Jeremiah 48:37

KJV

For every head [shall be] bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands [shall be] cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.

KJV (with Strong's)

For every head {H7218} shall be bald {H7144}, and every beard {H2206} clipped {H1639}: upon all the hands {H3027} shall be cuttings {H1417}, and upon the loins {H4975} sackcloth {H8242}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Every head has been shaved bald, every beard has been clipped short, gashes are on every hand, sackcloth around every waist.

Berean Standard Bible

For every head is shaved and every beard is clipped; on every hand is a gash, and around every waist is sackcloth.

American Standard Version

For every head is bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands are cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:37 vividly portrays the profound and widespread grief, humiliation, and despair that would overwhelm the nation of Moab as a direct consequence of God's righteous judgment. This verse describes the outward, culturally recognized signs of extreme mourning, including shaved heads, clipped beards, self-inflicted cuttings on the hands, and the wearing of sackcloth, all indicative of a complete collapse of national identity, honor, and prosperity. It serves as a stark visual of the devastating impact of divine retribution against a people marked by pride and idolatry, highlighting the totality of their downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a comprehensive oracle of judgment against Moab, one of several such prophecies against surrounding nations found in the latter part of the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51). This specific verse is situated within a lament (verses 31-39) that describes the deep sorrow and wailing accompanying Moab's destruction. It follows earlier pronouncements of Moab's downfall (verses 1-28), which detail the capture of their cities and the shame of their false god, Chemosh, as seen in [Moab's disgrace concerning Chemosh](/jeremiah/48-13 "Jeremiah 48:13 - Moab Ashamed of Chemosh"). The lament emphasizes the totality of the devastation, leading into further descriptions of their desolation and a concluding, albeit distant, promise of restoration for Moab in the latter days, as noted in [the future restoration of Moab](/jeremiah/48-47 "Jeremiah 48:47 - Restoration of Moab"). The imagery in this verse echoes similar prophetic laments found in other books concerning Moab, such as [the oracle against Moab in Isaiah](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - Oracle Against Moab").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel but also sharing cultural and linguistic ties. Their primary deity was Chemosh, to whom they offered human sacrifices. The period of Jeremiah's prophecy (late 7th to early 6th century BCE) was marked by the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, who was God's chosen instrument for executing judgment on many nations, including Moab. The practices described in this verse were common expressions of grief and humiliation throughout the ancient Near East. Shaving the head and clipping the beard were potent symbols of disgrace and profound mourning, signifying a loss of honor and status. The "cuttings upon all the hands" refers to self-mutilation, a pagan mourning ritual explicitly forbidden to the Israelites (e.g., [the prohibition against self-mutilation](/leviticus/19-28 "Leviticus 19:28 - Prohibition Against Self-Mutilation") and [the command against cutting oneself for the dead](/deuteronomy/14-1 "Deuteronomy 14:1 - Against Cutting Oneself for the Dead")), highlighting Moab's pagan practices and the extreme nature of their despair. Finally, wearing "sackcloth upon the loins" was a universally recognized symbol of deep sorrow, repentance, and humility, adopted by individuals and nations alike during times of great calamity, as seen in [Nineveh's repentance in sackcloth](/jonah/3-6 "Jonah 3:6 - Nineveh's Repentance in Sackcloth").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all nations, even those outside the covenant with Israel. Moab's destruction is presented as a direct consequence of their persistent **Pride and Idolatry**, particularly their reliance on Chemosh rather than the true God. The vivid imagery of mourning underscores the theme of **Profound Grief and Humiliation**, illustrating the devastating personal and national impact of divine wrath. It highlights the complete collapse of Moab's self-sufficiency and the shame associated with their false gods. Ultimately, Moab's fate serves as a stark warning about the **Consequences of Rebellion** against God and the futility of trusting in anything other than Him for security and prosperity, a message echoed throughout the book of Jeremiah, such as in [the Temple Sermon](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon") warnings to Judah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **head (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** (H7218) This term refers to the literal head, but in this context, it functions as a metonymy for the person or the entire populace. The shaving of the head was a dramatic and visible sign of mourning, disgrace, or extreme humiliation in the ancient Near East, signifying a complete loss of dignity and honor.
* **bald (Hebrew, _qorchâh'_):** (H7144) Derived from a root meaning "to be bald," this word specifically denotes baldness, often as a result of shaving or plucking hair as a sign of intense grief, distress, or shame. It indicates a deliberate act of disfigurement in mourning.
* **clipped (Hebrew, _gâraʻ'_):** (H1639) A primitive root meaning "to scrape off," "shave," "remove," or "diminish." Here, it specifically refers to the cutting or shaving of the beard. For men in the ancient world, the beard was a symbol of masculinity, honor, and wisdom. Its forced removal or clipping was a profound act of humiliation and degradation, signifying utter defeat and loss of status.
* **cuttings (Hebrew, _gᵉdûwd'_):** (H1417) This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to cut," refers to incisions, gashes, or furrows. In the context of mourning, it denotes self-inflicted wounds or mutilations on the body. Such practices were common in pagan mourning rituals, believed to appease deities or express extreme sorrow, but were strictly forbidden for the Israelites, underscoring Moab's departure from God's law and the depth of their pagan despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every head shall be bald":** This phrase describes the widespread and universal nature of the mourning. The shaving of the head was a common, highly visible sign of deep sorrow, disgrace, and humiliation in the ancient world. It symbolized the stripping away of honor and the overwhelming nature of the calamity that had befallen Moab, indicating that no one would be untouched by the impending judgment.
* **"and every beard clipped":** Complementing the shaved head, the clipping or shaving of the beard was another potent symbol of profound grief and, more specifically, public humiliation and loss of dignity for men. It signified a complete loss of status and virility, underscoring the utter defeat and shame experienced by the Moabite populace, as their traditional markers of honor were forcibly removed.
* **"upon all the hands shall be cuttings":** This refers to the pagan practice of self-mutilation, where individuals would cut or gash their skin as an extreme expression of grief, despair, or religious fervor. The mention of "all the hands" emphasizes the widespread and desperate nature of this act among the Moabites, highlighting their profound anguish and perhaps a frantic return to forbidden, idolatrous mourning rituals in their extreme distress, a clear sign of their spiritual brokenness.
* **"and upon the loins sackcloth":** Wearing sackcloth, a coarse, rough fabric, around the waist or loins was a universally recognized symbol of mourning, repentance, and humility throughout the ancient Near East. Its inclusion here signifies the deep, pervasive sorrow and abasement that would afflict the entire nation of Moab, a final outward sign of their utter brokenness, subjugation, and the complete loss of their former pride and prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:37 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Moab's impending suffering. **Imagery** is paramount, as the verse paints a vivid, visceral picture of despair through concrete physical actions: shaved heads, clipped beards, self-inflicted cuts, and sackcloth. These sensory details allow the reader to almost feel the humiliation and sorrow, creating a profound emotional impact. The repeated use of "every" and "all" throughout the verse constitutes **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the complete and universal nature of the calamity; it suggests that no one in Moab would be untouched by this overwhelming grief and that their suffering would be total. Furthermore, the description functions as **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the physical parts of the body (head, beard, hands, loins) stand in for the entire person or, collectively, the entire nation of Moab. This highlights that the judgment is comprehensive, affecting every individual and every aspect of their national identity. The listing of distinct but related acts of mourning also creates a form of **Parallelism**, building a cumulative effect that underscores the totality of their despair and the widespread nature of their judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:37 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and His sovereignty over all nations. The detailed description of Moab's humiliation and grief is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their persistent pride and idolatry, particularly their trust in the false god Chemosh. This passage profoundly illustrates that defiance against God, whether through arrogance or reliance on false securities, inevitably leads to a devastating downfall. It underscores the biblical principle that while God is patient, His justice will ultimately prevail, bringing low those who exalt themselves against Him. The outward signs of mourning depicted here reflect an inward reality of spiritual bankruptcy and the futility of human strength or pagan gods when confronted with the power of the Almighty.

