Old Testament
Jeremiah 49:35
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 declares His intention to dismantle the military power of Elam, a region known for its strength and archery skills.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
The LORD of hosts says: "I am going to break the bow of Elam — the source of their greatest strength.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His intention to dismantle the military power of Elam, a region known for its strength and archery skills. The bow symbolizes Elam's might and ability to defend itself. By breaking the bow, God is indicating that He will render Elam powerless against His judgment. This act serves as a warning to other nations about the consequences of opposing God. The message emphasizes that no matter how strong a nation may seem, it is ultimately subject to God's authority and plans. The prophecy reflects God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to intervene in human affairs, demonstrating that He can bring down even the mightiest of powers when they stray from His ways. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility before God and the futility of relying solely on human strength.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 49:35 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that true strength comes from God, not from our own abilities or resources. In times of struggle, we should rely on God's power rather than our own. It reminds us to remain humble and seek God's guidance in all aspects of our lives, trusting in His plans.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 49:35 mean?
Jeremiah 49:35 conveys God's message that He will dismantle the military power of Elam, symbolized by their bow. This signifies that Elam's strength will be rendered ineffective, illustrating God's authority over nations.
What is the significance of the bow in Jeremiah 49:35?
In Jeremiah 49:35, the bow represents Elam's military might and ability to defend itself. By breaking the bow, God indicates that He will strip Elam of its power, serving as a warning to other nations.
How does Jeremiah 49:35 relate to God's judgment?
Jeremiah 49:35 illustrates God's judgment by showing that He can dismantle even the mightiest powers when they oppose Him. It serves as a reminder of His control over all nations.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 49:35?
Key themes in Jeremiah 49:35 include divine judgment, the power of God, military might, sovereignty, humility, and prophecy. These themes highlight God's authority and the consequences of human pride.

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.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.