Old Testament

Jeremiah 49:16

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, God addresses the people of Edom, warning them about their false sense of security.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

Your terrifying power has deceived you, and the pride of your heart, you who live in the clefts of the rock and hold the heights of the hill. Even if you make your nest as high as the eagle's, I will bring you down from there," says the LORD.

KJVKing James Version

Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God addresses the people of Edom, warning them about their false sense of security. They believe their strength and position, symbolized by their high dwelling places in the rocks, make them invulnerable. However, God reveals that their pride and reliance on their own power will lead to their downfall. The imagery of the eagle, known for its high nests, emphasizes that no matter how secure they feel, God has the authority to bring them down. This serves as a reminder that human pride can blind us to our vulnerabilities and that true security comes from humility and reliance on God rather than our own strength.

Key themes

Related topics

pride, deception, judgment

How to apply Jeremiah 49:16 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for areas of pride and self-reliance. We should remember that true strength comes from humility and dependence on God. By recognizing our vulnerabilities, we can seek God's guidance and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 49:16 mean?

Jeremiah 49:16 warns the people of Edom about their misplaced confidence in their own strength and security. God tells them that their pride and reliance on their high, rocky dwellings will not protect them from His judgment.

What is the significance of pride in Jeremiah 49:16?

In Jeremiah 49:16, pride is depicted as a deceptive force that blinds people to their vulnerabilities. The verse illustrates how reliance on one's own power can lead to downfall, emphasizing the need for humility.

What does the imagery of the eagle represent in Jeremiah 49:16?

The eagle in Jeremiah 49:16 symbolizes high security and strength. However, the verse conveys that even those who feel invulnerable, like an eagle in its nest, can be brought down by God's authority.

How can we apply Jeremiah 49:16 to our lives?

We can apply Jeremiah 49:16 by reflecting on our own lives for signs of pride and self-reliance. It encourages us to seek God's guidance and recognize our vulnerabilities instead of relying solely on our own strength.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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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