King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 49:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 49:13 in the King James Version says “For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.”

Jeremiah 49:13 · KJV

Context

11

Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me.

12

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, they whose judgment was not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunken; and art thou he that shall altogether go unpunished? thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink of it.

13

For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.

14

I have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent unto the heathen, saying, Gather ye together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle.

15

For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, and despised among men.

Read Jeremiah 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes. This verse pronounces irrevocable judgment on Edom, specifically its capital city Bozrah. "I have sworn by myself" (ki bi nishbati, כִּי בִי נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי) is God's most solemn oath formula, used when no higher authority exists to swear by (Genesis 22:16; Hebrews 6:13-17). When God swears by Himself, the decree is absolutely certain and unchangeable.

"Saith the LORD" (neum-YHWH, נְאֻם־יְהוָה) is the prophetic oracle formula establishing divine authority. Bozrah (Botsrah, בָּצְרָה), Edom's fortified capital in modern Jordan, represents the nation's strength and pride. The fourfold judgment—"desolation" (shammah, שַׁמָּה), "reproach" (cherpah, חֶרְפָּה), "waste" (chorbah, חָרְבָּה), and "curse" (qelalah, קְלָלָה)—emphasizes totality. Archaeological evidence confirms Bozrah's destruction; the site remained desolate for centuries.

"Perpetual wastes" (chorvot olam, חָרְבוֹת עוֹלָם) indicates permanent, not temporary, desolation—fulfilled in Edom's historical disappearance as a nation. Edom's judgment stemmed from ancestral hatred toward Israel (Esau vs. Jacob, Genesis 27), violence against Judah during Babylon's invasion (Obadiah 10-14), and pride (Jeremiah 49:16). God's judgment vindicates His covenant people and demonstrates that opposition to God's purposes brings certain destruction. Christ, the greater Jacob (Matthew 1:2), inherits all covenant promises, establishing an eternal kingdom that crushes all opposition (Daniel 2:44; Revelation 19:11-21).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah 49 contains oracles against foreign nations delivered circa 605-586 BC. The Edom oracle (vv. 7-22) predicts judgment on Israel's ancient enemy, descendants of Esau dwelling southeast of the Dead Sea. Edom's hostility toward Israel dated to the Exodus, when they refused passage through their territory (Numbers 20:14-21). This animosity persisted through centuries (1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Samuel 8:13-14; 2 Kings 8:20-22).

Edom's worst treachery occurred during Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). While Judah suffered, Edom rejoiced, looted, and aided the enemy, blocking escapees (Psalm 137:7; Lamentations 4:21-22; Obadiah 11-14). This betrayal during Judah's darkest hour sealed Edom's fate. Babylon conquered Edom around 553 BC (fulfilling Jeremiah 49:13). Later, Nabatean Arabs displaced Edomites, who moved into southern Judea (Idumea). By Roman times, Edomites (Idumeans) had assimilated; Herod the Great was Idumean.

Archaeological excavations at Bozrah (modern Buseirah) reveal destruction layers from this period. The site was abandoned and remained largely uninhabited, fulfilling the prophecy of perpetual waste. Edom disappeared as a distinct people by the first century AD. The complete fulfillment of this specific, detailed prophecy demonstrates Scripture's divine inspiration and God's sovereign control of history. Edom's fate warns all nations: opposition to God's people and purposes brings inevitable judgment (Genesis 12:3; Zechariah 2:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's oath "by myself" teach about the certainty and unchangeability of His word and promises?
  2. How should the historical fulfillment of prophecy against Edom strengthen our confidence in unfulfilled prophecies?
  3. What warnings does Edom's judgment offer to nations or individuals who oppose God's people and purposes today?
  4. How does God's judgment on Edom relate to His promise to Abraham: "I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you"?
  5. In what ways does the permanent nature of Edom's judgment foreshadow the eternal judgment warned of in the New Testament?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֣י1 of 17
H3588

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

בִ֤י2 of 17
H0
נִשְׁבַּ֙עְתִּי֙3 of 17

“For I have sworn”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

נְאֻם4 of 17

“by myself saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּֽי6 of 17
H3588

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

לְשַׁמָּ֧ה7 of 17

“shall become a desolation”

H8047

ruin; by implication, consternation

לְחֶרְפָּ֛ה8 of 17

“a reproach”

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

לְחֹ֥רֶב9 of 17

“a waste”

H2721

drought or desolation

וְלִקְלָלָ֖ה10 of 17

“and a curse”

H7045

vilification

תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה11 of 17
H1961

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

בָצְרָ֑ה12 of 17

“that Bozrah”

H1224

botsrah, a place in edom

וְכָל13 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֶ֥יהָ14 of 17

“and all the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

תִהְיֶ֖ינָה15 of 17
H1961

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

לְחָרְב֥וֹת16 of 17

“wastes”

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

עוֹלָֽם׃17 of 17

“thereof shall be perpetual”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 49:13 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 49:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 22:16Isaiah 34:6Genesis 36:33Amos 1:12Jeremiah 49:22Isaiah 63:1

Places in This Verse

Bozrah 1Settlement · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E8 verses across 6 books
View all places in Jeremiah 49 →

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 49 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 49 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes