Jeremiah 48:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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."

Berean Standard Bible

I know his insolence,” declares the LORD, “but it is futile. His boasting is as empty as his deeds.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:30 is a powerful divine declaration against Moab, revealing the LORD's absolute and intimate knowledge of their defiant character and the utter futility of their self-assured boasts and rebellious intentions. Despite Moab's fierce pride and deceptive rhetoric aimed at resisting divine judgment, God's sovereign decree stands firm, ensuring that their schemes and lies will ultimately fail to achieve their desired effect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy prophetic oracle against Moab, spanning the entirety of [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"). The chapter meticulously details the impending destruction and desolation of Moab, a nation consistently portrayed as arrogant and defiant towards God and His people. The preceding verse, [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Pride and Haughtiness"), explicitly condemns Moab's "pride, and his arrogancy, and his haughtiness, and his loftiness, and the haughtiness of his heart." Thus, verse 30 directly follows and reinforces the theme of Moab's excessive pride as the root cause of their downfall, emphasizing that God is fully aware of this internal disposition and that their outward expressions of defiance are powerless against His determined will. The narrative flow underscores the inevitability of God's judgment, showing that no human strength or deception can thwart His divine plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, descended from Lot (as per [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - The Origin of Moab")). Historically, they were often in conflict with Israel, known for their idolatry, particularly the worship of Chemosh (see [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Woe to you, O Moab, you are undone, O people of Chemosh!") and [1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon builds a high place for Chemosh")). Their geographical position, with natural defenses, often fostered a sense of security and self-sufficiency, leading to significant pride and a refusal to acknowledge the sovereignty of Yahweh. This pride manifested in their boasts, their perceived invincibility, and their contempt for other nations, including Israel. The "wrath" and "lies" mentioned in the verse likely refer to Moab's fierce resistance, their arrogant boasts of strength, and their deceptive strategies to avoid the impending judgment, all rooted in their nationalistic hubris and idolatrous confidence.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 48:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Divine Omniscience** of God, emphasizing that He possesses perfect and intimate knowledge not only of outward actions but also of the hidden intentions, pride, and wrath within the human heart, as also seen in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord looks on the heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Futility of Human Opposition** against God's sovereign will. Despite Moab's fierce defiance and deceptive boasts, their efforts are declared utterly ineffective, reinforcing the biblical truth that no human wisdom, counsel, or strength can ultimately prevail against the Lord's purposes, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD"). Thirdly, it underscores the **Unchangeable and Certain Nature of God's Word**. What the LORD declares and knows will come to pass, regardless of human resistance or deception, affirming that God's word stands forever, unlike the fleeting and empty declarations of humanity, as proclaimed in [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045, a primitive root meaning "to ascertain by seeing," but used in a vast array of senses including observation, care, recognition, instruction, and even punishment. In this context, "I know" signifies God's comprehensive, experiential, and intimate understanding of Moab's internal disposition and outward defiance. It's not mere intellectual awareness but a profound, discerning knowledge that encompasses their character, intentions, and the very essence of their rebellion. This knowledge forms the basis for His certain judgment.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _ʻebrâh'_):** H5678, a feminine noun derived from a root suggesting an "outburst of passion." It denotes a fierce anger, rage, or indignation. Here, it refers to Moab's intense, overflowing fury and defiant opposition against God's purposes and His people. It encapsulates their arrogant spirit, their fierce resistance to divine authority, and their hostile disposition, which God fully comprehends.
* **Lies (Hebrew, _bad'_):** H907, derived from a root meaning "to brag or lie." It refers to empty talk, boastings, deceptions, or even a liar. In this verse, "his lies" points to Moab's arrogant self-declarations, their false sense of security, their deceptive strategies, and their empty boasts of strength and invincibility. These are not just falsehoods but expressions of their defiant pride, which God declares will be utterly ineffective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I know his wrath, saith the LORD":** This opening clause establishes divine omniscience and sovereignty. The LORD declares His perfect and intimate knowledge of Moab's "wrath"—their deep-seated pride, fierce defiance, and hostile disposition. This is not a guess but a certain, all-encompassing understanding of their character and intentions, forming the foundation for the subsequent judgment. The phrase "saith the LORD" (נְאֻם יְהֹוָה, _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh_) marks this as an undeniable, authoritative divine oracle.
* **"but [it shall] not [be] so":** This is a decisive divine negation. Despite Moab's internal "wrath" and outward expressions, God declares that their intentions and efforts will not succeed or come to fruition as they desire. This phrase asserts the absolute futility of Moab's rebellion against the divine decree, emphasizing that their defiance cannot alter God's predetermined judgment.
* **"his lies shall not so effect [it]":** This final clause reinforces the previous negation, specifically targeting Moab's deceptive boasts and empty self-assurances. The Hebrew word for "lies" (בַּדִּים, _badîm_) implies empty, boastful talk. God declares that these "lies"—Moab's arrogant claims, false confidence, and deceptive strategies—will not "effect" or "accomplish" (עָשָׂה, _ʻâśâh_) their desired outcome. Their self-deception and outward defiance are powerless to avert the judgment that God has decreed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Oracle** is evident in the phrase "saith the LORD," which asserts the authoritative, unassailable nature of the pronouncement, signaling that these are the direct words of God. **Anthropomorphism** is subtly present in God's declaration, "I know his wrath," as knowing wrath is a human attribute, but here it highlights God's comprehensive understanding of human emotion and intent. The verse also uses **Contrast** effectively by juxtaposing God's perfect knowledge and sovereign power with Moab's futile wrath and ineffective lies. This creates a stark **Irony**: Moab's attempts to assert their power and deceive others are precisely what God sees through and declares impotent. The declarative, definitive language throughout the verse lends it a tone of **Certainty** and **Finality**, underscoring the inevitability of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:30 profoundly underscores the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty and omniscience over all nations and human endeavors. It reveals that no human pride, defiance, or deceptive scheme can escape the penetrating gaze of the Almighty or thwart His determined will. Moab's "wrath" and "lies" represent the universal human tendency towards self-exaltation and rebellion against divine authority, yet God's declaration serves as a timeless reminder that such opposition is ultimately futile. This verse affirms that God's knowledge is not merely intellectual but involves a deep, discerning understanding of the heart's true condition, leading to just and certain judgment. It calls all humanity to humility and truth, recognizing that true security lies not in self-reliance or deception, but in submission to the God whose word stands forever.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.")
* [Romans 9:19-21](/romans/9-19 "Romans 9:19-21 - Who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:30 serves as a sobering mirror, inviting us to examine our own hearts and lives. Just as God intimately knew Moab's wrath and lies, He knows our deepest motivations, our hidden pride, and any deceptions we might entertain about ourselves or our circumstances. This verse challenges us to consider where we might be relying on our own perceived strength, cleverness, or self-justifying narratives rather than humbly submitting to God's truth. Do we harbor "wrath" in the form of resentment, stubbornness, or defiance against God's will or His messengers? Are we propagating "lies" through self-deception, false appearances, or empty boasts, believing they can shield us from consequences or alter divine reality? The certain failure of Moab's resistance reminds us that true peace and security are found only in aligning our lives with God's righteous purposes and trusting in His unfailing word, rather than in futile attempts to resist or manipulate His sovereign plan. It encourages a life of transparent humility, acknowledging God's omniscience and embracing His truth, knowing that His plans for us are always for our ultimate good and cannot be thwarted by human schemes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting "wrath" or defiance against God's known will?**
* **What "lies" or self-deceptions do I cling to that might be hindering my walk with God?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's omniscience (that He "knows" everything about me) impact my sense of security or conviction?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater humility and trust in God's sovereign plan, even when it differs from my own desires?**

