Obadiah 1:3
New International Version
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’

New Living Translation
You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains. ‘Who can ever reach us way up here?’ you ask boastfully.

English Standard Version
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?”

Berean Standard Bible
The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’

King James Bible
The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

New King James Version
The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rock, Whose habitation is high; You who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’

New American Standard Bible
“The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, The one who lives in the clefts of the rock, On the height of his dwelling place, Who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to earth?’

NASB 1995
“The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, You who live in the clefts of the rock, In the loftiness of your dwelling place, Who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to earth?’

NASB 1977
“The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, You who live in the clefts of the rock, In the loftiness of your dwelling place, Who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to earth?’

Legacy Standard Bible
The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the cliff, In the height of your habitation, Who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to earth?’

Amplified Bible
“The pride and arrogance of your heart have deceived you, You who live in the clefts and lofty security of the rock (Sela), Whose dwelling place is high, Who say [boastfully] in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to earth?’

Christian Standard Bible
Your arrogant heart has deceived you, you who live in clefts of the rock in your home on the heights, who say to yourself, “Who can bring me down to the ground? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Your presumptuous heart has deceived you, you who live in clefts of the rock in your home on the heights, who say to yourself,” Who can bring me down to the ground?”

American Standard Version
The pride of thy heart hath deceived thee, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Contemporary English Version
You live in a mountain fortress, because your pride makes you feel safe from attack, but you are mistaken.

English Revised Version
The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Your arrogance has deceived you. You live on rocky cliffs. You make your home up high. You say to yourself, 'No one can bring me down to earth.'

Good News Translation
Your pride has deceived you. Your capital is a fortress of solid rock; your home is high in the mountains, and so you say to yourself, 'Who can ever pull me down?'

International Standard Version
The arrogance in your heart has deceived you, who inhabit hidden places on rocky cliffs, whose dwelling is in the heights, who say continuously to yourself, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'

Majority Standard Bible
The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’

NET Bible
Your presumptuous heart has deceived you--you who reside in the safety of the rocky cliffs, whose home is high in the mountains. You think to yourself, 'No one can bring me down to the ground!'

New Heart English Bible
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in his heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'

Webster's Bible Translation
The pride of thy heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

World English Bible
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The pride of your heart has lifted you up, "" O dweller in clefts of a rock "" (A high place [is] his habitation, "" He is saying in his heart: Who brings me down [to] earth?)

Young's Literal Translation
The pride of thy heart hath lifted thee up, O dweller in clifts of a rock, (A high place is his habitation, He is saying in his heart, 'Who doth bring me down to earth?')

Smith's Literal Translation
The pride of thy heart deceived thee, dwelling in the refuges of the rock, the height his seat; he said in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the earth?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The pride of thy heart hath lifted thee up, who dwellest in the clefts of the rocks, and settest up thy throne on high: who sayest in thy heart: Who shall bring me down to the ground ?

Catholic Public Domain Version
The arrogance of your heart has lifted you up, living in the clefts of the rocks, exalting your throne. You say in your heart, “Who will pull me down to the ground?”

New American Bible
The pride of your heart has deceived you— you who dwell in mountain crevices, in your lofty home, Who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to earth?”

New Revised Standard Version
Your proud heart has deceived you, you that live in the clefts of the rock, whose dwelling is in the heights. You say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; who says in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The pride of your heart has deceived you who dwell in the strength of the cliff, and in the high place is his dwelling, and he said in his heart: ‘who will bring me down to the ground?’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The pride of thy heart hath beguiled thee, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, Thy habitation on high; That sayest in thy heart: 'Who shall bring me down to the ground?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Behold, I have made thee small among the Gentiles: thou art greatly dishonoured. The pride of thine heart has elated thee, dwelling as thou dost in the holes of the rocks, as one that exalts his habitation, saying in his heart, Who will bring me down to the ground?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Destruction of Edom
2“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised. 3The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ 4Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 49:16
The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Isaiah 14:13-15
You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” / But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.

Ezekiel 28:2
“Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god.

Isaiah 2:11-12
The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. / For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—

Isaiah 47:10
You were secure in your wickedness; you said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray; you told yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’

Habakkuk 2:4
Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—

Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

1 Corinthians 8:1
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.


Treasury of Scripture

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you that dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that said in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

pride.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

thou.

2 Kings 14:7
He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

2 Chronicles 25:12
And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.

saith.

Isaiah 14:13-15
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: …

Isaiah 47:7,8
And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it…

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?

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Obadiah 1
1. The destruction of Edom,
3. for their pride,
10. and for their wrong unto Jacob.
17. The salvation and victory of Jacob.














The pride of your heart
The Hebrew word for "pride" is "גֵּאוּת" (ge'ut), which conveys a sense of arrogance or haughtiness. In the biblical context, pride is often seen as a sin that leads individuals away from God, as it fosters self-reliance and a false sense of security. The "heart" in Hebrew thought is the center of one's inner life, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Thus, the "pride of your heart" suggests an internal, deep-seated arrogance that blinds one to reality and truth. This pride is a spiritual ailment that leads to self-deception, as it did with the Edomites, who trusted in their own strength and strategic position rather than in God.

has deceived you
The Hebrew root for "deceived" is "נָשָׁא" (nasha), meaning to lead astray or cause to err. This deception is self-inflicted, stemming from the pride that distorts one's perception of reality. In the biblical narrative, deception is often a tool of the enemy, leading people away from God's truth. Here, the Edomites' pride has clouded their judgment, making them believe they are invincible. This serves as a warning to all believers about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God.

