Jeremiah 48:28
Jeremiah 48:28 in Multiple Translations
Abandon the towns and settle among the rocks, O dwellers of Moab! Be like a dove that nests at the mouth of a cave.
O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole’s mouth.
O ye inhabitants of Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock; and be like the dove that maketh her nest over the mouth of the abyss.
O people of Moab, go away from the towns and take cover in the rock; be like the dove of the Arabah, which makes her living-place in holes.
You people living in Moab, run from your towns, go and live among the rocks. Be like a dove nesting on the cliffs at the entrance to a ravine.
O ye that dwell in Moab, leaue the cities, and dwell in the rockes, and be like the doue, that maketh her nest in the sides of the holes mouth.
Forsake cities, and dwell in a rock, Ye inhabitants of Moab, And be as a dove making a nest in the passages of a pit's mouth.
You inhabitants of Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock. Be like the dove that makes her nest over the mouth of the abyss.
O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth.
Leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, you that dwell in Moab: and be ye like the dove that maketh her nest in the mouth of the hole in the highest place.
You people who live in Moab, you should abandon your towns and go and live in caves. Be like [SIM] doves that make their nests in the entrances of caves.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:28
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 48:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עִזְב֤וּ
עָרִים֙
וְ/שִׁכְנ֣וּ
בַּ/סֶּ֔לַע
יֹשְׁבֵ֖י
מוֹאָ֑ב
וִֽ/הְי֣וּ
כְ/יוֹנָ֔ה
תְּקַנֵּ֖ן
בְּ/עֶבְרֵ֥י
פִי
פָֽחַת
עִזְב֤וּ
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
עָרִים֙
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
וְ/שִׁכְנ֣וּ
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
בַּ/סֶּ֔לַע
çelaʻ
H5553
crag
Prep | N-ms
יֹשְׁבֵ֖י
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
מוֹאָ֑ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
וִֽ/הְי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
כְ/יוֹנָ֔ה
yôwnâh
H3123
dove
Prep | N-fs
תְּקַנֵּ֖ן
qânan
H7077
to make a nest
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
בְּ/עֶבְרֵ֥י
ʻêber
H5676
side
Prep | N-mp
פִי
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
פָֽחַת
pachath
H6354
pit
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:28
עִזְב֤וּ
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
עָרִים֙
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/שִׁכְנ֣וּ
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
בַּ/סֶּ֔לַע
çelaʻ
H5553
"crag"
Prep | N-ms
This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.
Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.
יֹשְׁבֵ֖י
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
מוֹאָ֑ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
וִֽ/הְי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְ/יוֹנָ֔ה
yôwnâh
H3123
"dove"
Prep | N-fs
Represents a dove, possibly due to the warmth of their mating, and is also used to describe a pigeon. This bird is often seen as a symbol of peace and gentleness in the Bible.
Definition: dove, pigeon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: dove, pigeon. See also: Genesis 8:8; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 56:1.
תְּקַנֵּ֖ן
qânan
H7077
"to make a nest"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to build or occupy a nest, like a bird making its home. It appears in the Bible as a description of God's care for his people. The KJV translates it as make a nest.
Definition: 1) to make a nest 1a) (Piel) to make a nest 1b) (Pual) to be nested
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: make...nest. See also: Psalms 104:17; Jeremiah 22:23; Isaiah 34:15.
בְּ/עֶבְרֵ֥י
ʻêber
H5676
"side"
Prep | N-mp
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
פִי
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
פָֽחַת
pachath
H6354
"pit"
N-ms
This word means a pit or hole, often used to catch animals. In the Bible, it can also refer to a trap or snare. The KJV translates it as 'hole' or 'pit'.
Definition: pit, hole
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: hole, pit, snare. See also: 2 Samuel 17:9; Jeremiah 48:28; Isaiah 24:17.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 48:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:28
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:28
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:28
- Sermons on Jeremiah 48:28
Context — Judgment on Moab
26“Make him drunk, because he has magnified himself against the LORD; so Moab will wallow in his own vomit, and he will also become a laughingstock.
27Was not Israel your object of ridicule? Was he ever found among thieves? For whenever you speak of him you shake your head.
28Abandon the towns and settle among the rocks, O dwellers of Moab! Be like a dove that nests at the mouth of a cave.
29We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his proud arrogance and haughtiness of heart. 30I know his insolence,” declares the LORD, “but it is futile. His boasting is as empty as his deeds.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 55:6–7 | I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah |
| 2 | Judges 6:2 | and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. |
| 3 | Song of Solomon 2:14 | O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your countenance is lovely. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 48:9 | Put salt on Moab, for she will be laid waste; her cities will become desolate, with no one to dwell in them. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 49:16 | The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Isaiah 2:19 | Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. |
| 7 | Obadiah 1:3–4 | The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 13:6 | Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns. |
Jeremiah 48:28 Summary
[This verse is telling the people of Moab to leave their comfortable homes and cities and go live in the rocks and caves, because God is going to judge them for their pride and arrogance, just like He judged the people of Babylon in Isaiah 13:19. It's like a bird building a nest in a safe place, and that's what the people of Moab need to do - find a safe place in the Lord. We can learn from this verse that when we are faced with judgment or difficult times, we need to humble ourselves and seek shelter in God, as encouraged in Psalm 91:4. By doing so, we can find safety and refuge in His presence.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the dove's nest in Jeremiah 48:28?
