Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear is on every side.

JEREMIAH 49:29KJV
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Jeremiah 49:29 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 49:29 mean?

Jeremiah 49:29 describes a scene where invaders will take away the tents, flocks, curtains, vessels, and camels of a people, leaving them in fear and distress on every side. The verse paints a picture of complete plundering and terror, showing that nothing will be left untouched and everyone will be overwhelmed by fear.

In this part of Jeremiah, the prophet is delivering a message from God about judgment coming on the nomadic tribes of Arabia, often called the Kedarenes. The language is vivid and concrete, listing the everyday possessions of these people—tents, flocks, and camels—to show the total loss they will suffer. The phrase "Fear is on every side" captures the panic and helplessness that will spread among them as their way of life is torn apart.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 49:29

  • "Tents" (אֹהֶל, ohel) and "curtains" (יְרִיעָה, yeriah) refer to the portable homes of nomadic people, emphasizing how even their basic shelter will be taken.
  • "Flocks" (צֹאן, tson) and "camels" (גָּמָל, gamal) are the main sources of wealth and livelihood for these tribes, so their loss means utter devastation.
  • "Fear" (מָגוֹר, magor) is a word that often means terror or panic, not just ordinary fear, highlighting the intensity of the distress described.

Why Jeremiah 49:29 matters

  • This verse makes clear that the judgment is not just military defeat but a total disruption of daily life, affecting every aspect of survival for these nomadic people.
  • The specific mention of tents, flocks, and camels roots the prophecy in the real, lived experience of its audience, making the warning more personal and immediate.
  • The phrase "Fear is on every side" links this verse to a recurring theme in Jeremiah, where sudden terror signals God's judgment and the collapse of security.

Where else these words appear

“Fear” Hebrew H4032 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 31:13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
  • Jeremiah 6:25 Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.
  • Jeremiah 20:10 For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

“curtains” Hebrew H3407 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 26:1 Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
  • Exodus 26:12 And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
  • Exodus 36:16 And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

“camels” Hebrew H1581 · used in 51 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Genesis 30:43 And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
  • 2 Kings 8:9 So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?