King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 49:23 Mean?

Jeremiah 49:23 in the King James Version says “Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 49:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!

Read Jeremiah 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Concerning Damascus (לְדַמֶּשֶׂק, l'Dammeseq)—Jeremiah pivots from Edom to Aram (Syria). Damascus, one of antiquity's oldest continuously inhabited cities, now faces God's tribunal. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad (בֹּשָׁה חֲמָת וְאַרְפָּד, boshah Chamat v'Arpad)—northern Syrian cities are 'shamed' (bosh), a term conveying humiliation and disappointed expectations.

There is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet (בַּיָּם דְּאָגָה לֹא תוּכַל הַשְׁקֵט, bayyam de'agah lo tukhal hashqet)—The Mediterranean coastlands are agitated, unable to find shaqat (tranquility). The anxiety is contagious and irrepressible, like storm-tossed waters. This oracle dates to circa 605 BC when Nebuchadnezzar first campaigned in Syria-Palestine, spreading panic through Aramean kingdoms.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Damascus was capital of the Aramean kingdom, a major trading hub on caravan routes between Mesopotamia and Egypt. Hamath and Arpad were northern Syrian city-states frequently mentioned in Assyrian and Babylonian annals. Nebuchadnezzar conquered this region during his western campaigns.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God judge even nations like Damascus that weren't directly involved in Judah's destruction?
  2. What does the spreading 'sorrow on the sea' metaphor teach about the contagious nature of judgment?
  3. How does this oracle against multiple Aramean cities demonstrate the comprehensiveness of God's justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לְדַמֶּ֗שֶׂק1 of 14

“Concerning Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

בּ֤וֹשָֽׁה2 of 14

“is confounded”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

חֲמָת֙3 of 14

“Hamath”

H2574

chamath, a place in syria

וְאַרְפָּ֔ד4 of 14

“and Arpad”

H774

arpad, a place in syria

כִּי5 of 14
H3588

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

שְׁמֻעָ֥ה6 of 14

“tidings”

H8052

something heard, i.e., an announcement

רָעָ֛ה7 of 14

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

שָׁמְע֖וּ8 of 14

“for they have heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נָמֹ֑גוּ9 of 14

“they are fainthearted”

H4127

to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)

בַּיָּ֣ם10 of 14

“on the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

דְּאָגָ֔ה11 of 14

“there is sorrow”

H1674

anxiety

הַשְׁקֵ֖ט12 of 14

“be quiet”

H8252

to repose (usually figurative)

לֹ֥א13 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוּכָֽל׃14 of 14

“it cannot”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

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 49:23 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 49:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 18:34Isaiah 10:9Genesis 15:2Genesis 14:15Isaiah 57:20Numbers 13:21

Places in This Verse

ArpadSettlement · Modern: Tell Rifat · 36.47°N, 37.09°E6 verses across 3 books
DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
Hamath 1Settlement · Modern: Hama · 35.14°N, 36.75°E21 verses across 9 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