King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:7 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:7 in the King James Version says “For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth in... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together.

Jeremiah 48:7 · KJV


Context

5

For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction. continual: Heb. weeping with weeping

6

Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness. the heath: or, a naked tree

7

For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moab's trust in works and treasures led to downfall. The Hebrew 'ma'asim' (works) and 'otzerot' (treasures) represent human achievement and accumulated wealth - the twin pillars of self-reliance. God declares these insufficient - Chemosh (Moab's god) will go into captivity with his people. This echoes biblical warnings against trusting riches (Ps 49:6-7, 1 Tim 6:17) and works-righteousness (Eph 2:8-9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moab, descended from Lot (Gen 19:37), had opposed Israel repeatedly. Their pride and self-sufficiency made them prime examples of human arrogance facing divine judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'works and treasures' do you unconsciously trust in for security?
  2. How does Moab's downfall warn against self-reliance rather than God-reliance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּ֠י1 of 14
H3588

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

יַ֣עַן2 of 14
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

בִּטְחֵ֤ךְ3 of 14

For because thou hast trusted

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בְּמַעֲשַׂ֙יִךְ֙4 of 14

in thy works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וּבְא֣וֹצְרוֹתַ֔יִךְ5 of 14

and in thy treasures

H214

a depository

גַּם6 of 14
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַ֖תְּ7 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּלָּכֵ֑דִי8 of 14

thou shalt also be taken

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

וְיָצָ֤א9 of 14

shall go forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

כְמיֹשׁ֙10 of 14

and Chemosh

H3645

kemosh, the god of the moabites

בַּגּוֹלָ֔ה11 of 14

into captivity

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

כֹּהֲנָ֥יו12 of 14

with his priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְשָׂרָ֖יו13 of 14

and his princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

יַחְדָּֽ׃14 of 14

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly


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 48:7 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 48:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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