Old Testament

Jeremiah 49:3

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 calls for mourning and lamentation in the city of Heshbon because of the destruction of Ai.

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

Wail, Heshbon, because Ai has been destroyed! Cry out, daughters of Rabbah! Put on sackcloth and mourn! Run back and forth by the hedges, because your king will be taken into captivity—he and his priests and officials together.

KJVKing James Version

Howl, O Heshbon, for Ai is spoiled: cry, ye daughters of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth; lament, and run to and fro by the hedges; for their king shall go into captivity, and his priests and his princes together.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah calls for mourning and lamentation in the city of Heshbon because of the destruction of Ai. The daughters of Rabbah are urged to put on sackcloth, a traditional sign of grief, and to express their sorrow openly. The message emphasizes the impending captivity of their king, along with his priests and officials, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. This call to wail and mourn reflects the deep sense of loss and the consequences of defeat in battle. The imagery of running back and forth by the hedges suggests a frantic search for hope or a way to escape the impending doom. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of war and the emotional toll it takes on communities and their leaders.

How to apply Jeremiah 49:3 to your life

This verse encourages us to acknowledge and express our grief during difficult times. It reminds us that mourning is a natural response to loss and that we should support one another in our struggles. By recognizing our pain, we can begin to heal and find hope.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 49:3 mean?

Jeremiah 49:3 calls for mourning in Heshbon due to the destruction of Ai. It emphasizes the sorrow of the people, particularly the daughters of Rabbah, as they prepare for the captivity of their king and leaders.

What is the significance of sackcloth in Jeremiah 49:3?

Sackcloth in Jeremiah 49:3 symbolizes grief and mourning. It is a traditional garment worn during times of sorrow, indicating the deep emotional response to loss and impending disaster.

Who are the daughters of Rabbah in Jeremiah 49:3?

The daughters of Rabbah represent the women of the city who are called to mourn and express their sorrow over the destruction and the fate of their leaders.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 49:3?

Key themes in Jeremiah 49:3 include mourning, destruction, captivity, and the emotional toll of loss on a community and its leadership.

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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