Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

JEREMIAH 49:7KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 49:7 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 49:7 mean?

Jeremiah 49:7 is a message from God about Edom, questioning whether the wisdom and good judgment that the region of Teman was known for have disappeared. The verse uses rhetorical questions to highlight that the people once famous for their insight now seem to lack it completely.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to announce judgment against Edom, a nation descended from Esau and often at odds with Israel. Teman was a well-known city in Edom, famous for its wise men. By asking if wisdom has vanished from Teman and if the prudent have lost their counsel, the verse points out that Edom’s reputation for wisdom will not save it from coming trouble.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 49:7

  • אֱדוֹם (Edom, Edom): Refers to the nation descended from Esau, often seen as Israel’s rival; this sets the focus of the prophecy.
  • תֵּימָן (Teman, Teman): A region or city in Edom known for its wise men; mentioning Teman emphasizes the shock that even the wisest in Edom are now helpless.
  • חָכְמָה (chokhmah, wisdom): This word for “wisdom” often means practical skill or deep understanding; the verse questions if this quality has disappeared from Edom’s leaders.
  • עֵצָה (etzah, counsel): Refers to sound advice or strategy; the verse suggests that even the best advice is now gone from Edom.
  • בִּינָה (binah, prudent): This word describes those who are discerning or insightful; the verse questions if such people have lost their ability to guide.

Why Jeremiah 49:7 matters

  • Jeremiah 49:7 clears up the idea that worldly wisdom or reputation cannot protect a nation from God’s judgment; even the most respected sources of insight can fail.
  • The verse highlights how God’s message through Jeremiah is not just for Israel but also addresses neighboring nations, showing the broader scope of prophetic warnings.
  • By focusing on Edom’s loss of wisdom, the verse connects to a larger biblical theme: human pride and self-reliance are fragile when compared to God’s authority.

Where else these words appear

“vanished” Hebrew H5628 · used in 7 verses

  • 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.
  • Ezekiel 17:6 And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.
  • Amos 6:4 That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

“Teman” Hebrew H8487 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 36:11 And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:36 The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
  • Ezekiel 25:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.

“counsel” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 21:16 Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

“Edom” Hebrew H123 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 25:30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
  • 1 Kings 11:14 And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
  • Psalms 108:10 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?