Jeremiah 48:29

KJV

We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

We have heard {H8085} the pride {H1347} of Moab {H4124},(he {H1931} is exceeding {H3966} proud {H1343}) his loftiness {H1363}, and his arrogancy {H1346}, and his pride {H1347}, and the haughtiness {H7312} of his heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We have heard of the pride of Mo'av: so very proud he is! - presumptuous, proud, conceited; so haughty his heart!

Berean Standard Bible

We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his proud arrogance and haughtiness of heart.

American Standard Version

We have heard of the pride of Moab, that he is very proud; his loftiness, and his pride, and his arrogancy, and the haughtiness of his heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:29 serves as a potent divine indictment against the nation of Moab, specifically highlighting its pervasive and deeply ingrained pride. The verse, characterized by a forceful repetition of terms denoting arrogance, loftiness, and haughtiness, encapsulates the core spiritual malady that defined Moab's national character. This profound self-exaltation, rooted in the very "heart" of the people, is presented as the primary justification for the severe judgment prophesied against them, underscoring God's consistent opposition to human arrogance and self-sufficiency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a comprehensive prophetic oracle dedicated entirely to the impending judgment upon Moab. This chapter is part of a larger section within the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) known as the "Oracles Against the Nations," where God declares His sovereign judgment over various surrounding peoples who had opposed Israel or exalted themselves. Verse 29 specifically follows a lament over Moab's impending desolation (Jeremiah 48:1-28) and precedes further details of their destruction and eventual restoration. The emphatic reiteration of terms for pride in this verse serves to underscore the fundamental sin that warranted such severe divine retribution, acting as a theological explanation for the preceding pronouncements of doom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, descended from Lot, as detailed in [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - The Origin of Moab"). Throughout its history, Moab frequently engaged in conflict with Israel, often displaying hostility and arrogance. Culturally, Moab was known for its fertile agricultural lands, its wealth, and its reliance on its national god, Chemosh. Their perceived security, derived from their strongholds and prosperity, fostered a deep-seated pride and self-sufficiency, leading them to believe they were invincible and independent of any higher authority, including the God of Israel. This nationalistic hubris, combined with their idolatry, formed the bedrock of their character, making them a prime example of a nation ripe for divine humbling.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:29 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **destructive nature of pride**, portraying it not merely as a character flaw but as a profound spiritual rebellion that invites divine judgment. The repeated emphasis on Moab's arrogance underscores how deeply this sin permeated their national identity, leading to their downfall. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's sovereign judgment over nations**, demonstrating that no kingdom, regardless of its perceived strength or security, can escape the consequences of its defiance and self-exaltation. This serves as a universal warning that God "resists the proud but gives grace to the humble," a truth echoed in [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud"). Finally, it implicitly touches upon the theme of **idolatry**, as Moab's pride was inextricably linked to their trust in their false god, Chemosh, and their own material prosperity, rather than in the one true God, as seen in [Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pride (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_ H1347):** From the root meaning "to rise up" or "to be exalted," this term denotes arrogance, majesty, pomp, or swelling. In this context, it signifies an inflated sense of self-importance and an overbearing self-exaltation that characterized Moab's national spirit. It speaks to a pride that is both internal disposition and external display.
* **exceeding proud (Hebrew, _gêʼeh'_ H1343 with _mᵉʼôd'_ H3966):** The word _gêʼeh_ means lofty, arrogant, or proud. When combined with _mᵉʼôd_, an intensive adverb meaning "vehemently," "exceedingly," or "greatly," it creates a powerful superlative. This phrase emphasizes that Moab's pride was not merely present but overwhelming, extreme, and deeply ingrained, pervading every aspect of their being.
* **haughtiness of his heart (Hebrew, _rûwm'_ H7312 with _lêb'_ H3820):** _Rûwm_ signifies elevation or elation, here specifically "haughtiness" or "high-mindedness." _Lêb_ refers to the "heart," which in Hebrew thought is the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and the very core of one's being. This phrase is crucial as it identifies the source of Moab's pride: it was not just a superficial trait but a deeply rooted internal disposition, originating from the very center of their national identity and character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We have heard the pride of Moab,"**: This opening clause indicates a widely known or prophetically declared truth about Moab. The "we" likely refers to the prophetic voice, perhaps representing God's own observation or the common knowledge among nations regarding Moab's notorious arrogance. It sets the stage for the detailed description of this defining characteristic.
* **"(he is exceeding proud)"**: This parenthetical interjection serves as a powerful amplification and intensification of the preceding statement. It emphasizes that Moab's pride is not merely a characteristic but an overwhelming and pervasive aspect of its very identity, a defining and extreme quality.
* **"his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart."**: This segment is an emphatic accumulation of synonyms, each adding a nuanced dimension to the description of Moab's self-exaltation. "Loftiness" (gôbahh) suggests an elevated self-perception, perhaps disdain for others. "Arrogancy" (gaʼăvâh) points to an overbearing, disdainful haughtiness. The repetition of "pride" (gâʼôwn) reiterates the general concept of self-importance. Finally, "the haughtiness of his heart" (rûwm lêb) points to the internal, deep-seated nature of this sin, indicating that it originated from the very core of their being and permeated their will and intellect.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:29 employs several potent literary devices to underscore the pervasive nature of Moab's sin. The most prominent is **Repetition** and **Accumulation** of synonymous terms for pride ("pride," "exceeding proud," "loftiness," "arrogancy," "haughtiness"). This deliberate use of multiple, closely related words creates an overwhelming sense of Moab's utter saturation in self-exaltation, emphasizing that pride was not just a trait but their defining characteristic. The parenthetical phrase **"(he is exceeding proud)"** acts as an emphatic **Interjection** or **Amplification**, drawing immediate attention to the extreme degree of this pride. Furthermore, the phrase "haughtiness of his heart" utilizes **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where "heart" (the core of one's being, will, and intellect) represents the entirety of Moab's inner disposition, highlighting that their pride was deeply ingrained and not merely a superficial outward display. The cumulative effect of these devices is to paint a vivid and damning portrait of a nation consumed by its own self-importance, setting the stage for the inevitable divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:29 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of pride and its consequences, aligning with a consistent biblical theme: God's unwavering opposition to arrogance. Moab's self-exaltation is presented not just as a moral failing but as a direct affront to God's sovereignty. Throughout Scripture, pride is depicted as the root of rebellion, a desire to be independent of God and to usurp His glory. It was the sin that led to the fall of Lucifer and the first human transgression, and it remains a fundamental barrier to a right relationship with the Creator. Moab's downfall, therefore, becomes a powerful object lesson, demonstrating that those who exalt themselves will ultimately be humbled, while those who humble themselves before God will be exalted. This divine principle is a cornerstone of biblical theology, revealing God's character as one who gives grace to the humble but sets Himself against the proud.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God resists the proud")
* [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord against the proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prophetic denunciation of Moab's pride in Jeremiah 48:29 resonates deeply with the human condition across all ages. It serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to critically examine the subtle and overt manifestations of pride in our own lives, communities, and nations. Pride, whether expressed as self-sufficiency, a refusal to acknowledge dependence on God, an inflated sense of self-importance, or a disdain for others, invariably leads to spiritual and relational downfall. This verse challenges us to cultivate a radical humility, recognizing that all true strength, wisdom, and blessing flow from God alone. It calls us to surrender our self-exaltation, to embrace our creatureliness, and to place our trust solely in the divine, understanding that genuine freedom and peace are found not in self-assertion but in humble submission to our Creator. Moab's judgment stands as a stark reminder that God is committed to humbling the proud, not out of malice, but to restore humanity to its proper posture of dependence and worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might subtle forms of pride manifest, hindering my dependence on God?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a spirit of humility in my daily interactions and decisions, mirroring Christ's example?**
* **What does Moab's downfall teach us about the ultimate futility of human boasting and self-reliance in the face of divine sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Why is pride so strongly condemned in the Bible?**

Answer: Pride is condemned so strongly in the Bible because it is fundamentally antithetical to God's nature and our proper relationship with Him. It represents an elevation of self above God, a denial of dependence, and an attribution of success or worth to human effort rather than divine grace. It was the original sin of Satan, as suggested in [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - Lucifer's Fall"), and the root of humanity's fall in [Genesis 3:5](/genesis/3-5 "Genesis 3:5 - The Temptation to Be Like God"), where the temptation was to "be like God." God resists the proud ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")) because pride usurps His glory, denies His authority, and prevents genuine worship and submission. It is a spiritual disease that blinds individuals and nations to their need for God and His grace.

**How does Moab's pride relate to its idolatry?**

Answer: Moab's pride was deeply intertwined with its idolatry, particularly the worship of Chemosh ([Jeremiah 48:7](/jeremiah/48-7 "Jeremiah 48:7 - Moab's Trust in Chemosh")). Idolatry is, at its core, an act of pride because it involves replacing the true God with something of one's own making or choosing—be it a physical idol, wealth, military might, or even self. By trusting in Chemosh and their own perceived strength and prosperity, Moab declared its self-sufficiency and rejected the sovereignty of the Lord. Their national pride led them to believe they could stand independent of the God of Israel, relying on their false gods and their own resources. Thus, their idolatry was an outward manifestation of their inward arrogance, a profound act of self-exaltation against the one true God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The judgment against Moab's pride in Jeremiah 48:29 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human arrogance and the profound humility of Jesus Christ. While Moab's pride led to its downfall, Christ's humility led to His exaltation and became the pathway to salvation for humanity. The Son of God, who existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men, and humbling Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). This radical self-abasement stands as the antithesis of Moab's self-exaltation. Furthermore, our salvation in Christ is entirely by grace through faith, "not of works, so that no one may boast" ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). This truth dismantles any human pride in self-righteousness or achievement, directing all glory to God alone. Jesus Himself taught that "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" ([Matthew 23:12](/mathematics/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")). He is the perfect embodiment of this principle, demonstrating that true greatness is found in servant leadership and self-sacrifice ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Therefore, the condemnation of Moab's pride in Jeremiah foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's character in Christ, who not only judges human arrogance but also provides the perfect pattern and power for a life of humility, leading to true and lasting exaltation in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 16:6

¶ We have heard of the pride of Moab; [he is] very proud: [even] of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: [but] his lies [shall] not [be] so.

Psalms 138:6

¶ Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

Proverbs 30:13

[There is] a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

Proverbs 18:12

¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.

Job 40:10

Deck thyself now [with] majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.

Job 40:12

Look on every one [that is] proud, [and] bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

Isaiah 2:11

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.