“For every head is shaved and every beard cut off. On all the hands are gashes, and around the waist is sackcloth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jeremiah 48:37
What does Jeremiah 48:37 mean?
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Jeremiah 48:37
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The verse highlights that everyone in Moab will participate in mourning, even the men who would typically keep their beards as a symbol of honor. The "cuttings" on the hands weren't just for show; they were a physical manifestation of the deep, agonizing grief consuming the entire nation.
“For every head is shaved and every beard cut off. On all the hands are gashes, and around the waist is sackcloth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah is describing the devastating aftermath of God's judgment against Moab, detailing the widespread mourning that will accompany their fall. This verse paints a vivid picture of the physical expressions of grief, like shaving heads and cutting beards, common ancient signs of deep anguish. The prophet emphasizes that these acts of sorrow, along with wearing sackcloth, will be seen universally across the land as Moab faces ruin.
When tragedy strikes, we often see outward signs of people's inner pain. What does Jeremiah 48:37 reveal about the depth of Moab's suffering?
Jeremiah describes a scene of absolute devastation in Moab, evident in the physical actions of its people.
Radical Mourning Rites
The verse paints a picture of extreme grief, detailing:
These aren't just descriptions of sadness; they are the visual language of a people stripped bare by disaster, their societal norms and personal dignities shattered.
Jeremiah details specific mourning customs. Were these practices universal, or did they carry particular cultural and spiritual weight for Moab?
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The mourning rites described in Jeremiah 48:37 were not neutral acts; they were deeply embedded in the pagan culture of the time and starkly contrasted with Israelite law.
Distinct Cultural Practices
Understand the original words
gara · Hebrew Verb
The act of cutting or shaving one's hair or beard as a sign of deep mourning, humiliation, or ritual cleansing. While sometimes forbidden in specific priestly contexts, it is a common Near Eastern cultural expression of profound lamentation and defeat.
saq · Hebrew Noun
A coarse, rough garment, usually made of goat hair, worn as an outward sign of deep grief, repentance, or humiliation. It symbolizes the abandonment of pride and the humble acceptance of affliction.
Jeremiah's vivid description of shaved heads, cut beards, gashes on hands, and sackcloth paints a picture of utter devastation. These weren't just abstract pronouncements; they reflected real, brutal ancient mourning customs performed in the face of the complete destruction of their society, likely by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon.
c. 730s BC
Assyrian Invasions of Moab
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III exerted significant military pressure on Moab, leading to tribute payments and demonstrating Moab's vulnerability to larger powers.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Campaign
Moab was again subjected to Assyrian campaigns, likely being overrun or forced to pay heavy tribute, further weakening its independence and prosperity.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon conquered Judah and deported a portion of its elite to Babylon. This event signaled the rise of Babylonian power and the decline of Assyria, impacting the geopolitical landscape for nations like Moab.
582 BC— this verse
Final Babylonian Destruction
After a Judean revolt, Nebuchadnezzar II conducted a final campaign against surrounding nations, including Moab. This likely resulted in the destruction of Moabite cities and further dispersal of its people.
This passage describes similar outward signs of mourning for Moab, highlighting the widespread devastation and sorrow by mentioning baldness and clipped beards.
Jeremiah 16:6Jeremiah previously explained that 'baldness' and 'cuttings' were ancient customs of deep mourning, often associated with pagan practices, which emphasizes the extreme distress Moab was experiencing.
Ezekiel 7:18This verse echoes the theme of extreme grief, stating that mourners will cover themselves with sackcloth and their heads will be covered, showing that these physical expressions of sorrow were common in the ancient Near East.
Micah 1:16Micah also describes this ritualistic self-mutilation and shaving of hair as a sign of profound mourning for the destruction of loved ones and the land.
clarkeJeremiah 48:37: "For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth."
For every head shall be bald - These, as we have seen before, were signs of the deepest distress and desolation.
pulpitJeremiah 48:37: "For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth."
Verses 37, 38 (first part). - Based on Isaiah 15:2 (latter part), 3 (first part). On the primitive Arabic, Egyptian, and Hebrew custom of cutting off the hair, see on Jeremiah 16:6, and comp. Herod., 2:36. Clipped. The difference from the word in Isaiah is so slight that it may easily have arisen from a copyist. The meaning is virtually the same. Cuttings.…
The verse highlights that everyone in Moab will participate in mourning, even the men who would typically keep their beards as a symbol of honor. The "cuttings" on the hands weren't just for show; they were a physical manifestation of the deep, agonizing grief consuming the entire nation.
Jeremiah is describing the devastating aftermath of God's judgment against Moab, detailing the widespread mourning that will accompany their fall. This verse paints a vivid picture of the physical expressions of grief, like shaving heads and cutting beards, common ancient signs of deep anguish. The prophet emphasizes that these acts of sorrow, along with wearing sackcloth, will be seen universally across the land as Moab faces ruin.
Jeremiah is describing the devastating aftermath of God's judgment against Moab, detailing the widespread mourning that will accompany their fall. This verse paints a vivid picture of the physical expressions of grief, like shaving heads and cutting beards, common ancient signs of deep anguish. The prophet emphasizes that these acts of sorrow, along with wearing sackcloth, will be seen universally across the land as Moab faces ruin.
"“For every head is shaved and every beard cut off. On all the hands are gashes, and around the waist is sackcloth." — The verse highlights that everyone in Moab will participate in mourning, even the men who would typically keep their beards as a symbol of honor. The "cuttings" on the hands weren't just for show;…
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Last reviewed October 2026