Old Testament
Jeremiah 48:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Moab is shattered. Her children cry out in anguish.
Compare translations
Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard.
What Jeremiah 48:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah conveys a message of devastation regarding Moab, a nation that had been a historical enemy of Israel. The term 'shattered' indicates complete destruction, suggesting that Moab's strength and pride have been utterly broken. The mention of 'her children cry out in anguish' highlights the suffering of the innocent, particularly the young ones who are affected by the consequences of war and conflict. This imagery evokes a sense of deep sorrow and loss, emphasizing that the impact of Moab's downfall extends beyond the battlefield to the lives of its most vulnerable citizens. The verse serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of judgment and the emotional toll that such events take on families and communities. It reflects the broader theme of divine justice, where nations that oppose God's will face dire consequences, and it calls attention to the human cost of national conflicts.
How to apply Jeremiah 48:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the impact they have on others, especially the vulnerable. It reminds us to seek peace and justice in our communities, understanding that conflict often leads to suffering for those who are least responsible.
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 48:4
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 48:4
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 48:4 mean?
Jeremiah 48:4 describes the complete destruction of Moab, a nation that opposed Israel. The verse highlights the suffering of its innocent children, emphasizing the emotional toll of war and the consequences of divine judgment.
What is the significance of Moab in Jeremiah 48:4?
Moab represents a historical enemy of Israel, and its destruction symbolizes the consequences of opposing God's will. The verse serves as a warning about the fate of nations that engage in conflict and injustice.
What does 'shattered' mean in Jeremiah 48:4?
In Jeremiah 48:4, 'shattered' indicates total destruction and loss of strength for Moab. It conveys the idea that the nation has been completely broken down, both physically and spiritually.
Why are the children mentioned in Jeremiah 48:4?
The mention of children in Jeremiah 48:4 highlights the innocent victims of war and conflict. It underscores the idea that the impact of national destruction extends to those who are most vulnerable and not responsible for the conflict.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.