King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:30 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:30 in the King James Version says “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 h...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 48:30 · KJV

Context

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.

32

O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach even to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage.

Read Jeremiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I know his wrath, saith the LORD (יָדַעְתִּי עֶבְרָתוֹ נְאֻם־יְהוָה)—God declares intimate knowledge of Moab's fury and arrogance. The Hebrew evrah (עֶבְרָה) means outburst, overflow, fury—violent anger expressed in hostile actions and boastful words. But it shall not be so; his lies shall not so effect it (וְלֹא־כֵן בַּדָּיו לֹא־כֵן עָשׂוּ). The word bad (בַּד) means empty talk, boasting, idle claims—Moab's threats and proud declarations are vapor.

This verse exposes the impotence of rage apart from divine approval. Moab's wrath and boasting accomplish nothing because God opposes them. Their lies (bad) cannot effect (עָשׂוּ, asah—do, accomplish, make) their desired outcomes. Human fury, however violent, cannot override divine decree. This principle appears throughout Scripture: God laughs at nations raging against His purposes (Psalm 2:1-4). Moab's pride produces only empty threats.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moab had historically boasted of strength and plotted against Israel. The Moabite Stone (circa 840 BC) records King Mesha's boast of defeating Israel and attributing it to his god Chemosh. Such pride characterized Moab's self-perception. But Jeremiah declares their boasting is empty—their wrath cannot prevent God's judgment. History vindicated this prophecy: Moab ceased to exist as a nation after the Babylonian conquest, absorbed into larger empires and eventually disappearing from history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's declaration that Moab's wrath 'shall not be so' demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over human rage and plans?
  2. What comfort does this verse offer when facing hostile forces that boast and threaten against God's people?
  3. In what ways might we rely on our own wrath or empty boasting rather than trusting God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֲנִ֤י1 of 11
H589

i

יָדַ֨עְתִּ֨י2 of 11

“I know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

נְאֻם3 of 11

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֶבְרָת֖וֹ5 of 11

“his wrath”

H5678

an outburst of passion

וְלֹא6 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כֵ֑ן7 of 11
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בַּדָּ֖יו8 of 11

“but it shall not be so his lies”

H907

a brag or lie; also a liar

לֹא9 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כֵ֥ן10 of 11
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עָשֽׂוּ׃11 of 11

“shall not so effect”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 48:30 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 48:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 50:36Proverbs 21:30Isaiah 37:28-29Psalms 33:10Isaiah 16:6Job 9:12-13

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 48 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 48 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes