Jeremiah 48:36 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kirheres: because the riches that he hath gotten are perished.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The prophet grieves for Moab as if playing funeral pipes; all wealth is lost.
The Context of Jeremiah 48:36
Funeral lament: the prophet grieves Moab's destruction and loss of wealth.
What Does Jeremiah 48:36 Mean?
Pipes here are likely funeral instruments—the haunting, mournful melody accompanying death rites. The prophet's heart becomes an instrument of lament, expressing in sound the reality of Moab's loss. The repetition ('sound...sound like pipes...sound like pipes') underscores the persistent, inescapable grief.
'The riches that he hath gotten are perished' provides the cause of sorrow: Moab's accumulated wealth—obtained through trade, agriculture, and years of peaceful prosperity—is completely destroyed. Riches that seemed permanent prove temporary; security built on material foundations collapses.
Jeremiah 48:36 in the Original Language
חָלִיל (chalil, pipes) — wind instruments used in funeral rites, expressing deep mourning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 48:36
What does Jeremiah 48:36 mean?
The prophet grieves for Moab as if playing funeral pipes; all wealth is lost.
What is the context of Jeremiah 48:36?
Funeral lament: the prophet grieves Moab's destruction and loss of wealth.