Jeremiah 48:46

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H188} be unto thee, O Moab {H4124}! the people {H5971} of Chemosh {H3645} perisheth {H6}: for thy sons {H1121} are taken {H3947} captives {H7628}, and thy daughters {H1323} captives {H7633}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Woe to you, Mo'av! K'mosh's people are doomed! For your sons have been taken captive, and your daughters led into captivity.

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to you, O Moab! The people of Chemosh have perished; for your sons have been taken into exile and your daughters have gone into captivity.

American Standard Version

Woe unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh is undone; for thy sons are taken away captive, and thy daughters into captivity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 48:46 delivers a profound prophetic lament and declaration of judgment against Moab, announcing its utter destruction. The "woe" pronounced signifies a deep sorrow and the inevitable demise of a nation whose identity and security were intertwined with its false god, Chemosh. The verse vividly portrays the comprehensive nature of this divine judgment, emphasizing the capture and exile of Moab's sons and daughters, thereby signifying the complete dismantling of its societal structure, future generations, and national identity. It underscores the futility of idolatry and the sovereign justice of the Lord over all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 48:46 concludes a lengthy and detailed oracle against Moab, spanning the entirety of [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Oracle Against Moab"). This chapter is part of a larger collection of prophecies against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51), which demonstrate God's universal sovereignty and His righteous judgment over all peoples, not just Israel. The preceding verses in [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab") describe Moab's pride, its trust in its wealth and false gods, and the various cities and regions within Moab that will fall. The lament over Moab's destruction is pervasive throughout the chapter, with vivid imagery of desolation, weeping, and the breaking of Moab's power. Verse 46 serves as a climactic summary of the devastating consequences of Moab's rebellion and idolatry, particularly highlighting the loss of its people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, bordered by Ammon to the north and Edom to the south. Descended from Lot (as recorded in [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")), Moab had a long and often contentious history with Israel, marked by periods of conflict and subjugation. Culturally, Moab's national deity was Chemosh, a god associated with war, fertility, and often human sacrifice, similar to Molech. The worship of Chemosh was deeply ingrained in Moabite society, influencing their identity and perceived security. The prophecy in Jeremiah was likely delivered during the late 7th or early 6th century BCE, a period dominated by the rising power of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. The destruction foretold in this chapter was largely fulfilled through Babylonian invasions, which led to the exile and displacement of many nations in the region, including Moab.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Judgment on Moab") and specifically in verse 46 is **Divine Judgment on Idolatry**. Moab's reliance on Chemosh is explicitly challenged, demonstrating the impotence of false gods to protect their worshippers from the Lord's wrath. This judgment is a direct consequence of Moab's **Pride and Arrogance**, which is a recurring motif in prophetic literature concerning nations that oppose God's purposes (e.g., [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride")). The "woe" pronounced signifies a **Lament and Utter Desolation**, portraying a comprehensive societal collapse, where even the most vulnerable – sons and daughters – are taken captive. This highlights God's **Sovereignty over All Nations**, asserting His ultimate authority not only over His covenant people but also over the destinies of all earthly kingdoms, ensuring that justice is meted out according to His righteous standards.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _ʼôwy'_):** From H188, this term is more than a mere curse; it is a profound lamentation, a cry of deep sorrow and impending doom. It often prefaces prophetic pronouncements of judgment, emphasizing the tragic and irreversible outcome of a nation's actions. In this context, it signals the utter devastation awaiting Moab, evoking a sense of mourning for what will be lost.
* **Chemosh (Hebrew, _Kᵉmôwsh'_):** From H3645, Chemosh was the national god of Moab, often associated with power and war. The phrase "the people of Chemosh perisheth" directly challenges the efficacy and power of this false deity. It signifies that Chemosh is utterly incapable of protecting his worshippers or preventing their downfall, thereby exposing the emptiness and futility of idolatry in the face of the true God's sovereignty.
* **perisheth (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** From H6, this primitive root means "to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)." It conveys a sense of absolute ruin, destruction, and being utterly undone. It's not just a defeat, but a complete cessation of existence as a coherent, independent entity. The use of this word underscores the finality and totality of Moab's destruction, signifying that its people, its god, and its way of life will be utterly lost.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe be unto thee, O Moab!":** This opening exclamation sets a somber and mournful tone. "Woe" (Hebrew: _'ôwy_) is a prophetic lament, signaling profound sorrow and inevitable judgment. It is a declaration of impending disaster, not merely a curse, but an expression of deep grief over the fate that awaits Moab due to its actions and idolatry.
* **"the people of Chemosh perisheth:":** This clause directly targets the heart of Moabite identity and security: their national god, Chemosh. The declaration that "the people of Chemosh perisheth" signifies the utter failure of this deity to protect its worshippers. It implies that the god itself is powerless, and therefore, its people, who derive their identity and strength from it, are doomed to destruction. This is a theological statement on the impotence of idols.
* **"for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives.":** This final clause provides the concrete evidence and painful reality of the judgment. The capture of "sons" and "daughters" speaks to the complete dismantling of Moabite society and its future. Children represent the future, heritage, and continuity of a nation. Their capture signifies the loss of national identity, the breaking of family lines, and the end of Moab's independent existence. The repetition of "captives" (using slightly different Hebrew terms, _shᵉbîy_ and _shibyâh_, for male and female captives respectively) emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of this devastating judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 48:46 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending doom. The opening "Woe" is a classic example of a **Lament** or **Dirge**, setting a mournful tone and immediately signaling sorrow and judgment. This prophetic lament functions as a funeral song for a nation still alive but destined for death. The phrase "the people of Chemosh perisheth" utilizes **Personification** and **Symbolism**. While Chemosh is a false god, the destruction of "his people" symbolizes the utter failure and impotence of the deity itself. The fate of the people reflects the fate of their god, underscoring the theological truth that idols are powerless. Furthermore, the mention of "sons" and "daughters" being taken captive employs **Synecdoche**, where a part (children) represents the whole (the entire nation and its future). This specific detail also functions as a powerful **Pathos**, evoking deep emotional resonance by highlighting the tragic human cost of the judgment, emphasizing the complete societal collapse and the loss of future generations. The repetition of "captives" (an example of **Anaphora** or **Emphasis** through reiteration) further underscores the inescapable and comprehensive nature of Moab's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 48:46 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that idolatry inevitably leads to destruction and that God's sovereignty extends over all nations and their false deities. The demise of Moab and its god Chemosh serves as a stark reminder that placing ultimate trust in anything other than the one true God is an exercise in futility. This divine judgment is not arbitrary but is a righteous response to Moab's pride, its rejection of God's truth, and its embrace of practices antithetical to divine holiness. The capture of sons and daughters signifies the complete undoing of a nation that built its identity on a foundation of falsehood, demonstrating that sin, particularly idolatry, has far-reaching and devastating consequences, affecting every aspect of life and future generations.

* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God Alone is God")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 48:46, though a pronouncement of ancient judgment, carries profound contemporary relevance. It challenges us to examine the "Chemosh" in our own lives – anything or anyone we elevate to a position of ultimate trust, security, or identity apart from the living God. This could manifest as an overreliance on wealth, career, relationships, social status, or even personal achievements. The "woe" pronounced upon Moab serves as a sobering reminder that such idols, no matter how appealing or seemingly powerful, are ultimately powerless to save us from life's true challenges, spiritual emptiness, or the ultimate judgment of God. The capture of sons and daughters highlights that the consequences of misplaced allegiance are not merely individual but can profoundly impact our families, communities, and future generations. Therefore, this verse calls for a radical re-evaluation of our allegiances, urging us to humble ourselves, repent of any form of idolatry, and reaffirm our exclusive devotion to the Lord, who alone is sovereign, powerful, and capable of true deliverance and lasting salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Chemosh" might I be worshipping in my own life, consciously or unconsciously?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to place my trust in things other than God for security or fulfillment?**
* **How might my misplaced allegiances or idolatrous tendencies impact my family or future generations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to dismantle idols in my heart and deepen my exclusive devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Chemosh to the Moabites?**

Answer: Chemosh was the national god of Moab, central to their religious and cultural identity. He was primarily a war god, believed to grant victory in battle, and was also associated with fertility and prosperity. Moabite kings and people often invoked Chemosh before military campaigns, and human sacrifices, particularly of children, were sometimes offered to him (as seen in [2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - King Mesha's Sacrifice")). The prophecy in Jeremiah 48:46, declaring that "the people of Chemosh perisheth," directly challenges the efficacy and power of this deity, proclaiming his utter inability to protect his worshippers from the judgment of the Lord.

**How does this prophecy against Moab relate to God's character?**

Answer: This prophecy, like others against foreign nations in Jeremiah, reveals several aspects of God's character. First, it demonstrates His **universal sovereignty**; He is not merely the God of Israel but the Lord over all nations and their destinies. Second, it highlights His **justice and righteousness**; He holds all peoples accountable for their actions, particularly for idolatry, pride, and oppression. Third, it underscores His **holiness**, as He cannot tolerate the worship of false gods or the immoral practices associated with them. While judgment is severe, it is rooted in His perfect character and His commitment to upholding His divine order. The ultimate goal is often to reveal His glory and to call all creation to acknowledge Him as the one true God, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 32:27](/jeremiah/32-27 "Jeremiah 32:27 - God's Omnipotence").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 48:46, with its pronouncement of "woe" and the perishing of those who trust in Chemosh, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of Christ over all false gods, sin, and death. The impotence of Chemosh to save his people foreshadows the absolute powerlessness of any earthly idol or human effort to deliver humanity from the consequences of sin. Only the true God, revealed in Jesus Christ, possesses the authority and power to save. The lament over Moab's sons and daughters being taken captive speaks to the universal captivity of humanity under the dominion of sin and death, a bondage from which no false god or human system could ever liberate. However, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came to set the captives free, offering redemption through His atoning sacrifice on the cross (as proclaimed in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). He is the [victorious King](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") who has triumphed over all principalities and powers, including the spiritual forces behind idolatry (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, the "woe" pronounced upon those who trust in false gods is ultimately averted for those who place their faith in Christ, who alone is the source of true life, liberation, and an eternal inheritance that will never perish or be taken captive (as promised in [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). He is the one who ultimately fulfills the promise of salvation, delivering His people from the spiritual captivity that Moab experienced physically.

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

Numbers 21:29

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.

1 Kings 11:7

Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that [is] before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

Jeremiah 48:13

And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence.

Judges 11:24

Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.

Jeremiah 48:7

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.

2 Kings 23:13

And the high places that [were] before Jerusalem, which [were] on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.