King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 49:8 Mean?

Jeremiah 49:8 in the King James Version says “Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him. turn: or, they are turned back”

Jeremiah 49:8 · KJV

Context

6

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

7

Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

8

Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him. turn: or, they are turned back

9

If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough. till: Heb. their sufficiency

10

But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours, and he is not.

Read Jeremiah 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan—God commands Dedan (a trading people in northwestern Arabia, descendants of Abraham through Keturah) to flee and hide in remote places. The verb nus (נוּס, flee) suggests urgent escape from imminent danger. Dwell deep translates ha'amiq shevet (הַעֲמִיקוּ שֶׁבֶת), meaning to go down deep, hide in remote places, or retreat to inaccessible locations. This echoes God's command to those near judgment zones to distance themselves from the coming devastation.

For I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him. The 'ed (אֵיד, calamity) specifically refers to disaster or ruin as divine judgment. Esau here is synonymous with Edom (Genesis 25:30). Visit translates paqad (פָּקַד), meaning to attend to, reckon with, or call to account—often used for divine visitation in judgment. The phrase indicates an appointed time when God settles accounts with Edom for their pride and violence.

This warning to Dedan shows God's mercy even amid judgment—He warns bystanders to flee before bringing deserved punishment on Edom. The certainty of God's visitation reflects His sovereignty over nations and His perfect timing in executing justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Dedan was a prominent trading people located along caravan routes in northwestern Arabia. They had commercial relationships with Edom and would be affected by Edom's fall. The warning to flee reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of neighboring peoples fleeing before conquering armies. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns (c. 582-581 BC) against Arabia and Edom fulfilled this prophecy. The Nabataean conquest of Edom in subsequent centuries completed the devastation. God's 'visitation' of Edom also relates to their participation in Jerusalem's destruction (586 BC)—divine justice delayed but certain. The permanent disappearance of Edom from history validates God's word through Jeremiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's warning to Dedan reveal about His character—both in judgment and mercy?
  2. How does the certainty of God's 'appointed time' to visit nations in judgment encourage patience when justice seems delayed?
  3. In what ways does this passage demonstrate that God holds nations accountable for how they treat His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
נֻ֤סוּ1 of 13

“Flee”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

הָפְנוּ֙2 of 13

“ye turn back”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

הֶעְמִ֣יקוּ3 of 13

“deep”

H6009

to be (causatively, make) deep (literally or figuratively)

יֹשְׁבֵ֖י4 of 13

“O inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יֹשְׁבֵ֖י5 of 13

“O inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

דְּדָ֑ן6 of 13

“of Dedan”

H1719

dedan, the name of two cushites and of their territory

כִּ֣י7 of 13
H3588

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

אֵ֥יד8 of 13

“the calamity”

H343

oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin

עֵשָׂ֛ו9 of 13

“of Esau”

H6215

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

הֵבֵ֥אתִי10 of 13

“for I will bring”

H935

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

עָלָ֖יו11 of 13
H5921

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

עֵ֥ת12 of 13

“upon him the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

פְּקַדְתִּֽיו׃13 of 13

“that I will visit”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, 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 49:8 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 49:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 25:23Jeremiah 46:21Isaiah 21:13Jeremiah 49:30Obadiah 1:3-4Lamentations 4:21-22

Places in This Verse

DedanSettlement · Modern: Al Khuraybah · 26.65°N, 37.92°E7 verses across 3 books
EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
View all places in Jeremiah 49 →

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