Jeremiah 48 34

Jeremiah 48:34 kjv

From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, and even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horonaim, as an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate.

Jeremiah 48:34 nkjv

"From the cry of Heshbon to Elealeh and to Jahaz They have uttered their voice, From Zoar to Horonaim, Like a three-year-old heifer; For the waters of Nimrim also shall be desolate.

Jeremiah 48:34 niv

"The sound of their cry rises from Heshbon to Elealeh and Jahaz, from Zoar as far as Horonaim and Eglath Shelishiyah, for even the waters of Nimrim are dried up.

Jeremiah 48:34 esv

"From the outcry at Heshbon even to Elealeh, as far as Jahaz they utter their voice, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah. For the waters of Nimrim also have become desolate.

Jeremiah 48:34 nlt

"Instead, their awful cries of terror can be heard from Heshbon clear across to Elealeh and Jahaz; from Zoar all the way to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah. Even the waters of Nimrim are dried up now.

Jeremiah 48 verses

Jeremiah 48 34 Meaning

This verse proclaims the judgment upon Moab, specifically foretelling the desolation of their cities and the termination of their boasting. The howling signifies the lamentation of the people due to their impending ruin and loss of joy.

Jeremiah 48 34 Context

Jeremiah chapter 48 prophesies the destruction of Moab. The chapter describes Moab's pride, its subsequent judgment, and the resulting lamentation. This specific verse is part of the description of the downfall, highlighting the universal devastation and the silence that will replace their usual celebrations. The judgment on Moab is linked to their actions against Israel and their own self-exaltation. The prophecy reflects God's consistent dealing with nations that defy Him and oppress His people.

Jeremiah 48 34 Word Analysis

• Ki (כִּי): A versatile Hebrew particle, often translated as "for," "because," "that," or "surely." Here, it introduces the reason or consequence for the preceding or following statement. It connects the ensuing description of lamentation directly to Moab's plight.
• Qol (קול): Means "voice" or "sound." It refers to the noise or utterances made by people. In this context, it signifies the sound of weeping and crying, indicating deep sorrow and despair.
• Hiyil (חִיל): Root verb meaning "to writhe," "to be in labor," "to tremble," or "to make a loud noise." Here, it is used in a causative or denominative sense, meaning "to cause a writhing sound," i.e., to cry out or lament.
• Sefikha (שְׂפִיחָה): A feminine noun meaning "spilling," "pouring out," or "an overthrow." It denotes destruction and ruin, suggesting a violent and complete overturning of their state.
• Min (מִן): A common Hebrew preposition indicating "from" or "out of." It shows the origin or source of the sound.
• Heshbon (חֶשְׁבּוֹן): A significant Moabite city, frequently mentioned in the context of its territorial disputes with Israel. It was known for its strength.
• Qol (קול): (repeated) Reinforces the omnipresence of the sound of distress throughout the land.
• Hoerohim (חֹרֹנַיִם): Another Moabite city, often linked with Heshbon in pronouncements against Moab. Its name is related to caves or chambers.
• Teshugah (תְּשׁוּגָה): A feminine noun derived from a root meaning "to flee" or "to recoil." It signifies flight, retreat, or astonishment. In this context, it describes the terror-stricken fleeing of the inhabitants.

Word Group Analysis

• "The voice of Hishbon shall cry" and "a cry from Horonaim" represent personification of cities, a literary device where inanimate places express human emotions or actions, signifying the widespread and profound grief affecting the entire population.
• "the sound of their destroying, a great destruction" (translated from 'tashuakh tusah gedolah' in the Masoretic text often rendered as "a cry of weeping by the way of Horonaim," but the Hebrew implies a sense of sounding or noise in destruction) conveys a stark image of widespread ruin and calamitous downfall that is not merely a natural disaster but an intentional act of destruction brought about by divine judgment.

Jeremiah 48 34 Bonus Section

The mention of Heshbon and Horonaim as crying out reflects a common prophetic technique of using significant city names to represent entire regions or nations in judgment. These cities were often symbols of Moabite strength and identity, and their desolation would have a profound impact. The sounds of lamentation would replace the sounds of normal life, commerce, and worship. This verse echoes the general theme throughout Jeremiah where the sins of nations lead to their ruin, emphasizing God's sovereignty and His justice against those who oppress or defy Him. The future judgment on Moab here parallels judgments on other nations in surrounding chapters (e.g., chapter 49 on Ammon and Edom), forming a cohesive prophetic message about God's administration of justice in the ancient world.

Jeremiah 48 34 Commentary

Jeremiah 48:34 paints a vivid picture of Moab's impending doom. The "voice of Heshbon shall cry" and the "cry of weeping from Horonaim" are not just literal sounds but a prophetic portrayal of the utter devastation awaiting these Moabite cities. This cry is a lament born of catastrophic loss, signifying the end of their prosperity and the deep anguish of their people. The phrase "a great destruction" underscores the totality of God's judgment upon Moab for their pride and their past transgressions against Israel. This judgment means that their strongholds will not provide refuge, and their proud boasting will turn to fearful crying. It speaks to the inescapable nature of divine justice for nations and peoples who defy the Lord. The loss of joy and the imposition of sorrow are a direct consequence of their opposition to God's will and His people.