King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:34 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:34 in the King James Version says “From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, and even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horon... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 48:34 · KJV


Context

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.

36

Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kirheres: because the riches that he hath gotten are perished.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, and even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice—Three Moabite cities (Heshbon, Elealeh, Jahaz) form a geographical span across Moab's territory, indicating that lamentation will be nationwide. The Hebrew nathan qol (נָתַן קוֹל) means to give voice, to cry out—loud, public mourning heard across the land.

From Zoar even unto Horonaim, as an heifer of three years old (מִצֹּעַר עַד־חֹרֹנַיִם עֶגְלַת שְׁלִשִׁיָּה). Zoar and Horonaim span Moab's southern region. The simile 'as an heifer of three years old' (eglat shelishiyah, עֶגְלַת שְׁלִשִׁיָּה) refers to a young, strong cow suddenly yoked for the first time—bellowing in distress and shock at unfamiliar suffering. Moab, previously free and prosperous, will cry out like a heifer first experiencing the yoke of oppression.

For the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate (כִּי גַם־מֵי נִמְרִים מְשַׁמּוֹת יִהְיוּ). Nimrim's springs, providing life-sustaining water, will become meshammot (מְשַׁמּוֹת)—desolations, wastes. Water sources drying up represents total devastation—not just military defeat but ecological catastrophe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These cities represent Moab's full territory from north (Heshbon, Elealeh, Jahaz) to south (Zoar, Horonaim). Heshbon and Jahaz were contested border cities; Zoar was the city Lot fled to (Genesis 19:22-23). Nimrim (perhaps Wadi Numeirah near the Dead Sea) was known for springs. The prophecy's fulfillment involved comprehensive devastation—Babylon didn't merely conquer cities but destroyed infrastructure, including irrigation systems, creating long-term desolation. The heifer imagery emphasizes shock—Moab had never experienced such subjugation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the nationwide scope of mourning (from north to south) illustrate that sin's consequences affect entire communities?
  2. What does the heifer imagery teach about how prosperity can leave us unprepared for suffering?
  3. In what ways do even natural resources (like Nimrim's waters) become subject to God's judgment on rebellious nations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
מִזַּעֲקַ֨ת1 of 19

From the cry

H2201

a shriek or outcry

חֶשְׁבּ֜וֹן2 of 19

of Heshbon

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan

עַד3 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֶלְעָלֵ֗ה4 of 19

even unto Elealeh

H500

elale or elaleh, a place east of the jordan

עַד5 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יַ֙הַץ֙6 of 19

and even unto Jahaz

H3096

jahats or jahtsah, a place east of the jordan

נָתְנ֣וּ7 of 19

have they uttered

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

קוֹלָ֔ם8 of 19

their voice

H6963

a voice or sound

מִצֹּ֙עַר֙9 of 19

from Zoar

H6820

tsoar, a place east of the jordan

עַד10 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

חֹ֣רֹנַ֔יִם11 of 19

even unto Horonaim

H2773

choronajim, a place in moab

עֶגְלַ֖ת12 of 19

as an heifer

H5697

a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e., a heifer)

שְׁלִֽשִׁיָּ֑ה13 of 19

of three years old

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

כִּ֚י14 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גַּם15 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מֵ֣י16 of 19

for the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

נִמְרִ֔ים17 of 19

also of Nimrim

H5249

nimrim, a place east of the jordan

לִמְשַׁמּ֖וֹת18 of 19

shall be desolate

H4923

a waste or amazement

יִהְיֽוּ׃19 of 19
H1961

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


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 48:34 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 48:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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