Jeremiah 48:27 Meaning and Explanation
“For was not Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moab mocked Israel; now Moab itself experiences the mockery it inflicted.
The Context of Jeremiah 48:27
Reciprocal justice: Moab's cruelty toward Israel returns upon Moab.
What Does Jeremiah 48:27 Mean?
This verse explains Moab's sin in human terms: Moab had scoffed at Israel ('derision unto thee') and exulted at its misfortunes ('skippedst for joy'). The phrase 'was he found among thieves?' suggests Moab treated Israel's destruction as deserved or shameful. Moab's cruel joy at Israel's suffering now rebounds upon Moab itself.
The poetic justice is evident: the nation that laughed at Israel's downfall now faces its own. This principle—that mocking others' suffering results in one's own suffering—appears throughout biblical wisdom. Moab's derision becomes its judgment.
Jeremiah 48:27 in the Original Language
יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrael), דְּרִיסָה (derision) — Israel's suffering was Moab's occasion for mockery, now reversed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 48:27
What does Jeremiah 48:27 mean?
Moab mocked Israel; now Moab itself experiences the mockery it inflicted.
What is the context of Jeremiah 48:27?
Reciprocal justice: Moab's cruelty toward Israel returns upon Moab.