King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:35 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:35 in the King James Version says “Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incen...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 48:35 · KJV

Context

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.

37

For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth. clipped: Heb. diminished

Read Jeremiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places (וְהִשְׁבַּתִּי לְמוֹאָב נְאֻם־יְהוָה מַעֲלֶה בָּמָה)—God will stop (shavat, שָׁבַת) Moab's worship at bamot (בָּמוֹת, high places)—elevated shrines for pagan worship, often to Chemosh (Moab's national deity, 1 Kings 11:7). And him that burneth incense to his gods (וּמַקְטִיר לֵאלֹהָיו). The word qatar (קָטַר) means to burn incense, to make sacrifices smoke—the central act of pagan worship.

This verse reveals judgment's spiritual dimension. God doesn't merely destroy Moab's political and economic structures—He ends their false worship. Their gods cannot save them; their high places will fall silent. This demonstrates Yahweh's sovereignty over all nations and the impotence of idols. When the true God acts in judgment, false gods are exposed as powerless. Moab's relationship with Chemosh (to whom they even sacrificed children, 2 Kings 3:27) made them particularly abominable. God's judgment includes religious purging.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Chemosh was Moab's primary deity, mentioned in the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone, 840 BC). Worship at high places involved sacrifices, incense, and sometimes child sacrifice. Solomon built a high place for Chemosh near Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:7), which Josiah later destroyed (2 Kings 23:13). Moab's religion was deeply integrated with national identity; destroying their high places meant destroying their spiritual and cultural foundations. After Babylon's conquest, Moabite religion effectively ceased, fulfilling this prophecy. No more sacrifices to Chemosh are recorded in history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment on false worship demonstrate that He is Lord over all nations, not just Israel?
  2. What does the cessation of Moab's religious practices teach about the impotence of idols when confronted by the true God?
  3. In what ways might we practice 'high place' worship—religious activities not directed to the one true God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֥י1 of 8

“Moreover I will cause to cease”

H7673

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

לְמוֹאָ֖ב2 of 8

“in Moab”

H4124

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

נְאֻם3 of 8

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 8

“the LORD”

H3068

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

מַעֲלֶ֣ה5 of 8

“him that offereth”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בָמָ֔ה6 of 8

“in the high places”

H1116

an elevation

וּמַקְטִ֖יר7 of 8

“and him that burneth incense”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

לֵאלֹהָֽיו׃8 of 8

“to his gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 48:35 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 48:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 15:2Isaiah 16:12Jeremiah 48:7Numbers 28:14Jeremiah 11:13Numbers 28:28-30

Places in This Verse

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

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