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Jeremiah 48:39

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 48:39 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “How is it broken down! [how] do they wail! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab become a derision and a terror to all that are round about him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

How is it broken down! [how] do they wail! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab become a derision and a terror to all that are round about him.
Jeremiah 48:39 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 48

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
36Therefore my heart soundeth for Moab like pipes, and my heart soundeth like pipes for the men of Kir-heres: therefore the abundance that he hath gotten is perished.
37For every head is bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands are cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.
38On all the housetops of Moab and in the streets thereof there is lamentation every where; for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein none delighteth, saith Jehovah.
39How is it broken down! [how] do they wail! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab become a derision and a terror to all that are round about him.
40For thus saith Jehovah: Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread out his wings against Moab.
41Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are seized, and the heart of the mighty men of Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.
42And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against Jehovah.
← Jeremiah 48:38Jeremiah 48:40 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“They shall howl, [saying], how is it broken down? etc.] Or, “how is it broken” or “thrown into consternationf904? they howl”; that is, they howl out these words, or, while they are howling, say, how is Kirheres or Moab broken all to pieces; their strength, power, and glory; their cities, and their mighty men; and are in the utmost fright and confusion? Jarchi takes it to be an imperative, and paraphrases it, “howl ye over herf905, and say, how is it broken!” Kimchi says it may be taken either as in the past or in the imperative; how hath Moab turned the back with shame? not being able to look their enemies in the face, but obliged to flee before them; so shall Moab be a derision and a…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“it--Moab. How . . . how--prodigious, yet sure to happen. turned the back--not daring to show her face. derision . . . dismaying to all--a derision to some; a dismaying to others in beholding such a judgment of God, fearing a like fate for themselves.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Literally, “How is it broken down! they wail! How hath Moab tutored the back in shame! Yea, Moab is become a laughter and a terror Jeremiah 17:17 to all who are round about him.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“48:39 The Lord’s judgment of Moab would cause nearby countries to realize that the same kind of ruin might be their punishment.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“How is it: Jer 48:17; Lam 1:1, Lam 2:1, Lam 4:1; Rev 18:9, Rev 18:10, Rev 18:15, Rev 18:16 back: Heb. neck a derision: Jer 48:26, Jer 48:27; Isa 20:4-6; Eze 26:16-18 Jeremiah 48:40”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“No escape from destruction. - Jer 48:39. "How it is broken! they howl. How hath Moab turned the back, for shame! And Moab becomes a laughing-stock and a terror to all his neighbours. Jer 48:40. For thus saith Jahveh: Behold, he shall fly like the eagle, and spread his wings over Moab. Jer 48:41. Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are seized, and the heart of the heroes of Moab on that day become like the heart of a travailing woman. Jer 48:42. And Moab is destroyed from being a people, because he hath boasted against Jahveh. Jer 48:43. Fear, and a pit, and a snare, are against thee, O inhabitants of Moab, saith Jahveh. Jer 48:44. He who flees from the fear shall fall into the pit, and he…”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification