Old Testament
Jeremiah 48:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Cursed is anyone who carries out the LORD's work halfheartedly, and cursed is anyone who holds back his sword from bloodshed.
Compare translations
Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.
What Jeremiah 48:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 48:10, the prophet warns against performing God's work with insincerity or half-heartedness. The verse emphasizes that those who do not fully commit to God's mission or who hesitate to take necessary action, such as engaging in battle when required, are under a curse. This reflects the seriousness of serving God with integrity and dedication. The imagery of holding back a sword suggests that one must be ready to act decisively in fulfilling God's commands. The verse serves as a reminder that God desires complete devotion and courage from His followers, especially in times of conflict or challenge. It highlights the importance of being fully engaged in the work of the Lord, rather than approaching it with a lack of commitment or reluctance. This call to action is particularly relevant for leaders and those in positions of influence, as their decisions can significantly impact the community's faithfulness to God.
How to apply Jeremiah 48:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our commitment to God's work. Are we serving Him wholeheartedly, or are we holding back? We should strive to engage fully in our responsibilities, whether in ministry, work, or personal life, ensuring our actions reflect our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 48:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 48:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 48:10 mean?
Jeremiah 48:10 warns against doing God's work insincerely or with half-heartedness. It emphasizes that those who do not fully commit to God's mission or hesitate to take necessary actions are under a curse.
What is the significance of the sword in Jeremiah 48:10?
The sword in Jeremiah 48:10 symbolizes the need for decisive action in fulfilling God's commands. Holding back the sword suggests a reluctance to engage in necessary battles or challenges when serving God.
How does Jeremiah 48:10 apply to my life?
This verse encourages self-reflection on your commitment to God's work. It prompts you to consider whether you are fully engaged in your responsibilities and serving with integrity.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 48:10?
Key themes in Jeremiah 48:10 include commitment to God, integrity in service, courage in action, and the consequences of halfheartedness. It also highlights the importance of faithfulness in duty.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.