King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:22 in the King James Version says “And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Bethdiblathaim, — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Bethdiblathaim,

Jeremiah 48:22 · KJV


Context

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,

22

And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Bethdiblathaim,

23

And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,

24

And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Beth-diblathaim—Dibon (v. 18) reappears in this catalog. Nebo (Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed Canaan, Deuteronomy 34:1) held religious significance as a high place for Moabite worship. The Mesha Stele records Moab's capture of Nebo from Israel. Beth-diblathaim (house of the double fig-cake) suggests agricultural prosperity now devastated.

Nebo's inclusion is particularly poignant—the mountain where Moses died looking toward the Promised Land becomes a site of judgment. Places associated with divine revelation (Nebo) and human prosperity (Beth-diblathaim) both fall. Geography offers no protection; sacred history provides no immunity. Only covenant faithfulness to Yahweh preserves.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Nebo, northeast of the Dead Sea, was a significant religious site for both Israelites (Moses's death) and Moabites (sanctuary to their gods). The Mesha Stele celebrates Moab's control of Nebo and describes building projects there. Dibon, mentioned again, was Moab's capital. Beth-diblathaim appears in Numbers 33:46 as an Israelite camping site during the wilderness journey.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can places associated with genuine divine activity (like Nebo) later become sites of idolatry and judgment?
  2. What does Nebo's dual history (Moses's death, Moabite idolatry, now judgment) teach about the necessity of present faithfulness over past spiritual heritage?
  3. In what ways might contemporary Christians wrongly assume geographic or historical religious significance provides protection from divine judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְעַל1 of 7
H5921

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

דִּיב֣וֹן2 of 7

And upon Dibon

H1769

dibon, the name of three places in palestine

וְעַל3 of 7
H5921

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

נְב֔וֹ4 of 7

and upon Nebo

H5015

nebo, the name of a babylonian deity

וְעַל5 of 7
H5921

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

בֵּ֖ית6 of 7
H0
דִּבְלָתָֽיִם׃7 of 7

and upon Bethdiblathaim

H1015

beth-diblathajim, a place east of the jordan


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 48:22 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 48:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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