Jeremiah 48:21 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 48:21 mean?

Jeremiah 48:21 announces that judgment has reached the flatlands of Moab, specifically naming the towns of Holon, Jahazah, and Mephaath. The verse is part of a prophecy where God, through Jeremiah, declares that these places will not escape the coming consequences.

In this chapter, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to and about the nation of Moab, warning them of coming disaster because of their pride and actions against Israel. The verse lists specific locations to show that the entire region—even the less fortified or more remote towns—will experience this judgment, emphasizing the thoroughness of what is coming.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 48:21

• "judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word often means a legal decision or verdict, but here it refers to divine justice or punishment coming upon the land.
• "plain" (מִישׁוֹר, mishor): This word describes a level or flat region, highlighting that even the open, less protected areas of Moab are included in the judgment.
• "country" (אֶרֶץ, erets): This is the general Hebrew word for "land" or "territory," showing that the judgment is not limited to a single city but covers a whole region.
• The named towns—Holon (חֹלוֹן, ḥolon), Jahazah (יַהֲצָה, yahatzah), and Mephaath (מֵיפַעַת, meiphaat)—are specific Moabite locations, emphasizing that no part of Moab will be spared.

Why Jeremiah 48:21 matters

• This verse makes clear that God's judgment is not random or partial; it is detailed and covers the entire land, including specific towns and the broader countryside.
• By naming lesser-known towns, Jeremiah 48:21 shows that even places that might feel overlooked or safe are not exempt from accountability.
• The verse fits into a larger prophecy against Moab, helping the reader see the seriousness and completeness of the warning being given.