### FAQ

**What was Moab's "wrath" or "lies" in this context?**

Answer: Moab's "wrath" (Hebrew: `ʻebrâh`) refers to their deep-seated pride, fierce defiance, and hostile opposition to God and His people. It signifies their arrogant spirit and their resistance to divine authority, particularly as expressed in their contempt for Israel and their confidence in their own strength and idolatry. Their "lies" (Hebrew: `bad`) refer to their empty boasts, self-assured declarations, and deceptive strategies. These were not merely factual untruths but expressions of their arrogant self-reliance and false sense of security, believing they could withstand divine judgment or manipulate outcomes through their own power and cunning. The verse declares these expressions of pride and defiance utterly ineffective against God's will.

**How does God "know" Moab's wrath, and what does this imply about His character?**

Answer: God's "knowing" (Hebrew: `yâdaʻ`) Moab's wrath signifies His perfect, intimate, and experiential understanding. It's not just intellectual awareness but a profound discernment that penetrates the very heart and intentions of a nation or individual. This implies several things about God's character:
1. **Omniscience:** He is all-knowing, with nothing hidden from His sight, as [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account") affirms.
2. **Justice:** His judgment is always righteous because it is based on perfect knowledge of motives and actions, not just outward appearances.
3. **Sovereignty:** His knowledge undergirds His absolute control; He knows all things and therefore can declare with certainty what will or will not come to pass. He is not surprised or thwarted by human defiance.

**What is the significance of God's declaration "it shall not be so; his lies shall not so effect [it]"?**

Answer: This declaration is a powerful assertion of God's absolute sovereignty and the futility of human rebellion. "It shall not be so" unequivocally states that Moab's defiance, their "wrath," will not achieve its desired outcome—namely, to avert God's judgment or maintain their autonomy. Furthermore, "his lies shall not so effect [it]" emphasizes that their deceptive boasts and arrogant self-assurances are utterly powerless to change God's decreed plan. The significance lies in highlighting that no human strength, wisdom, or deception can stand against the will of the Almighty. God's word is ultimate, and what He purposes will inevitably come to pass, regardless of human resistance or schemes, as seen in [Isaiah 14:27](/isaiah/14-27 "Isaiah 14:27 - For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:30, with its declaration of God's perfect knowledge of human wrath and the futility of human lies, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound revelation in Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of God's judgment upon Moab's rebellion, Christ embodies the divine omniscience that "knows" the hearts of all humanity (cf. [John 2:24-25](/john/2-24 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus knew all people, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man")). He is the Truth (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life.'")), against whom all human "lies" and self-deceptions are exposed as utterly impotent. The "wrath" of humanity, expressed in rebellion against God, culminated in the crucifixion of Christ, yet even that ultimate act of human defiance could not "effect" or thwart God's redemptive plan; instead, it became the very means of salvation (cf. [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.")). In Christ, God's judgment against sin is perfectly executed, and His promises are definitively fulfilled. The empty boasts and false securities of the world are overcome by the power of His resurrection, demonstrating that no human scheme or lie can stand against the sovereign will of God made manifest in His Son, who reigns supreme and whose kingdom is built on truth and righteousness (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them 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

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

¶ 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

¶ [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.