What does Jeremiah 49:21 mean?

"The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea." - Jeremiah 49:21

"The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea." - Jeremiah 49:21

The Bible verse Jeremiah 49:21 in the King James Version (KJV) states:

“Their terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the Lord.”

In order to fully understand the depth and meaning of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which it is situated. The book of Jeremiah is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, written by the prophet Jeremiah himself. This verse comes from a section of the book in which Jeremiah delivers messages of judgment to various nations, including Ammon, Edom, Damascus, and Kedar. These nations are being warned of impending doom as a consequence of their actions and their rebellion against God. In this particular verse, the focus is on the people dwelling in the clefts of the rock, symbolizing a place of perceived safety and security.

The verse begins by addressing the deceptive nature of the people's “terribleness” or their strength and power. The people have been deceived into believing that their own might and pride will protect them from any harm. This serves as a cautionary message against the reliance on human strength and arrogance, and a reminder of the ultimate power and authority of God.

The imagery of dwelling in the clefts of the rock and holding the height of the hill suggests a sense of high status and security. The people have established their homes in fortified and seemingly inaccessible places, akin to an eagle nesting on a high mountain. However, despite these lofty positions and the perceived security they provide, the verse conveys a warning from the Lord. It proclaims that even if the people were to make their nest as high as the eagle, they will still be brought down by the judgment of the Lord.

This verse signifies the futility of human attempts to elevate themselves above the power of God. It emphasizes that no matter how secure and untouchable a person may feel in their earthly endeavors, they are ultimately subject to the will and judgment of God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the supremacy of God over all earthly powers and the consequences of pride and arrogance.

The symbolism of the eagle, which is known for its strength and ability to soar to great heights, serves to emphasize the false sense of security that the people have derived from their perceived strength. The imagery of the eagle’s nest being brought down symbolizes the impending destruction and downfall of the people's pride and haughtiness.

The themes present in this verse include the consequences of pride and arrogance, the futility of human strength and security, and the ultimate authority and judgment of God. It serves as a cautionary message against placing one's trust in the material things of this world and encourages humility and reliance on God.

In conclusion, Jeremiah 49:21 in the King James Version delivers a powerful message about the consequences of pride and arrogance, and the ultimate authority of God over all earthly powers. It serves as a reminder of the futility of human strength and security, and the importance of placing one's trust in God. This verse is rich in symbolism and imagery, and its themes carry profound relevance for believers today.

Have questions about Jeremiah 49:21?

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.

Jeremiah 49:21 Artwork

Jeremiah 49:21 - "The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea."

Jeremiah 49:21 - "The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea."

"The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea." - Jeremiah 49:21

"The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea." - Jeremiah 49:21

Jeremiah 3:49

Jeremiah 3:49

Jeremiah 49:34 - "¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,"

Jeremiah 49:34 - "¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,"

Jeremiah 49:25 - "How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!"

Jeremiah 49:25 - "How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!"

Genesis 49:21 - "¶ Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words."

Genesis 49:21 - "¶ Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words."

Jeremiah 49:6 - "And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD."

Jeremiah 49:6 - "And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD."

Jeremiah 49:15 - "For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, and despised among men."

Jeremiah 49:15 - "For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, and despised among men."

Jeremiah 49:27 - "And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Ben-hadad."

Jeremiah 49:27 - "And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Ben-hadad."

Jeremiah 49:35 - "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might."

Jeremiah 49:35 - "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might."

Jeremiah 49:39 - "¶ But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD."

Jeremiah 49:39 - "¶ But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD."

Jeremiah 49:38 - "And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD."

Jeremiah 49:38 - "And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD."

Jeremiah 51:49 - "As Babylon hath caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon shall fall the slain of all the earth."

Jeremiah 51:49 - "As Babylon hath caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon shall fall the slain of all the earth."

Jeremiah 49:11 - "Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me."

Jeremiah 49:11 - "Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me."

Jeremiah 49:33 - "And Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons, and a desolation for ever: there shall no man abide there, nor any son of man dwell in it."

Jeremiah 49:33 - "And Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons, and a desolation for ever: there shall no man abide there, nor any son of man dwell in it."

Jeremiah 49:9 - "If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough."

Jeremiah 49:9 - "If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough."

Jeremiah 49:23 - "¶ Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet."

Jeremiah 49:23 - "¶ Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet."

Jeremiah 49:7 - "¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?"

Jeremiah 49:7 - "¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?"

"How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!" - Jeremiah 49:25

"How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!" - Jeremiah 49:25

Jeremiah 49:18 - "As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it."

Jeremiah 49:18 - "As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it."

Jeremiah 49:24 - "Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail."

Jeremiah 49:24 - "Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail."

"¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying," - Jeremiah 49:34

"¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying," - Jeremiah 49:34

Jeremiah 49:26 - "Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts."

Jeremiah 49:26 - "Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts."

Jeremiah 49:29 - "Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear is on every side."

Jeremiah 49:29 - "Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear is on every side."

Jeremiah 49:4 - "Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?"

Jeremiah 49:4 - "Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?"

Jeremiah 49:13 - "For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes."

Jeremiah 49:13 - "For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes."

Jeremiah 49:8 - "Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him."

Jeremiah 49:8 - "Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him."

"¶ Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words." - Genesis 49:21

"¶ Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words." - Genesis 49:21

Jeremiah 49:14 - "I have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent unto the heathen, saying, Gather ye together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle."

Jeremiah 49:14 - "I have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent unto the heathen, saying, Gather ye together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle."

"And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD." - Jeremiah 49:6

"And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD." - Jeremiah 49:6