Jeremiah 48:37
Jeremiah 48:37 in Multiple Translations
For every head is shaved and every beard is clipped; on every hand is a gash, and around every waist is sackcloth.
For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.
For every head is bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands are cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.
For everywhere the hair of the head and the hair of the face is cut off: on every hand there are wounds, and haircloth on every body.
As signs of their mourning, every head is shaved, every beard is trimmed, every hand has a gash, and every waist is wearing sackcloth.
For euery head shalbe balde, and euery beard plucked: vpon all the handes shall be cuttings, and vpon the loynes sackecloth.
For every head [is] bald, and every beard diminished, On all hands cuttings, and on the loins — sackcloth.
For every head is bald, and every beard clipped. There are cuttings on all the hands, and sackcloth on the waist.
For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.
For every head shall be bald, and every beard shall be shaven: all hands shall be tied together, and upon every back there shall be haircloth.
The men will shave their heads and their beards to show that they are mourning. They all will slash their hands and wear ◄rough cloth/sackcloth► around their waists.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:37
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 48:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
כָל
רֹאשׁ֙
קָרְחָ֔ה
וְ/כָל
זָקָ֖ן
גְּרֻעָ֑ה
עַ֤ל
כָּל
יָדַ֨יִם֙
גְּדֻדֹ֔ת
וְ/עַל
מָתְנַ֖יִם
שָֽׂק
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
רֹאשׁ֙
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
קָרְחָ֔ה
qorchâh
H7144
bald spot
N-fs
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
זָקָ֖ן
zâqân
H2206
beard
N-cs
גְּרֻעָ֑ה
gâraʻ
H1639
to dimish
V-Qal-Inf-c
עַ֤ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יָדַ֨יִם֙
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd
גְּדֻדֹ֔ת
gᵉdûwd
H1417
furrow
N-fp
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
מָתְנַ֖יִם
môthen
H4975
loin
N-md
שָֽׂק
saq
H8242
sackcloth
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:37
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כָל
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.
רֹאשׁ֙
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
קָרְחָ֔ה
qorchâh
H7144
"bald spot"
N-fs
This word refers to baldness or a bald spot, often translated as 'bald' or 'baldness' in the KJV. It describes a lack of hair.
Definition: baldness, bald
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bald(-ness), [idiom] utterly. See also: Leviticus 21:5; Jeremiah 47:5; Isaiah 3:24.
וְ/כָל
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.
זָקָ֖ן
zâqân
H2206
"beard"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a beard, often indicating age or wisdom, as seen in the customs of ancient Israelite men. It is first mentioned in Leviticus 19:27. The beard was a symbol of dignity and respect.
Definition: 1) beard, chin 1a) beard 1b) chin
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beard. See also: Leviticus 13:29; 2 Samuel 20:9; Psalms 133:2.
גְּרֻעָ֑ה
gâraʻ
H1639
"to dimish"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To diminish or reduce something means to make it smaller, like in the book of Genesis. This word can also mean to shave, remove, or withhold something. The KJV Bible translates it as diminish or restrain.
Definition: 1) to diminish, restrain, withdraw, abate, keep back, do away, take from, clip 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be withdrawn 1b2) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to withdraw, draw up
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: abate, clip, (di-) minish, do (take) away, keep back, restrain, make small, withdraw. See also: Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 13:1; Isaiah 15:2.
עַ֤ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
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.
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.
יָדַ֨יִם֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
גְּדֻדֹ֔ת
gᵉdûwd
H1417
"furrow"
N-fp
This word means a furrow, or a cut in the ground, often made by a plow. In the Bible, it is used to describe the act of plowing a field, like the ones found in the book of Isaiah. It can also refer to cuttings made as a sign of mourning.
Definition: 1) something cut, furrow, cutting 1a) a furrow 1b) cuttings (as a sign of mourning) Also means: ge.du.dah (גְּדוּדָה "furrow" H1418)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: furrow. See also: Jeremiah 48:37.
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.
מָתְנַ֖יִם
môthen
H4975
"loin"
N-md
Refers to the waist or small of the back, often translated as loins or hips, as seen in Proverbs 30:31. It can also describe the sides of an animal. The word is only used in plural form.
Definition: 1) loins, hips 1a) used with zar.zir (זַרְזִיר "greyhound" H2223) in Pr 30:31; perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 20:2; Psalms 66:11.
שָֽׂק
saq
H8242
"sackcloth"
N-ms
This term refers to a coarse cloth or sack used for mourning or carrying grain. People wore sackcloth to show humility or grief, like in the book of Esther. It symbolized repentance and sorrow.
