Old Testament
Jeremiah 48:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Didn't you mock Israel? Was he found among thieves? Every time you spoke of him, you skipped for joy.
Compare translations
For was not Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy.
What Jeremiah 48:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing Moab, a nation that has mocked Israel. The rhetorical questions highlight how Moab has treated Israel with scorn and derision, celebrating Israel's misfortunes. The mention of thieves suggests that Israel was unjustly accused or misunderstood, as if he were a criminal. The joy Moab felt at Israel's struggles reveals a deeper animosity and lack of compassion. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of mocking others, especially those who are suffering. It emphasizes that God sees and remembers the actions of nations and individuals, and He will respond to their treatment of His people. The mocking of Israel is not just a trivial matter; it reflects a broader attitude of pride and disdain that can lead to serious repercussions. Ultimately, this verse calls for humility and warns against rejoicing in the downfall of others, as it can lead to one's own downfall.
How to apply Jeremiah 48:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how we treat others, especially those who are vulnerable or in distress. Instead of mocking or celebrating others' failures, we should practice empathy and support. Recognizing our shared humanity can foster kindness and prevent the cycle of scorn and retribution.
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 48:27
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 48:27
Related Bible verses
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 48:27 mean?
Jeremiah 48:27 addresses Moab's mocking of Israel, highlighting their scorn and joy in Israel's misfortunes. It emphasizes that God sees this treatment and will respond to their actions.
What is the significance of mocking in Jeremiah 48:27?
The mocking in Jeremiah 48:27 signifies a lack of compassion and pride, showing how Moab celebrated Israel's struggles. This behavior is condemned as it reflects a deeper animosity and can lead to serious consequences.
What does the phrase 'skipped for joy' mean in Jeremiah 48:27?
The phrase 'skipped for joy' in Jeremiah 48:27 indicates that Moab rejoiced over Israel's difficulties, revealing their contempt and lack of empathy towards Israel's suffering.
How does Jeremiah 48:27 relate to compassion?
Jeremiah 48:27 serves as a reminder to practice compassion instead of mockery. It encourages us to support those who are struggling rather than celebrating their failures.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.