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Jeremiah 48:17

Jeremiah 48:17 in Multiple Translations

Mourn for him, all you who surround him, everyone who knows his name; tell how the mighty scepter is shattered— the glorious staff!

All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod!

All ye that are round about him, bemoan him, and all ye that know his name; say, How is the strong staff broken, the beautiful rod!

All you who are round about him, give signs of grief for him, and all you who have knowledge of his name, say, How is the strong rod broken, even the beautiful branch!

Mourn for them, all you surrounding nations, everyone who knows them! Let others know how the great scepter has been smashed, the rod that once proudly ruled!

All ye that are about him, mourne for him, and all ye that knowe his name, say, Howe is the strong staffe broken, and the beautifull rod!

Bemoan for him, all ye round about him, And all knowing his name, say ye: How hath it been broken, the staff of strength, The rod of beauty.

All you who are around him, bemoan him; and all you who know his name, say, ‘How the strong staff is broken, the beautiful rod!’

All ye that are about him bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod!

Comfort him, all you that are round about him, and all you that know his name, say: How is the strong staff broken, the beautiful rod?

You people who live in nations near Moab, who know that it is very famous, should mourn for Moab, and say, “Its glorious power [MTY, DOU] is completely ended/broken.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:17

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 48:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB נֻ֤דוּ ל/וֹ֙ כָּל סְבִיבָ֔י/ו וְ/כֹ֖ל יֹדְעֵ֣י שְׁמ֑/וֹ אִמְר֗וּ אֵיכָ֤ה נִשְׁבַּר֙ מַטֵּה עֹ֔ז מַקֵּ֖ל תִּפְאָרָֽה
נֻ֤דוּ nûwd H5110 to wander V-Qal-Impv-2mp
ל/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
סְבִיבָ֔י/ו çâbîyb H5439 around N-cp | Suff
וְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
יֹדְעֵ֣י yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal
שְׁמ֑/וֹ shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff
אִמְר֗וּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֵיכָ֤ה ʼêyk H349 how? Part
נִשְׁבַּר֙ shâbar H7665 to break V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
מַטֵּה maṭṭeh H4294 tribe N-ms
עֹ֔ז ʻôz H5797 strength N-ms
מַקֵּ֖ל maqqêl H4731 rod N-ms
תִּפְאָרָֽה tiphʼârâh H8597 beauty N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:17

