Jeremiah 48 17

Jeremiah 48:17 kjv

All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod!

Jeremiah 48:17 nkjv

Bemoan him, all you who are around him; And all you who know his name, Say, 'How the strong staff is broken, The beautiful rod!'

Jeremiah 48:17 niv

Mourn for her, all who live around her, all who know her fame; say, 'How broken is the mighty scepter, how broken the glorious staff!'

Jeremiah 48:17 esv

Grieve for him, all you who are around him, and all who know his name; say, 'How the mighty scepter is broken, the glorious staff.'

Jeremiah 48:17 nlt

You friends of Moab,
weep for him and cry!
See how the strong scepter is broken,
how the beautiful staff is shattered!

Jeremiah 48 verses

Jeremiah 48 17 meaning

Jeremiah 48:17 calls for neighboring nations, or anyone familiar with Moab's former eminence, to express sorrow over its devastating downfall. The verse vividly portrays this collapse through two powerful, parallel metaphors: the "mighty scepter" and the "rod of splendor" are broken. This imagery signifies the complete loss of Moab's sovereign power, strength, prestige, and glory as a formidable nation.

Jeremiah 48 17 Context

Jeremiah chapter 48 delivers a comprehensive prophecy against Moab, one of Israel's long-standing adversaries. This oracle, unlike many prophecies of specific, brief actions, describes a wide-scale, total devastation of the entire nation, spanning many towns and cities. The prophecy begins with a general lament and continues to detail Moab's fall, citing various reasons for God's judgment. Chief among these is Moab's immense pride and arrogance, its worship of the god Chemosh, and its contempt for Israel, the Lord's people (Jer 48:26, 29). Jeremiah 48:17 specifically serves as a call for a lament from those who were once acquainted with Moab's strength and glory, framing its downfall as the breaking of its power and prestige. This verse contrasts Moab's former high standing among nations with its current state of complete ruin, signaling God's absolute sovereignty over all kingdoms, regardless of their perceived might or glory. The lament emphasizes the profound and shocking nature of such a powerful nation's demise.

Jeremiah 48 17 Word analysis

• Lament him (קִפְדוּ־לוֹ, qip̄ədū-lōw): The Hebrew verb qāpad means "to lament," "to mourn," or "to feel deep sorrow." The imperative mood "Lament him" functions as a direct command to express grief. This "him" refers to Moab, often personified as a prominent figure, highlighting the nation's fall from power.
• all you who are around him: Refers to the surrounding nations who would have observed Moab's former prominence and now its collapse. These are the witnesses to Moab's destruction.
• and all you who know his name: Emphasizes intimate knowledge or awareness of Moab's reputation, renown, and strength. To "know his name" signifies recognizing Moab's significant status and influence among the nations of the ancient Near East.
• say, 'How: Introduces the specific content of the lament, an expression of shock and despair over an unexpected reversal of fortune. The interrogative 'how' here conveys rhetorical anguish and incredulity.
• the mighty scepter (מַטֵּה־עֹז, maṭṭēh-’ōz):
  • Maṭṭēh (מַטֶּה): Literally a "rod," "staff," or "branch." In the context of rulership, it becomes a "scepter," symbolizing authority, power, and sovereignty. It's an emblem of kingship and governance.
  • ‘Ōz (עֹז): Means "strength," "might," "power," "fortress," "defense." Combined with maṭṭēh, it vividly portrays a scepter that is robust, powerful, and conveys formidable strength, representing Moab's national power and security.
• is broken (נִשְׁבַּר, nišbbar): The verb šāḇar (to break) in the Niphal stem indicates that the scepter "has been broken" or "is shattered." It signifies total destruction and irreversible loss. It implies that Moab's power has been completely overthrown and rendered impotent, an act often attributed to divine judgment.
• the rod of splendor! (מַקַּל תִּפְאָרָה, maqqal tiph’ārāh):
  • Maqqal (מַקַּל): Similar to maṭṭēh, it means a "rod" or "staff," reinforcing the image of authority. The use of a second, synonymous term ("rod" parallel to "scepter") enhances the emphasis on the complete dismantling of power.
  • Tiph’ārāh (תִּפְאָרָה): Signifies "beauty," "glory," "splendor," "magnificence," "ornament." This word speaks to the prestige, reputation, and revered status Moab held among nations, its external grandeur, wealth, and honor. The "rod of splendor" therefore represents Moab's renowned glory and attractive power.

Words-group analysis:

• all you who are around him, and all you who know his name: This pairing emphasizes that the lament is a universal acknowledgment from anyone who observed or was impacted by Moab. It’s a call to those who saw its strength and now witness its ruin, making the downfall particularly striking.
• How the mighty scepter is broken, the rod of splendor!: This exclamatory parallel phrase functions as the core of the lament. The "mighty scepter" (focus on strength/authority) and the "rod of splendor" (focus on glory/prestige) collectively represent the entirety of Moab's power and international standing. Their being "broken" signifies a complete and humiliating end to its political influence, military strength, and respected status, all orchestrated by God's judgment. The rhetorical 'How' encapsulates the utter shock and awe at such a catastrophic reversal for a nation once so dominant.

Jeremiah 48 17 Bonus section

• Prophetic Sympathy vs. Divine Justice: The call for "lament" (קִפְדוּ־לוֹ) here does not imply divine sympathy for Moab's wickedness. Rather, it serves as a powerful literary device to underscore the completeness and shock of the judgment. It evokes the awe and somber realization among observers of what God can do to even the mightiest and most arrogant nations, fulfilling His righteous judgments.
• Echoes of Ancient Near Eastern Ritual: Lamenteer traditions for fallen cities or kings were common in the ancient Near East. Jeremiah's prophecy appropriates this cultural practice, not as an expression of shared grief, but as a testimony to the world of God's power and justice executed upon a proud nation.
• Double Emphasis: The use of two closely related but distinct terms ("scepter" and "rod") and descriptive adjectives ("mighty" and "splendor") serves to amplify the message. It means not just power is lost, but also all the visible symbols of its former greatness and pride are shattered. This is a common Hebrew literary device for intensifying meaning.

Jeremiah 48 17 Commentary

Jeremiah 48:17 encapsulates the divine pronouncement of judgment against Moab, delivered through a call for lamentation. This lament is not one of genuine sorrow for a repentant people, but rather an acknowledgment by those who once knew Moab's formidable power, now witnessing its utter destruction. The dual imagery of the "mighty scepter" and "rod of splendor" being broken powerfully communicates the comprehensive loss. The "scepter" signifies sovereign authority and military might, the very foundation of national power. The "rod of splendor" points to the nation's prestige, honor, and glorious reputation among its neighbors, likely bolstered by its wealth and strategic position. The breaking of these symbols implies the complete dismantling of all aspects of Moab's identity and power. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the transitory nature of earthly strength and glory when pitted against God's sovereign will and righteous judgment, especially against nations characterized by pride and antagonism toward His purposes. It underlines the theological truth that the Lord is the ultimate sovereign, able to raise up and cast down any kingdom according to His justice.