Old Testament
Jeremiah 48:46
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, the prophet Jeremiah delivers a message of impending doom to Moab, a nation that worships the god Chemosh.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Disaster has come to you, Moab! The people of Chemosh are finished — your sons are dragged away as captives and your daughters into exile.
Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah delivers a message of impending doom to Moab, a nation that worships the god Chemosh. The term 'woe' signifies deep sorrow and impending disaster. The verse highlights the consequences of Moab's actions, indicating that their people will suffer greatly. The mention of sons being taken captive and daughters exiled illustrates the loss of family and the devastation that war brings. This reflects a broader theme of judgment against nations that turn away from God and engage in idolatry. The fate of Moab serves as a warning to others about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God. The imagery of captivity and exile emphasizes the severity of their situation, showing that their strength and pride will lead to their downfall. Overall, this verse encapsulates the themes of judgment, loss, and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 48:46 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to our beliefs and values. It serves as a warning against the dangers of turning away from God and the potential consequences of our actions. We should strive to uphold our principles and avoid the pitfalls of idolatry in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 48:46 mean?
Jeremiah 48:46 conveys a message of impending disaster for Moab, emphasizing the consequences of their idolatry and disobedience to God. It highlights the suffering of the people, with sons taken captive and daughters exiled, illustrating the severe impact of their actions.
What is the significance of Chemosh in Jeremiah 48:46?
Chemosh was the god worshipped by the Moabites, and in Jeremiah 48:46, the mention of Chemosh signifies the idolatry that led to Moab's downfall. The verse indicates that reliance on false gods results in dire consequences.
What does 'woe' mean in Jeremiah 48:46?
In Jeremiah 48:46, 'woe' expresses deep sorrow and impending disaster. It serves as a warning about the serious consequences Moab will face due to their actions and idolatry.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 48:46?
Jeremiah 48:46 encompasses themes of judgment, idolatry, captivity, and loss. It serves as a divine warning about the repercussions of turning away from God and the importance of faithfulness.

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.
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 • Save over 90%
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.