Jeremiah 48:24 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 48:24 mean?

Jeremiah 48:24 lists Kerioth, Bozrah, and all the cities of Moab, both far and near, as places that will face judgment. The verse is part of a prophecy declaring that no city in the land of Moab will escape the coming disaster.

Jeremiah, speaking as God's prophet, is announcing judgment against Moab, a neighboring nation east of Israel. By naming specific cities like Kerioth and Bozrah, and then including all cities "far or near," the verse emphasizes that the entire region of Moab will be affected, leaving no place untouched by what is coming.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 48:24

• קְרִיֹּות (Qeriyyoth, "Kerioth"): This is a Moabite city, and its mention highlights that even important or fortified places are not exempt from judgment.
• בָּצְרָה (Botzrah, "Bozrah"): Another significant city, possibly a stronghold, showing that the prophecy targets both major and minor locations.
• עָרֵי (ʿarei, "cities"): This word refers to all the towns or settlements in Moab, stressing the totality of the coming judgment.
• רָחוֹק (rachoq, "far") and קָרוֹב (qarov, "near"): These words make clear that distance or location within Moab offers no safety; every city, regardless of how remote or close, will be affected.

Why Jeremiah 48:24 matters

• The verse clarifies that God's judgment, as announced by Jeremiah, is not limited to a few key places but will cover the whole land of Moab, leaving no city out.
• By naming well-known cities and then broadening to "all the cities," the verse stresses the completeness and certainty of the prophecy.
• This verse fits into a larger section where Jeremiah lists many Moabite cities, underlining that the entire nation is under threat, not just its capital or major centers.