King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 49:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 49:22 in the King James Version says “Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Jeremiah 49:22 · KJV


Context

20

Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them.

21

The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea. Red sea: Heb. Weedy sea

22

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

23

Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet. fainthearted: Heb. melted on: or, as on the sea

24

Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle (כַּנֶּשֶׁר יַעֲלֶה וְיִדְאֶה, kanesher ya'aleh v'yid'eh)—After comparing God to a lion (v. 19), now He is a raptor striking from above. Spread his wings over Bozrah (פֹּרֵשׂ כְּנָפָיו עַל־בָּצְרָה, pores k'nafav al-Botsrah)—this terrifying image depicts a bird of prey mantling its kill. Bozrah, Edom's capital and fortress city, offers no protection from aerial assault.

The heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs (כְּלֵב אִשָּׁה מְצֵרָה, k'lev ishah metserah)—Not misogyny but recognition that childbirth pain is humanly unstoppable and all-consuming. Edom's warriors, famed for strength, will experience paralyzing terror. This 'woman in travail' metaphor appears throughout prophetic literature for inescapable judgment (Isaiah 13:8, 21:3; Jeremiah 4:31, 6:24).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bozrah (modern Buseirah) was Edom's fortified capital, built on a plateau with commanding views. Yet no elevation provides security from God. The eagle was the supreme predator of ancient Near Eastern skies, capable of killing prey larger than itself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the shifting metaphors (lion, eagle) communicate different aspects of God's judgment?
  2. What does the 'woman in travail' imagery teach about the inescapability and intensity of divine wrath?
  3. How should Christians balance proclaiming God's judgments with compassion for those under His wrath?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הִנֵּ֤ה1 of 17
H2009

lo!

כַנֶּ֙שֶׁר֙2 of 17

as the eagle

H5404

the eagle (or other large bird of prey)

יַעֲלֶ֣ה3 of 17

Behold he shall come up

H5927

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

וְיִדְאֶ֔ה4 of 17

and fly

H1675

to dart, i.e., fly rapidly

וְיִפְרֹ֥שׂ5 of 17

and spread

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

כְּנָפָ֖יו6 of 17

his wings

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

עַל7 of 17
H5921

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

בָּצְרָ֑ה8 of 17

over Bozrah

H1224

botsrah, a place in edom

וְֽ֠הָיָה9 of 17
H1961

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

כְּלֵ֖ב10 of 17

be as the heart

H3820

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

גִּבּוֹרֵ֤י11 of 17

of the mighty men

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

אֱדוֹם֙12 of 17

of Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

בַּיּ֣וֹם13 of 17

and at that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֔וּא14 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כְּלֵ֖ב15 of 17

be as the heart

H3820

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

אִשָּׁ֥ה16 of 17

of a woman

H802

a woman

מְצֵרָֽה׃17 of 17

in her pangs

H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive


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 49:22 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 49:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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