Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus: "Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed.

Bible > Jeremiah > Chapter 49 > Verse 23

◄ Jeremiah 49:23 ►

New International Version
Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are dismayed, for they have heard bad news. They are disheartened, troubled like the restless sea.

New Living Translation
This message was given concerning Damascus. This is what the LORD says: “The towns of Hamath and Arpad are struck with fear, for they have heard the news of their destruction. Their hearts are troubled like a wild sea in a raging storm.

English Standard Version
Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are confounded, for they have heard bad news; they melt in fear, they are troubled like the sea that cannot be quiet.

Berean Standard Bible
Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Against Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are shamed, For they have heard bad news. They are fainthearted; There is trouble on the sea; It cannot be quiet.

New American Standard Bible
Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, For they have heard bad news; They despair. There is anxiety at the sea, It cannot be calmed.

NASB 1995
Concerning Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, For they have heard bad news; They are disheartened. There is anxiety by the sea, It cannot be calmed.

NASB 1977
Concerning Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, For they have heard bad news; They are disheartened. There is anxiety by the sea, It cannot be calmed.

Legacy Standard Bible
Concerning Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, For they have heard a bad report; They are melting away. There is anxiety by the sea, It cannot be quieted.

Amplified Bible
Concerning Damascus [in Syria]. “Hamath and Arpad are perplexed and shamed, For they have heard bad news; They are disheartened; Troubled and anxious like a [storm-tossed] sea Which cannot be calmed.

Christian Standard Bible
About Damascus: Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report and are agitated, like the anxious sea that cannot be calmed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
About Damascus: Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report and are agitated; in the sea there is anxiety that cannot be calmed.

American Standard Version
Of Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad; for they have heard evil tidings, they are melted away: there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD says about Damascus: The towns of Hamath and Arpad have heard your bad news. They have lost hope, and worries roll over them like ocean waves.

English Revised Version
Of Damascus. Hamath is ashamed, and Arpad; for they have heard evil tidings, they are melted away: there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is a message about Damascus. "Hamath and Arpad are worried because they heard the bad news. They melt in fear. They are troubled like a sea that can't be calmed.

Good News Translation
This is what the LORD said about Damascus: "The people in the cities of Hamath and Arpad are worried and troubled because they have heard bad news. Anxiety rolls over them like a sea, and they cannot rest.

International Standard Version
To Damascus: "Hamath and Arpad will be humiliated. Their courage melts because they have heard bad news. There is anxiety like the sea that cannot be calmed.

Majority Standard Bible
Concerning Damascus: ?Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed.

NET Bible
The LORD spoke about Damascus. "The people of Hamath and Arpad will be dismayed because they have heard bad news. Their courage will melt away because of worry. Their hearts will not be able to rest.

New Heart English Bible
Of Damascus. "Hamath is confounded, and Arpad; for they have heard evil news, they are melted away: there is sorrow on the sea; it can't be quiet.

Webster's Bible Translation
Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are faint-hearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.

World English Bible
Of Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are confounded, for they have heard evil news. They have melted away. There is sorrow on the sea. It can’t be quiet.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad have been ashamed, "" For they have heard an evil report, "" They have been melted, sorrow [is] in the sea, "" It is not able to be quiet.

Young's Literal Translation
Concerning Damascus: Ashamed hath been Hamath and Arpad, For an evil report they have heard, They have been melted, in the sea is sorrow, To be quiet it is not able.

Smith's Literal Translation
To Damascus: Hamath was ashamed, and Arpad: for they heard the evil report: they melted; fear upon the sea; it will not be able to rest.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Against Damascus. Emath is confounded and Arphad: for they have heard very bad tidings, they are troubled as in the sea: through care they could not rest.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Against Damascus. “Hamath has been confounded, with Arpad. For they have heard a most grievous report. They have been stirred up like the sea. Because of anxiousness, they were not able to rest.

New American Bible
Concerning Damascus. Hamath and Arpad are shamed, for they have heard bad news; Anxious, they surge like the sea which cannot calm down.

New Revised Standard Version
Concerning Damascus. Hamath and Arpad are confounded, for they have heard bad news; they melt in fear, they are troubled like the sea that cannot be quiet.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Concerning Damascus: Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard evil tidings; they are dismayed, they are disturbed like the sea, they cannot find rest.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Concerning Darmsuq: Khamath and Raphad are ashamed, because they heard an evil report and they are broken by the Sea. She feared it and she did not find rest

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Of Damascus. Hamath is ashamed, and Arpad; For they have heard evil tidings, they are melted away; There is trouble in the sea; It cannot be quiet.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
CONCERNING DAMASCUS. Emath is brought to shame, and Arphath: for they have heard an evil report: they are amazed, they are angry, they shall be utterly unable to rest.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Judgment on Damascus
23Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed. 24Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Isaiah 17:1-3
This is the burden against Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins. / The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear. / The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the sovereignty from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

Amos 1:3-5
This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. / So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. / I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD.

