Jeremiah 48:5 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 48:5 mean?

Jeremiah 48:5 describes people climbing the hill of Luhith in constant weeping and, as they descend toward Horonaim, the sound of destruction is heard by their enemies. The verse paints a vivid picture of distress and disaster overtaking those fleeing from danger.

In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking about the coming judgment on Moab, a neighboring nation to Israel. The verse uses the specific locations of Luhith and Horonaim to show the path of escape, but even along this route, there is no relief—only grief and the noise of ruin. The language emphasizes the totality of Moab’s calamity, with sorrow and fear following the people wherever they go.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 48:5

• The word for “continual” and “weeping” is בְּכִי (bekhi), which means “weeping” or “crying.” The repetition in the Hebrew highlights the intensity and ongoing nature of the sorrow.
• The word for “cry” is צְעָקָה (tse‘aqah), meaning a loud cry or outcry, often used in contexts of distress or alarm. Here, it underscores the panic and desperation of those fleeing.
• The word for “destruction” is שֵׁבֶר (shever), which refers to breaking, ruin, or collapse. This word makes clear that the cry heard is not just of fear, but of actual disaster and downfall.

Why Jeremiah 48:5 matters

• This verse clarifies that the judgment on Moab is not just a military defeat but a deeply personal and emotional catastrophe, affecting every level of society.
• The mention of specific places and the journey between them grounds the prophecy in real geography, making the warning more concrete and relatable to its original audience.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that escape is impossible; sorrow and destruction follow the people wherever they go, highlighting the completeness of the coming judgment.