Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys,.... Of which there were many in the country of Ammon, fruitful and well watered, which were situated by the rivers of Arnon and Jabbok, the borders of this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 49:4
Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:4
It should seem that this country was full of very fruitful valleys, which we know are always the most fertile places, lying lower and at a greater distance from the sun than mountains, and also receiving at second hand the moisture that falls upon the hills, and being usually watered with rivers; from whence they may be called flowing valleys, either as flowing with receptacles of water, or plenty of corn and grass; though some read it, (and it seems rather more agreeable to the Hebrew,) thy valley floweth, either with the blood of men slain, or floweth away, the fertility of it ceaseth or decayeth. Or, floods of waters shall destroy the fruit of thy rich valleys, &c. O backsliding daughter: Ammon having never been in covenant with God, the word in the Hebrew (though it comes from bwv which signifies to return) seemeth ill translated backsliding, thou that hast turned thyself away from God. That trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me? thou that trustedst in thy riches, or in thy valleys full of riches, and promisedst thyself security from the situation of thy rich country, thinking none could come at thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:4
Jeremiah 49:4 Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, [saying], Who shall come unto me?Ver. 4. Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys?] Because fat and fertile, as being near to Sodom and Gomorrah, that pleasant plain. O backsliding daughter.] Or, Untoward and refractory. Sept., Thou daughter of rashness, or of impudence, quae ita lascivis sicut puella quae libidinatur, et virum quaerit, saith Oecolampadius. That trusted in her treasures.] Never yet true to those that trusted them. Who shall come unto me?] Or, Who can come at me? Appellat homines regni erroneos filiam vagam.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:4
(4) In the valleys.—The word exactly describes the conformation of the Ammonite country, as a high plateau intersected by streams which make their way to the Jordan. For “thy flowing valley” read “thy valley” (this is, of course, the valley in which Rabbah was situated) “that floweth with plenty.” The words admit, however, of being rendered, “Thy valley floweth away,” i.e., is wasted and emptied. O backsliding daughter.—There is something suggestive in the fact that the prophet applies to Ammon the epithet which he had applied before to the kingdom of the Ten Tribes (Jeremiah 3:6; Jeremiah 3:8; Jeremiah 3:11; Jeremiah 3:14). Ammon also had the opportunity of worshipping the God of Israel, and had probably, as long as the Israelites were her rulers, adopted that worship wholly or in part, and so she also was an apostate. The question which follows, as in Jeremiah 21:13, implies that the people of Rabbah looked on their city as impregnable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:4
Verse 4. Wherefore gloriest thou] Though thy valleys be fruitful, yet glory not in them. Though thou have much political and military power, do not trust in them, nor in the multitude of thy cities; a stronger than thou is coming against thee.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 49:4
4. Wherefore … flowing valley] mg. (scarcely possible), Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys? thy valley floweth away. Rabbah was on a broad tableland about 2700 feet above the sea, but it was surrounded by hills, so that it could be described as in a vale. “Thy flowing valley” is, however, a strange expression, and in the Hebrew looks like a somewhat corrupted dittography of the previous letters, a conjecture to which the LXX lend a certain amount of support. backsliding] Cp. in Jeremiah 31:22, referring, however, there to Ephraim. In the case of a heathen people it is less appropriate. Du. suggests an emendation, which gives the sense of arrogant.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 49:4
Thy flowing valley - The (fertile) valley in which Rabbah was situated. The Septuagint again has: “in the valleys of the Anakim,” as in Jeremiah 47:5 (see the note).
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:4
4. Valleys — The territory of the Ammonites is largely made up of elevated tablelands, crossed by fertile valleys made by streams which make their way to the Jordan.
Sermons on Jeremiah 49:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Please Sir Save Me! by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a gold miner on a ship that gets caught in a storm and starts sinking. A little girl asks the miner if he can swim, and he realizes |
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Why Does the Holy Spirit Not Fill the Church by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the need for it in order to save humanity. He explains that God saw the moral corruption that had spread througho |
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(Biographies) John Bunyan by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a family who recently joined their church. The family had faced difficulties in their previous church but had learned about the sov |
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The Gospel, Possessions and Prosperity - Session 4 by David Platt | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to see the world differently and be moved with compassion. They highlight the reality of judgment and the importance o |
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What Jesus Wants for His Church by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the current state of society, which is filled with scandal, filth, and a lack of moral values. He emphasizes the need for individuals to lift |
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Prove Me Now by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher recounts a personal experience of being publicly humiliated and finding solace in the Bible. He opens the Bible randomly and finds a tear falling on a |
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(Basics) 61. Selfishness by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of sin and its impact on our lives. He compares sin to various physical ailments, stating that sin is worse than sickness, i |