Jeremiah 48:16 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 48:16 mean?

Jeremiah 48:16 warns that disaster for Moab is very close and that Moab’s suffering will arrive quickly. The verse is a clear statement that trouble is not only certain for Moab but also imminent and unavoidable.

In this part of the book, the prophet Jeremiah is delivering a message from God about the nation of Moab, a neighbor of Israel. Jeremiah is speaking to announce that Moab’s time of judgment is almost here, and the hardship will come swiftly. This verse is part of a longer prophecy against Moab, describing the downfall of a nation that had often been hostile toward Israel.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 48:16

• "Calamity" (הֵיד, hêyd; H343) means disaster or ruin. This word highlights that what is coming for Moab is not just hardship but a complete downfall.
• "Near" (קָרוֹב, qarov; H7138) means close in time, emphasizing that the predicted event is about to happen, not far off in the future.
• "Hasteth" (מִמַּהֵר, mimaher; H4116) means to hurry or rush. This word adds urgency, showing that Moab’s affliction is not only near but speeding toward them.
• "Fast" (מְאֹד, me’od; H3966) means very much or exceedingly. Here, it intensifies the speed and certainty of the coming trouble, stressing that it will come with great swiftness.

Why Jeremiah 48:16 matters

• Jeremiah 48:16 clarifies that the warning is not a vague threat but a specific prediction that Moab’s downfall is about to happen soon.
• The verse uses strong language to stress both the nearness and the speed of the coming disaster, making it clear that there is no escape or delay.
• This verse fits into a larger section where Jeremiah lists the reasons for Moab’s judgment, helping the reader see that the prophecy is part of a broader message about accountability and consequences for nations.