Therefore I wail for Moab; I cry out for all Moab; for the men of Kir-hareseth I mourn.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jeremiah 48:31
What does Jeremiah 48:31 mean?
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Jeremiah 48:31
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Jeremiah's deep sorrow isn't just for the nation of Moab as a whole, but specifically for its people, the men of Kir-hareseth. This isn't about celebrating their doom, but about a prophet's profound grief for lost souls, even those who may have mocked God's people.
Therefore I wail for Moab; I cry out for all Moab; for the men of Kir-hareseth I mourn.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues the prophecy against Moab, detailing the impending judgment and devastation they will face. Jeremiah laments the inevitable suffering and destruction, acknowledging the prophet's own sorrow for the people and their cities, even though Moab has wronged Israel. He uses vivid language to describe the widespread wailing and mourning that will sweep across the land as the enemy attacks.
Why would a prophet mourn for a nation destined for destruction?
It might seem strange for Jeremiah to express such deep sorrow for Moab, especially after strong words of judgment against them. However, prophets often displayed a profound, almost painful, empathy. This wasn't about condoning Moab's sin, but about recognizing the devastating reality of God's judgment on humanity. Jeremiah’s lament reflects the heart of God, who weeps over destruction even as He executes justice. His words for Moab mirror the sorrow found in other prophets, showing that even in judgment, there's a deep lament for what is lost.
What makes this specific city, Kir-hareseth, so significant in the prophet's lament?
The mention of 'Kir-hareseth' isn't just a random place name; it points to a significant Moabite stronghold. Some scholars suggest its name may mean 'City of the Sun' or 'City of Potters.' Regardless of its exact meaning, it represented a vital part of Moabite life and identity. By mourning specifically for the people of Kir-hareseth, Jeremiah emphasizes the total devastation that will sweep across the entire nation, leaving no corner untouched by ruin.
Understand the original words
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yālal · Hebrew Verb
To express grief or deep sorrow, often accompanied by loud lamentation; frequently used in the Bible regarding judgment or impending disaster.
zāʿaq · Hebrew Verb
To express intense sorrow, grief, or distress, often through weeping or lamenting; in a prophetic context, it reflects the compassionate heart of God or the prophet for the plight of humanity.
hāgâ · Hebrew Verb
To express sorrow or grief, often publicly or ceremonially; it signifies a reaction to death, destruction, or divine judgment.
Jeremiah's lament for Moab, including the significant city of Kir-hareseth, stems from the devastating campaigns of Nebuchadnezzar II in the early 6th century BC, which marked the effective end of Moab as an independent entity.
c. 840 BC
Mesha Stele
King Mesha of Moab recounts his rebellion against Israel and his military successes, detailing Moabite cities and deities. This inscription provides a glimpse into Moabite history and their conflicts with Israel.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Invasions of Moab
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II exerted influence and possibly exacted tribute from Moab, weakening its independence.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in the Region
Sennacherib's campaign against Judah also impacted surrounding regions, likely including Moab, further solidifying Assyrian dominance.
609-605 BC
Babylonian Rise to Power
Following the fall of the Assyrian Empire, the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II began to assert control over the Levant, including Moab.
582 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Campaigns
Nebuchadnezzar II conducted military campaigns throughout the region, including against Moab, leading to widespread destruction and likely the scattering of its people.
This passage is the clear source for Jeremiah's lament, describing a similar widespread mourning for Moab and specifically mentioning Kir-hareseth, highlighting a continuity in God's judgment and human sorrow over this nation.
Luke 19:41-42Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, demonstrating a profound compassion for a city and its people facing impending destruction, mirroring Jeremiah's deep sorrow for Moab despite their transgressions.
Romans 9:2Paul expresses great sorrow and unceasing anguish in his heart for his fellow Israelites, showing how even in judgment, a genuine grief for the people can exist within God's messengers.
Ezekiel 25:3This passage shows God's direct judgment against the Ammonites for their actions against Israel, similar to how Jeremiah prophesies judgment against Moab, underscoring the divine response to nations who mistreat God's people.
barnesJeremiah 48:31: "Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kirheres."
Mine heart ... - Rather, "there shall be mourning for" etc.
pooleJeremiah 48:31: "Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kirheres."
Though wicked men rejoice and triumph in the ruin of good men, yet their charity suffereth them not to do the like, but engageth them to mourn for them in the day of their affliction. Jeremiah declareth his compassion toward these Moabites, though they derided the Jews when they were carried into captivity. nay, he mourns upon the prospect of their misery at some di…
Jeremiah's deep sorrow isn't just for the nation of Moab as a whole, but specifically for its people, the men of Kir-hareseth. This isn't about celebrating their doom, but about a prophet's profound grief for lost souls, even those who may have mocked God's people.
This passage continues the prophecy against Moab, detailing the impending judgment and devastation they will face. Jeremiah laments the inevitable suffering and destruction, acknowledging the prophet's own sorrow for the people and their cities, even though Moab has wronged Israel. He uses vivid language to describe the widespread wailing and mourning that will sweep across the land as the enemy attacks.
This passage continues the prophecy against Moab, detailing the impending judgment and devastation they will face. Jeremiah laments the inevitable suffering and destruction, acknowledging the prophet's own sorrow for the people and their cities, even though Moab has wronged Israel. He uses vivid language to describe the widespread wailing and mourning that will sweep across the land as the enemy attacks.
"Therefore I wail for Moab; I cry out for all Moab; for the men of Kir-hareseth I mourn." — Jeremiah's deep sorrow isn't just for the nation of Moab as a whole, but specifically for its people, the men of Kir-hareseth. This isn't about celebrating their doom, but about a prophet's profound…
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Last reviewed October 2026