Old Testament
Jeremiah 48:5
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 sorrow and despair of the people of Moab as they face impending destruction.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
People climb the road to Luhith, weeping without end. On the descent to Horonaim, the enemy hears desperate cries of ruin.
For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah describes the sorrow and despair of the people of Moab as they face impending destruction. The imagery of climbing the road to Luhith while weeping signifies their deep grief and hopelessness. As they descend towards Horonaim, their cries of anguish are heard by the enemy, indicating that their suffering is not only personal but also public. This reflects the consequences of their actions and the judgment they are facing. The mention of continual weeping emphasizes the severity of their situation, suggesting that their pain is unending. The verse serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional and spiritual turmoil that comes with disobedience to God and the inevitable consequences that follow. It highlights the reality of loss and the impact of conflict on communities, urging readers to consider the weight of their choices and the importance of turning back to God before it is too late.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 48:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the consequences of our actions. It serves as a reminder to seek God and turn away from paths that lead to destruction. In times of grief, we can find comfort in God’s presence and guidance, helping us navigate our struggles with hope.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 48:5 mean?
Jeremiah 48:5 describes the deep sorrow of the Moabite people as they face destruction. The imagery of weeping while climbing to Luhith and descending to Horonaim highlights their grief and the public nature of their suffering as they confront the consequences of their actions.
What is the significance of Luhith in Jeremiah 48:5?
Luhith represents a place of ascent where the people of Moab are overwhelmed with grief. Their continual weeping signifies the depth of their despair as they realize the impending destruction they are facing.
What does the cry of destruction in Jeremiah 48:5 indicate?
The cry of destruction heard by the enemies signifies that the suffering of the Moabites is not only personal but also visible to others. It reflects the consequences of their disobedience and the judgment they are experiencing.
How does Jeremiah 48:5 relate to themes of repentance?
Jeremiah 48:5 serves as a reminder of the importance of turning back to God to avoid destruction. The verse illustrates the emotional turmoil that comes from straying from God's path and the need for repentance to find hope.

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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