Jeremiah 48:38
New International Version
On all the roofs in Moab and in the public squares there is nothing but mourning, for I have broken Moab like a jar that no one wants,” declares the LORD.

New Living Translation
There is crying and sorrow in every Moabite home and on every street. For I have smashed Moab like an old, unwanted jar.

English Standard Version
On all the housetops of Moab and in the squares there is nothing but lamentation, for I have broken Moab like a vessel for which no one cares, declares the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD.

King James Bible
There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD.

New King James Version
A general lamentation On all the housetops of Moab, And in its streets; For I have broken Moab like a vessel in which is no pleasure,” says the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
On all the housetops of Moab and in its public squares there is mourning everywhere; for I have broken Moab like an undesirable vessel,” declares the LORD.

NASB 1995
“On all the housetops of Moab and in its streets there is lamentation everywhere; for I have broken Moab like an undesirable vessel,” declares the LORD.

NASB 1977
“On all the housetops of Moab and in its streets there is lamentation everywhere; for I have broken Moab like an undesirable vessel,” declares the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
On all the rooftops of Moab and in its open squares there is lamentation everywhere; for I have broken Moab like an undesirable vessel,” declares Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
On all the housetops of Moab and in its streets there is lamentation (expressions of grief for the dead) everywhere, for I have broken Moab like a vessel in which there is no pleasure,” says the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
On all the rooftops of Moab and in her public squares, everyone is mourning because I have shattered Moab like a jar no one wants.” This is the LORD’s declaration.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On all the rooftops of Moab and in her public squares, everyone is mourning because I have shattered Moab like a jar no one wants.” This is the LORD’s declaration.

American Standard Version
On all the housetops of Moab and in the streets thereof there is lamentation every where; for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein none delighteth, saith Jehovah.

English Revised Version
On all the housetops of Moab and in the streets thereof there is lamentation every where: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
People in Moab will mourn on every rooftop and in every street. There will be mourning everywhere, because I will break Moab like a jar that no one wants," declares the LORD.

Good News Translation
On all the housetops of Moab and in all its public squares there is nothing but mourning, because I have broken Moab like a jar that no one wants.

International Standard Version
On all the housetops of Moab and in the streets there will be nothing but mourning, for I'll break Moab like a vessel that no one wants," declares the LORD.

Majority Standard Bible
On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,? declares the LORD.

NET Bible
On all the housetops in Moab and in all its public squares there will be nothing but mourning. For I will break Moab like an unwanted jar. I, the LORD, affirm it!

New Heart English Bible
On all the housetops of Moab and in its streets there is lamentation every where; for I have broken Moab like a vessel in which none delights,' says the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
There shall be lamentation generally upon all the house-tops of Moab, and in its streets: for I have broken Moab like a vessel in which is no pleasure, saith the LORD.

World English Bible
On all the housetops of Moab, and in its streets, there is lamentation everywhere; for I have broken Moab like a vessel in which no one delights,” says Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
On all roofs of Moab, and in her broad-places, "" All of it—lamentation, "" For I have broken Moab as a vessel in which there is no pleasure,” "" A declaration of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
On all roofs of Moab, and in her broad-places, All of it -- is lamentation, For I have broken Moab as a vessel in which there is no pleasure, An affirmation of Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
Upon all the roof of Moab, and in the streets altogether lamentation: for I brake Moab as a vessel, no delight in it, says Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof general mourning: because I have broken Moab as an useless vessel, saith the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Over all the rooftops of Moab, and in its streets, everyone will mourn. For I have crushed Moab like a useless vessel, says the Lord.

New American Bible
On all the rooftops of Moab and in all its squares there is mourning. I have shattered Moab like a pot that no one wants—oracle of the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
On all the housetops of Moab and in the squares there is nothing but lamentation; for I have broken Moab like a vessel that no one wants, says the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And upon all the housetops of Moab and in all the streets there is mourning, for I have broken Moab like a useless vessel, says the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And upon all the rooftops of Moab and in the streets, all are mourning, because I broke Moab like a vessel; there is no benefit in it, says LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
On all the housetops of Moab and in the broad places thereof There is lamentation every where; For I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, Saith the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And on all the housetops of Moab, and in his streets shall be mourning: for I have broken him, saith the Lord, as a vessel, which is useless.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Judgment on Moab
37For every head is shaved and every beard is clipped; on every hand is a gash, and around every waist is sackcloth. 38On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD. 39“How shattered it is! How they wail! How Moab has turned his back in shame! Moab has become an object of ridicule and horror to all those around him.”…

Cross References
Isaiah 15:2-3
Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. / In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping.

Isaiah 16:7
Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth, you who are utterly stricken.

Ezekiel 27:30-31
They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. / They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning.

Amos 8:10
I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation. I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved. I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, and its outcome like a bitter day.

Isaiah 22:12
On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth.

Lamentations 2:10
The elders of the Daughter of Zion sit on the ground in silence. They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth. The young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground.

Ezekiel 7:18
They will put on sackcloth, and terror will overwhelm them. Shame will cover all their faces, and all their heads will be shaved.

Isaiah 3:24
Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame.

Hosea 9:4
They will not pour out wine offerings to the LORD, and their sacrifices will not please Him, but will be to them like the bread of mourners; all who eat will be defiled. For their bread will be for themselves; it will not enter the house of the LORD.

