King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:28 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:28 in the King James Version says “O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth.”

Jeremiah 48:28 · KJV

Context

26

Make ye him drunken: for he magnified himself against the LORD: Moab also shall wallow in his vomit, and he also shall be in derision.

27

For was not Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy. skippedst: or, movedst thyself

28

O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth.

29

We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.

30

I know his wrath, saith the LORD; but it shall not be so; his lies shall not so effect it. his lies: or, those on whom he stayeth (Heb. his bars) do not right

Read Jeremiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock (עִזְבוּ עָרִים וְשִׁכְנוּ בַּסָּלַע)—God commands Moab to abandon their fortified cities and flee to caves in the rocky cliffs. The Hebrew sela (סֶלַע) means cliff, crag, or rocky stronghold—natural defensive positions but primitive compared to urban fortifications. This reverses their security: cities, symbols of civilization and strength, will become death traps; wilderness caves will be refuges.

Be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth (כְּיוֹנָה תְּקַנֵּן בְּעֶבְרֵי פִי־פָחַת). Rock doves nest in cliff crevices for protection from predators. Moab must become like frightened birds fleeing to remote, inaccessible places. This imagery depicts complete vulnerability and loss of national dignity—from proud urban dwellers to refugees hiding in caves. The irony is sharp: Moab's pride (v. 29) will be humbled to animal-like subsistence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moab's territory east of the Dead Sea featured both agricultural plains with cities like Kir-hareseth and rugged wilderness with limestone cliffs full of caves. These formations provided natural fortresses during invasions. Archaeological evidence shows cave occupation during various periods of upheaval. Jeremiah prophesied during Babylon's westward expansion (605-586 BC); Moab eventually fell to Nebuchadnezzar. The command to flee cities echoes Jesus' warning about Jerusalem's coming destruction (Luke 21:20-21)—when judgment comes, urban centers become traps.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the reversal of fortified cities becoming death traps illustrate the futility of trusting human security apart from God?
  2. What does the dove imagery teach about humility and vulnerability in times of divine judgment?
  3. In what ways might we trust in our own 'cities' (wealth, status, institutions) rather than seeking refuge in God alone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עִזְב֤וּ1 of 12

“leave”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

עָרִים֙2 of 12

“the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְשִׁכְנ֣וּ3 of 12

“and dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

בַּסֶּ֔לַע4 of 12

“in the rock”

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

יֹשְׁבֵ֖י5 of 12

“O ye that dwell”

H3427

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

מוֹאָ֑ב6 of 12

“in Moab”

H4124

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

וִֽהְי֣וּ7 of 12
H1961

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

כְיוֹנָ֔ה8 of 12

“and be like the dove”

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

תְּקַנֵּ֖ן9 of 12

“that maketh her nest”

H7077

to nestle, i.e., build or occupy as a nest

בְּעֶבְרֵ֥י10 of 12

“in the sides”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

פִי11 of 12

“mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

פָֽחַת׃12 of 12

“of the hole's”

H6354

a pit, especially for catching animals

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 48:28 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 48:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 2:14Psalms 55:6-7Judges 6:2Jeremiah 48:9Isaiah 2:19Jeremiah 49:16

Places in This Verse

Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Jeremiah 48 →

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