Jeremiah 49:4 kjv
Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?
Jeremiah 49:4 nkjv
Why do you boast in the valleys, Your flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? Who trusted in her treasures, saying, 'Who will come against me?'
Jeremiah 49:4 niv
Why do you boast of your valleys, boast of your valleys so fruitful? Unfaithful Daughter Ammon, you trust in your riches and say, 'Who will attack me?'
Jeremiah 49:4 esv
Why do you boast of your valleys, O faithless daughter, who trusted in her treasures, saying, 'Who will come against me?'
Jeremiah 49:4 nlt
You are proud of your fertile valleys,
but they will soon be ruined.
You trusted in your wealth,
you rebellious daughter,
and thought no one could ever harm you.
Jeremiah 49 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jer 49:34 | Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the{[a]} | Jer 49:34 (Judgment on Elam) |
| Jer 49:35 | Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the{[a]} | Jer 49:35 (Dispersion of Elam) |
| Ezek 30:5 | Persia, Cush, and Put, with Libya and Cub, and all the{[a]} | Ezek 30:5 (Nations in judgment) |
| Jer 25:25 | and all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and{[a]} | Jer 25:25 (Kings judged) |
| Jer 51:1 | Thus says the LORD: Behold, I will stir up a destroying{[a]} | Jer 51:1 (Judgment on Babylon) |
| Isa 22:7 | Your choicest valleys will be filled with chariots, and horsemen will{[a]} | Isa 22:7 (Valley filled with enemies) |
| Gen 10:3 | and Gomer and Magog and Madai and Javan and Tubal and{[a]} | Gen 10:3 (Descendants of Japheth) |
| Josh 11:4 | And they came out, they and all their armies with them, a very{[a]} | Josh 11:4 (Many nations assembled) |
| Isa 10:5 | “Woe to Assyria, the rod of my anger; the staff in their{[a]} | Isa 10:5 (God uses nations for judgment) |
| Jer 46:25 | “I will visit the mully{noise and commotion of war) against Egypt...{[a]} | Jer 46:25 (Judgment on Egypt) |
| Amos 5:27 | Therefore I will have you taken captive beyond Damascus, says{[a]} | Amos 5:27 (Exile beyond Damascus) |
| Luke 1:52 | He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted{[a]} | Luke 1:52 (God's action in history) |
| Rev 18:10 | They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and{[a]} | Rev 18:10 (Fear of fallen powers) |
| Jer 14:8 | O hope of Israel, its Savior in time of trouble, why does{[a]} | Jer 14:8 (Israel's hope in God) |
| Isa 44:28 | who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, and he shall call forth{[a]} | Isa 44:28 (Cyrus as shepherd) |
| Jer 50:11 | Because you have ravaged and raged against my people, O Zion, and{[a]} | Jer 50:11 (Enmity against God's people) |
| Ps 149:6-9 | Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged{[a]} | Ps 149:6-9 (Vindication of the saints) |
| Zech 9:13 | You have bent Judah as one bends a bow; I have armed them with the{[a]} | Zech 9:13 (God empowers Judah) |
| Acts 1:8 | But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon{[a]} | Acts 1:8 (Power of the Spirit) |
| Ps 2:9 | You will break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like{[a]} | Ps 2:9 (Christ's dominion) |
Jeremiah 49 verses
Jeremiah 49 4 Meaning
The Lord announces a coming judgment upon Elam, described as their strength broken. This judgment will involve scattering and dispersing them, leaving them with no king and utterly defeated.
Jeremiah 49 4 Context
Jeremiah 49 continues the prophetic judgments against the surrounding nations. This chapter specifically focuses on the judgment of Elam, an ancient land often associated with archery and military prowess, located southeast of Babylonia in what is now southwestern Iran. The prophecies in this chapter reflect the political instability and international power struggles of the ancient Near East, particularly during Jeremiah's ministry in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. Elam was known for its strength and had a history of military might, even at times challenging Babylonian dominance. This oracle, however, declares their end as a distinct nation, indicating a loss of sovereignty and dispersal.
Jeremiah 49 4 Word Analysis
- וְהִנֵּה (vehinnah): "and behold" - Introduces a sudden, emphatic declaration or revelation from the LORD.
- שֶׁבֶר (shever): "breaking," "shattering," "breach." This strong term signifies a complete destruction or incapacitation.
- קַשְׁתְּכֶם (kasht-chem): "your bow" - Refers to the military strength and power of Elam, renowned for its archers. It represents their primary means of offense and defense.
- רֵאשִׁית (reishit): "chief," "first," "principal." Here it emphasizes that Elam's might and their strength are the main things to be broken.
- גְּבוּרְתְּכֶם (gevur-techem): "your might," "your strength." Refers to their physical power, military capability, and inherent fortitude.
- כֹּל (kol): "all," "every." Denotes the completeness of the destruction of their strength.
- וְאֹתִיּוֹת (ve'otiyot): "and will scatter," "will disperse." A participle indicating active dispersal, not necessarily by a direct enemy action but as a consequence of divine judgment.
- אֲפִיצֵם (afitzem): "I will scatter them." The LORD personally initiates the scattering, showing His active role in their downfall.
- קְצִיּוֹת (ketziyot): "ends," "extremities." Indicates they will be dispersed to the farthest regions of the earth.
- וְאֵין (ve'ein): "and there is not," "and none." Emphasizes the absolute absence of any remaining power or hope.
- מָלֵךְ (malekh): "king." Signifies the collapse of their leadership and national structure.
- מַפְלִיט (maflit): "deliverer," "one who escapes." Denotes anyone who can save or preserve them from the impending destruction.
Words Group Analysis:
- "break the bow of Elam, the chief of their strength": This phrase vividly portrays the dismantling of Elam's military prowess. Their "bow" symbolizes their most potent weapon and thus their overall power. "Chief of their strength" highlights that this power was their defining characteristic.
- "I will scatter them to all the ends of the earth": This speaks of total dispersion, not just defeat, implying the disintegration of their national identity and unity.
- "and there is no king and no deliverer": This reiterates the finality of their downfall, indicating that no leader or rescuing force will emerge to save them.
Jeremiah 49 4 Bonus Section
The oracle against Elam, including this verse, reflects ancient Near Eastern prophecy where nations were often personified and judged for their geopolitical actions. Elam's historical significance as a military power, particularly with its archers, made it a potent symbol for judgment. The concept of a nation being "scattered" often led to historical assimilation or the loss of distinct national identity. The reference to "no king" highlights the collapse of a stable political structure, a crucial element for national survival in the ancient world. This judgment can be seen as God asserting His ultimate authority and punishing pride and reliance on military might.
Jeremiah 49 4 Commentary
This verse signifies the divine judgment upon Elam, targeting their very foundation of power – their renowned military strength symbolized by the bow. God declares He will break this strength, leading to their complete dispersal across the globe. This scattering signifies a loss of national cohesion, sovereignty, and identity. The absence of a king and any deliverer underscores the totality of their destruction, leaving them without leadership or hope for salvation. This judgment reflects God's sovereignty over all nations, bringing low even those considered mighty. The prophecy of dispersion is a common theme in judgment oracles against nations who oppose God's people or resist His purposes.