We have heard the pride of Moab,(he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.

JEREMIAH 48:29KJV
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Jeremiah 48:29 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 48:29 mean?

Jeremiah 48:29 describes how the people have heard about Moab’s great pride, emphasizing just how excessive and deep-rooted this pride is, mentioning Moab’s loftiness, arrogance, and the haughtiness of its heart. The verse lists several words for pride to show that Moab’s attitude is not just a rumor, but a well-known and defining problem.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking about the nation of Moab, a neighbor of Israel, as part of a longer message of judgment. The verse highlights not only the fact of Moab’s pride but also its reputation—everyone has heard about it. This sets the stage for why Moab will face consequences in the following verses, making clear that its downfall is tied to its arrogant spirit.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 48:29

  • The word for "pride" is גָּאוֹן (ga'on), which often refers to a sense of self-importance or being lifted up above others. Its repetition in the verse underlines just how central pride is to Moab’s character.
  • "Loftiness" uses גָּבַהּ (gavah), meaning to be high or exalted, pointing to an attitude of superiority.
  • "Arrogancy" is גָּאוֹן (ga'on) again, showing that the verse uses several related words to stress different shades of pride—both the feeling and the outward display.
  • "Haughtiness of his heart" uses רוּם (rum) for haughtiness and לֵב (lev) for heart, focusing on the inner attitude, not just outward actions. This makes clear that the problem is deep within Moab’s mindset, not just in what they say or do.

Why Jeremiah 48:29 matters

  • This verse clears up that Moab’s pride was not a hidden or minor flaw; it was widely recognized and talked about, making their coming judgment seem just and unsurprising.
  • By stacking up different Hebrew words for pride, Jeremiah emphasizes that Moab’s arrogance was thorough—it affected both their actions and their inner thoughts.
  • The verse connects to the wider chapter, where God’s judgment on Moab is explained as a response to this very attitude, showing a direct link between character and consequence.

Where else these words appear

“haughtiness” Hebrew H7312 · used in 6 verses

  • Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
  • Proverbs 25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
  • Isaiah 2:17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

“proud” Hebrew H1343 · used in 9 verses

  • Job 40:11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
  • Psalms 94:2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
  • Proverbs 15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

“loftiness” Hebrew H1363 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
  • Job 40:10 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.
  • Ezekiel 31:10 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;

“arrogancy” Hebrew H1346 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Psalms 36:11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
  • Isaiah 9:9 And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,