King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:46 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:46 in the King James Version says “Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives. ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives. captives, and: Heb. in captivity, etc”

Jeremiah 48:46 · King James Version

Context

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.

45

They that fled stood under the shadow of Heshbon because of the force: but a fire shall come forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and shall devour the corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones. tumultuous: Heb. children of noise

46

Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives. captives, and: Heb. in captivity, etc

47

Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.

Read Jeremiah 48 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth—the Hebrew hoy (הוֹי, woe) introduces a funeral lament. Moab is identified as 'people of Chemosh,' their national deity (1 Kings 11:7, 33). The verb 'avad (אָבַד, perisheth, is destroyed) indicates total ruin. This phrase echoes Numbers 21:29, turning Israel's ancient victory song into Moab's epitaph. The theological point is devastating: Chemosh could not protect his own people, proving his impotence against Yahweh.

For thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives—the double mention of 'captives' (shevi, שְׁבִי, captivity) emphasizes complete population deportation. Sons (banim, בָּנִים) and daughters (benot, בְּנוֹת) represent the totality of Moab's future—both male and female lines are cut off through exile. This fulfills the covenant curse of Deuteronomy 28:41: 'Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity.' What God threatened against disobedient Israel now falls on Moab for their arrogance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Chemosh (Kemosh) was the Moabite national deity, mentioned in the Mesha Stele (c. 840 BC), where King Mesha credits Chemosh with victories over Israel. Solomon built a high place for Chemosh (1 Kings 11:7), which stood until Josiah's reforms (2 Kings 23:13). Moabites practiced child sacrifice to Chemosh (2 Kings 3:27). Jeremiah's pronouncement that 'the people of Chemosh perish' declares the absolute failure of this deity. When Babylon conquered Moab, Chemosh worship ceased. The captivity of sons and daughters meant not just immediate suffering but the end of Moabite continuity—no next generation to maintain language, culture, or religion. Unlike Israel's exiles who maintained identity and returned, Moab's deportation was permanent assimilation into other peoples.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the total failure of Chemosh to protect Moab teach about the impotence of false gods?
  2. How does the captivity of 'sons and daughters' illustrate judgment's comprehensive impact across generations?
  3. Why does God allow the innocent (children) to suffer in national judgments, and how does this challenge simplistic understandings of justice?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אוֹי1 of 12

“Woe”

H188

lamentation; also interjectionally oh!

לְךָ֣2 of 12
H0
מוֹאָ֔ב3 of 12

“be unto thee O Moab”

H4124

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

אָבַ֖ד4 of 12

“perisheth”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

עַם5 of 12

“the people”

H5971

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

כְּמ֑וֹשׁ6 of 12

“of Chemosh”

H3645

kemosh, the god of the moabites

כִּֽי7 of 12
H3588

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

לֻקְּח֤וּ8 of 12

“are taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בָנֶ֙יךָ֙9 of 12

“for thy sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בַּשֶּׁ֔בִי10 of 12

“captives”

H7628

exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty

וּבְנֹתֶ֖יךָ11 of 12

“and thy daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

בַּשִּׁבְיָֽה׃12 of 12

“captives”

H7633

exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively)

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 48:46 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 48:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 21:291 Kings 11:7Judges 11:24Jeremiah 48:7Jeremiah 48:132 Kings 23:13

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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