King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:10 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:10 in the King James Version says “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. decei...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. deceitfully: or, negligently”

Jeremiah 48:10 · KJV

Context

8

And the spoiler shall come upon every city, and no city shall escape: the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed, as the LORD hath spoken.

9

Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away: for the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein.

10

Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. deceitfully: or, negligently

11

Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed. remained: Heb. stood

12

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.

Read Jeremiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully' warns against half-hearted obedience in executing God's purposes. The Hebrew 'remiyah' (deceitfully/negligently) suggests doing God's work carelessly or with mixed motives. Those called to implement God's judgment must do so thoroughly, not hesitantly. This applies broadly to all ministry - doing God's work requires wholehearted commitment, not lukewarm effort.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse was directed at those who would execute judgment on Moab. Incomplete obedience in God's appointed tasks brings curse rather than blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas are you tempted to serve God half-heartedly or negligently?
  2. How does God's call for wholehearted service challenge your current ministry efforts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְאָר֕וּר1 of 9

“Cursed”

H779

to execrate

עֹשֶׂ֛ה2 of 9

“be he that doeth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מְלֶ֥אכֶת3 of 9

“the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

יְהוָ֖ה4 of 9

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

רְמִיָּ֑ה5 of 9

“deceitfully”

H7423

remissness, treachery

וְאָר֕וּר6 of 9

“Cursed”

H779

to execrate

מֹנֵ֥עַ7 of 9

“be he that keepeth back”

H4513

to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury

חַרְבּ֖וֹ8 of 9

“his sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

מִדָּֽם׃9 of 9

“from blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 48:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 48:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:31 Kings 20:42Judges 5:231 Samuel 15:92 Kings 13:19Numbers 31:14-18

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