The dove's nest at the mouth of a cave in Jeremiah 48:28 symbolizes a safe and secluded place, emphasizing the need for the people of Moab to abandon their towns and seek refuge, much like the dove seeks shelter in a cave, as seen in the example of the dove in Genesis 8:8-12, which returned to Noah's ark for safety.
Why are the people of Moab being told to abandon their towns?
The people of Moab are being told to abandon their towns because of God's judgment on their pride and arrogance, as stated in Jeremiah 48:29-30, which is similar to the judgment on Babylon in Isaiah 13:19, where God also judged a proud and arrogant nation.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah 48?
Jeremiah 48:28 is part of a larger prophecy against Moab, warning them of God's judgment on their pride and idolatry, and calling them to repentance, as seen in Jeremiah 48:26-27, where Moab is rebuked for their arrogance against the Lord.
What can we learn from the example of the dove in this verse?
The example of the dove in Jeremiah 48:28 teaches us the importance of humility and seeking shelter in the Lord, rather than relying on our own strength and pride, as encouraged in Psalm 91:4, where God is our refuge and shelter.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to abandon my own 'towns' and seek shelter in the Lord?
- How can I apply the lesson of the dove's nest to my own life, seeking safety and refuge in God's presence?
- What are some ways that pride and arrogance can lead to judgment, as seen in the example of Moab in Jeremiah 48?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God, rather than relying on my own strength and abilities?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:28
O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock,.... Signifying hereby that they would not be in safety in their strongest and most fortified cities, which would be besieged by the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:28
O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth. Be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:28
Still the prophet speaks of the Moabites as a people whose armies were routed, and calls to them to leave their houses in cities, not promising themselves any security, either to or from their houses, or from the walls of their cities, but to get them to rocks, which are naturally fortified, and from whence (if from any place) security might be promised. And he commends to them the natural sagacity of a dove, which being a feeble creature, and not able to encounter a hawk or eagle, makes herself a nest in the sides of some rock where she may be at safety.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:28
Jeremiah 48:28 O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove [that] maketh her nest in the sides of the hole’ s mouth.Ver. 28. And be like the dove.] That is glad to creep in at any cranny of the craggy rock, to be hid from the hawk.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:28
(28) O ye that dwell in Moab . . .—The general thought is the same as in Jeremiah 48:6; Jeremiah 48:9, but is more vivid as being more specific. The Moabites are to leave their cities and take refuge in the caves, always in Palestine the asylum of fugitives (1 Samuel 13:6; 2 Samuel 17:9), as the wild dove flies to “the clefts of the rock” (Song Son 2:14).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:28
Verse 28. Dwell in the rock] Go to the most inaccessible places in the mountains. The hole's mouth.] And into the most secret eaves and holes of the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:28
28. dwell in the rock] See on Jeremiah 4:29. in the sides of the hole’s mouth] The expression is peculiar and probably corrupt, but the figure is plain. See Tristram, Nat. Hist. of the Bible, p. 215, for mention of the many fissures in the rocky sides of the defiles in Palestine. Cp. Ca. Jeremiah 2:14.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:28
Dwell in the rock - See Jeremiah 4:29. The sole chance of escape is refuge in inaccessible fastnesses.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:28
28. Leave the cities, etc. — Leave the cities and take refuge in the inaccessible rocks. The sides — Literally, the farther sides.
Sermons on Jeremiah 48:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Epistle 231 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, urging believers to live in His truth and righteousness, which will serve as a blessing in their generation. He highlig |
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The Temptation to Run by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the feeling of wanting to run away from difficult situations and challenges in life. He uses the example of the psalmist David, who expressed |
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Under His Wings by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares stories and illustrations to emphasize the importance of accepting God's invitation for protection and salvation. He describes a scene where a c |
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Discouragement by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not being afraid and focusing on the problems and difficulties in life. He emphasizes that despite the challenges we face, w |
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Believing a Lie by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the feelings of discouragement that arise from unmet expectations and the lies of the enemy that suggest one's life has been ineffective. He draws paralle |
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Take Up Wings by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston, through the words of Hannah Whitall Smith, emphasizes the concept of finding rest and escape in God during times of trouble or distress. By waiting upon the L |
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Cast Your Burdens Upon God by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the transformative power of burdens in the life of a Christian, emphasizing that these burdens, when surrendered to God, can become wings that lift |