Old Testament
Jeremiah 48:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Judgment has fallen on the plateau — on Holon, Jahazah, and Mephaath,
Compare translations
And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,
What Jeremiah 48:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah announces that judgment has come upon specific locations in Moab, a region that was often at odds with Israel. The mention of Holon, Jahazah, and Mephaath indicates that these cities are facing divine punishment for their actions. The term 'plateau' or 'plain country' refers to the geographical area where these cities are located, emphasizing that the judgment is widespread and affects the entire region. This judgment serves as a warning to others about the consequences of turning away from God and engaging in practices that are contrary to His will. The historical context shows that Moab had a history of conflict with Israel, and this judgment is part of God's plan to address the injustices and idolatry present in these cities. Overall, this verse highlights the seriousness of divine judgment and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands.
How to apply Jeremiah 48:21 to your life
This verse reminds us that actions have consequences, and turning away from God can lead to judgment. It encourages us to reflect on our own lives and ensure we are living in accordance with God's will. Staying faithful and avoiding practices that lead us away from Him is crucial for spiritual health.
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 48:21
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 48:21
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 48:21 mean by 'judgment has fallen'?
In Jeremiah 48:21, the phrase 'judgment has fallen' signifies that divine punishment has been decreed against the cities of Holon, Jahazah, and Mephaath in Moab. This indicates that these locations are facing consequences for their actions, particularly their idolatry and opposition to God. The verse serves as a warning about the seriousness of turning away from God's commands.
Who are Holon, Jahazah, and Mephaath?
Holon, Jahazah, and Mephaath are cities located in the region of Moab, which is east of the Jordan River. These cities are mentioned in the context of God's judgment due to their sinful practices. Historically, Moab had conflicts with Israel, and these cities symbolize the broader issues of idolatry and injustice that led to divine punishment.
What can we learn from the judgment on Moab in this verse?
The judgment on Moab in Jeremiah 48:21 teaches us about the consequences of sin and the importance of remaining faithful to God. It serves as a reminder that turning away from God's will can lead to serious repercussions. This encourages individuals to examine their own lives and ensure they are living in alignment with God's commands to avoid similar judgment.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?
Jeremiah's overall message includes themes of warning, judgment, and the call to repentance. In Jeremiah 48:21, the judgment on Moab reflects God's justice against nations that oppose Him. This verse fits into the larger narrative of Jeremiah, which emphasizes the need for faithfulness to God and the consequences of ignoring His guidance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.