King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:40 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:40 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.”

Jeremiah 48:40 · KJV

Context

38

There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD.

39

They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him. back: Heb. neck

40

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.

41

Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs. Kerioth: or, The cities

42

And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab—God employs the imagery of a raptor (nesher, נֶשֶׁר, eagle or vulture) to depict Babylon's swift, unstoppable attack on Moab. The verb da'ah (דָּאָה), 'fly,' conveys swooping speed and predatory intent. Spread his wings (paras kenaphayv, פָּרַשׂ כְּנָפָיו) suggests both the eagle's hunting posture and complete domination—the shadow of those wings offers no protection, only terror.

This eagle is identified in context as Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (cf. Jeremiah 48:40-47, fulfilled c. 582 BC when Nebuchadnezzar invaded Moab). Ezekiel uses identical imagery for Babylon's king (Ezekiel 17:3). The eagle motif recurs throughout Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:49 warned covenant-breakers that God would bring 'a nation from afar, as swift as the eagle'; Daniel 7:4 depicts Babylon as a winged lion. The irony is profound—Moab mocked Israel's God and exulted in Judah's fall (Jeremiah 48:26-27), yet now faces the same divine instrument of judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moab, descended from Lot (Genesis 19:37), occupied the plateau east of the Dead Sea. Though distant cousins to Israel, Moabites were historic antagonists (Numbers 22-25, Judges 3:12-30). By Jeremiah's time (early 6th century BC), Moab had survived Assyrian invasions and temporarily prospered while Judah suffered. Archaeological evidence shows Moabite towns flourished until Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns. Babylonian records confirm Nebuchadnezzar invaded Transjordan around 582 BC, devastating Moab, Ammon, and Edom. The eagle imagery would have terrified Moabites—they had watched Babylon destroy Jerusalem (586 BC) and knew resistance was futile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of pagan Babylon as His instrument of judgment challenge our assumptions about how He works in history?
  2. What does Moab's fate teach about the danger of gloating over others' misfortunes, especially God's people?
  3. How should the certainty of God's prophesied judgments affect our view of contemporary world events?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כִּי1 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כֹה֙2 of 11
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר3 of 11

“For thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הִנֵּ֥ה5 of 11
H2009

lo!

כַנֶּ֖שֶׁר6 of 11

“as an eagle”

H5404

the eagle (or other large bird of prey)

יִדְאֶ֑ה7 of 11

“Behold he shall fly”

H1675

to dart, i.e., fly rapidly

וּפָרַ֥שׂ8 of 11

“and shall spread”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

כְּנָפָ֖יו9 of 11

“his wings”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

אֶל10 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מוֹאָֽב׃11 of 11

“over Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

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 48:40 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 48:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 8:8Deuteronomy 28:49Jeremiah 49:22Ezekiel 17:3Hosea 8:1Habakkuk 1:8

Places in This Verse

Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Jeremiah 48 →

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