Jeremiah 49:16
Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
הִשִּׁ֤יא
hath deceived
H5377
הִשִּׁ֤יא
hath deceived
Strong's:
H5377
Word #:
2 of 19
to lead astray, i.e., (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce
אֹתָךְ֙
H853
אֹתָךְ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִבֶּ֔ךָ
of thine heart
H3820
לִבֶּ֔ךָ
of thine heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 19
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
שֹֽׁכְנִי֙
O thou that dwellest
H7931
שֹֽׁכְנִי֙
O thou that dwellest
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
6 of 19
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
הַסֶּ֔לַע
of the rock
H5553
הַסֶּ֔לַע
of the rock
Strong's:
H5553
Word #:
8 of 19
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
תֹּפְשִׂ֖י
that holdest
H8610
תֹּפְשִׂ֖י
that holdest
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
9 of 19
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
מְר֣וֹם
the height
H4791
מְר֣וֹם
the height
Strong's:
H4791
Word #:
10 of 19
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַגְבִּ֤יהַּ
as high
H1361
תַגְבִּ֤יהַּ
as high
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
13 of 19
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
קִנֶּ֔ךָ
though thou shouldest make thy nest
H7064
קִנֶּ֔ךָ
though thou shouldest make thy nest
Strong's:
H7064
Word #:
15 of 19
a nest (as fixed), sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling
מִשָּׁ֥ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֥ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
16 of 19
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
Cross References
Isaiah 49:25But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.Job 39:27Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?Amos 9:2Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down:Proverbs 29:23A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.Proverbs 16:18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Historical Context
Petra's location in a narrow gorge (the Siq) made it nearly impossible to conquer by conventional warfare. The Edomites controlled water sources and could ambush invaders. This natural fortress fostered pride that seemed justified—until God intervened.
Questions for Reflection
- How do natural advantages (wealth, geography, intellect) become sources of spiritual deception?
- What modern 'fortresses' do people trust in that cannot withstand God's judgment?
- How does this verse inform our understanding of security—what makes a person or nation truly safe?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thy terribleness hath deceived thee (הִשִּׁיא אֹתְךָ תִּפְלַצְתְּךָ, hissi otekha tiflatstekkha)—Edom's intimidating reputation became self-deception. The tiphletseth (terror they inspired) created false security. The pride of thine heart (זְדוֹן לִבֶּךָ, zedon libbeka)—zedon denotes arrogant presumption, the same sin that felled Babylon (Isaiah 13:19).
Thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock (שֹׁכְנִי בְּחַגְוֵי־הַסֶּלַע, shokhni b'chagvei-hasela)—Petra, carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, seemed impregnable. Yet God declares: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down—echoing Obadiah 4. The eagle imagery mocks Edom's lofty confidence. No fortress exceeds God's reach; geography cannot insulate from divine judgment.