Jeremiah 49:18

KJV

As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it.

KJV (with Strong's)

As in the overthrow {H4114} of Sodom {H5467} and Gomorrah {H6017} and the neighbour {H7934} cities thereof, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, no man {H376} shall abide {H3427} there, neither shall a son {H1121} of man {H120} dwell {H1481} in it.

Complete Jewish Bible

It will be like the overthrow of S'dom, 'Amora and their neighboring towns," says ADONAI. "No one will settle there any more, no human being will live there again.

Berean Standard Bible

As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there.

American Standard Version

As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbor cities thereof, saith Jehovah, no man shall dwell there, neither shall any son of man sojourn therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:18 delivers a stark and absolute prophecy of divine judgment against the nation of Edom, declaring its future desolation will be as complete and irreversible as the catastrophic overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah. This divine decree emphasizes that the land will become utterly uninhabited, a permanent testament to God's severe and unwavering justice, leaving no human presence to dwell within its borders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jeremiah's extensive prophecies against foreign nations, spanning [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46-51 "Jeremiah 46-51 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations"). Specifically, [Jeremiah 49](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Prophecies Against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam") details pronouncements against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. The prophecy concerning Edom begins in [Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah 49:7 - Prophecy Against Edom's Wisdom and Ruin") and extends through [Jeremiah 49:22](/jeremiah/49-22 "Jeremiah 49:22 - Edom's Utter Ruin"), painting a grim picture of their impending downfall. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah in this verse serves as the ultimate theological benchmark for divine wrath, signifying a level of destruction that is both complete and enduring. It underscores the finality of Edom's judgment within this prophetic series, marking it as a definitive and irreversible act of God's justice, mirroring the ancient, notorious catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, situated southeast of Judah in the rugged, mountainous region of Seir (modern-day Jordan), traced its lineage back to Esau, Jacob's brother, making them distant kin to Israel. Despite this familial connection, the Edomites maintained a consistently hostile relationship with Israel, often exploiting Judah's vulnerabilities. Their opportunistic actions were particularly egregious during the Babylonian invasions, when they not only failed to assist Judah but actively participated in their plunder and rejoiced in their downfall, as vividly condemned in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob"). Edom's pride stemmed from their seemingly impregnable mountain fortresses, such as Petra, which they believed made them invulnerable ([Jeremiah 49:16](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16 - Edom's Presumption")). The reference to Sodom and Gomorrah, whose destruction is narrated in [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), would have invoked a deeply ingrained historical and theological memory for Jeremiah's audience. It represented the ultimate divine judgment against profound wickedness, a cultural archetype of utter annihilation that resonated with the severity of Edom's impending fate.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 49:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice, even against those who believe themselves secure in their pride and strength ([Jeremiah 49:16](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16 - Edom's Presumption")). The verse vividly portrays **Utter Desolation**, emphasizing that the judgment will result in a land devoid of human life, not merely conquered or displaced, but permanently uninhabited. This speaks to the finality of God's wrath when His patience is exhausted. Furthermore, it underscores the **Historical Precedent of Wrath**, leveraging the infamous destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as a powerful symbol of irreversible divine punishment for sin. This serves as a stark warning of the severity of Edom's impending fate, reminding the audience that God's past judgments are a template for future ones against persistent rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **overthrow (Hebrew, _mahpêkâh'_):** (H4114) Derived from a root meaning "to overturn" or "to reverse," this noun describes a complete and violent destruction. It signifies a catastrophic event that utterly reverses the established order, implying total and irreversible ruin, much like a city being turned upside down. In this context, it evokes the image of a divine cataclysm that leaves nothing standing.
* **abide (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** (H3427) A primitive root meaning "to sit down," "to dwell," or "to remain." Here, it denotes the permanent absence of any settled habitation. The declaration that "no man shall abide there" emphasizes that the land will not merely be temporarily deserted but will remain permanently uninhabited, with no one settling or residing in it ever again. It speaks to a cessation of normal life and dwelling.
* **son of man (Hebrew, _bên 'âdâm'_):** (H1121, H120) This common Hebrew idiom, combining "son" (H1121, _bên_) and "man" or "human being" (H120, _'âdâm_), refers to any human individual, regardless of status or origin. Its inclusion here serves to reinforce the absolute nature of the desolation, emphasizing that not even a single person—no matter who they are—will be left to dwell in the land, underscoring the totality and universality of the judgment against human presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof":** This opening clause establishes a powerful and ominous simile, setting the benchmark for the impending destruction of Edom. By invoking the infamous, divinely orchestrated judgment upon Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other cities of the plain, the Lord signals that Edom's fate will be one of complete, catastrophic, and irreversible annihilation, a divine act of wrath that leaves no survivors and no possibility of recovery or resettlement.
* **"saith the LORD":** This parenthetical yet pivotal phrase, employing the divine name YHWH (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), underscores the absolute authority, certainty, and divine origin of the prophecy. It is not merely Jeremiah's prediction or a human speculation, but a direct, authoritative declaration from the sovereign God of Israel, guaranteeing its inevitable and precise fulfillment, reinforcing the weight and solemnity of the pronouncement.
* **"no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it":** This emphatic double negative clause forcefully declares the utter and permanent desolation of the land of Edom. The repetition of "no man" (Hebrew, _'îysh_, H376) and "neither shall a son of man" (Hebrew, _bên 'âdâm_, H1121, H120) serves as a powerful hyperbole to stress that absolutely no human being, of any kind, will be able to settle or live in the region again. This signifies a complete and irreversible abandonment, a land rendered perpetually empty of human habitation as a direct consequence of divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:18 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending and absolute judgment. The most striking is **Simile**, as the prophesied fate of Edom is explicitly compared to "the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof." This comparison immediately conjures vivid images of ultimate divine wrath and complete, irreversible annihilation, setting a terrifying and well-understood precedent for the destruction awaiting Edom. The phrase "no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it" utilizes powerful **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and permanent nature of the desolation. While some transient presence might theoretically pass through, the language stresses that no settled population or enduring human presence will remain, highlighting the utter and perpetual emptiness. Finally, the entire verse functions as a direct **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired declaration of future events—specifically the judgment and desolation of Edom—demonstrating God's foreknowledge, sovereign control over history, and the certainty of His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:18 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and the dire consequences of national sin, particularly pride, self-reliance, and hostility towards God's chosen people. The chilling comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah elevates Edom's judgment to a level of irreversible catastrophe, demonstrating that God's wrath, when fully unleashed against persistent rebellion and wickedness, results in complete and enduring desolation. This passage powerfully affirms God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, reminding us that no kingdom, however fortified, self-assured, or geographically isolated, can ultimately escape His righteous judgment. It underscores the profound seriousness of sin and defiance against divine will, illustrating that such actions ultimately lead to ruin, emptiness, and the cessation of flourishing life. The verse also implicitly teaches the principle of *lex talionis* (law of retaliation), as Edom's pride and aggression against Judah are met with a reciprocal and devastating divine response that leaves their land barren and empty.

* [Deuteronomy 29:23](/deuteronomy/29-23 "The Desolation of Unfaithful Lands")
* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19-22 "Prophecy Against Babylon's Desolation")
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "The Day of the Lord Against All Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:18, though a prophecy concerning an ancient nation, offers timeless and profound lessons for contemporary believers and societies. It serves as a sobering reminder that God is a God of perfect justice who holds all nations and individuals accountable for their actions. The severity of Edom's fate, chillingly paralleled with Sodom and Gomorrah, should instill a healthy fear of the Lord and a profound respect for the seriousness of sin, particularly that which involves pride, self-sufficiency, and hostility towards others, especially God's people. This passage challenges any sense of self-reliance or presumed invulnerability, which characterized Edom, urging us to recognize that true security is found not in human strength, geographical advantage, or worldly alliances, but in humble submission to God's sovereign will. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts and communities, ensuring that we are living in alignment with God's righteous standards, lest we, too, face the spiritual desolation that accompanies rebellion. It encourages us to intercede for our nations, seeking righteousness and justice, and to remember that God's warnings are not idle threats but urgent invitations to repentance, transformation, and a life lived in humble dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah reveal about the nature of God's judgment and the seriousness of persistent sin?**
* **How might a modern-day "Edom"—whether a nation, an institution, or even an individual—exhibit the kind of pride and hostility that led to this prophecy?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, be tempted to find security or identity in things other than God, similar to Edom's reliance on its strongholds?**
* **How does this prophecy encourage us to live a life of humility, dependence on God, and compassion towards others, especially those in distress?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific sin of Edom that led to such a severe prophecy?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 49:18 itself focuses on the outcome of the judgment, the broader context within [Jeremiah 49](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Prophecies Against Nations") and other prophetic books, particularly [Obadiah](/obadiah/1 "The Book of Obadiah"), reveals Edom's primary sins. These included extreme pride and arrogance, stemming from their seemingly impregnable mountain fortresses and their self-perceived wisdom ([Jeremiah 49:16](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16 - Edom's Presumption")). More significantly, they exhibited opportunistic and malicious actions against their kin, the Israelites (descendants of Jacob). During Judah's distress and the Babylonian invasion, instead of offering aid, they actively participated in Judah's downfall, plundering and gloating over their misfortune ([Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")). This deep-seated hostility, lack of brotherly love, and self-exaltation provoked God's righteous wrath, leading to the prophecy of utter desolation.

**Has this prophecy of desolation for Edom been fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, historical and archaeological evidence strongly suggests that the prophecy of Edom's utter desolation has been fulfilled with remarkable precision. Following the Babylonian period, Edom (or Idumea, as it became known in later antiquity) faced successive waves of invasions and eventually faded from history as a distinct national entity. While the region has seen some limited, often nomadic, habitation over centuries, it never regained its former national identity or widespread settled population as predicted. The once-mighty Petra, Edom's capital and a symbol of their pride, became a ruin, and the land largely remained desolate, particularly compared to its former prominence and the surrounding regions. This historical fulfillment serves as a powerful testimony to the accuracy and divine authority of biblical prophecy, echoing the irreversible judgment seen in the [overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 49:18, with its vivid portrayal of utter and permanent desolation, serves as a profound Old Testament type, foreshadowing the ultimate and final judgment against all unrighteousness, a judgment perfectly executed and absorbed by Jesus Christ. The "overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah" and the subsequent emptiness of Edom's land stand as a stark warning of God's righteous wrath against sin and rebellion, demonstrating that the wages of sin are indeed death and desolation ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). However, the glorious news of the Gospel is that Christ, the true "Son of Man" (a title He frequently used for Himself, emphasizing His humanity and messianic role, e.g., [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), came not to bring desolation but to offer salvation from it. He bore the full weight of divine judgment, the ultimate "overthrow" of sin and death, on the cross, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His substitutionary sacrifice, those who believe in Him are spared the eternal desolation that awaits the unrepentant. Instead of a land where "no man shall abide" in judgment, believers find a secure and eternal dwelling place in God's presence, for Jesus promised to go and prepare a place for His followers, so that where He is, they may be also ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for His Disciples")). Thus, the terrifying emptiness promised to Edom finds its counterpoint in the abundant life and secure, eternal dwelling offered to all who are found in Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 49:33

And Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons, [and] a desolation for ever: there shall no man abide there, nor [any] son of man dwell in it.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Zephaniah 2:9

Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

Genesis 19:24

¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

Genesis 19:25

And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

Amos 4:11

I have overthrown [some] of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Job 18:15

It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because [it is] none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.