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.