Obadiah 1:7
What does Obadiah 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Obadiah 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Obadiah 1:7 means
Edom’s downfall will come not only from enemies but from supposed friends. Allies escort them “to the border,” then turn on them. Those at peace with Edom deceive and overpower them. Even table companions—those who eat their bread—set a trap. Edom prided itself on shrewd diplomacy, yet God declares, “there is no understanding in him.” Their cleverness cannot foresee treachery when God withdraws wisdom. The verse shows how divine judgment often operates through human betrayal. Partnerships once used to secure advantage become the very snare. When the Lord purposes to humble a people, their trusted networks fray, and the breach comes from the place they least expect—friends’ hands.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee on thy way, even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread lay a snare under thee: there is no understanding in him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee on thy way, even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread lay a snare under thee: there is no understanding in him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949All the men who were united with you have been false to you, driving you out to the edge of the land: the men who were at peace with you have overcome you; they have taken their heritage in your place.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Unto the border sent thee have all thine allies, Forgotten thee, prevailed over thee, have thy friends, Thy bread they make a snare under thee, There is no understanding in him!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They have sent thee out even to the border: all the men of thy confederacy have deceived thee: the men of thy peace have prevailed against thee: they that eat with thee shall lay snares under thee: there is no wisdom in him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890All the men of thy confederacy have pushed thee to the border; the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, they have prevailed against thee; [they that eat] thy bread have laid a snare under thee. There is no understanding in him.
Context
After exposing Edom’s resources, the prophecy explains another instrument of judgment: the treachery of confederates. This relates back to Edom’s pride in alliances and foresight. The next verses (8–9) drive the nail further—Jehovah Himself will remove the wise men and unnerve the mighty. So the sequence moves from external pressures (plunderers) to internal collapse (failed counsel and courage). Understanding this layered unraveling helps the reader see that every pillar Edom relied on will crumble under God’s hand.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hosea 13:13
The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise son; for it is time he should not tarry in the place of the breaking forth of children.
- Isaiah 19:11
The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the counsel of the wisest counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?
- Jeremiah 20:10
For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Denounce, and we will denounce him, say all my familiar friends, they that watch for my fall; peradventure he will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
- Jeremiah 30:14
All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not: for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the greatness of thine iniquity, because thy sins were increased.
- Psalms 55:12
For it was not an enemy that reproached me; Then I could have borne it: Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; Then I would have hid myself from him:
- Jeremiah 4:30
And thou, when thou art made desolate, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with scarlet, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou enlargest thine eyes with paint, in vain dost thou make thyself fair; thy lovers despise thee, they seek thy life.