* [Leviticus 19:28](/leviticus/19-28 "Leviticus 19:28 - Prohibition Against Self-Mutilation")
* [Isaiah 15:2](/isaiah/15-2 "Isaiah 15:2 - Moab's Despair and Shaved Heads")
* [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Rend Your Hearts, Not Your Garments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the prophecy against Moab is rooted in a specific historical context, the principles embedded in Jeremiah 48:37 resonate deeply with contemporary life. The verse confronts us with the stark reality of consequences for pride and misplaced trust. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and the pursuit of material wealth, status, or fleeting pleasures, Moab's downfall serves as a potent reminder that anything we place above God ultimately becomes an idol that cannot deliver in times of crisis. Our "heads being bald" and "beards clipped" can metaphorically represent the stripping away of our perceived securities, identities, or sources of pride when they are not rooted in God. The "cuttings" on the hands might symbolize the self-inflicted wounds of anxiety, despair, or brokenness that arise from living apart from God's truth. This passage calls us to examine our own lives: What are we trusting in? Where do we derive our ultimate security and identity? True peace and lasting dignity come not from self-sufficiency or worldly achievements, but from humble submission to God and reliance on His unfailing character. It compels us to cultivate a posture of humility and genuine repentance, recognizing that God's justice is always linked to His call for us to turn back to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What modern "idols" might we be trusting in that could ultimately lead to spiritual despair or humiliation?**
* **How do we, as individuals or communities, express grief or repentance in ways that are spiritually healthy and God-honoring?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on my own strength or pride, rather than humbly submitting to God's will?**
* **How does the severity of God's judgment on Moab inform my understanding of His holiness and justice, and what implications does this have for my own walk of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific actions (baldness, clipped beards, cuttings, sackcloth) signs of mourning in the ancient world?**

