King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 49:4 Mean?

Jeremiah 49:4 in the King James Version says “Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, sayin...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me? thy: or, thy valley floweth away”

Jeremiah 49:4 · KJV

Context

2

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites ; and it shall be a desolate heap, and her daughters shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel be heir unto them that were his heirs, saith the LORD.

3

Howl, O Heshbon, for Ai is spoiled: cry, ye daughters of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth; lament, and run to and fro by the hedges; for their king shall go into captivity, and his priests and his princes together. their king: or, Melcom

4

Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me? thy: or, thy valley floweth away

5

Behold, I will bring a fear upon thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts, from all those that be about thee; and ye shall be driven out every man right forth; and none shall gather up him that wandereth.

6

And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? God confronts Ammon's arrogant self-confidence. 'Gloriest' (tithallel, תִּתְהַלֵּל) means to boast, praise oneself, glory in—misplaced confidence in military or economic strength. 'The valleys' (possibly the fertile Jordan valley region) were Ammon's pride—'thy flowing valley' (emeq ha-zeiv) might mean 'overflowing valley' (abundant resources) or 'valley of blood' (military victories). Ammon boasted in natural advantages and past successes.

The address 'O backsliding daughter' (bat ha-shovevah, בַּת הַשּׁוֹבֵבָה) uses shuv (turn away/apostatize)—often applied to Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Applying it to Ammon suggests they knew better, perhaps having witnessed God's dealings with Israel, yet turned away from truth. The 'daughter' terminology may indicate personification of the nation or suggest immaturity and foolishness.

That trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me? The root of sin is exposed: trust (batach, בָּטַח) in material wealth instead of God. Ammon's treasures (possibly from controlling trade routes) bred arrogance—'Who shall come unto me?' expresses false security, believing themselves invulnerable. This echoes Babylon's boast in Isaiah 47:8, 10. Proverbs 11:28 warns: 'He that trusteth in his riches shall fall.' True security is in God alone (Psalm 20:7, Proverbs 18:10-11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ammon's territory included the King's Highway, a major trade route, providing economic prosperity. Their capital Rabbah was well-fortified in a defensible position. When Babylon destroyed Judah, Ammon not only survived but profited, seizing Israelite lands and likely controlling trade. This bred arrogance—they thought their strategic location, fortifications, and wealth made them secure. Yet Nebuchadnezzar's invasion (c. 582 BC) shattered this illusion. Their treasures couldn't prevent conquest; their valleys couldn't stop the Babylonian army. History repeatedly shows that nations trusting in military might and economic strength rather than righteousness eventually fall (cf. Assyria, Babylon, Rome).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Ammon's boasting in 'flowing valleys' and 'treasures' teach about the danger of finding security in material prosperity?
  2. How does the question 'Who shall come unto me?'—expressing false confidence—parallel modern attitudes of national or personal invulnerability?
  3. In what ways might Christians today subtly trust in wealth, security, or favorable circumstances rather than in God alone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מַה1 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תִּתְהַֽלְלִי֙2 of 12

“Wherefore gloriest”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

עִמְקֵ֔ךְ3 of 12

“thou in the valleys”

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

זָ֣ב4 of 12

“thy flowing”

H2100

to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow

עִמְקֵ֔ךְ5 of 12

“thou in the valleys”

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

הַבַּ֖ת6 of 12

“daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

הַשּֽׁוֹבֵבָ֑ה7 of 12

“O backsliding”

H7728

apostate, i.e., heathenish or (actually) heathen

הַבֹּֽטְחָה֙8 of 12

“that trusted”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בְּאֹ֣צְרֹתֶ֔יהָ9 of 12

“in her treasures”

H214

a depository

מִ֖י10 of 12
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יָב֥וֹא11 of 12

“saying Who shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלָֽי׃12 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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 49:4 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 49:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 6:17Jeremiah 9:23Jeremiah 21:13Jeremiah 3:14Jeremiah 48:7Psalms 62:10

Places in This Verse

AmmonRegion · Modern: Amman · 31.95°N, 35.93°E106 verses across 19 books
View all places in Jeremiah 49 →

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