Old Testament
Jeremiah 48:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Every head is shaved and every beard is cut short. Everyone's hands are slashed, and sackcloth covers every waist.
Compare translations
For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.
What Jeremiah 48:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 48:37, the prophet describes the mourning and despair of the Moabites due to impending judgment. The imagery of shaved heads, clipped beards, and slashed hands signifies deep sorrow and loss. Shaving the head and cutting the beard were traditional signs of mourning in ancient cultures, indicating that the people were in a state of grief and humiliation. The mention of sackcloth, a coarse material worn during times of mourning, further emphasizes their distress. This verse illustrates the severity of the situation for Moab, as they face destruction and are stripped of their dignity. The physical expressions of grief serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting judgment that follows. Overall, this verse captures the emotional and physical toll of sin and the seriousness of divine retribution.
How to apply Jeremiah 48:37 to your life
This verse reminds us of the seriousness of our actions and the consequences of turning away from God. It encourages us to reflect on our lives, seek repentance, and embrace humility. In times of distress, we should turn to God for comfort and guidance, rather than relying on our own strength.
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 48:37
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 48:37
Related Bible verses
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 48:37 mean?
Jeremiah 48:37 describes the deep mourning and despair of the Moabites due to impending judgment. The imagery of shaved heads, clipped beards, and slashed hands signifies their grief and humiliation as they face destruction.
What is the significance of sackcloth in Jeremiah 48:37?
Sackcloth in Jeremiah 48:37 symbolizes mourning and distress. It was traditionally worn during times of grief, emphasizing the seriousness of the Moabites' situation as they confront the consequences of their actions.
Why are heads shaved and beards cut in Jeremiah 48:37?
In Jeremiah 48:37, shaving heads and cutting beards are traditional signs of mourning in ancient cultures. These actions reflect the Moabites' sorrow and loss as they prepare for judgment.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 48:37?
Jeremiah 48:37 highlights themes of mourning, judgment, sorrow, humiliation, and destruction. It serves as a reminder of the emotional and physical toll of turning away from God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.