King James Version

What Does Numbers 21:29 Mean?

Numbers 21:29 in the King James Version says “Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into ca...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.”

Numbers 21:29 · KJV

Context

27

Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:

28

For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.

29

Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.

30

We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba.

31

Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites.

Read Numbers 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh (כְּמוֹש, Kemosh)—Chemosh was Moab's national deity (1 Kings 11:7), here mocked for inability to protect his worshipers. He hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon—The false god delivers his own people to defeat, reversing expected divine protection. This taunt exposes pagan deities' impotence.

Jeremiah 48:46 later repeats this woe when Babylon conquers Moab, proving the ongoing validity of prophetic judgment. Chemosh's failure contrasts with Yahweh's faithfulness—Israel's God actually delivers, fights, conquers. The comparative theology is pointed: worship determines destiny.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Chemosh worship involved child sacrifice (2 Kings 3:27) and ritual prostitution. Archaeological finds include the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone), where King Mesha credits Chemosh with military victory over Israel—demonstrating that Moabites attributed political-military outcomes to their god, just as Israel attributed victories to Yahweh.

Reflection Questions

  1. What false 'gods' in contemporary culture promise protection but deliver captivity to those who trust them?
  2. How does comparing Yahweh's actual deliverance with idols' empty promises strengthen your faith?
  3. Where might you be tempted to trust functional 'Chemoshes'—career, reputation, wealth—that cannot ultimately save?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אוֹי1 of 14

“Woe”

H188

lamentation; also interjectionally oh!

לְךָ֣2 of 14
H0
מוֹאָ֔ב3 of 14

“to thee Moab”

H4124

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

אָבַ֖דְתָּ4 of 14

“thou art undone”

H6

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

עַם5 of 14

“O 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 14

“of Chemosh”

H3645

kemosh, the god of the moabites

נָתַ֨ן7 of 14

“he hath given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בָּנָ֤יו8 of 14

“his 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

פְּלֵיטִם֙9 of 14

“that escaped”

H6412

a refugee

וּבְנֹתָ֣יו10 of 14

“and his daughters”

H1323

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

בַּשְּׁבִ֔ית11 of 14
H7628

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

לְמֶ֥לֶךְ12 of 14

“king”

H4428

a king

אֱמֹרִ֖י13 of 14

“of the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

סִיחֽוֹן׃14 of 14

“unto Sihon”

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Numbers 21:29 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 Numbers 21:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 48:462 Kings 23:13Judges 11:24Jeremiah 48:71 Kings 11:71 Kings 11:33

Places in This Verse

Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Numbers 21 →

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