King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 49:35 Mean?

Jeremiah 49:35 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.”

Jeremiah 49:35 · KJV

Context

33

And Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons, and a desolation for ever: there shall no man abide there, nor any son of man dwell in it.

34

The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,

35

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.

36

And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.

37

For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them:

Read Jeremiah 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam (הִנְנִי שֹׁבֵר אֶת־קֶשֶׁת עֵילָם, hineni shover et-qeshet Elam)—Hineni ('behold, I am about to') signals imminent divine action. Elam was famed for archers (Isaiah 22:6), making the bow their military pride and economic strength (archery skills were marketable as mercenaries). God's breaking of their bow parallels His breaking of Babylon's weapons (51:56) and demonstrates that no human military advantage survives divine opposition.

The chief of their might (רֵאשִׁית גְּבוּרָתָם, re'shit g'vuratam)—Their 'firstfruits' or 'best' of military strength. The bow represented not just weaponry but national identity and confidence. When God breaks it, He dismantles their entire security apparatus. This surgical strike on Elam's specialty reveals God's intimate knowledge of each nation's distinctive strengths—and His power to neutralize them. Human expertise means nothing against the Almighty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Elamite archers appear in Assyrian reliefs and Persian armies. Their archery reputation dated to the 3rd millennium BC. When Elam was subjugated by Persia (circa 550s BC under Cyrus), their military independence ended—the 'bow' was indeed broken as they became Persian subjects rather than independent military actors.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God target the specific strength (archery) of each nation in His judgments?
  2. What modern 'bows'—distinctive national or personal strengths—might we wrongly trust in for security?
  3. How does the 'breaking' motif demonstrate God's active, personal involvement in humbling the proud?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כֹּ֤ה1 of 11
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙2 of 11

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֔וֹת4 of 11

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הִנְנִ֥י5 of 11
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

שֹׁבֵ֖ר6 of 11

“Behold I will break”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֶת7 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קֶ֣שֶׁת8 of 11

“the bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

עֵילָ֑ם9 of 11

“of Elam”

H5867

elam, a son of shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six israelites

רֵאשִׁ֖ית10 of 11

“the chief”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

גְּבוּרָתָֽם׃11 of 11

“of their might”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

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 49:35 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 49:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 22:6Psalms 46:9Jeremiah 51:56Jeremiah 50:14Jeremiah 50:29

Places in This Verse

ElamRegion · Modern: Shush · 32.19°N, 48.26°E16 verses across 6 books
View all places in Jeremiah 49 →

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