נֻ֤דוּ nûwd H5110 "to wander" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To wander means to move aimlessly, showing grief or sympathy, and is used to describe someone who is lost or in need of comfort, like a mourner or a fugitive.
Definition: 1) to shake, waver, wander, move to and fro, flutter, show grief, have compassion on 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to move to and fro, wander (aimlessly), take flight 1a2) to flutter 1a3) to waver, wave, shake 1a4) to show grief 1a4a) to lament, condole, show sympathy 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to wander (aimlessly) 1b2) to make a wagging, wag (with the head) 1c) (Hithpolel) 1c1) to move oneself to and fro, sway, totter 1c2) to shake oneself 1c3) to bemoan oneself
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bemoan, flee, get, mourn, make to move, take pity, remove, shake, skip for joy, be sorry, vagabond, way, wandering. See also: Genesis 4:12; Jeremiah 4:1; Psalms 11:1.
ל/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
סְבִיבָ֔י/ו çâbîyb H5439 "around" N-cp | Suff
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יֹדְעֵ֣י yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
שְׁמ֑/וֹ shêm H8034 "name" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אִמְר֗וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵיכָ֤ה ʼêyk H349 "how?" Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
נִשְׁבַּר֙ shâbar H7665 "to break" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
מַטֵּה maṭṭeh H4294 "tribe" N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
עֹ֔ז ʻôz H5797 "strength" N-ms
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
מַקֵּ֖ל maqqêl H4731 "rod" N-ms
A rod or staff, like a walking stick, is used for support or guidance in the Bible, as seen in Exodus with Moses' staff. It can also be a symbol of authority. The word appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) rod, staff 1a) rod, stick 1b) staff (in travel) 1c) wand (of diviner)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: rod, (hand-)staff. See also: Genesis 30:37; 1 Samuel 17:43; Jeremiah 1:11.
תִּפְאָרָֽה tiphʼârâh H8597 "beauty" N-fs
This Hebrew word describes something beautiful or glorious, like a lovely garment or a person's honor. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's glory, as well as the beauty of creation and human achievements, as seen in Psalm and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) beauty, splendour, glory 1a) beauty, finery (of garments, jewels) 1b) glory 1b1) of rank, renown 1b2) as attribute of God 1c) honour (or nation Israel) 1d) glorying, boasting (of individual)
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: beauty(-iful), bravery, comely, fair, glory(-ious), honour, majesty. See also: Exodus 28:2; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 71:8.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 9:4 For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.
2 Isaiah 14:4–5 you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended! The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers.
3 Ezekiel 19:11–14 It had strong branches, fit for a ruler’s scepter. It towered high above the thick branches, conspicuous for its height and for its dense foliage. But it was uprooted in fury, cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up its fruit. Its strong branches were stripped off and they withered; the fire consumed them. Now it is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty land. Fire has gone out from its main branch and devoured its fruit; on it no strong branch remains fit for a ruler’s scepter.’ This is a lament and shall be used as a lament.”
4 Jeremiah 48:39 “How shattered it is! How they wail! How Moab has turned his back in shame! Moab has become an object of ridicule and horror to all those around him.”
5 Jeremiah 48:31–33 Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all of Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres. I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah, more than I weep for Jazer. Your tendrils have extended to the sea; they reach even to Jazer. The destroyer has descended on your summer fruit and grape harvest. Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard and from the fields of Moab. I have stopped the flow of wine from the presses; no one treads them with shouts of joy; their shouts are not for joy.
6 Jeremiah 9:17–20 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Take note, and summon the wailing women; send for the most skillful among them. Let them come quickly and take up a lament over us, that our eyes may overflow with tears, and our eyelids may gush with water. For the sound of wailing is heard from Zion: ‘How devastated we are! How great is our shame! For we have abandoned the land because our dwellings have been torn down.’” Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD. Open your ears to the word of His mouth. Teach your daughters to wail, and one another to lament.
7 Revelation 18:14–20 And they will say: “The fruit of your soul’s desire has departed from you; all your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be seen again.” The merchants who sold these things and grew their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn, saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim. Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.” Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her.
8 Isaiah 10:5 Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath.
9 Isaiah 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the grapevines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled its choicest vines, which had reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots had spread out and passed over the sea.
10 Zechariah 11:10–14 Next I took my staff called Favor and cut it in two, revoking the covenant I had made with all the nations. It was revoked on that day, and so the afflicted of the flock who were watching me knew that it was the word of the LORD. Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD. Then I cut in two my second staff called Union, breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

Jeremiah 48:17 Summary

Jeremiah 48:17 is a call to mourn the downfall of Moab, a nation that was once powerful but is now being destroyed. This verse reminds us that God is in control of all nations and their leaders, as seen in Daniel 2:21, and that He can remove power and authority in an instant. Just like the staff of a leader, Moab's power is being shattered, leaving it weak and vulnerable, similar to the downfall of Babylon in Isaiah 13:19. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of acknowledging His power and authority in our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 46:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is God calling for others to mourn the downfall of Moab in Jeremiah 48:17?

God is calling for others to mourn the downfall of Moab because He is a God of justice and compassion, as seen in Jeremiah 48:17, and this event is a significant loss, much like the destruction of Babylon in Isaiah 13:19, which was also a cause for mourning.

What does the 'mighty scepter' represent in Jeremiah 48:17?

The 'mighty scepter' represents the power and authority of Moab, which is now being shattered, much like the staff of the tribe of Judah in Genesis 49:10, symbolizing the loss of leadership and guidance.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?

This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in Jeremiah 48:17, where He declares the downfall of Moab, similar to His declaration of judgment on Babylon in Isaiah 46:10, showcasing His control over the rise and fall of nations.

