Jeremiah 48:30

I know his wrath, saith the LORD; but [it shall] not [be] so; his lies shall not so effect [it].

I know {H3045} his wrath {H5678}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; but it shall not be so; his lies {H907} shall not so effect {H6213} it.

"I know what meager ground he has for his arrogance," says ADONAI. "His boasting has nothing behind it, and it hasn't accomplished a thing."

I know his insolence,โ€ declares the LORD, โ€œbut it is futile. His boasting is as empty as his deeds.

I know his wrath, saith Jehovah, that it is nought; his boastings have wrought nothing.

Commentary

Jeremiah 48:30 is part of a prophetic oracle against Moab, a nation east of the Jordan, known for its pride and idolatry. In this verse, the LORD declares His intimate knowledge of Moab's character and the futility of their defiance against His divine judgment.

Context

This verse follows a detailed prophecy of judgment against Moab in Jeremiah chapter 48. The preceding verse, Jeremiah 48:29, specifically highlights Moab's immense pride and arrogance, which were central to their downfall. The Lord's judgment is portrayed as inevitable, despite Moab's self-assurance and boasts, revealing that no nation can ultimately resist God's sovereign will or escape His just retribution.

Key Themes

  • Divine Omniscience: The phrase "I know his wrath, saith the LORD" underscores God's perfect knowledge. He is not merely aware of Moab's outward actions but also their inner disposition, their fierce anger, and their arrogant pride. This highlights God's ability to discern the true intentions of the heart, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7.
  • Futility of Human Opposition: "but [it shall] not [be] so; his lies shall not so effect [it]" emphasizes the utter ineffectiveness of Moab's defiance, whether expressed as wrath or deceptive boasts. Despite their arrogance and self-proclaimed strength, their efforts to resist God's judgment will fail. This aligns with the principle that no human wisdom or counsel can stand against the Lord.
  • God's Unchangeable Word: The Lord's declaration is definitive. What He knows and decrees will come to pass, regardless of human lies or resistance. This reinforces the truth that God's word is ultimate and stands forever, unlike fleeting human declarations (Isaiah 40:8).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wrath" here is 'ebrah (ืขึถื‘ึฐืจึธื”), which conveys an overflowing fury or indignation. In this context, it likely refers to Moab's intense pride and fierce opposition to God's people and His purposes. The term "lies" is from the Hebrew bedรฎm (ื‘ึผึทื“ึผึดื™ื), which can mean empty talk, boastings, or deceptions. This highlights the emptiness and ineffectiveness of Moab's self-assured declarations and false sense of security in the face of divine judgment.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 48:30 serves as a powerful reminder that God sees and knows all things, including the hidden pride and deceptive intentions of the human heart. It teaches us that relying on our own strength, cleverness, or false narratives will ultimately prove futile against the sovereign will of God. Instead, we are called to humility and truth, recognizing that true security and success come only from aligning ourselves with His righteous purposes. This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts for any hidden arrogance or deceit and to trust in the Lord's unfailing word, for His plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes or lies.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 50:36

    A sword [is] upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword [is] upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed.

  • Isaiah 16:6

    ยถ 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 33:10

    The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

  • Job 9:12

    Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou?

  • Job 9:13

    [If] God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.

  • Proverbs 21:30

    ยถ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

  • Isaiah 37:28

    But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.
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