Jeremiah 48:46

Authorized King James Version

Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אוֹי
Woe
lamentation; also interjectionally oh!
#2
לְךָ֣
H0
#3
מוֹאָ֔ב
be unto thee O Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#4
אָבַ֖ד
H6
perisheth
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#5
עַם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
כְּמ֑וֹשׁ
of Chemosh
kemosh, the god of the moabites
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
לֻקְּח֤וּ
are taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#9
בָנֶ֙יךָ֙
for thy sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
בַּשֶּׁ֔בִי
captives
exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty
#11
וּבְנֹתֶ֖יךָ
and thy daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#12
בַּשִּׁבְיָֽה׃
captives
exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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