Zechariah 9:1-2
This is the burden of the word of the LORD against the land of Hadrach and Damascus its resting place—for the eyes of men and of all the tribes of Israel are upon the LORD— / and also against Hamath, which borders it, as well as Tyre and Sidon, though they are very shrewd.

Isaiah 9:1
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations:

2 Kings 16:9
So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death.

Isaiah 7:8
For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people.

Isaiah 10:9
“Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus?

Isaiah 8:4
For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”

Isaiah 10:5-6
Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. / I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets.

Isaiah 14:28-32
In the year that King Ahaz died, this burden was received: / Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken. For a viper will spring from the root of the snake, and a flying serpent from its egg. / Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain. ...

Matthew 4:13-16
Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, / to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: / “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— ...

Acts 9:1-2
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Acts 22:5
as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished.

Acts 26:12
In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.

2 Corinthians 11:32-33
In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp.

Treasury of Scripture

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.

Damascus

Genesis 14:15
And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.

Genesis 15:2
And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

1 Kings 11:24
And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.

Hamath

Numbers 13:21
So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

2 Samuel 8:9
When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,

2 Kings 17:24
And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.

faint-hearted [heb] melted

Deuteronomy 20:8
And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart.

Joshua 2:11
And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

Joshua 14:8
Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.

sorrow

Isaiah 57:20
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

on the sea.

Psalm 107:26,27
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble…

Luke 8:23,24
But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy…

Luke 21:25,26
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; …

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Anxiety Arpad Ashamed Bad Confounded Damascus Disheartened Dismayed Distress Ears Evil Fainthearted Faint-Hearted Fear Hamath Heard Heart Melt Melted News Quiet Restless Sea Shame Sorrow Tidings Trouble Troubled Turned Word

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Jeremiah 49

1. The judgment of the Ammonites
6. Their restoration
7. The judgment of Edom
23. of Damascus
28. of Kedar
30. of Hazor
34. and of Elam
39. The restoration of Elam

Berean Study Bible

Concerning Damascus
This phrase introduces a prophecy specifically directed towards Damascus, the capital of Syria. Historically, Damascus was a significant city in the ancient Near East, known for its strategic location and wealth. The Hebrew root for "Damascus" is "דַּמֶּשֶׂק" (Dammeseq), which has been a center of trade and culture for millennia. In the biblical context, Damascus often represents the broader Aramean kingdom, which had frequent interactions, both hostile and peaceful, with Israel. This introduction sets the stage for a divine message concerning the fate of this influential city.

Hamath and Arpad are put to shame
Hamath and Arpad were prominent cities in ancient Syria, north of Damascus. The Hebrew words "חֲמָת" (Hamath) and "אַרְפַּד" (Arpad) indicate cities that were once powerful and proud. To be "put to shame" suggests a loss of status and power, often due to military defeat or divine judgment. Historically, these cities were known for their resistance against Assyrian expansion, but ultimately, they fell. This phrase implies that their downfall serves as a warning or precursor to the fate awaiting Damascus.

for they have heard bad news
The "bad news" refers to impending disaster or invasion, likely from a powerful enemy. In the ancient world, news of approaching armies or divine judgment would spread quickly, causing fear and panic. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama) for "heard" emphasizes the impact of hearing such news, which often led to demoralization and despair. This phrase highlights the psychological aspect of warfare and divine prophecy, where the mere announcement of doom can have profound effects.

They are disheartened
The emotional response of being "disheartened" reflects a loss of courage and hope. The Hebrew word "נָפַל" (naphal) can mean to fall or to be cast down, indicating a deep sense of defeat and helplessness. In the context of prophecy, this reaction underscores the power of God's word to affect not just physical circumstances but also the hearts and minds of people. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over nations and their destinies.

There is anxiety by the sea
The "sea" likely refers to the Mediterranean, which was crucial for trade and communication. Anxiety "by the sea" suggests a disruption of commerce and the threat of invasion from maritime powers. The Hebrew word "יָם" (yam) for "sea" often symbolizes chaos and danger in biblical literature. This phrase paints a picture of widespread fear and uncertainty, as the stability and prosperity associated with the sea are threatened.