Joel 1:8
Wail like a virgin dressed in sackcloth, grieving for the husband of her youth.

Revelation 18:19
Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.”

Matthew 11:21
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Luke 10:13
Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

James 4:9
Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom.

Revelation 18:10
In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”


Treasury of Scripture

There shall be lamentation generally on all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, said the LORD.

upon

Isaiah 15:3
In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.

Isaiah 22:1
The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?

broken

Jeremiah 22:28
Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?

Jeremiah 25:34
Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

Psalm 2:9
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

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Broad Broken Cares Declares Delighteth Delights Everywhere Generally Housetops House-Tops Jar Lamentation Moab Mourning Places Pleasure Public Roofs Squares Streets Thereof Undesirable Vessel Weeping Wherein
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Broad Broken Cares Declares Delighteth Delights Everywhere Generally Housetops House-Tops Jar Lamentation Moab Mourning Places Pleasure Public Roofs Squares Streets Thereof Undesirable Vessel Weeping Wherein
Jeremiah 48
1. The judgment of Moab
7. for their pride
11. for their security
14. for their carnal confidence
26. and for their contempt of God and his people
47. The restoration of Moab














On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares
In ancient Near Eastern culture, rooftops were often used as places for social gatherings, prayer, and even mourning. The public squares were central locations in a city where people gathered for various activities, including commerce and public discourse. The mention of both rooftops and public squares indicates a widespread and public display of mourning throughout Moab. This suggests that the calamity affecting Moab is not confined to private spaces but is a national crisis affecting all levels of society. The rooftops and public squares symbolize the totality of Moab's distress, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the judgment.

everyone is mourning;
Mourning in the biblical context often involved wearing sackcloth, putting ashes on one's head, and loud lamentations. The universal mourning in Moab signifies the depth of the disaster that has befallen them. This mourning is not just for the loss of life but also for the loss of national pride and identity. The collective grief reflects the fulfillment of God's judgment against Moab, as prophesied by Jeremiah. Mourning is a common theme in prophetic literature, often associated with divine judgment and the call to repentance.

for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,”
The imagery of shattering a jar is significant in the prophetic literature. In ancient times, pottery was a common household item, and a broken jar was considered useless. This metaphor illustrates the complete destruction and humiliation of Moab. The shattering of Moab like an unwanted jar signifies that they are no longer of use or value, highlighting the totality of their downfall. This imagery is reminiscent of other prophetic passages where God uses the metaphor of pottery to describe His sovereign power over nations (e.g., Isaiah 30:14, Jeremiah 19:11).

declares the LORD.
The phrase "declares the LORD" underscores the authority and certainty of the prophecy. It is a reminder that the words spoken by the prophet are not his own but are divinely inspired. This declaration assures the reader of the inevitability of the prophecy's fulfillment. The use of the divine name emphasizes God's sovereignty and His active role in the affairs of nations. It serves as a reminder that the judgment on Moab is not a random act of history but a deliberate act of divine justice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moab
An ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the primary subject of God's judgment in this passage.

2. Jeremiah
A prophet of God who delivered messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Moab. He is the author of the book bearing his name.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who declares judgment upon Moab for their pride and idolatry.

4. Housetops and Public Squares
These locations symbolize the public and communal nature of the mourning in Moab, indicating widespread devastation.

5. The Shattered Jar
A metaphor used by God to describe the complete destruction and worthlessness of Moab after His judgment.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Pride
Moab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The passage underscores God's authority over nations. He raises them up and brings them down according to His will.

Public and Personal Repentance
The mourning on housetops and public squares suggests the need for both personal and communal repentance in the face of sin.

The Fragility of Human Security
Like a jar that can be easily shattered, human security is fragile without God. True security is found in Him alone.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While the passage focuses on judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who turn back to God.(38) Upon all the housetops of Moab.--The flat roof of Eastern houses was the natural gathering place of men in a time of panic and distress, as it was, in a time of peace, for prayer or meditation, or even for festive meetings. So in Isaiah 22:1, the city described as "the valley of vision" (Samaria or Jerusalem) is represented as "gone up to the house tops."

I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure.--The image is one with which the prophet had made men familiar by his symbolic act in Jeremiah 19:10. So Coniah was "a vessel wherein is no pleasure" (Jeremiah 22:28).

Verse 38. - Lamentation generally; literally, all of it is lamentation; i.e. nothing else is to be heard. Like a vessel, etc. For this figure, see on ch. 22:28 (Jeremiah repeats himself).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On
עַ֣ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the rooftops
גַּגּ֥וֹת (gag·gō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1406: A roof, the top of an altar

of Moab
מוֹאָ֛ב (mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled

and in the public squares,
וּבִרְחֹבֹתֶ֖יהָ (ū·ḇir·ḥō·ḇō·ṯe·hā)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7339: A broad open place, plaza

everyone
כֻּלֹּ֣ה (kul·lōh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

is mourning;
מִסְפֵּ֑ד (mis·pêḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4553: A lamentation

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I have shattered
שָׁבַ֣רְתִּי (šā·ḇar·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7665: To break, break in pieces

Moab
מוֹאָ֗ב (mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled

like an unwanted
חֵ֥פֶץ (ḥê·p̄eṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2656: Pleasure, desire, a valuable thing, a matter

jar,
כִּכְלִ֛י (kiḵ·lî)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 48:38 On all the housetops of Moab (Jer.)
Jeremiah 48:37
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