What is the significance of telling others about the 'glorious staff' being shattered?

Telling others about the 'glorious staff' being shattered serves as a warning and a testament to God's power, much like the proclamation of God's judgment on Edom in Obadiah 1:1-21, reminding nations of His authority and the consequences of disobedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's character, particularly in relation to justice and compassion?
  2. How can we apply the concept of mourning the loss of something or someone to our own lives, as seen in Jeremiah 48:17?
  3. What does the image of the 'mighty scepter' and 'glorious staff' being shattered evoke in terms of our understanding of power and authority?
  4. In what ways can we, like the surrounding nations, be called to acknowledge and respond to the downfall of a powerful entity, whether it be a nation or an individual?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:17

All ye that are about him, bemoan him,.... The neighbouring nations, such as the Ammonites, and others, are called upon to condole the sad case of Moab; all upon the borders of the country of Moab,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:17

All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod!

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:17

All ye that are about him, bemoan him: the prophet having spoken of Moab’ s calamity as already come upon him, or at least very near, calls to his friends to come and condole with him, as is usually done in case of some calamity befallen to a friend. All ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod! All ye that know how terrible Moab hath been to others, and how famous for mighty and strong men, say, How is this potent nation, and this people that hath been such a rod against others, or hath ruled over so many others, broken! for both a staff and a rod are as well ensigns of power and government, as instruments to punish offenders.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:17

Jeremiah 48:17 All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, [and] the beautiful rod!Ver. 17. All ye that are about him, bemoan him.] And that ye may not want a form, say ye, How is the strong staff broken!

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:17

(14-17) How say ye . . .—In the boast that follows we trace the characteristic pride of Moab. The prophet points to the fact that the pride is brought low. She, too, is subject, like other nations, to invasion and defeat. He summons her people to wail for her overthrow. The “staff” is the sceptre of the ruler, as in Psalms 110:2. The “rod” is the stick with which a man walks (Genesis 32:10; Exodus 12:11), but which may also be used as a weapon. The epithet “beautiful” perhaps points to the splendour of a royal staff or wand of ivory and gold.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:17

Verse 17. How is the strong staff broken] The sceptre. The sovereignty of Moab is destroyed.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:17

17. For the use of “How” introducing a lament, cp. Lamentations 1:1; Lamentations 2:1; Lamentations 4:1. the strong staff (mg. sceptre) … the beautiful rod] For these expressions, as implying national glory and power over others, cp. Psalms 110:2; Isaiah 14:29; Ezekiel 19:11-12; Ezekiel 19:14.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:17

The lamentation over Moab uttered by those “round about him,” i.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:17

OF MOAB’S RUIN, Jeremiah 48:16-25.17. Strong staff… beautiful rod — The power and the splendour of Moab have departed.

Sermons on Jeremiah 48:17

SermonDescription
Keith Simons (How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 12 Psalm 137 by Keith Simons Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 137, emphasizing its prophetic nature and the deep sorrow of the Israelites in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. He explores the contrast be
A.B. Simpson Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding Isaiah's prophecies in the context of the surrounding nations that influenced Israel's history. He explains how Judah and
A.B. Simpson Isaiah Chapter 5 Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding the geopolitical context of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly the neighboring nations that influenced Israel and Judah. He
Ian Goligher Weeping for Souls by Ian Goligher In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a broken heart and a broken spirit when delivering the message of God. He uses the examples of Elisha and Jeremiah,
Denny Kenaston 23. the Hidden Woman (Part 2) by Denny Kenaston This sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting husbands, highlighting the impact of a wife's reverence on her husband's growth and the generational consequences o
Denny Kenaston Audio Sermon: The Hidden Woman by Denny Kenaston This sermon emphasizes the importance of women embracing their role as hidden women, supporting, honoring, and reverencing their husbands. It highlights the power of submission, re
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 10:5 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the warnings given by the prophet Jeremiah to the people who had forsaken God. He draws parallels between the patterns of rebellion in

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