Answer: These actions were culturally recognized and deeply symbolic expressions of extreme grief, humiliation, and despair. Shaving the head and clipping the beard were acts of disfigurement that stripped away a person's dignity and honor, symbolizing utter defeat and sorrow. For men, the beard was a mark of respect and virility, so its removal was particularly humiliating. Self-inflicted cuttings were a more extreme, often pagan, practice to express overwhelming anguish or to appease deities. Wearing sackcloth, a coarse and uncomfortable material, was a widespread sign of humility, repentance, and profound sorrow, indicating a complete surrender to the gravity of a situation. Together, they painted a picture of total brokenness, a visual representation of the profound calamity that had befallen them.

**Was self-mutilation (cuttings) a common practice, and why was it forbidden for the Israelites?**

Answer: Yes, self-mutilation, such as cutting or gashing the body, was a common practice in many ancient Near Eastern pagan mourning rituals, often associated with intense religious fervor or attempts to appease gods. However, for the Israelites, this practice was strictly forbidden, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 19:28](/leviticus/19-28 "Leviticus 19:28 - Prohibition Against Self-Mutilation") and [Deuteronomy 14:1](/deuteronomy/14-1 "Deuteronomy 14:1 - Against Cutting Oneself for the Dead"). This prohibition served to distinguish God's people from the idolatrous nations around them, emphasizing that their mourning and worship should be an inward transformation of the heart, not an outward, pagan ritual of bodily desecration. It also highlighted God's view of the human body as sacred, created in His image, and not to be defiled through such practices.

**What does Moab's judgment in Jeremiah 48:37 teach us about God's character?**

Answer: Moab's judgment reveals several facets of God's character. First, it underscores His **sovereignty** over all nations, demonstrating that He is the ultimate ruler who holds all peoples accountable for their actions, whether they are His covenant people or not. Second, it highlights His **justice** and **holiness**, showing that He does not tolerate persistent pride, idolatry, and rebellion. His judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin and a vindication of His own perfect character. Third, it reveals His **faithfulness** to His own warnings and prophetic declarations. While God is patient, He is also just, and there are inevitable consequences for those who reject His ways and trust in false gods or their own strength. This passage ultimately points to God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His ultimate authority in the world, reminding us that He is a God who sees and responds to the spiritual state of all humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:37, with its vivid depiction of Moab's utter despair and humiliation under divine judgment, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all sin, which was fully borne by Jesus Christ. The "baldness," "clipped beards," and "cuttings" represent the stripping away of human pride, self-sufficiency, and dignity in the face of God's holy wrath against sin. Humanity, apart from Christ, stands condemned, facing a spiritual desolation far greater than Moab's physical ruin, symbolized by the "sackcloth" of profound spiritual mourning. However, in Christ, this narrative of judgment is transformed into one of redemption. The [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") willingly took upon Himself the ultimate humiliation and suffering on the cross, becoming "bald" of His glory and having His "beard clipped" by those who mocked Him, enduring the "cuttings" of the nails and spear, and wearing the "sackcloth" of human sin and sorrow. Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus absorbed the divine judgment that humanity deserved, offering a path to reconciliation and true dignity. We no longer need to engage in self-mutilation or outward displays of despair, for Christ has fully atoned for our spiritual brokenness. Instead of the futility of trusting in false gods like Chemosh, believers are invited to trust in the resurrected Lord, who offers true life, peace, and an eternal inheritance, transforming our mourning into joy and our despair into an unshakeable hope found only in Him, as we are [justified by faith](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith") and become a [new creation in Christ](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ").

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 47:5

Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off [with] the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?

Jeremiah 41:5

That there came certain from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, [even] fourscore men, having their beards shaven, and their clothes rent, and having cut themselves, with offerings and incense in their hand, to bring [them] to the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 15:2

He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.

Isaiah 15:3

In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.

Genesis 37:34

And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.

Jeremiah 16:6

Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall [men] lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:

Isaiah 20:2

At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.