King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:23 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:23 in the King James Version says “And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon, — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 48:23 · KJV


Context

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.

25

The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meonKiriathaim (double city) was an ancient settlement conquered by Israel (Numbers 32:37). Beth-gamul (house of recompense) appears only here in Scripture. Beth-meon (house of habitation) is identified with Baal-meon (Numbers 32:38), showing the persistence of Baal worship in Moabite culture.

The names themselves are ironic: 'house of recompense' receives divine recompense; 'house of habitation' becomes uninhabitable. Biblical writers often note such ironies—Babel (confusion) becomes confused, Babylon (gate of god) falls to divine judgment. Names meant to celebrate human achievement or invoke pagan deities become monuments to God's sovereign justice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These cities formed part of Moab's northern territory, originally Israelite settlements in the tribal allotment of Reuben (Numbers 32) but later absorbed by Moab. The Mesha Stele mentions Baal-meon (Beth-meon) among Moabite building projects. Archaeological surveys suggest these were substantial towns with defensive walls and administrative functions during the Iron Age.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the ironic meanings of city names (house of recompense receives judgment) illustrate that God's justice often uses people's own choices against them?
  2. What does the fall of formerly Israelite cities to Moab, and then both to Babylon, teach about the futility of territorial claims without covenant faithfulness?
  3. In what ways do human names, titles, and labels (meant to convey permanence or power) become hollow when confronted with divine reality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְעַ֧ל1 of 8
H5921

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

קִרְיָתַ֛יִם2 of 8

And upon Kiriathaim

H7156

kirjathaim, the name of two placed in palestine

וְעַל3 of 8
H5921

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

בֵּ֥ית4 of 8
H0
גָּמ֖וּל5 of 8

and upon Bethgamul

H1014

beth-gamul, a place east of the jordan

וְעַל6 of 8
H5921

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

בֵּ֥ית7 of 8
H0
מְעֽוֹן׃8 of 8

and upon Bethmeon

H1010

beth-baal-meon, a place in palestine


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 48:23 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 48:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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