Make ye him drunken: for he magnified himself against the LORD: Moab also shall wallow in his vomit, and he also shall be in derision.

JEREMIAH 48:26KJV
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Jeremiah 48:26 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 48:26 mean?

Jeremiah 48:26 says that Moab will be brought low and humiliated because it has acted arrogantly against the LORD. The verse uses the image of drunkenness and vomiting to show how Moab will lose control and become an object of ridicule.

Jeremiah is speaking God’s message of judgment against Moab, a neighboring nation that had become proud and defiant toward Israel’s God. The verse uses strong, even graphic language to describe Moab’s downfall, showing that its pride will lead to public shame and mockery among other nations.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 48:26

  • "drunken" (שָׁכַר, shakar): This word means to become drunk or intoxicated. Here, it paints a picture of Moab losing self-control and dignity, not just physically but also morally and spiritually.
  • "magnified" (גָּדַל, gadal): This word means to make oneself great or to act proudly. The verse points out that Moab’s downfall is directly tied to its prideful attitude against the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH).
  • "wallow" (סָפַק, safak): This word often means to clap or strike, but here it is used to describe Moab rolling or wallowing in its own vomit, emphasizing disgrace and helplessness.
  • "vomit" (קִיא, qi): This word is used literally for vomit, highlighting the shameful and degrading state Moab will experience.
  • "derision" (שְׂחֹק, sechoq): This word means mockery or ridicule, showing that Moab will not only suffer but will also become a laughingstock to others.

Why Jeremiah 48:26 matters

  • This verse clears up that Moab’s punishment is not random; it is specifically because of Moab’s pride and defiance against God, not just general wrongdoing.
  • The vivid language connects to the wider chapter, where Jeremiah lists Moab’s sins and predicts its complete humiliation, helping the reader see the seriousness of arrogance before God.
  • The verse helps explain why later verses continue with images of shame and downfall, tying Moab’s fate to its attitude rather than just its actions.

Where else these words appear

“vomit” Hebrew H6892 · used in 4 verses

  • Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
  • Isaiah 19:14 The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit.
  • Isaiah 28:8 For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.

“wallow” Hebrew H5606 · used in 10 verses

  • Numbers 24:10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
  • Job 34:26 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
  • Jeremiah 31:19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

“derision” Hebrew H7814 · used in 14 verses

  • Job 8:21 Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.
  • Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
  • Ecclesiastes 10:19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.

“drunken” Hebrew H7937 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 9:21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
  • Isaiah 29:9 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.
  • Jeremiah 51:39 In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the LORD.