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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 49:4 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse 'Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?' is a reflection on the arrogance and misplaced confidence of the backsliding daughter mentioned in the verse. The use of the metaphor of valleys and flowing valleys symbolizes abundance and wealth, causing the daughter to boast and put her trust in her material treasures rather than in God. The verse serves as a cautionary reminder against placing one's trust in earthly possessions and highlights the moral failing of pride and self-reliance. It is a call to repentance and a reminder to put one's trust in God rather than in corruptible treasures.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of misplaced trust and reliance on material possessions. The Bible often warns against trusting in wealth or treasures to provide security and fulfillment, as they are ultimately fleeting and unreliable. The backsliding daughter in this passage is rebuked for boasting in her valleys and flowing valley, which symbolize her abundance and prosperity. Despite her material wealth, she is cautioned against placing her confidence in these temporal blessings. Instead, the verse challenges her to reevaluate her priorities and put her trust in God alone. The imagery of valleys and treasures serves as a vivid illustration of the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency, encouraging readers to seek true satisfaction in a relationship with God rather than in earthly possessions.

Jeremiah 49:4 in other translations

American Standard Version

Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, [saying], Who shall come unto me?

World English Bible

Why do you glory in the valleys, your flowing valley, backsliding daughter? who trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come to me?

Douay-Rheims

Why gloriest thou in the valleys? thy valley hath flowed away, O delicate daughter, that hast trusted in thy treasures, and hast said: Who shall come to me?

Geneva Bible (1599)

Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleis? thy valley floweth away, O rebellious daughter: she trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come vnto me?