Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.

JEREMIAH 49:17KJV
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Jeremiah 49:17 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 49:17 mean?

Jeremiah 49:17 says that Edom will become a deserted wasteland, so ruined that everyone who passes by will be shocked and will whistle or hiss in disbelief at the disasters that have happened there. The verse paints a picture of total devastation that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message of judgment against Edom, a nation southeast of Israel that was often hostile toward its neighbors. The warning is that Edom’s land will be so thoroughly destroyed that travelers will react with astonishment and scorn, highlighting the seriousness of the coming punishment.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 49:17

  • "Edom" (אֱדוֹם, Edom): This refers to the nation descended from Esau, Israel’s neighbor and frequent rival. Naming Edom directly makes the prophecy specific and personal.
  • "Desolation" (שְׁמָמָה, shemamah): This word means utter ruin or waste, emphasizing that Edom’s destruction will be complete, not just partial.
  • "Astonished" (שָׁמֵם, shamem): This word often means to be appalled or stunned, showing that the destruction will be so severe it will shock onlookers.
  • "Hiss" (שָׁרַק, sharach): In the ancient world, hissing or whistling was a way to express amazement or mockery, so the reaction is not just surprise but also a kind of scorn.
  • "Plagues" (מַכָּה, makkah): This word means blows, wounds, or calamities, pointing to the specific disasters or judgments that will fall on Edom.

Why Jeremiah 49:17 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the judgment on Edom is not just a temporary setback but a total and lasting devastation, which would have been a shocking claim for people familiar with Edom’s strength.
  • The use of words like "astonished" and "hiss" shows that the destruction is meant to be a warning sign to others, not just a private punishment.
  • Jeremiah 49:17 fits into a larger section where God pronounces judgments on various nations, showing that God holds all peoples accountable, not just Israel.

Where else these words appear

“hiss” Hebrew H8319 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Kings 9:8 And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?
  • Isaiah 7:18 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.
  • Lamentations 2:16 All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed her up: certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it.

“desolation” Hebrew H8047 · used in 39 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:37 And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
  • Jeremiah 8:21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
  • Jeremiah 49:13 For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.

“plagues” Hebrew H4347 · used in 46 verses

  • Leviticus 26:21 And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.
  • 1 Samuel 19:8 And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.
  • Isaiah 14:6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.

“astonished” Hebrew H8074 · used in 87 verses

  • Leviticus 26:22 I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.
  • Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 28:19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.