King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:2 in the King James Version says “There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from be... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from being a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee. be cut: or, be brought to silence pursue: Heb. go after thee

Jeremiah 48:2 · KJV


Context

1

Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed. Misgab: or, the high place

2

There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from being a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee. be cut: or, be brought to silence pursue: Heb. go after thee

3

A voice of crying shall be from Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction.

4

Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There shall be no more praise of Moab (אֵין־עוֹד תְּהִלַּת מוֹאָב)—the Hebrew tehillat (praise/glory) is the same root used in Psalms. Moab's renown will cease entirely. In Heshbon (חֶשְׁבּוֹן), ironically meaning 'stronghold' or 'device,' enemies devise evil (חָשְׁבוּ רָעָה)—a wordplay showing that the city of 'devising' becomes the place where its own destruction is devised.

Cut it off from being a nation (נַכְרִיתֶנָּה מִגּוֹי nakritennah miggoy) uses the covenant curse language of karat (to cut off, destroy). The command to Madmen (מַדְמֵן)—possibly a wordplay on damam (to be silent/destroyed)—declares: thou shalt be cut down (תִּדֹּמִּי tiddommi, 'you shall be silenced'). The sword shall pursue (חֶרֶב תֵּלֶךְ אַחֲרָיִךְ)—relentless, inescapable judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Heshbon, originally Amorite, had been contested between Israel and Moab for centuries (Numbers 21:26). Its strategic location on the King's Highway made it economically vital. This prophecy reverses Moab's historical boasting over territorial gains, fulfilling the curse pattern established in Deuteronomy 28.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the wordplay in Hebrew (Heshbon devising its own destruction) illustrate the principle that sin contains its own judgment?
  2. What national or personal 'praise' must end when it contradicts God's purposes?
  3. How does the pursuing sword image warn against thinking we can outrun consequences of rebellion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֵ֣ין1 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עוֹד֮2 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

תְּהִלַּ֣ת3 of 17

There shall be no more praise

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

מוֹאָב֒4 of 17

of Moab

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

בְּחֶשְׁבּ֗וֹן5 of 17

in Heshbon

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan

חָשְׁב֤וּ6 of 17

they have devised

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

עָלֶ֙יהָ֙7 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רָעָ֔ה8 of 17

evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לְכ֖וּ9 of 17
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְנַכְרִיתֶ֣נָּה10 of 17

and let us cut it off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מִגּ֑וֹי11 of 17

from being a nation

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

גַּם12 of 17
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מַדְמֵ֣ן13 of 17

O Madmen

H4086

madmen, a place in palestine

תִּדֹּ֔מִּי14 of 17

Also thou shalt be cut down

H1826

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

אַחֲרַ֖יִךְ15 of 17

thee

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

תֵּ֥לֶךְ16 of 17
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

חָֽרֶב׃17 of 17

the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement


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 48:2 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 48:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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