Jeremiah 48:41

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Kerioth {H7152} is taken {H3920}, and the strong holds {H4679} are surprised {H8610}, and the mighty men's {H1368} hearts {H3820} in Moab {H4124} at that day {H3117} shall be as the heart {H3820} of a woman {H802} in her pangs {H6887}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the cities are captured, the strongholds are seized. On that day the hearts of Mo'av's warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

Berean Standard Bible

Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab’s warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

American Standard Version

Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are seized, and the heart of the mighty men of Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:41 vividly portrays the sudden and devastating judgment upon Moab, announcing the capture of its key city, Kerioth, and its fortified strongholds. The verse climaxes with a powerful simile, declaring that the hearts of Moab's mighty warriors will be utterly paralyzed by terror, akin to the excruciating pain and helplessness experienced by a woman in the throes of childbirth. This imagery underscores the complete collapse of Moabite morale and the overwhelming nature of God's decreed destruction, leaving no room for resistance or escape.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48:41 is situated within a lengthy and comprehensive oracle against Moab, spanning the entirety of [Jeremiah chapter 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"). This chapter is part of a larger section in Jeremiah's prophecy (chapters 46-51) dedicated to pronouncements of divine judgment against various foreign nations that surrounded Judah. The oracle against Moab specifically details the widespread destruction, lamentation, and humiliation that will befall the nation due to its pride, idolatry (particularly the worship of Chemosh), and insolence against the Lord and His people. Verse 41 follows a series of pronouncements regarding the destruction of numerous Moabite cities and agricultural devastation, intensifying the focus from general ruin to the specific psychological impact on its most formidable defenders. It sets the stage for further descriptions of Moab's utter desolation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, a fertile land known for its agricultural produce and wealth, often in conflict with Israel. Descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:37), the Moabites were frequently depicted in Scripture as enemies of God's people, characterized by their arrogance and idolatry. Kerioth (or Kiriathaim) was a significant Moabite city, possibly a royal or cultic center, whose fall would symbolize the complete subjugation of the nation. The "strong holds" refer to the numerous fortified cities and defensive positions Moab relied upon for security. The cultural context of the "mighty men" (warriors, champions) highlights the reversal of traditional roles; those expected to be strong and fearless are rendered utterly helpless. The imagery of a woman in "pangs" (childbirth labor) was universally understood as a metaphor for intense, inescapable, and agonizing pain, fear, and helplessness, often used in ancient Near Eastern prophecies to describe overwhelming national distress or the onset of divine judgment, as seen in [Isaiah 13:8](/isaiah/13-8 "Isaiah 13:8 - Fear and Pangs in Babylon's Fall") regarding Babylon.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His righteous response to national pride, idolatry, and rebellion. Moab's downfall is not a random historical event but a direct consequence of its spiritual defiance and self-exaltation. Another key theme is the **Futility of Human Strength and Security** when confronted with divine decree; despite their "strong holds" and "mighty men," Moab's defenses prove utterly useless. The verse also highlights **Sudden and Overwhelming Catastrophe**, as the strongholds are "surprised," indicating an unexpected and swift overthrow. Finally, the vivid simile underscores **Profound Psychological Terror and Humiliation**, where the once-courageous warriors are reduced to a state of extreme fear and helplessness, a stark reversal of their expected demeanor, showing the depth of their despair in the face of an inevitable and crushing defeat.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mighty men's (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term refers to powerful individuals, warriors, champions, or valiant men. In this context, it highlights the elite military strength and presumed courage of Moab's fighting force. The irony of the verse is that these very "mighty men" are reduced to utter weakness and fear, demonstrating the complete reversal of their expected nature in the face of divine judgment.
* **surprised (Hebrew, _tâphas'_):** This word means "to seize," "to capture," or "to take hold of." In the passive voice, as used here, it conveys the idea of being caught unawares, suddenly taken, or overwhelmed. It emphasizes the unexpected and irresistible nature of the attack on Moab's fortresses, implying a lack of preparedness and the swiftness of their downfall.
* **pangs (Hebrew, _tsârar'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cramp" or "to be in distress," this word vividly describes the intense, agonizing pain and constriction experienced during childbirth. Figuratively, it denotes extreme affliction, distress, and helplessness. Its application to the "mighty men's hearts" powerfully communicates a state of overwhelming, inescapable terror and anguish that renders them utterly incapacitated and devoid of their usual strength and courage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Kerioth is taken":** This clause declares the capture of Kerioth, a significant Moabite city, likely a major administrative or religious center. Its fall signifies the beginning or a major point of the complete subjugation of Moab, indicating that even its most important urban centers cannot withstand the impending judgment.
* **"and the strong holds are surprised":** This expands on the previous statement, indicating that not only Kerioth but also other fortified places and defensive positions throughout Moab are being captured suddenly and unexpectedly. The term "surprised" emphasizes the swiftness and overwhelming nature of the attack, leaving no time for the defenders to organize or resist effectively.
* **"and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs":** This is the climactic and most vivid part of the verse. It describes the psychological impact of the invasion on Moab's elite warriors. Their hearts, the seat of courage and resolve, will be overcome with extreme fear and anguish, likened to the intense, inescapable pain and helplessness of a woman in childbirth. This powerful **simile** underscores the complete demoralization and incapacitation of Moab's military, rendering their physical strength and fortifications useless. "At that day" points to the specific time of divine judgment and its immediate, devastating effects.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:41 employs potent **Imagery** to convey the depth of Moab's impending doom. The visual of "Kerioth is taken" and "strong holds are surprised" paints a clear picture of military defeat. The most striking device is the **Simile**: "the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs." This comparison is profoundly impactful, creating a stark **Juxtaposition** between the expected bravery of "mighty men" and the utter helplessness and agony of a woman in labor. This **Irony** emphasizes the complete emasculation of Moab's fighting spirit. The use of "pangs" (often associated with childbirth) is a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the terror to convey an overwhelming, incapacitating fear that leaves no room for resistance. This vivid language serves to underscore the absolute and inescapable nature of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:41 stands as a stark testament to God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and the inevitable consequences of national pride, idolatry, and defiance against Him. Moab's trust in its wealth and fortified cities, rather than in the Lord, is exposed as utterly futile in the face of divine judgment. The verse powerfully illustrates that no human strength, military might, or material security can withstand the decree of the Almighty. It reveals a God who meticulously observes the actions of nations and holds them accountable, demonstrating His justice and unwavering commitment to His purposes, even through the humiliation of His adversaries. The profound terror described serves as a warning against self-exaltation and a call to humility and repentance before the Lord.