It cannot be calmed
The inability to "calm" the anxiety indicates a situation beyond human control, requiring divine intervention. The Hebrew root "שָׁקַט" (shaqat) means to be quiet or at rest, suggesting that the turmoil is persistent and overwhelming. This phrase emphasizes the severity of the judgment pronounced on Damascus, as well as the futility of relying on human efforts to restore peace. It serves as a call to recognize the ultimate authority of God in the affairs of nations and individuals.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(23) Concerning Damascus.--Damascus is named as the capital of Aram, or Syria. The kingdom first became powerful under Rezon after David's death (1Kings 11:23-24). In the history of 1 and 2 Kings we find it engaged in constant wars against Israel and Judah (1Kings 22:1; 2Kings 6:8) or in alliance with Israel against Judah (1Kings 15:19; 2Kings 16:5-6). The last of these alliances was the memorable confederacy of Isaiah 7:2, between Rezin and Pekah. That ended, as Isaiah foretold, in the subjugation of Damascus by the Assyrians (2Kings 16:9). And so the Syrians continued subject till the downfall of the Assyrian Empire, when they naturally fell before the power of Nebuchadnezzar. The language of the prophet is vague, but probably points to his attack. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 23-27. - The heading Concerning Damascus is too limited (like that of the partly parallel prophecy in Isaiah 17:1-11); for the prophecy relates, not only to Damascus, the capital of the kingdom of southeastern Aram (or Syria), but to Hamath, the capital of the northern kingdom. (The third of the Aramaean kingdoms, that of Zobah, had ceased to exist.) Damascus had already been threatened by Amos (Amos 1:3-5), and by Isaiah (Isaiah 17:1-11). We may infer from the prophecy that Damascus had provoked the hostility of Nebuchadnezzar, but we have as yet no monumental evidence as to the facts. Verse 23. - Hamath. Still an important city under the name of Hamah, situated to the north of Hums (Emesa), on the Orontes. It formed nominally the boundary of the kingdom of Israel (Numbers 34:8; Joshua 13:5), was actually a part of the empire of Solomon (2 Chronicles 8:4), and was conquered for a short time by Jeroboam II. (2 Kings 14:25). Under Sargon it was fully incorporated into the Assyrian empire (comp. Isaiah 10:9); rebellious populations were repeatedly transplanted into the territory of Hamath. Arpad. Always mentioned together with Hamath, whose fate it appears to have shared (Isaiah 10:9). A tell, or hill, with ruins, about three (German) miles from Aleppo, still bears the name Erfad (Zeitschrift of the German Oriental Society, 25:655). There is sorrow on the sea, etc.; i.e. even the sea participates in the agitation of that troublous time: somewhat as in Habakkuk 3:10 the sea is represented as sympathizing in the terror produced by a Divine manifestation. But by the slightest possible emendation (viz. of caph into beth) we obtain a more natural sense - "with an unrest as of the sea, which cannot be quiet." In Isaiah 57:20 we read, "For the ungodly are like the troubled sea, for it cannot be quiet;" and it can hardly be doubted that Jeremiah is alluding to this passage. If he altered it at all, it would be in the direction of greater smoothness rather than the reverse. Not a few manuscripts of Jeremiah actually have this corrected reading, which should probably be adopted.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Concerning Damascus:
לְדַמֶּ֗שֶׂק (lə·ḏam·me·śeq)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1834: Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria)

“Hamath
חֲמָת֙ (ḥă·māṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2574: Hamath -- a place North of Damascus

and Arpad
וְאַרְפָּ֔ד (wə·’ar·pāḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 774: Arpad -- a city in Aram (Syria)

are put to shame,
בּ֤וֹשָֽׁה (bō·wō·šāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed

for
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they have heard
שָׁמְע֖וּ (šā·mə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

a bad
רָעָ֛ה (rā·‘āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

report;
שְׁמֻעָ֥ה (šə·mu·‘āh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8052: Something heard, an announcement

they are agitated
נָמֹ֑גוּ (nā·mō·ḡū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4127: To melt

like the sea;
בַּיָּ֣ם (bay·yām)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

their anxiety
דְּאָגָ֔ה (də·’ā·ḡāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1674: Anxiety, anxious care

cannot
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be calmed.
הַשְׁקֵ֖ט (haš·qêṭ)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 8252: To be quiet or undisturbed

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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 49:23 Of Damascus (Jer.)