Old Testament
Jeremiah 48:34
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah describes the intense cries of the people from Heshbon, a city in Moab, as they lament their impending destruction.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
The cries from Heshbon reach all the way to Elealeh and Jahaz, from Zoar to Horonaim, like the bellowing of a three-year-old heifer. Even the waters of Nimrim have dried up.
From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, and even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horonaim, as an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah describes the intense cries of the people from Heshbon, a city in Moab, as they lament their impending destruction. The sound of their mourning reaches neighboring towns like Elealeh and Jahaz, illustrating the widespread impact of their suffering. The comparison to a bellowing heifer emphasizes the depth of their anguish, suggesting a loud and desperate cry for help. Additionally, the mention of the waters of Nimrim drying up symbolizes the desolation and loss that the people are experiencing. This imagery conveys not only the physical devastation of the land but also the emotional turmoil of its inhabitants as they face judgment and ruin. The verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting despair that follows.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 48:34 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the importance of remaining faithful to God. It serves as a reminder that turning away from divine guidance can lead to despair and loss, urging us to seek a closer relationship with God to avoid such outcomes.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 48:34 mean?
Jeremiah 48:34 describes the cries of the people of Moab as they mourn their impending destruction. The verse illustrates the widespread impact of their suffering and highlights the emotional turmoil they face due to divine judgment.
What is the significance of Heshbon in Jeremiah 48:34?
Heshbon is a city in Moab that symbolizes the heart of the lamentation in Jeremiah 48:34. The cries from Heshbon represent the deep anguish of the Moabites as they face destruction, emphasizing the severity of their situation.
What does the comparison to a heifer mean in Jeremiah 48:34?
The comparison to a bellowing heifer in Jeremiah 48:34 emphasizes the loud and desperate nature of the people's cries. It illustrates the intensity of their anguish and the urgency of their lamentation as they face judgment.
What does the drying up of the waters of Nimrim symbolize?
The drying up of the waters of Nimrim in Jeremiah 48:34 symbolizes desolation and loss. It reflects the physical devastation of the land and the dire consequences of the people's actions as they experience divine retribution.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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