Jeremiah 49:15
For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, and despised among men.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קָטֹ֛ן
thee small
H6996
קָטֹ֛ן
thee small
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
3 of 7
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
נְתַתִּ֖יךָ
For lo I will make
H5414
נְתַתִּ֖יךָ
For lo I will make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
Edom's territory stretched from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba, controlling vital trade routes. Their capital Bozrah and fortress city Petra seemed impregnable. Yet by the 4th century BC, Edom had been displaced by Nabatean Arabs, becoming 'small' indeed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise to 'make small' challenge modern notions of national and personal greatness?
- In what ways might Christians fall into Edom's sin of pride based on strategic advantages or resources?
- What does Edom's historical disappearance teach about the temporal nature of earthly power?
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Analysis & Commentary
I will make thee small among the heathen (קָטֹן נְתַתִּיךָ, qaton netattikha)—The perfect tense indicates God's settled decree. Edom's pride in their rocky fortress and strategic trade routes will be inverted into insignificance. The verb natan (give/make) emphasizes divine causation—Edom's diminishment is not natural decline but supernatural judgment.
Despised among men (בָּזוּי, bazuy)—The participle conveys permanent contempt. Where Edom once dominated caravan routes and extracted tribute, they would become a byword for desolation. This reversal of fortune demonstrates the principle: those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Luke 14:11). Edom's archaeological record confirms their near-total disappearance from history after Nabonidus's campaign.