King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:19 in the King James Version says “O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done? in...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done? inhabitant: Heb. inhabitress”

Jeremiah 48:19 · KJV

Context

17

All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod!

18

Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds.

19

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

20

Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,

21

And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy (יֹשֶׁבֶת עֲרוֹעֵר עִמְדִי־דֶרֶךְ וְצַפִּי)—Aroer, on the Arnon River gorge, commanded the main southern route into Moab. Jeremiah tells residents to stand (imdi) and watch (tsapi, keep vigil). Ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done? (שַׁאֲלִי נָס וְנִמְלָטָה אִמְרִי מַה־נִּהְיָתָה)—Survivors streaming past will report the catastrophe.

The scene evokes refugees fleeing disaster, their testimony confirming prophetic warnings. This pattern appears when Lot's family fled Sodom (Genesis 19), when Israel fled Egypt (Exodus 14), and when disciples will flee end-times judgment (Matthew 24:16-20). The question 'What is done?' acknowledges the incomprehensible scale of destruction—events so catastrophic they require eyewitness testimony to believe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Aroer (modern Arair) sat on the northern rim of the Arnon gorge, the natural border between Moab and Israel (Deuteronomy 2:36). As a border fortress on the major north-south trade route, Aroer would be among the first cities to witness refugees fleeing Babylon's invasion from the north. The city's strategic location made it an ideal observation point for the unfolding catastrophe.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you witnessed or heard testimony about God's judgment that initially seemed unbelievable?
  2. How should hearing others' 'escape stories' from sin's consequences affect your own responsiveness to warning?
  3. What is our responsibility as 'watchers' to warn others of coming judgment while there is still time to flee?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֶל1 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דֶּ֛רֶךְ2 of 12

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

עִמְדִ֥י3 of 12

“stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

וְצַפִּ֖י4 of 12

“and espy”

H6822

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת5 of 12

“O inhabitant”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עֲרוֹעֵ֑ר6 of 12

“of Aroer”

H6177

aror, the name of three places in or near palestine

שַׁאֲלִי7 of 12

“ask”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

נָ֣ס8 of 12

“him that fleeth”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

וְנִמְלָ֔טָה9 of 12

“and her that escapeth”

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

אִמְרִ֖י10 of 12

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַה11 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

נִּֽהְיָֽתָה׃12 of 12

“What is done”

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 48:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 48:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 2:361 Samuel 4:161 Samuel 4:13-142 Samuel 1:3-4Numbers 32:342 Samuel 24:5

Places in This Verse

Aroer 1Settlement · Modern: Arair · 31.47°N, 35.82°E13 verses across 9 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Jeremiah 48 →

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