King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:29 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:29 in the King James Version says “We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haught...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 48:29 · King James Version

Context

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

31

Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kirheres.

Read Jeremiah 48 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Moab's pride is described with escalating terms: '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.' This repetitive emphasis underscores pride as Moab's defining sin. The multiplication of synonyms hammers home the point - pride in all its forms provokes God's judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moab's pride was legendary among ancient Near Eastern nations. Their self-sufficiency and arrogance toward Judah brought consistent prophetic denunciation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Scripture use so many words to describe Moab's pride?
  2. What forms does pride take in your own heart and culture?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ1 of 10

“We have heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וּגְאוֹנ֛וֹ2 of 10

“and his pride”

H1347

the same as h1346

מוֹאָ֖ב3 of 10

“of Moab”

H4124

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

גֵּאֶ֣ה4 of 10

“proud”

H1343

lofty; figuratively, arrogant

מְאֹ֑ד5 of 10

“he is exceeding”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

גָּבְה֧וֹ6 of 10

“his loftiness”

H1363

elation, grandeur, arrogance

וּגְאוֹנ֛וֹ7 of 10

“and his pride”

H1347

the same as h1346

וְגַאֲוָת֖וֹ8 of 10

“and his arrogancy”

H1346

arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament

וְרֻ֥ם9 of 10

“and the haughtiness”

H7312

(literally) elevation or (figuratively) elation

לִבּֽוֹ׃10 of 10

“of his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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 48:29 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 48:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 16:6Isaiah 2:11-12Psalms 138:6Luke 14:11Proverbs 18:12Proverbs 8:13

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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