King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 49:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 49:15 in the King James Version says “For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, and despised among men. — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 49:15 · KJV


Context

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.

16

Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

17

Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will make thee small among the heathen (קָטֹן נְתַתִּיךָ, qaton netattikha)—The perfect tense indicates God's settled decree. Edom's pride in their rocky fortress and strategic trade routes will be inverted into insignificance. The verb natan (give/make) emphasizes divine causation—Edom's diminishment is not natural decline but supernatural judgment.

Despised among men (בָּזוּי, bazuy)—The participle conveys permanent contempt. Where Edom once dominated caravan routes and extracted tribute, they would become a byword for desolation. This reversal of fortune demonstrates the principle: those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Luke 14:11). Edom's archaeological record confirms their near-total disappearance from history after Nabonidus's campaign.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Edom's territory stretched from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba, controlling vital trade routes. Their capital Bozrah and fortress city Petra seemed impregnable. Yet by the 4th century BC, Edom had been displaced by Nabatean Arabs, becoming 'small' indeed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to 'make small' challenge modern notions of national and personal greatness?
  2. In what ways might Christians fall into Edom's sin of pride based on strategic advantages or resources?
  3. What does Edom's historical disappearance teach about the temporal nature of earthly power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּֽי1 of 7
H3588

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

הִנֵּ֥ה2 of 7
H2009

lo!

קָטֹ֛ן3 of 7

thee small

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

נְתַתִּ֖יךָ4 of 7

For lo I will make

H5414

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

בַּגּוֹיִ֑ם5 of 7

among the heathen

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

בָּז֖וּי6 of 7

and despised

H959

to disesteem

בָּאָדָֽם׃7 of 7

among men

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)


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 49:15 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 49:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study