Old Testament

Jeremiah 48:23

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

on Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon,

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,

What Jeremiah 48:23 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Jeremiah 48:23, the prophet mentions three cities: Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon, which were part of Moab. This verse is part of a larger prophecy concerning the judgment that God would bring upon Moab due to their pride and idolatry. Each city represents a significant location within Moab, and their mention signifies the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment. The focus on these cities highlights the consequences of turning away from God and relying on false gods. The prophecy serves as a warning to the people of Moab about the seriousness of their actions and the inevitable repercussions they would face. It emphasizes that no place, no matter how fortified or significant, is beyond God's reach when it comes to judgment. This verse, therefore, not only addresses the specific cities but also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His call for repentance.

How to apply Jeremiah 48:23 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of humility and faithfulness to God. Just as Moab faced judgment for their pride and idolatry, we too must examine our lives for any areas where we may be turning away from God. Staying grounded in faith helps us avoid similar consequences.

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.

A painting of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt

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

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Jeremiah 48:23

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 48:23

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 48:23 mean?

Jeremiah 48:23 refers to three cities in Moab—Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon—highlighting God's impending judgment on Moab for their pride and idolatry. The mention of these cities signifies that no place is safe from God's judgment.

What is the significance of Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon in Jeremiah 48:23?

Kiriathaim, Bethgamul, and Bethmeon are significant locations in Moab that represent the broader consequences of the nation's sin. Their mention underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against Moab.

How does Jeremiah 48:23 relate to pride and idolatry?

The verse illustrates how Moab's pride and reliance on false gods led to their judgment. It emphasizes that such attitudes can lead to serious consequences, as seen in the fate of these cities.

What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah 48:23?

From Jeremiah 48:23, we learn the importance of humility and faithfulness to God. It encourages us to reflect on our lives and avoid the pitfalls of pride and idolatry that can lead to negative outcomes.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.