Bible Strands
Jeremiah 49:15
“For behold, I will make you small among nations, despised among men.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Yahweh speaks through the prophet to a proud nation fortified in mountain strongholds, immediately after announcing a divine summons for surrounding armies to assemble against it.
The words — קָטֹן (ka.Ton) = small and בָּזוּי (ba.Zui) = despised. The text states Yahweh will actively reduce the nation's stature and reputation among peoples.
The thread — This theme of divine reversal appears in 1 Samuel 2:7, where Yahweh humbles and exalts, and in 1 Samuel 2:30, where He honors those who honor Him while despising those who despise Him. Psalm 53:5 also records God scattering the bones of those who face sudden dread.
Why it lands — The verse demands recognition that human pride and fortified security cannot withstand divine judgment. It asks the reader to accept that exaltation or humiliation originates solely from Yahweh, not from earthly strength or status.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, and despised among men.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 2:7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.
- 1 Samuel 2:30 Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.
- Psalms 53:5 There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them.
- Obadiah 1:2 “Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised.
- Micah 7:10 Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame—she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time she will be trampled like mud in the streets.
- Luke 1:51 He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts.