Jeremiah 48:10

KJV

Cursed [be] he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed [be] he that keepeth back his sword from blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cursed {H779} be he that doeth {H6213} the work {H4399} of the LORD {H3068} deceitfully {H7423}, and cursed {H779} be he that keepeth back {H4513} his sword {H2719} from blood {H1818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A curse on him who does the work of ADONAI carelessly! A curse on him who withholds his sword from blood!

Berean Standard Bible

Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD, and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed.

American Standard Version

Cursed be he that doeth the work of Jehovah negligently; and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:10 delivers a severe imprecation against those who execute the Lord's work negligently or incompletely, specifically in the context of divine judgment against Moab. It pronounces a curse upon anyone who performs God's ordained task with sloth, treachery, or deceit, and equally upon those who shrink from fully carrying out the necessary, albeit violent, aspects of that judgment. The verse underscores the absolute seriousness with which God regards obedience and diligence in fulfilling His sovereign will, particularly when it involves punitive action against rebellious nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48 is a sustained and detailed oracle of judgment against Moab, one of Israel's long-standing neighbors and adversaries. This chapter is part of a larger section (Jeremiah 46-51) containing prophecies against foreign nations, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all peoples, not just Israel. Immediately preceding [Jeremiah 48:10](/jeremiah/48-10 "Jeremiah 48:10 - The Curse on Moab's Destroyers") are lamentations over Moab's impending destruction, highlighting their pride and idolatry as reasons for their downfall. The verse itself acts as a stern command and warning to the instruments of this judgment, typically understood to be the Babylonian army, ensuring they fulfill God's decree without reservation or compromise. The subsequent verses continue to describe Moab's utter desolation and the eventual restoration of their fortunes in the latter days.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was a Transjordanian nation, descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:37), consistently hostile towards Israel throughout their history (e.g., Numbers 22-24; Judges 3; 2 Kings 3). They were known for their pride, their trust in their wealth and fortifications, and their worship of the idol Chemosh. Historically, Moab had often oppressed Israel and rejoiced in their misfortunes, as noted in [Jeremiah 48:27](/jeremiah/48-27 "Jeremiah 48:27 - Moab's Scoffing at Israel"). The "work of the LORD" in this context refers to the divinely appointed destruction of Moab, which would be carried out by the Babylonian empire under Nebuchadnezzar. God often used pagan nations as instruments of His judgment against other nations, including His own people, Israel, when they rebelled (e.g., [Habakkuk 1:6](/habakkuk/1-6 "Habakkuk 1:6 - God Raises Up the Babylonians")). The cultural context implies that warfare was often brutal, and God's decrees of judgment could involve complete annihilation, which was not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern conflicts, though here it is explicitly framed as divine command.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate ruler over all nations, orchestrating even the actions of pagan armies to fulfill His righteous decrees. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Obedience and Accountability**, emphasizing that those chosen as instruments of God's will, regardless of their awareness, are held to a standard of diligence and thoroughness. The "work of the LORD" must be performed without deceit or slackness. Thirdly, it touches on the theme of **Consequences for Rebellion**, as Moab's destruction is a direct result of its persistent pride, idolatry, and antagonism towards God's people, illustrating the severe outcomes for nations that defy the Lord. This divine mandate for thoroughness in judgment resonates with other passages where God commands complete destruction of wicked peoples, such as the Amalekites in [1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - Saul's Command to Destroy Amalek").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cursed (Hebrew, _ʼârar'_):** From H779, a primitive root meaning "to execrate" or "bitterly curse." This is a strong, definitive pronouncement of divine disfavor and judgment. It signifies a state of being under God's condemnation, implying severe consequences for disobedience. In this context, it is not merely a human wish but a prophetic declaration of what will befall those who fail in their divine commission.
* **work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** From H4399, meaning "deputyship," "ministry," or "employment." While it can refer to general labor, here it denotes a specific task or commission given by God. It emphasizes that the action to be performed is not arbitrary but a divinely appointed duty, making the manner of its execution critically important. It carries the weight of a sacred trust, even when the task is one of judgment.
* **deceitfully (Hebrew, _rᵉmîyâh'_):** From H7423, meaning "remissness," "treachery," "deceit," "false," "guile," "idle," "slack," or "slothful." This word describes the manner of performing the "work of the LORD." It encapsulates negligence, half-heartedness, or a lack of integrity in carrying out a divine command. It implies a failure to apply full effort or sincerity, potentially out of a desire to avoid the difficulty or unpleasantness of the task.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cursed [be] he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully":** This clause pronounces a divine curse upon any individual or group (in this case, the Babylonian invaders) who undertakes a task appointed by God but performs it with negligence, slackness, or treachery. The "work of the LORD" here specifically refers to the execution of God's judgment against Moab. To do this "deceitfully" means to perform it half-heartedly, incompletely, or with a lack of the thoroughness and zeal that God's holy purposes demand. It warns against spiritual sloth or a failure of integrity in fulfilling a divine mandate.
* **"and cursed [be] he that keepeth back his sword from blood":** This second clause reinforces and specifies the nature of the "deceitful" work in the context of warfare and judgment. It pronounces a curse on those who, having been commissioned to execute divine judgment, shrink from carrying out the full, bloody extent of that judgment. "Keeping back his sword from blood" is a vivid idiom for showing undue mercy, sparing enemies, or failing to complete the destruction God has decreed. For the Babylonian army, this meant not holding back from the complete devastation of Moab, as God had ordained its utter downfall due to its persistent sin and opposition to His will.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:10 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, a curse or denunciation, which is stated twice for emphasis, underscoring the severity of the pronouncement. This repetition also creates a form of **Parallelism**, where the second clause ("cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood") clarifies and intensifies the meaning of the first ("cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully"). The phrase "keepeth back his sword from blood" is a stark example of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "sword" represents the act of warfare and "blood" represents the full, lethal consequence of battle. It is also a powerful **Idiom**, conveying the idea of failing to complete a task of judgment to its full, intended extent, often out of misplaced pity or reluctance. The imagery is **Visceral** and direct, designed to evoke a strong response and leave no doubt about the absolute nature of the divine command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:10, though set in the context of a harsh divine judgment, reveals profound truths about God's character and His expectations for those involved in His work. It teaches that God is sovereign over all nations and that His purposes, even those involving destruction, will be accomplished. More importantly, it highlights that God demands absolute integrity, diligence, and unwavering obedience from those who are His instruments, whether they are conscious servants or unwitting agents. There is no room for half-heartedness, negligence, or compromise when executing a divine mandate. The curse pronounced underscores the gravity of such a commission and the accountability of those who receive it. This principle extends beyond military judgment to all forms of God's work, emphasizing that all tasks performed for the Lord must be done with utmost sincerity and dedication.

* [Deuteronomy 27:26](/deuteronomy/27-26 "Deuteronomy 27:26 - Curse for Disobedience to Law")
* [Proverbs 3:27](/proverbs/3-27 "Proverbs 3:27 - Do Not Withhold Good")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working Heartily for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of Jeremiah 48:10 is the execution of divine judgment through warfare, its underlying principles hold profound relevance for believers today. The verse challenges us to examine our own commitment and diligence in every "work of the LORD" we undertake. This includes not just formal ministry or evangelism, but also our daily vocations, our family responsibilities, our personal spiritual disciplines, and our engagement with justice and truth in the world. Are we performing these tasks with integrity, passion, and thoroughness, or are we acting "deceitfully"—with negligence, sloth, or half-heartedness? The "sword" in our hands might be the Word of God, the call to confront sin, or the need to stand firm against spiritual compromise. Are we "keeping back our sword from blood" by avoiding difficult conversations, shrinking from spiritual battles, or failing to fully commit to the demands of discipleship? This verse calls us to a radical commitment to God's will, reminding us that He values not just the outcome, but the heart and diligence with which His work is done.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be doing the "work of the LORD deceitfully," either through negligence, procrastination, or lack of full commitment?**
* **What "sword" (e.g., truth, conviction, difficult action) might I be "keeping back from blood" (e.g., from confronting sin, engaging in spiritual warfare, or fully embracing a challenging calling) out of fear, comfort, or misplaced compassion?**
* **How does the seriousness of this curse motivate me to approach all my responsibilities, both spiritual and secular, with greater diligence and integrity, knowing they are ultimately for the Lord?**

### FAQ
**Does "the work of the LORD" in this verse refer to all good deeds or specifically to acts of judgment?**

Answer: While "the work of the LORD" can broadly refer to any task or ministry undertaken for God, in the specific literary and historical context of [Jeremiah 48:10](/jeremiah/48-10 "Jeremiah 48:10 - The Curse on Moab's Destroyers"), it primarily refers to the divinely ordained judgment against Moab. The second clause, "keepeth back his sword from blood," explicitly ties the "work" to a military and punitive context. Therefore, it is about the thorough and uncompromising execution of God's judgment, typically carried out by instruments like the Babylonian army. However, the underlying principle of diligence and integrity in all God's commands can be applied more broadly to Christian life, as seen in [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Working Heartily for the Lord").

**How can a loving God command such violence and then curse those who show mercy?**

Answer: This is a challenging aspect of Old Testament divine judgment. The biblical narrative presents God as both loving and just. His judgments against nations like Moab were not arbitrary but were the culmination of centuries of their rebellion, idolatry, pride, and often, their active oppression of God's people (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:26-27](/jeremiah/48-26 "Jeremiah 48:26-27 - Moab's Drunkenness and Scoffing")). The severity of the judgment reflects the gravity of their sin and God's absolute holiness. When God commissions an instrument for judgment, He expects full obedience, as any partiality or mercy might be seen as undermining His righteous decree and allowing evil to persist. This demonstrates God's sovereignty and the seriousness with which He views both sin and the execution of His will. It's a reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His justice is perfect, even when it appears harsh from a human perspective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:10, with its stern curse against those who perform God's work deceitfully or hold back from executing His judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Christ perfectly embodies the one who never did "the work of the LORD deceitfully." His entire earthly ministry, from His incarnation to His crucifixion, was marked by absolute obedience, integrity, and diligence, fulfilling every prophetic word and divine command without compromise or sloth (e.g., [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God") and [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies God by Completing His Work")). He did not "keep back his sword" from the ultimate "blood" – His own – shed on the cross, which was the final, decisive act of God's judgment against sin and the purchase of salvation for humanity (e.g., [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")).

Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate executor of God's judgment, who will one day wield the "sword" of divine justice with perfect righteousness and without holding back (e.g., [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Sword from Christ's Mouth")). Unlike human instruments who might falter or act with mixed motives, Jesus will perfectly fulfill God's righteous decrees, bringing both salvation and condemnation to their full, intended measure. Thus, this Old Testament curse, while initially directed at human agents of judgment, ultimately points to the perfect and complete obedience of Christ, who fully accomplished the Father's will, establishing His kingdom and securing eternal redemption through His unwavering commitment to the "work of the LORD."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 20:42

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of [thy] hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.

1 Samuel 15:3

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Judges 5:23

Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.

1 Samuel 15:9

But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all [that was] good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing [that was] vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

2 Kings 13:19

And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed [it]: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria [but] thrice.

Numbers 31:14

And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, [with] the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle.

Numbers 31:18

But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.