King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:36 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:36 in the King James Version says “Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kirheres: bec...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 48:36 · KJV

Context

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

38

There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes (עַל־כֵּן לִבִּי לְמוֹאָב כַּחֲלִלִים יֶהֱמֶה)—The word chalilim (חֲלִילִים) refers to flutes or pipes used in mourning rituals. The heart 'sounds' (hamah, הָמָה—to murmur, roar, moan) like these mournful instruments. God's (or the prophet's) heart resonates with grief like a funeral dirge. This repeats the lament theme from verse 31, intensifying the emotional expression of sorrow over judgment.

Mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kir-heres—Kir-heres (Kir-hareseth), Moab's capital, receives special mention again (see v. 31). Because the riches that he hath gotten are perished (עַל־כֵּן יִתְרַת עָשָׂה אָבָדוּ). The Hebrew yitrah (יִתְרָה) means abundance, excess, what remains—accumulated wealth. All Moab's prosperity (asah, עָשָׂה—what they made/acquired) has avad (אָבַד—perished, been destroyed). Temporal wealth proves impermanent under divine judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pipes (flutes) were standard instruments in ancient Near Eastern funerals and mourning rituals (Matthew 9:23). Their wailing sound accompanied public lamentation. Moab had accumulated significant wealth through agriculture (vineyards), trade routes, and tribute from subject peoples. Archaeological evidence shows Moab's material prosperity during the 8th-7th centuries BC. But Babylon's conquest destroyed this wealth—cities were plundered, populations deported, agricultural land devastated. Material prosperity without covenant relationship with the true God ends in loss.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imagery of mourning pipes express the reality that even necessary judgment grieves God's heart?
  2. What does the perishing of Moab's accumulated riches teach about the temporary nature of wealth not grounded in righteousness?
  3. In what ways might we accumulate 'riches' that could perish if not built on relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
עַל1 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֞ן2 of 18
H3651

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

וְלִבִּי֙3 of 18

“Therefore mine heart”

H3820

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

לְמוֹאָב֙4 of 18

“for Moab”

H4124

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

כַּחֲלִילִ֖ים5 of 18

“like pipes”

H2485

a flute (as perforated)

יֶהֱמֶ֑ה6 of 18

“shall sound”

H1993

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

וְלִבִּי֙7 of 18

“Therefore mine heart”

H3820

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

אֶל8 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַנְשֵׁ֣י9 of 18
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

קִֽיר10 of 18
H0
חֶ֔רֶשׂ11 of 18

“of Kirheres”

H7025

kir-cheres or kir-chareseth, a place in moab

כַּחֲלִילִ֖ים12 of 18

“like pipes”

H2485

a flute (as perforated)

יֶהֱמֶ֑ה13 of 18

“shall sound”

H1993

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

עַל14 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֛ן15 of 18
H3651

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

יִתְרַ֥ת16 of 18

“because the riches”

H3502

properly, excellence, i.e., (by implication) wealth

עָשָׂ֖ה17 of 18

“that he hath gotten”

H6213

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

אָבָֽדוּ׃18 of 18

“are perished”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

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 48:36 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 48:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 15:7Isaiah 16:11Isaiah 15:5Jeremiah 17:11James 5:2-3Luke 12:20-21

Places in This Verse

Kir-haresethSettlement · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E5 verses across 3 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Jeremiah 48 →

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