Jeremiah 48:21

← Jeremiah 48:20 Jeremiah 48:22 →

Jeremiah 48:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Judgment has come upon the high plain— upon Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath,

King James Version KJV

And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,

American Standard Version ASV

And judgment is come upon the plain country, upon Holon, and upon Jahzah, and upon Mephaath,

Bible in Basic English BBE

And punishment has come on the lowlands; on Holon and Jahzah, and on Mephaath,

Free Bible Version FBV

Punishment has arrived on the towns of the high plain—on Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And iudgement is come vpon the plaine countrey, vpon Holon and vpon Iahazah, and vpon Mephaath,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And judgment hath come in unto the land of the plain — unto Holon, And unto Jahazah, and on Mephaath,

World English Bible WEB

Judgment has come on the plain country— on Holon, on Jahzah, on Mephaath,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And judgment is come upon the plain country: upon Helon, and upon Jasa, and upon Mephaath.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh will have punished the towns in Moab that are on the ◄plateau/high level►: Holon and Jahaz and Mephaath,

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:21

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 48:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֥ט בָּ֖א אֶל אֶ֣רֶץ הַ/מִּישֹׁ֑ר אֶל חֹל֥וֹן וְ/אֶל יַ֖הְצָ/ה וְ/עַל מופעת מֵיפָֽעַת

וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֥ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice Conj | N-ms

בָּ֖א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs

הַ/מִּישֹׁ֑ר mîyshôwr H4334 plain Art | N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

חֹל֥וֹן Chôlôwn H2473 Holon N-proper

וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep

יַ֖הְצָ/ה Yahats H3096 Jahaz N-proper | Suff

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

מופעת Môwphaʻath H4158 Mephaath N-proper

מֵיפָֽעַת Môwphaʻath H4158 Mephaath N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:21

וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֥ט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" Conj | N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

בָּ֖א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

הַ/מִּישֹׁ֑ר mîyshôwr H4334 "plain" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a level or plain area, often used to describe a geographical region. It can also mean uprightness or justice, and is sometimes used to describe a place of equity or fairness. In the Bible, it appears in various translations, including plain and straight.

Definition: 1) level place, uprightness 1a) level country, table-land, plain 1b) level place 1c) uprightness

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: equity, even place, plain, right(-eously), (made) straight, uprightness. See also: Deuteronomy 3:10; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 26:12.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

חֹל֥וֹן Chôlôwn H2473 "Holon" N-proper

Holon was a city in Moab, mentioned in the Bible as a place with a sandy terrain. It is referenced in the book of Joshua and 1 Chronicles. The city's name means sandy in Hebrew.

Definition: § Holon = "sandy" a city of Moab

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Holon. See also: Joshua 15:51; Joshua 21:15; Jeremiah 48:21.

וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep

יַ֖הְצָ/ה Yahats H3096 "Jahaz" N-proper | Suff

Jahaz was a place east of the Jordan River where Israel defeated Sihon, the Amorite king. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is mentioned in the Bible as a significant site.

Definition: § Jahaz or Jahazah or Jahzah = "trodden down" a place in Reuben east of the Dead Sea where Israel defeated Sihon king of the Amorites; site uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Jahaz, Jahazah, Jahzah. See also: Numbers 21:23; Judges 11:20; Isaiah 15:4.

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

מופעת Môwphaʻath H4158 "Mephaath" N-proper

Mephaath is a place in Palestine, a city in the district of the Mishor near Moab. It was allotted to the Merarite Levites. The name means splendour or height.

Definition: § Mephaath = "splendour" or "height" a city of Reuben allotted to the Merarite Levites lying in the district of the Mishor, near Moab

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Mephaath. See also: Joshua 13:18; 1 Chronicles 6:64; Jeremiah 48:21.

מֵיפָֽעַת Môwphaʻath H4158 "Mephaath" N-proper

Mephaath is a place in Palestine, a city in the district of the Mishor near Moab. It was allotted to the Merarite Levites. The name means splendour or height.

Definition: § Mephaath = "splendour" or "height" a city of Reuben allotted to the Merarite Levites lying in the district of the Mishor, near Moab

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Mephaath. See also: Joshua 13:18; 1 Chronicles 6:64; Jeremiah 48:21.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 48:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:21
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:21
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:21
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:21
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:21
Sermons on Jeremiah 48:21

Context — Judgment on Moab

19Stand by the road and watch, O dweller of Aroer! Ask the man fleeing or the woman escaping, ‘What has happened?’ 20Moab is put to shame, for it has been shattered. Wail and cry out! Declare by the Arnon that Moab is destroyed.

