For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together.

JEREMIAH 48:7KJV
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Jeremiah 48:7 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 48:7 mean?

Jeremiah 48:7 says that because the people of Moab have relied on their own achievements and wealth, they will be captured, and even their god Chemosh, along with its priests and leaders, will go into exile. The verse warns that trusting in personal strength or riches, instead of something more lasting, leads to downfall.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message of judgment against Moab, a neighboring nation of Israel. Moab is being told that their confidence in their own "works" and "treasures" will not save them from conquest. The mention of Chemosh, Moab’s main god, highlights that even their religious system and leadership will be powerless to prevent their defeat and captivity.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 48:7

  • "trusted" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to put confidence in or rely on. The verse points out that Moab’s mistake was placing their security in their own efforts and possessions.
  • "works" (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma'aseh): This refers to deeds, accomplishments, or achievements. The verse criticizes Moab for thinking their own actions could protect them.
  • "treasures" (אוֹצָר, otzar): This word means stored wealth or valuables. Moab’s reliance on material wealth is shown to be empty.
  • "Chemosh" (כְּמוֹשׁ, Kemosh): This is the national god of Moab. The verse’s mention of Chemosh being taken into captivity is a way of saying that Moab’s religious identity and pride will also be humbled.

Why Jeremiah 48:7 matters

  • Jeremiah 48:7 makes clear that no amount of personal effort, wealth, or even religious tradition can guarantee safety when facing judgment or disaster.
  • The verse highlights that national gods and leaders, which ancient peoples often trusted for protection, are powerless before the true God’s decisions.
  • This verse fits into a larger section where Jeremiah is announcing the downfall of several nations, showing that the message is not just for Israel but for all who rely on unstable foundations.

Where else these words appear

“Chemosh” Hebrew H3645 · used in 8 verses

  • Numbers 21:29 Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.
  • 1 Kings 11:7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.
  • 2 Kings 23:13 And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.

“captivity” Hebrew H1473 · used in 41 verses

  • 2 Kings 24:15 And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon.
  • Ezra 10:8 And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away.
  • Ezekiel 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

“treasures” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

“taken” Hebrew H3920 · used in 112 verses

  • Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
  • Judges 9:45 And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.
  • Psalms 59:12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.