Old Testament

Jeremiah 49:4

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 a nation, referred to as the 'backsliding daughter,' who is proud of her wealth and resources, symbolized by her valleys.

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

Why do you boast about your valleys, your flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? You trusted in your treasures, saying, 'Who will come against me?'

KJVKing James Version

Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God addresses a nation, referred to as the 'backsliding daughter,' who is proud of her wealth and resources, symbolized by her valleys. The term 'backsliding' indicates a turning away from faithfulness to God. The people are confident in their riches, believing that no one can challenge them or bring them harm. This attitude reflects a misplaced trust in material possessions rather than in God. The verse serves as a warning against arrogance and self-reliance, reminding the people that true security comes from faith in God, not from earthly treasures. The rhetorical question, 'Who will come against me?' highlights their false sense of invulnerability. Ultimately, this passage calls for humility and a return to reliance on God rather than on wealth or status. Explore related pride.

Key themes

Related topics

pride, wealth, humility

How to apply Jeremiah 49:4 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine where we place our trust. Are we relying on our possessions or status for security? Instead, we should cultivate humility and trust in God, recognizing that true strength comes from Him, not from our material wealth.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 49:4 mean?

Jeremiah 49:4 addresses a nation that is proud of its wealth and resources, referred to as the 'backsliding daughter.' It highlights their misplaced trust in material possessions instead of God, warning against arrogance and self-reliance.

What is the significance of 'backsliding daughter' in Jeremiah 49:4?

The term 'backsliding daughter' signifies a nation that has turned away from faithfulness to God. It reflects a state of spiritual decline and a warning to return to reliance on God rather than on earthly treasures.

What does the phrase 'trusted in her treasures' mean in Jeremiah 49:4?

The phrase 'trusted in her treasures' indicates that the people relied on their wealth and resources for security. This misplaced trust suggests a false sense of invulnerability, believing that their riches could protect them from harm.

How can we apply Jeremiah 49:4 to our lives today?

We can apply Jeremiah 49:4 by examining where we place our trust. Instead of relying on material possessions for security, we should cultivate humility and trust in God, recognizing that true strength comes from Him.

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.

Premium

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

Best value • Save over 90%

or

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.