What does Jeremiah 48:31 mean?
"Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kir-heres." - Jeremiah 48:31
Jeremiah 48:31 (KJV) reads, "Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kir-heres."
This verse comes from a section of the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament that contains prophecies against various nations. In this particular passage, the prophet Jeremiah is pronouncing judgment on the nation of Moab. The verse uses vivid language to convey the intense grief and mourning that Jeremiah feels for the people of Moab.
The opening phrase, "Therefore will I howl for Moab," sets the tone for the entire verse. The use of the word "howl" suggests a deep, guttural expression of sorrow and lamentation. It conveys a sense of anguish and mourning that goes beyond mere weeping or sadness. The fact that Jeremiah is not just weeping, but howling, indicates the profound depth of his grief for the people of Moab.
The next part of the verse, "and I will cry out for all Moab," further emphasizes the intensity of Jeremiah's mourning. The repetition of the phrase "for all Moab" underscores the comprehensive nature of his lamentation. His sorrow is not limited to a few individuals or specific circumstances, but encompasses the entire nation of Moab.
The verse continues, "mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kir-heres." This line provides a specific focus for Jeremiah's grief, as he mourns for the men of a particular city within Moab. The mention of Kir-heres adds a personal touch to his lament, as he mourns for the individual inhabitants of this town.
The overall theme of this verse is one of deep compassion and empathy for the suffering of others. Jeremiah's lamentation for Moab reflects the heart of a prophet who is not only delivering a message of judgment, but also experiencing genuine sorrow for the people who will be affected by that judgment. It demonstrates the emotional investment that Jeremiah has in his prophetic ministry, as he is deeply troubled by the fate of the nations he is called to pronounce judgment upon.
In a broader context, this verse also speaks to the universal experience of grief and mourning. It acknowledges the reality of suffering and loss, and reminds readers of the importance of empathizing with those who are in pain. It is a reminder that even in the midst of delivering difficult messages or experiencing personal sorrow, there is a place for expressing empathy and compassion for others.
From a symbolic perspective, Jeremiah's howling and mourning for Moab can be seen as a representation of God's own heart for the nations. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as a compassionate and empathetic deity who is deeply moved by the suffering of His people. Jeremiah's lamentation for Moab can therefore be understood as a reflection of God's own grief over the sin and brokenness of humanity.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 48:31 is a powerful and poignant verse that conveys the depth of Jeremiah's grief for the people of Moab. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion, and also symbolizes God's own heart for His creation. The verse invites readers to reflect on the universal experience of mourning and the need for empathizing with those who are suffering.
Have questions about Jeremiah 48:31?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Jeremiah 48:31 Artwork
Jeremiah 48:31 - "Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kir-heres."
Jeremiah 48:31 Therefore I will wail for Moab, And I will cry out for all Moab; I will mourn for the men of Kir Heres.
Jeremiah 48:31 Therefore I will wail for Moab, And I will cry out for all Moab; I will mourn for the men of Kir Heres.
"Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kir-heres." - Jeremiah 48:31
Genesis 31:48 - "And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;"
Jeremiah 48:22 - "And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Beth-diblathaim,"
Jeremiah 48:6 - "Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness."
Jeremiah 31:31-33
Jeremiah 31:31-33
Jeremiah 48:16 - "The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast."
Jeremiah 48:23 - "And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon,"
Jeremiah 48:14 - "¶ How say ye, We are mighty and strong men for the war?"
Jeremiah 48:3 - "A voice of crying shall be from Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction."
Jeremiah 48:25 - "The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD."
Numbers 31:48 - "¶ And the officers which were over thousands of the host, the captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, came near unto Moses:"
Jeremiah 48:4 - "Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard."
Jeremiah 48:13 - "And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Beth-el their confidence."
Jeremiah 48:20 - "Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,"
Jeremiah 48:21 - "And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,"
Jeremiah 48:43 - "Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 48:24 - "And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near."
Jeremiah 48:30 - "I know his wrath, saith the LORD; but it shall not be so; his lies shall not so effect it."
Jeremiah 48:42 - "And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD."
Ezekiel 48:31 - "And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi."
Jeremiah 48:19 - "O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done?"
Jeremiah 48:47 - "¶ Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far is the judgment of Moab."
Jeremiah 48:40 - "For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab."
Jeremiah 48:10 - "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood."
Jeremiah 31:31 - "¶ Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:"
Jeremiah 48:41 - "Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs."