What does Jeremiah 49:18 mean?
"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." - Jeremiah 49:18

Jeremiah 49:18 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "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." This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Jeremiah, which contains prophecies of judgment against different nations. In this particular verse, the prophet Jeremiah is prophesying against the nation of Edom, warning of the destruction that will come upon them.
To understand the full meaning of this verse, it is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The nation of Edom was a longstanding enemy of Israel, and had a history of hostility and aggression towards God's chosen people. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and they occupied the region southeast of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, there are several references to the enmity between the Israelites and the Edomites, including instances of violence and betrayal.
In this verse, Jeremiah is drawing a parallel between the impending destruction of Edom and the infamous downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah. The reference to Sodom and Gomorrah immediately evokes images of divine judgment and utter devastation. According to the book of Genesis, these cities were notorious for their wickedness and moral depravity, and God ultimately destroyed them with fire and brimstone.
By likening the fate of Edom to that of Sodom and Gomorrah, Jeremiah is emphasizing the severity of the judgment that is about to befall them. The phrase "no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it" underscores the complete and desolate nature of the destruction. This prophecy predicts that Edom will become a barren wasteland, devoid of human habitation.
The themes present in this verse are those of divine judgment, justice, and the consequences of wickedness. Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent message that God is a just and righteous judge who holds all nations accountable for their actions. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a powerful example of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing wickedness. By referencing this historical event, Jeremiah is warning the people of Edom that they too will face the same fate if they do not repent and turn back to God.
Furthermore, the symbolism in this verse is significant. The mention of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a symbol of ultimate destruction and moral decay. The imagery of fire and brimstone is associated with divine wrath and punishment. The desolation of these cities represents the consequences of forsaking God's laws and living in opposition to His will.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 49:18 in the KJV of the Bible is a powerful prophecy of judgment against the nation of Edom. By drawing a parallel between the impending destruction of Edom and the downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah, Jeremiah underscores the severity of the judgment that is about to befall them. The verse serves as a warning of the consequences of wickedness and the importance of turning back to God. It is a poignant reminder of God's justice and the ultimate fate of those who reject His sovereignty.
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Jeremiah 49:18 - "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."
"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." - Jeremiah 49:18
Jeremiah 3:49
Jeremiah 49:34 - "¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,"
Jeremiah 49:25 - "How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!"
Genesis 49:18 - "I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD."
Jeremiah 49:6 - "And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 49:15 - "For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, and despised among men."
Jeremiah 49:27 - "And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Ben-hadad."
Jeremiah 49:21 - "The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea."
Jeremiah 49:35 - "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might."
Jeremiah 49:39 - "¶ But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 49:38 - "And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 51:49 - "As Babylon hath caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon shall fall the slain of all the earth."
Jeremiah 49:11 - "Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me."
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."
Jeremiah 49:9 - "If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough."
Jeremiah 49:23 - "¶ Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet."
Jeremiah 49:7 - "¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?"
"How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!" - Jeremiah 49:25
Jeremiah 49:24 - "Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail."
"¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying," - Jeremiah 49:34
Psalms 18:49 - "Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name."
Jeremiah 49:26 - "Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts."
"I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD." - Genesis 49:18
Psalms 49:18 - "Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself."
Jeremiah 49:29 - "Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear is on every side."
Jeremiah 49:4 - "Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?"
Jeremiah 49:13 - "For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes."
Jeremiah 49:8 - "Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him."