Jeremiah 48:39 Meaning and Explanation
“They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moab's neighbors witness and mock Moab's humiliating defeat.
The Context of Jeremiah 48:39
Moab becomes a byword of shame and warning to all its neighbors.
What Does Jeremiah 48:39 Mean?
The question 'How is it broken down?' expresses shock and disbelief at the reversal—what seemed mighty is suddenly shattered. 'Turned the back with shame' is image of flight in defeat. The people of Moab, who once boasted of strength, are now visibly fleeing in humiliation, their backs toward enemies as they flee.
'A derision and a dismaying to all them about him' means neighboring nations simultaneously mock Moab and fear the power that destroyed it. Moab becomes a cautionary tale—a spectacle of judgment that terrifies and entertains the watching world. From prominence to mockery is the ultimate reversal.
Jeremiah 48:39 in the Original Language
הַשְׁמִיעוּ (hishmi'u, howl, turned) — loud, uncontrollable expression of shock and despair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 48:39
What does Jeremiah 48:39 mean?
Moab's neighbors witness and mock Moab's humiliating defeat.
What is the context of Jeremiah 48:39?
Moab becomes a byword of shame and warning to all its neighbors.