Old Testament

Jeremiah 48:12

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God is announcing a coming judgment against Moab, a nation that had become proud and self-reliant.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

"But the days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will send people to tip him over. They will pour him out, empty his jars, and smash his containers to pieces."

KJVKing James Version

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God is announcing a coming judgment against Moab, a nation that had become proud and self-reliant. The imagery of tipping over, emptying jars, and smashing containers symbolizes the complete destruction of Moab's resources and strength. God will send people, described as wanderers, who will disrupt Moab's stability and lead them into chaos. This reflects God's sovereignty and the consequences of turning away from Him. The jars and containers represent Moab's wealth and security, which will be rendered useless. This serves as a warning that reliance on material possessions and pride can lead to downfall, emphasizing the need for humility and dependence on God.

How to apply Jeremiah 48:12 to your life

This verse reminds us of the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency. We should evaluate our reliance on material things and recognize that true security comes from God. Embracing humility and seeking God's guidance can protect us from potential downfall and chaos in our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 48:12 mean?

Jeremiah 48:12 conveys God's impending judgment on Moab, symbolizing their destruction through imagery of tipping over jars and smashing containers. This reflects the consequences of their pride and self-reliance.

What is the significance of 'wanderers' in Jeremiah 48:12?

The 'wanderers' in Jeremiah 48:12 represent those whom God will send to disrupt Moab's stability, leading to chaos and destruction. They symbolize the forces that will bring about Moab's downfall.

What does the imagery of emptying jars mean in Jeremiah 48:12?

The imagery of emptying jars in Jeremiah 48:12 signifies the complete loss of Moab's resources and strength, illustrating how their wealth and security will be rendered useless due to their pride.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 48:12?

Jeremiah 48:12 highlights themes of divine judgment, pride versus humility, the destruction of resources, God's sovereignty, and the consequences of sin.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.