21Judgment has come upon the high plain— upon Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath,

22upon Dibon, Nebo, and Beth-diblathaim, 23upon Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 13:18	Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath,
2	Isaiah 15:4	Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out; their souls tremble within.
3	Jeremiah 48:8	The destroyer will move against every city, and not one town will escape. The valley will also be ruined, and the high plain will be destroyed, as the LORD has said.
4	Numbers 21:23	But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel.
5	Ezekiel 25:9	therefore I will indeed expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land.
6	Zephaniah 2:9	Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will be like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a place of weeds and salt pits, a perpetual wasteland. The remnant of My people will plunder them; the remainder of My nation will dispossess them.”
7	Joshua 21:36–37	From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz, Kedemoth, and Mephaath—four cities, together with their pasturelands.

Jeremiah 48:21 Summary

Jeremiah 48:21 tells us that God's judgment has come upon the high plain of Moab, including the cities of Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath. This means that God is holding these cities accountable for their sins, just like He did with Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18:20-21. We can learn from this that God is a just and holy God who will not tolerate sin, and that we should trust in His sovereignty and justice, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. By surrendering to God's judgment and correction, we can experience His mercy and forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the high plain being referred to in Jeremiah 48:21?

The high plain in Jeremiah 48:21 is likely the highlands of Moab, a region east of the Dead Sea, as mentioned in Jeremiah 48:20, where Moab is put to shame and destroyed.

What is the significance of the cities listed in Jeremiah 48:21, such as Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath?

These cities were likely important centers in the region of Moab, and their judgment serves as a warning to the rest of the nation, much like the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18:20-21.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Jeremiah?

Jeremiah 48:21 is part of a larger prophecy against Moab, emphasizing God's judgment on the nation for its sins, as seen in Jeremiah 1:10, where God appoints Jeremiah to proclaim His judgment on the nations.

What can we learn from the judgment on Moab in Jeremiah 48:21?

We can learn that God is a just and holy God who will not tolerate sin, as seen in Isaiah 13:11, and that His judgment is a call to repentance, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's judgment and correction, just like Moab was called to do?
How can I apply the principle of God's holiness and justice to my daily life, as seen in Jeremiah 48:21?
What are some ways I can warn others of God's impending judgment, just like the watchman in Jeremiah 48:19?
In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when faced with uncertain or difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:21

And judgment is come upon the plain country,.... Of Moab, which was for the most part such, especially that which lay near Arnon; the judgment of God's vengeance, punishment for sin, by the hand of the Chaldeans.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:21

And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath, Judgment is come upon the plain (Jeremiah 48:8). Not only the mountainous regions, but also the plain shall be wasted. Holon - (cf.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:21

Jeremiah 48:21 And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,Ver. 21. And judgment is come upon the plain country.] Such as the most part of Moab was.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:21

(21) And judgment is come upon the plain country . . .—We enter here upon a list of less known names, of which Jahaz, Beth-diblathaim, Beth-Baal-meon are found on the Moabite Stone inscription (Records of the Past, xi. 165-168). Holon does not appear elsewhere. Jahazah (under the form Jahaz) appears in Numbers 21:23; Deuteronomy 2:32; Judges 11:20, as the scene of a famous battle between Sihon and the Israelites, and in Isaiah 15:4 in connexion with Heshbon and Elealeh. Mephaath was assigned to the Reubenites (Joshua 13:18), and afterwards to the Levites (Joshua 21:37; 1 Chronicles 6:79), but it had clearly fallen afterwards into the hands of the Moabites. Like the other cities named, it was in the Mishor, or “plain,” on the north of the Arnon.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:21

Verse 21. Upon Holon, &c.] All these were cities of the Moabites, but several of them are mentioned in no other place.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:21

21. the plain country] See Jeremiah 48:8. Holon] not known. It is not the H. near Hebron of Jos 15:51; Joshua 21:15. Jahzah] one of the Levitical cities (the Jahaz of Jos 21:36). There Moses defeated Sihon (Numbers 21:23). Mephaath] also a Levitical city (Joshua 21:37). Both M. and Jahzah were in Reuben’s territory.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:21

Holon - This place apparently took its name from caverns in its neighborhood.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:21

21. Holon… Jahazah, etc. — This is a list of towns and cities in Moab, most of which are mentioned elsewhere, but this first one, Holon, is found nowhere else.

Sermons on Jeremiah 48:21

	Sermon	Description
	Pride and Shame or Humility and Wisdom by Bob Hoekstra	Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of walking in humility rather than pride to receive God's grace and wisdom. Those who walk in pride end up with shame, as seen in the wicked