Jeremiah 48:10
Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.
Original Language Analysis
עֹשֶׂ֛ה
be he that doeth
H6213
עֹשֶׂ֛ה
be he that doeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מְלֶ֥אכֶת
the work
H4399
מְלֶ֥אכֶת
the work
Strong's:
H4399
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֹנֵ֥עַ
be he that keepeth back
H4513
מֹנֵ֥עַ
be he that keepeth back
Strong's:
H4513
Word #:
7 of 9
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
Cross References
1 Kings 20:42And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.1 Samuel 15:3Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.Judges 5:23Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.2 Kings 13:19And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.1 Samuel 15:9But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.Jeremiah 47:6O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.Jeremiah 50:25The LORD hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans.
Historical Context
This verse was directed at those who would execute judgment on Moab. Incomplete obedience in God's appointed tasks brings curse rather than blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you tempted to serve God half-heartedly or negligently?
- How does God's call for wholehearted service challenge your current ministry efforts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully' warns against half-hearted obedience in executing God's purposes. The Hebrew 'remiyah' (deceitfully/negligently) suggests doing God's work carelessly or with mixed motives. Those called to implement God's judgment must do so thoroughly, not hesitantly. This applies broadly to all ministry - doing God's work requires wholehearted commitment, not lukewarm effort.