O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks
The phrase "dwellers in the clefts of the rocks" refers to the Edomites, who lived in the mountainous region of Seir. The Hebrew word "סֶלַע" (sela) means rock or crag, indicating a place of natural fortification. Archaeological evidence shows that the Edomites inhabited a rugged terrain with high cliffs and rock-hewn dwellings, which they believed provided them with security. This geographical advantage contributed to their sense of invulnerability. However, the prophet Obadiah highlights that physical security is no match for divine judgment.

whose habitation is high
The "high habitation" symbolizes both the literal elevation of Edom's dwellings and their elevated sense of self-importance. The Hebrew word "גָּבַהּ" (gavah) means to be high or exalted. In scripture, height often symbolizes pride and self-exaltation, as seen in the Tower of Babel narrative. The Edomites' high position gave them a false sense of superiority and security, yet Obadiah's prophecy reminds us that no earthly height can protect against God's sovereign will.

who say in your heart
This phrase indicates an internal dialogue, revealing the true thoughts and attitudes of the Edomites. The heart, in Hebrew "לֵב" (lev), is the seat of thought and intention. The Edomites' self-talk reflects their arrogance and self-deception. It is a reminder that God discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart, and that our internal attitudes are as important as our external actions.

'Who can bring me down to the ground?'
This rhetorical question reveals the Edomites' overconfidence and defiance. The phrase "bring me down" uses the Hebrew root "יָרַד" (yarad), meaning to descend or be brought low. The Edomites believed their position made them untouchable, yet this question is ironically answered by God through Obadiah's prophecy. It serves as a cautionary tale that human pride and perceived invincibility are ultimately subject to God's authority and judgment. The "ground" symbolizes humility and the inevitable downfall that comes from pride, echoing the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction" (Proverbs 16:18).

Verses 3, 4. - Edom had prided herself in the strength of her position; but this shall not secure her from destruction when the Lord wars against her. Verse 3. - Hath deceived; Septuagint, ἐπῆρε, "elated;" Vulgate, extulit. The pointing varies. In ver. 7 Jerome translates the word by illudere. The clefts; Septuagint, ὀπαῖς: Vulgate, scissuris. The word occurs in the parallel passage, Jeremiah 49:16, and in Song of Solomon 2:14, where it has the meaning of "refuge." Of the rook. This may be Sela, or Petra, as 2 Kings 14:7. The country inhabited by the Edomites lay on the eastern side of the Arabah, and extended from the south end of the Dead Sea to the Elanitic Gulf. It was a region of mountain and valley, difficult, and in many parts inaccessible from the west. Rock-hewn dwellings are found everywhere in those hills, the Edomites, when they expelled the aboriginal Troglodytes (Deuteronomy 2:12, 22), having adopted their habitations and excavated new ones on the same model throughout the whole district. These were useful, not only as being secure from hostile attack, but as cool retreats in the summer of that scorching tract, and offering a warm shelter in winter when fuel was scarce. Petra, the capital, lay completely hidden at the end of a rocky defile some two miles long, and could easily be defended against an enemy by a handful of men. (For a description of this remarkable place, see the Introduction, § I.) Verse 4. - Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle. The Hebrew gives "nest" as the subject of both clauses, thus: "Though thou exaltest... and settest thy nest." Job (Job 39:27, 28) speaks of the eagle making its nest in the highest rocks. The metaphor is found in Numbers 24:21; Habakkuk 2:9. Will I bring thee down (Amos 9:3). The seizure of Petra by the Nabathaeans is the judgment referred to in this part of the prophecy; the complete ruin is mentioned later (vers. 18, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The pride
זְד֤וֹן (zə·ḏō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2087: Insolence, presumptuousness

of your heart
לִבְּךָ֙ (lib·bə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

has deceived you—
הִשִּׁיאֶ֔ךָ (hiš·šî·’e·ḵā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5377: To lead astray, to delude, to seduce

O dwellers
שֹׁכְנִ֥י (šō·ḵə·nî)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell

in the clefts
בְחַגְוֵי־ (ḇə·ḥaḡ·wê-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2288: Places of concealment, retreats

of the rocks
סֶּ֖לַע (se·la‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5553: A craggy rock

whose habitation is
שִׁבְתּ֑וֹ (šiḇ·tōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7674: Rest, interruption, cessation

the heights,
מְר֣וֹם (mə·rō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4791: Altitude

who say
אֹמֵ֣ר (’ō·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

in your heart,
בְּלִבּ֔וֹ (bə·lib·bōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

‘Who
מִ֥י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

can bring me down
יוֹרִדֵ֖נִי (yō·w·ri·ḏê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to the ground?’
אָֽרֶץ׃ (’ā·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Prophets: Obadiah 1:3 The pride of your heart has deceived (Obad. Oba. Ob)
Obadiah 1:2
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