* [Isaiah 13:8](/isaiah/13-8 "Isaiah 13:8 - Fear and Pangs in Babylon's Fall")
* [Ezekiel 25:8-11](/ekekiel/25-8 "Ezekiel 25:8-11 - Judgment Against Moab")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:41 offers profound lessons for individuals and communities today. It reminds us that reliance on human strength, material possessions, or worldly defenses is ultimately fleeting and fragile. Just as Moab's "mighty men" were paralyzed by fear despite their fortifications, so too can our perceived securities crumble when faced with life's inevitable challenges or divine reckoning. This verse calls us to examine where our true trust lies: Is it in our careers, our wealth, our social status, or our own abilities? Or is it in the unchanging power and faithfulness of God? The extreme terror depicted should not be viewed as mere historical detail but as a sobering reminder of the severity of divine judgment against unrepentant pride and rebellion. It compels us to cultivate humility, acknowledge God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, and seek His mercy and guidance, knowing that true peace and security are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "strongholds" or sources of security in my own life that I might be trusting in more than God?**
* **How does the imagery of "mighty men's hearts... as the heart of a woman in her pangs" challenge my understanding of strength and vulnerability?**
* **In what ways might I be exhibiting pride or self-reliance that could lead to a "surprise" downfall, and how can I cultivate greater humility?**
* **How does understanding God's judgment on nations like Moab deepen my appreciation for His justice and mercy?**

### FAQ
**Why is God's judgment against Moab so severe?**

Answer: God's judgment against Moab, as detailed throughout [Jeremiah chapter 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"), is severe primarily due to Moab's long-standing pride, its idolatry (especially the worship of Chemosh), and its insolence towards God and His people, Israel. Moab had grown arrogant due to its prosperity and perceived security, trusting in its own strength and wealth rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty. The severity of the judgment underscores the seriousness of these sins in God's eyes, demonstrating that He holds all nations accountable for their actions and attitudes, particularly their defiance against Him and their oppression of His chosen people. The judgment serves as a powerful lesson that no nation, however strong or prosperous, is exempt from divine reckoning.

**What is the significance of comparing the warriors' hearts to "the heart of a woman in her pangs"?**

Answer: This powerful simile is highly significant because it vividly conveys the depth of terror and helplessness that will grip Moab's "mighty men." In ancient societies, "mighty men" (warriors) were symbols of strength, courage, and protection. To compare their hearts to those of a woman in "pangs" (childbirth labor) is to invoke the most intense, inescapable, and agonizing physical and emotional pain, coupled with complete vulnerability and loss of control. It signifies a profound reversal of roles and expectations: those who were supposed to be fearless and strong are rendered utterly incapacitated by fear, their morale completely shattered. This imagery emphasizes the overwhelming and irresistible nature of God's judgment, which can strip even the most formidable of their courage and leave them utterly undone. Similar imagery is used in other prophetic books to describe overwhelming dread, such as in [Isaiah 21:3](/isaiah/21-3 "Isaiah 21:3 - Anguish and Pangs").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:41, with its stark portrayal of national judgment, human weakness, and overwhelming terror, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct prophecy, but in the profound theological truths it illuminates about God's sovereignty, sin, and salvation. The "mighty men" of Moab, paralyzed by fear in the face of judgment, foreshadow the universal human condition apart from Christ: utterly helpless and without hope when confronted with the reality of sin and divine justice. However, the true "Mighty One" (compare [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Christ as Mighty God")) is Christ Himself. He did not succumb to the "pangs" of judgment but willingly bore them on the cross, taking upon Himself the full weight of humanity's sin and its terrifying consequences. Through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness and delivered those who were held in lifelong slavery by the fear of death (see [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). While earthly strongholds fall and human might proves futile, Christ establishes an eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken (see [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). Thus, the terror of judgment described in Jeremiah 48:41 is averted for all who place their trust in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering instead a peace that surpasses all understanding and a courage rooted in His victorious power.

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

Isaiah 13:8

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces [shall be as] flames.

Isaiah 21:3

Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing [of it]; I was dismayed at the seeing [of it].

Jeremiah 30:6

Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

Jeremiah 49:22

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Micah 4:9

Now why dost thou cry out aloud? [is there] no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.

Micah 4:10

Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.

Jeremiah 6:24

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.