Jeremiah 49 7

Jeremiah 49:7 kjv

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

Jeremiah 49:7 nkjv

Against Edom. Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Is wisdom no more in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom vanished?

Jeremiah 49:7 niv

Concerning Edom: This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed?

Jeremiah 49:7 esv

Concerning Edom. Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Is wisdom no more in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom vanished?

Jeremiah 49:7 nlt

This message was given concerning Edom. This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: "Is there no wisdom in Teman?
Is no one left to give wise counsel?

Jeremiah 49 verses

Jeremiah 49 7 meaning

Jeremiah 49:7 opens a prophecy of divine judgment against Edom. It directly challenges Edom's celebrated reputation for wisdom and counsel, questioning whether their renowned intelligence, particularly that associated with Teman, has utterly disappeared or become useless. The verse declares, through a series of rhetorical questions from the Lord of hosts, that Edom will find no wisdom, counsel, or prudent guidance to avert their impending destruction, signaling the futility of human wisdom in the face of God's sovereign judgment.

Jeremiah 49 7 Context

Jeremiah 49:7 is the opening verse of a specific prophecy directed "Concerning Edom," which is part of a larger section (chapters 46-51) containing oracles against various foreign nations. These prophecies collectively demonstrate God's sovereignty over all peoples, not just Israel, and His ultimate justice in dealing with nations that opposed His people or glorified themselves.

Historically, Edom was a long-standing adversary of Israel, descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Despite this familial connection, their relationship was marked by hostility, particularly evidenced by their refusal to allow Israel passage during the Exodus (Num 20:14-21) and their participation in the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon (Ps 137:7, Obad 1:10-14). Edom was known for its geographical security in the mountains of Seir and, notably, for its wisdom and skilled counsel, particularly from the region of Teman (Job's Eliphaz, a Temanite, is a biblical example of an ancient wise man). Jeremiah's prophecy highlights Edom's pride in this wisdom and its secure location. The divine message challenges this pride, asserting that even their renowned wisdom will prove useless against the Lord's decreed judgment.

Jeremiah 49 7 Word analysis

• Concerning Edom (עַל־אֱדוֹם - al-ʼEdôm): "Edom" (אֱדוֹם) refers to the descendants of Esau, known for their "reddish" appearance or connection to the red earth (Gen 25:30). Geographically, their land was south of Judah, famous for its rugged terrain and perceived invulnerability, providing a sense of security and a base for its renowned wisdom.

• Thus says the LORD of hosts (כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת - koh ʼamar YHVH tsev̱aʼôth): This is a powerful prophetic formula asserting divine authority. "LORD of hosts" (יהוה צבאות) emphasizes God's supreme power over all armies, celestial and earthly, underscoring the absolute certainty and irresistible nature of the impending judgment.

• Is wisdom no more (הַאֵין עוֹד חָכְמָה - haʼên ‘ôḏ ḥoḵmâ): This is a rhetorical question, anticipating a negative answer that indicates an absence or demise. "Wisdom" (חָכְמָה - ḥokẖmâ) in the ancient Near East was highly valued, encompassing practical skill, shrewd insight, discerning judgment, and the ability to formulate effective counsel and strategies. Edom was famously associated with this quality.

• in Teman? (בְּתֵימָן - beṯêmân): Teman was a significant city or district in Edom, likely named after Esau's grandson. It was particularly renowned for its wise men (Job's Eliphaz), almost synonymous with Edomite wisdom. Its mention pinpoints the loss of wisdom specifically where it was once most concentrated and celebrated.

• Has counsel perished (נִסְפָּה עֵצָה - niśpâ ʻêts̱â): Another rhetorical question using a strong verb. "Perished" (נִסְפָּה - niśpâ) means to be swept away, utterly consumed, or cease to exist. "Counsel" (עֵצָה - ʻêts̱â) refers to advice, plans, strategies, or informed decision-making. The loss implies a complete failure of foresight and strategic ability.

• from the prudent? (מִבִּינִים - mibîynîm): "Prudent" (מבנים - mibîynîm, from the root בּין - biyn) refers to those who possess discernment, understanding, and insight – the intelligent and sensible individuals capable of offering sound counsel. The question implies even those best equipped will be without answers.

• Has their wisdom vanished? (נִדְפָה חָכְמָתָם - niḏpâ ḥoḵmâthâm): A final rhetorical question, paralleling the first, emphasizing the utter disappearance or uselessness of their wisdom. "Vanished" (נִדְפָה - niḏpâ) can also mean to be poured out, dispersed, or laid bare, suggesting their wisdom will be exposed as empty or ineffective. The repetition and strong verbs heighten the dramatic pronouncement of its end.

• "Is wisdom no more in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom vanished?": This sequence of rhetorical questions powerfully challenges Edom's self-perception and highlights the impotence of human sagacity when confronted with divine decree. The triple inquiry reinforces the total cessation of their famous intellectual prowess, demonstrating that no human strategy can stand against God's determined judgment. The focus on "Teman" as the source of wisdom underlines the comprehensive nature of the coming intellectual drought.

Jeremiah 49 7 Bonus section

The destruction of Edom's wisdom is a divine irony. They prided themselves on their sharp intellect and strategic planning, yet these very qualities become conspicuously absent or ineffective precisely when they need them most. This prophecy serves as a poignant reminder that genuine security and insight are found not in human capabilities or earthly wisdom, but solely in humble reliance upon God. The challenge to Teman, a specific location tied to famed wise men, suggests that not even the greatest human minds can devise an escape or counter-strategy against the inevitable execution of God's perfect justice. It echoes a broader biblical theme: worldly wisdom is foolishness to God (1 Cor 1:20), and ultimately, only the fear of the Lord is true wisdom (Prov 9:10).

Jeremiah 49 7 Commentary

Jeremiah 49:7 launches a striking divine indictment against Edom by directly assailing their most cherished attribute: their wisdom. Edom, especially its region of Teman, boasted a reputation for profound discernment and shrewd counsel. Yet, the Lord of hosts, with the certainty of His omnipotence, issues a series of rhetorical questions that shatter this illusion. He essentially declares that this celebrated wisdom will be found utterly wanting and useless when His judgment falls. This is not merely a cessation of their knowledge but a divine nullification, making their counselors barren of effective strategies. It underscores the profound theological truth that human intellect, no matter how keen or revered, cannot stand or find a solution against the sovereign will and judgment of the Almighty God. Edom's pride in their wisdom, like their pride in their physical security, will ultimately lead to their downfall.