Old Testament
Jeremiah 48:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
All you who live near him, grieve for him. Everyone who knows his reputation, say: "How the mighty scepter is broken — that beautiful staff of power!"
Compare translations
All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod!
What Jeremiah 48:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah calls on those who are close to Moab, a nation that is facing destruction, to mourn for its downfall. The imagery of a broken scepter and a beautiful staff symbolizes the loss of power and glory that Moab once held. The scepter represents authority and strength, while the staff signifies support and stability. The lamentation reflects the deep sorrow over the collapse of a once-mighty nation, urging those who knew Moab's reputation to recognize the gravity of its situation. This verse serves as a reminder of the fragility of power and the inevitable consequences of pride and rebellion against God. It highlights the importance of humility and the need to acknowledge when a once-great entity falls from grace, prompting reflection on the transient nature of human achievements and the divine judgment that can lead to such a downfall.
How to apply Jeremiah 48:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the consequences of pride and the importance of humility. It reminds us to support those who are struggling and to recognize the transient nature of success. We should be mindful of our own lives, ensuring we remain grounded and compassionate towards others in their times of need.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 48:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 48:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 48:17 mean for today's readers?
Jeremiah 48:17 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of pride and the fragility of power. For today's readers, it emphasizes the importance of humility and the need to support those who are struggling. It encourages us to reflect on our own lives, recognizing that success can be fleeting and that we should remain compassionate towards others facing difficulties.
Why does Jeremiah call for mourning in this verse?
Jeremiah calls for mourning in this verse to highlight the impending downfall of Moab, a nation that once held power and glory. The call to grieve reflects the seriousness of their situation and the loss of their strength and stability. It serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable judgment that can lead to a nation's collapse.
What do the broken scepter and staff symbolize?
In Jeremiah 48:17, the broken scepter and beautiful staff symbolize the loss of authority and strength that Moab once possessed. The scepter represents power and leadership, while the staff signifies support and stability. Their destruction illustrates the complete downfall of Moab, emphasizing the theme of loss and the transient nature of human achievements.
How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 48:17 in our lives?
We can apply the lessons from Jeremiah 48:17 by cultivating humility and being aware of our own vulnerabilities. It encourages us to support those who are experiencing hardship and to recognize that success is not guaranteed. By reflecting on the fragility of power, we can strive to remain grounded and compassionate, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.