King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:33 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:33 in the King James Version says “And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from t...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; their shouting shall be no shouting.”

Jeremiah 48:33 · KJV

Joy

Context

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.

33

And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; their shouting shall be no shouting.

34

From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, and even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horonaim, as an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate. desolate: Heb. desolations

35

Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.

Read Jeremiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab (וְנֶאֶסְפָה שִׂמְחָה וָגִיל מִכַּרְמֶל וּמֵאֶרֶץ מוֹאָב)—The Hebrew simchah (שִׂמְחָה) and gil (גִּיל) both mean joy, gladness, rejoicing. These are harvest terms—the celebration accompanying grape gathering and wine production. This joy is 'taken' (asaph, אָסַף—gathered away, removed, withdrawn). God removes blessing, and with it, the joy that blessing produces.

I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting (וְיַיִן מִיקָבִים הִשְׁבַּתִּי לֹא־יִדְרֹךְ הֵידָד). The word shavat (שָׁבַת) means to cease, stop, rest—God actively stops wine production. Treading grapes was accompanied by joyful shouting (hedad, הֵידָד). Their shouting shall be no shouting—any cries will be of anguish, not celebration. The reversal is complete: sounds of joy become sounds of grief. This echoes the covenant curses of Deuteronomy 28:30-39—planting but not harvesting, because of covenant unfaithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Grape harvest in the ancient Near East was the year's most joyful celebration, similar to modern harvest festivals. Treading grapes in winepresses was communal, accompanied by rhythmic chanting and singing. Isaiah 16:9-10 contains nearly identical language about Moab's harvest joy being ended. The fulfillment came when Babylon conquered Moab (circa 582 BC), devastating agriculture and ending prosperity. This judgment parallels what Judah experienced—both nations lost their harvests and joy under divine discipline.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the removal of harvest joy illustrate that all human gladness depends on God's blessing?
  2. What does the silencing of joyful shouting teach about the comprehensive nature of divine judgment?
  3. In what ways should awareness that God gives and removes blessing shape our enjoyment of prosperity and productivity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְנֶאֶסְפָ֨ה1 of 15

“is taken”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

שִׂמְחָ֥ה2 of 15

“And joy”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

וָגִ֛יל3 of 15

“and gladness”

H1524

a revolution (of time, i.e., an age); also joy

מִכַּרְמֶ֖ל4 of 15

“from the plentiful field”

H3759

a planted field (garden, orchard, vineyard or park); by implication, garden produce

וּמֵאֶ֣רֶץ5 of 15

“and from the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מוֹאָ֑ב6 of 15

“of Moab”

H4124

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

וְיַ֙יִן֙7 of 15

“and I have caused wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

מִיקָבִ֣ים8 of 15

“from the winepresses”

H3342

a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat (whether the lower one, into which the juice drains; or the upper, in which the grapes are crushed)

הִשְׁבַּ֔תִּי9 of 15

“to fail”

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

לֹֽא10 of 15
H3808

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

יִדְרֹ֣ךְ11 of 15

“none shall tread”

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

הֵידָֽד׃12 of 15

“shall be no shouting”

H1959

acclamation

הֵידָֽד׃13 of 15

“shall be no shouting”

H1959

acclamation

לֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

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

הֵידָֽד׃15 of 15

“shall be no shouting”

H1959

acclamation

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 48:33 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 48:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Haggai 2:16Isaiah 5:10Isaiah 16:9-10Joel 1:16Revelation 18:22-23Isaiah 9:3

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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