Obadiah 1 3

Obadiah 1:3 kjv

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Obadiah 1:3 nkjv

The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rock, Whose habitation is high; You who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'

Obadiah 1:3 niv

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?'

Obadiah 1:3 esv

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, "Who will bring me down to the ground?"

Obadiah 1:3 nlt

You have been deceived by your own pride
because you live in a rock fortress
and make your home high in the mountains.
'Who can ever reach us way up here?'
you ask boastfully.

Obadiah 1 verses

Obadiah 1 3 Meaning

Obadiah 1:3 reveals that the nation of Edom's profound sense of security and invincibility stemmed from their deep-seated pride and geographical advantages. This internal arrogance had utterly deceived them, convincing them that no power could overcome their dwelling in the formidable, elevated rock clefts of their capital, Petra. Their confident rhetorical question, "Who will bring me down to the ground?", showcases their absolute contempt for any external threat, failing to recognize the sovereignty of God over all nations.

Obadiah 1 3 Context

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, an oracle primarily condemning the nation of Edom for its pride and for its hostile actions against Judah during Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon. Historically, Edom was the descendant of Esau, brother to Jacob (Israel), sharing a long and often contentious relationship. Geographically, Edom's capital, Sela (Petra), was renowned for its natural fortifications, carved into deep rock canyons and high cliffs, making it virtually impregnable by conventional warfare. This unique strategic position cultivated a deep sense of security and self-reliance in the Edomites, fostering extreme pride. The verse addresses this foundational hubris directly, asserting that their geographical advantage and inherent arrogance are, in fact, the very source of their downfall.

Obadiah 1 3 Word analysis

• The pride (זָדוֹן, zadon): This Hebrew term denotes willful, arrogant pride, often connected with presumptuous sin against God. It suggests insolence, disdain, and a rebellious refusal to acknowledge divine authority. This is not merely vanity, but a deep-seated haughtiness that blinds and corrupts.
• of your heart (לִבְּךָ, libbeka): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the center of a person's being—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. Thus, Edom's pride was not just an outward display but an ingrained core belief that dictated their perception and actions.
• has deceived you (הִשִּׁיאֶךָ, hishi'ekha): This is from the root nasha, meaning "to lead astray," "to beguile," or "to deceive." The Hiphil stem indicates that their own pride was the active agent in deceiving them, implying an internal, self-inflicted blindness rather than deception by an external party. Their arrogance prevented them from seeing reality or their true vulnerability.
• you who live (שֹׁכְנֵי, shokhney): Lit. "dwellers," highlighting their settled habitation.
• in the clefts of the rock (בְּחָגְוֵי סֶּלַע, bekhagvei sela): A precise description of Petra (Sela, meaning "rock"), Edom's capital. This refers to their literal dwelling within deep ravines and inaccessible rocky heights, providing an almost impenetrable fortress. This geographical security fostered their delusion of invincibility.
• in your lofty dwelling (מְרוֹם שִׁבְתּוֹ, merom shivto): Lit. "height of your dwelling." This emphasizes both the physical elevation of their fortresses and serves as a metaphor for their elevated self-perception and arrogant superiority.
• who say (אֹמֵר, omer): "Who is saying," suggesting a continuous internal thought process or conviction.
• in your heart (בִּלְבָבוֹ, bilvavo): Again, stressing that this confident, rhetorical question was a deeply held, self-affirming belief, not just an outward boast. It underscores their profound internal conviction of invincibility.
• 'Who will bring me down to the ground?' (מִי יוֹרִדֵנִי אֶרֶץ, mi yorideni eretz): A defiant rhetorical question expressing ultimate confidence in their own strength and impregnability. "To the ground" implies humiliation, ruin, or defeat, effectively saying, "Who can possibly conquer me or cause my fall?" This reflects their ultimate trust in human might and defenses, rather than God's sovereignty.

Obadiah 1 3 Bonus section

The Edomite confidence stemmed not just from their physical location but also their self-identity as descendants of Esau, known for his physical prowess and independent spirit, contrasting with Jacob's more spiritual identity. This contributed to their hardened posture towards Israel. The phrase "the pride of your heart has deceived you" is critical, indicating an internal enemy that blinds rather than an external trickster. This makes their fall more a consequence of their own internal moral failing than an unforeseen external event. The judgment upon Edom is not only for their pride but also for their historical hostility and betrayal of their kin, Jacob, in their time of distress (Obadiah 1:10-14). This verse sets the stage by identifying their root sin that enabled their cruel actions.

Obadiah 1 3 Commentary

Obadiah 1:3 strikes at the very root of Edom's downfall: pride. It illustrates a timeless spiritual principle that self-exaltation, especially when based on perceived material or strategic advantage, blinds individuals and nations to their true vulnerability before a sovereign God. Edom's magnificent rock dwellings, intended for security, became symbols of their overconfidence, trapping them in a self-deceptive bubble. Their defiant question exposes a fundamental theological error – believing their defenses were stronger than the hand of God, who ultimately "brings low and lifts high." The verse serves as a powerful warning against relying on human wisdom, strength, or geographical might rather than trusting in the Lord. It highlights how pride twists perception, leading to an exaggerated sense of self and an underestimation of divine power, inevitably paving the way for a devastating fall.