Jeremiah Chapter 48 · Verse 31

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kir-heres.

Original Language Analysis

עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 1 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּן֙ H3651
כֵּן֙
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 2 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 3 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וּלְמוֹאָ֥ב for Moab H4124
וּלְמוֹאָ֥ב for Moab
Strong's: H4124
Word #: 4 of 13
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
אֲיֵלִ֔יל Therefore will I howl H3213
אֲיֵלִ֔יל Therefore will I howl
Strong's: H3213
Word #: 5 of 13
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
וּלְמוֹאָ֥ב for Moab H4124
וּלְמוֹאָ֥ב for Moab
Strong's: H4124
Word #: 6 of 13
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
כֻּלֹּ֖ה H3605
כֻּלֹּ֖ה
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֶזְעָ֑ק and I will cry out H2199
אֶזְעָ֑ק and I will cry out
Strong's: H2199
Word #: 8 of 13
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 9 of 13
near, with or among; often in general, to
אַנְשֵׁ֥י H376
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
Strong's: H376
Word #: 10 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
קִֽיר H0
קִֽיר
Strong's: H0
Word #: 11 of 13
חֶ֖רֶשׂ of Kirheres H7025
חֶ֖רֶשׂ of Kirheres
Strong's: H7025
Word #: 12 of 13
kir-cheres or kir-chareseth, a place in moab
יֶהְגֶּֽה׃ mine heart shall mourn H1897
יֶהְגֶּֽה׃ mine heart shall mourn
Strong's: H1897
Word #: 13 of 13
to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

Analysis & Commentary

Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab (עַל־כֵּן עַל־מוֹאָב אֶזְעָק וּלְכָל־מוֹאָב אֶזְעָק)—Despite pronouncing judgment, God (or His prophet) expresses grief. The Hebrew za'aq (זָעַק) means to cry out, call for help, lament loudly—intense emotional outcry. This reveals God's character: He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). Even righteous judgment grieves His heart.

Mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kir-heres (אֶל־אַנְשֵׁי קִיר־חֶרֶשׂ יֶהְגֶּה). The word hagah (הָגָה) means to moan, growl, meditate—deep, visceral grief. Kir-hareseth (Kir-heres) was Moab's capital fortress. Even for enemies under judgment, God expresses compassion. This paradoxical combination—executing justice while mourning its necessity—reveals God's complex emotional life. He is not a cold, mechanical judge but a grieving Father who must discipline His rebellious children and judge those who afflict them.

Historical Context

Kir-hareseth (modern Kerak, Jordan) was Moab's chief city and final refuge when Israel besieged them (2 Kings 3:25). Its destruction symbolized Moab's complete downfall. Jeremiah's lament echoes Isaiah 16:7-11, suggesting these prophets genuinely grieved over Moab's fate despite their wickedness. This reflects God's heart—He created all nations, and their destruction under judgment brings Him sorrow even as His justice requires it. This prefigures Jesus weeping over Jerusalem even as He pronounced judgment (Luke 19:41-44).

Questions for Reflection