Old Testament
Jeremiah 48:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Moab is humiliated — completely broken. Wail and cry out! Announce it along the Arnon River: Moab has been destroyed!
Compare translations
Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,
What Jeremiah 48:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah conveys a message of devastation regarding Moab, a nation that has faced significant defeat. The term 'humiliated' indicates that Moab's pride has been shattered, and the call to 'wail and cry out' emphasizes the seriousness of their situation. The mention of the Arnon River serves as a geographical marker, urging the people to spread the news of Moab's downfall. This destruction is not just a military defeat but a profound loss of identity and strength for the Moabites. The verse reflects the broader theme of divine judgment against nations that oppose God and highlights the consequences of pride and rebellion. The emotional tone of the message calls for mourning, indicating that the destruction is a significant event that should not be taken lightly. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the fragility of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over nations.
How to apply Jeremiah 48:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the consequences of pride and disobedience in our own lives. Just as Moab faced destruction, we should be mindful of our actions and attitudes that may lead to downfall. It serves as a reminder to remain humble and aligned with God's will.
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 48:20
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 48:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 48:20 mean?
Jeremiah 48:20 conveys a message of devastation for Moab, indicating that the nation has been humiliated and broken. The verse calls for mourning and announces the destruction of Moab, highlighting the consequences of pride and rebellion against God.
What is the significance of the Arnon River in Jeremiah 48:20?
The Arnon River serves as a geographical marker in Jeremiah 48:20, emphasizing the urgency to spread the news of Moab's downfall. It signifies the location where the announcement of Moab's destruction should be made, reinforcing the seriousness of the situation.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 48:20?
Jeremiah 48:20 includes themes of divine judgment, national humiliation, and the consequences of pride and rebellion. It serves as a prophetic warning about the fragility of human power in the face of God's sovereignty.
How does Jeremiah 48:20 relate to pride and downfall?
Jeremiah 48:20 illustrates how pride can lead to downfall, as Moab's humiliation reflects the consequences of opposing God. The verse serves as a reminder to remain humble and aware of the potential repercussions of disobedience.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.