Definition: 1) mesh, sackcloth, sack, sacking 1a) sack (for grain) 1b) sackcloth 1b1) worn in mourning or humiliation 1b2) same material spread out to lie on
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: sack(-cloth, -clothes). See also: Genesis 37:34; Psalms 69:12; Psalms 30:12.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 48:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:37
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:37
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:37
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:37
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:37
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:37
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:37
- Sermons on Jeremiah 48:37
Context — Judgment on Moab
35In Moab, declares the LORD, I will bring an end to those who make offerings on the high places and burn incense to their gods.
36Therefore My heart laments like a flute for Moab; it laments like a flute for the men of Kir-heres, because the wealth they acquired has perished.
37For every head is shaved and every beard is clipped; on every hand is a gash, and around every waist is sackcloth.
38On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD. 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 41:5 | eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their garments, and cut themselves came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, carrying grain offerings and frankincense for the house of the LORD. |
| 2 | Genesis 37:34 | Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 47:5 | The people of Gaza will shave their heads in mourning; Ashkelon will be silenced. O remnant of their valley, how long will you gash yourself? |
| 4 | Isaiah 15:2–3 | Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping. |
| 5 | Isaiah 20:2 | the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.” And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 16:6 | “Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them. |
| 7 | Mark 5:5 | Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 18:28 | So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them. |
| 9 | Genesis 37:29 | When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes, |
| 10 | Micah 1:16 | Shave yourselves bald and cut off your hair in mourning for your precious children; make yourselves as bald as an eagle, for they will go from you into exile. |
Jeremiah 48:37 Summary
[This verse describes a scene of great mourning and sorrow, where the people of Moab are expressing their grief through physical signs like shaved heads, clipped beards, and self-inflicted wounds. This is a picture of a nation in distress, recognizing the severity of God's judgment upon them, as seen in Jeremiah 48:35-36. In a similar way, when we face difficulties or hardships, we can learn to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our dependence on Him, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6-7. By doing so, we can find comfort and peace in the midst of sorrow, knowing that God is our Rock and our Redeemer, as stated in Psalm 18:2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of shaving heads and clipping beards in Jeremiah 48:37?
In ancient cultures, shaving heads and clipping beards were signs of mourning and grief, as seen in Isaiah 15:2 and Job 1:20, where people would shave their heads and clip their beards as a sign of sorrow and bereavement.
What is the meaning of gashes on every hand in Jeremiah 48:37?
The gashes on every hand likely refer to self-inflicted cuts or wounds, which were a common practice in ancient times to express extreme grief or sorrow, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 14:1 and Jeremiah 16:6.
Why are the people of Moab wearing sackcloth around their waists?
Wearing sackcloth was a traditional sign of mourning and repentance in biblical times, as seen in Jonah 3:5-8 and Esther 4:1-3, where people would wear sackcloth to express their sorrow and humility before God.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Jeremiah 48:37 is part of a larger prophecy against Moab, where God declares judgment and destruction upon the nation for their idolatry and wickedness, as stated in Jeremiah 48:35-36 and 48:38-39, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment and the need for repentance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can express my sorrow and grief to God, and how can I learn to trust in His sovereignty in times of pain?
- How can I balance my emotions with faith, knowing that God is always in control, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?
- In what ways can I identify with the people of Moab, and how can I apply the lessons of their mistakes to my own life?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and repentance, and how can I apply these principles to my own relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:37
For every head [shall be] bald, and every beard clipped,.... Men, in times of mourning, used to pluck off the hairs of their head till they made them bald, and shaved their beards; which, as Kimchi
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:37
For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth. Every head shall be bald - (note, Jeremiah 47:5, "Baldness is come upon Gaza;" Isaiah 15:2-3).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:37
These phrases are expounded in the beginning of the following verse, There shall be lamentation generally upon all the house-tops of Moab. Shaving of the hair, and clipping the beards, and cutting themselves, were rites and ceremonies of mourning used by these heathens.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:37
Jeremiah 48:37 For every head [shall be] bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands [shall be] cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.Ver. 37. For every head shall be bald.] This was the doings among the Easterlings, in times of mourning.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:37
Verse 37. For every head shall be bald] These, as we have seen before, were signs of the deepest distress and desolation.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:37
29–39. See introd. summary to the ch. The passage may contain some Jeremianic matter, but on the whole is late (see also on Jeremiah 48:37-38) and borrowed to a large extent from Is. 15., 16. (chs. which are perhaps earlier than Isaiah’s time and republished by him. See Skinner, C.B. ad loc.).
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:37
Cuttings - Compare Jeremiah 16:6, and marginal references.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:37
37. Head… bald,… beard clipped, upon… the hands… cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth, are signs of abject grief and desolation.
Sermons on Jeremiah 48:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Threefold Vision (Alternative 2) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being conscious of eternity rather than being focused on worldly possessions and self-image. He explains that there are fou |