King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:42 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:42 in the King James Version says “And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 48:42 · KJV

Context

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.

43

Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD.

44

He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moab shall be destroyed from being a people—the Hebrew shamad (שָׁמַד, destroyed, exterminated) and me'am (מֵעָם, from being a people/nation) indicate total political annihilation. Moab would cease to exist as an independent nation. This is not ethnic genocide but the end of Moabite national sovereignty—their identity as a distinct political entity would be obliterated.

Because he hath magnified himself against the LORD—the causation is explicit. The verb gadal (גָּדַל, magnified, exalted) combined with al-YHWH (עַל־יְהוָה, against the LORD) identifies Moab's fundamental sin: not mere idolatry, but arrogant defiance of Yahweh Himself. Jeremiah 48:26-27 specifies that Moab mocked Israel and exulted in Judah's suffering, treating God's disciplinary judgment of His people as proof of His weakness. This is the pattern of hubris that brings divine judgment: Pharaoh (Exodus 5:2), Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:22-23), Nebuchadnezzar himself (Daniel 4:30), and Herod (Acts 12:21-23) all suffered for magnifying themselves against God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After Nebuchadnezzar's invasion (c. 582 BC), Moab never regained independence. Subsequent Persian, Greek, and Roman administrations absorbed the territory into larger provinces. By the 4th century BC, Arab tribes (Nabateans) displaced remaining Moabites. The prophecy's fulfillment was complete—Moab ceased to exist as 'a people.' Yet Jeremiah 48:47 promises eventual restoration 'in the latter days,' possibly referring to individuals of Moabite descent being incorporated into the messianic kingdom. Ruth the Moabitess, ancestress of David and Jesus, exemplifies this gracious inclusion. The principle stands: nations that defy God forfeit their existence, but individuals who turn to Him find mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'magnify yourself against the LORD,' and how might nations or individuals do this today?
  2. How does Moab's complete political destruction demonstrate that God takes personal affronts seriously?
  3. What hope does Ruth's inclusion in Christ's genealogy offer despite Moab's national judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְנִשְׁמַ֥ד1 of 7

“shall be destroyed”

H8045

to desolate

מוֹאָ֖ב2 of 7

“And Moab”

H4124

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

מֵעָ֑ם3 of 7

“from being a people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כִּ֥י4 of 7
H3588

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

עַל5 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 7

“himself against the LORD”

H3068

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

הִגְדִּֽיל׃7 of 7

“because he hath magnified”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

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 48:42 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 48:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 48:2Isaiah 7:8Isaiah 37:23Jeremiah 30:11Esther 3:8-13Jeremiah 48:26-30

Places in This Verse

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

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 48 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 48 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes