Jeremiah 48:10
Jeremiah 48:10 in Multiple Translations
Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD, and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed.
Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.
Cursed be he that doeth the work of Jehovah negligently; and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.
Let him be cursed who does the Lord's work half-heartedly; let him be cursed who keeps back his sword from blood.
A curse on those who don't do the Lord's work properly. A curse on those who don't use their swords to kill.
Cursed be he that doeth the worke of the Lord negligently, and cursed be he that keepeth backe his sword from blood.
Cursed [is] he who is doing the work of Jehovah slothfully, And cursed [is] he Who is withholding his sword from blood.
“Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD negligently; and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from blood.
Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.
Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord deceitfully: and cursed be he that withholdeth his sword from blood.
Yahweh will curse anyone who will not eagerly do what he desires, anyone who refrains from using his sword to kill [MTY] others in Moab.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 48:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָר֗וּר
עֹשֶׂ֛ה
מְלֶ֥אכֶת
יְהוָ֖ה
רְמִיָּ֑ה
וְ/אָר֕וּר
מֹנֵ֥עַ
חַרְבּ֖/וֹ
מִ/דָּֽם
אָר֗וּר
ʼârar
H779
to curse
V-Qal-Inf-c
עֹשֶׂ֛ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
מְלֶ֥אכֶת
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
N-fs
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
רְמִיָּ֑ה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
deceit
N-fs
וְ/אָר֕וּר
ʼârar
H779
to curse
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
מֹנֵ֥עַ
mânaʻ
H4513
to withhold
V-Qal
חַרְבּ֖/וֹ
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs | Suff
מִ/דָּֽם
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:10
אָר֗וּר
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To curse someone or something, like God cursing the serpent in Genesis 3. It means to execrate or wish harm upon someone, often used in the context of punishment or judgment. This word appears in various biblical accounts.
Definition: 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bitterly curse. See also: Genesis 3:14; Deuteronomy 27:23; Psalms 119:21.
עֹשֶׂ֛ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
מְלֶ֥אכֶת
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
N-fs
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
רְמִיָּ֑ה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
"deceit"
N-fs
Remiyah refers to slackness or deceit, describing someone who is idle or treacherous, as seen in various KJV translations. It implies a lack of effort or loyalty.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: deceit(-ful, -fully), false, guile, idle, slack, slothful. See also: Job 13:7; Psalms 120:3; Psalms 32:2.
וְ/אָר֕וּר
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
To curse someone or something, like God cursing the serpent in Genesis 3. It means to execrate or wish harm upon someone, often used in the context of punishment or judgment. This word appears in various biblical accounts.
Definition: 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bitterly curse. See also: Genesis 3:14; Deuteronomy 27:23; Psalms 119:21.
מֹנֵ֥עַ
mânaʻ
H4513
"to withhold"
V-Qal
To withhold means to hold something back or keep it from someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe God withholding something from people, or people withholding things from each other.
Definition: 1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder 1a) (Qal) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold. See also: Genesis 30:2; Proverbs 1:15; Psalms 21:3.
חַרְבּ֖/וֹ
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs | Suff
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
מִ/דָּֽם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 48:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:10
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:10
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:10
- Sermons on Jeremiah 48:10
Context — Judgment on Moab
8The destroyer will move against every city, and not one town will escape. The valley will also be ruined, and the high plain will be destroyed, as the LORD has said.
9Put salt on Moab, for she will be laid waste; her cities will become desolate, with no one to dwell in them.
10Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD, and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed.
11Moab has been at ease from youth, settled like wine on its dregs; he has not been poured from vessel to vessel or gone into exile. So his flavor has remained the same, and his aroma is unchanged. 12Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will send to him wanderers, who will pour him out. They will empty his vessels and shatter his jars.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 15:3 | Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 20:42 | And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’” |
| 3 | Judges 5:23 | ‘Curse Meroz,’ says the angel of the LORD. ‘Bitterly curse her inhabitants; for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’ |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 15:9 | Saul and his troops spared Agag, along with the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs, and the best of everything else. They were unwilling to destroy them, but they devoted to destruction all that was despised and worthless. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 13:19 | But the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times.” |
| 6 | Numbers 31:14–18 | But Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—who were returning from the battle. “Have you spared all the women?” he asked them. “Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD. So now, kill all the boys, as well as every woman who has had relations with a man, but spare for yourselves every girl who has never had relations with a man. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 50:25 | The LORD has opened His armory and brought out His weapons of wrath, for this is the work of the Lord GOD of Hosts in the land of the Chaldeans. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 47:6 | ‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’ |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 15:13–35 | When Samuel reached him, Saul said to him, “May the LORD bless you. I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.” But Samuel replied, “Then what is this bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle that I hear?” Saul answered, “The troops brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but the rest we devoted to destruction.” “Stop!” exclaimed Samuel. “Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.” “Tell me,” Saul replied. And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’ So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?” “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul replied. “I went on the mission that the LORD gave me. I brought back Agag king of Amalek and devoted the Amalekites to destruction. The troops took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of the things devoted to destruction, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the LORD.” “I will not return with you,” Samuel replied. “For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and He has rejected you as king over Israel.” As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.” “I have sinned,” Saul replied. “Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.” So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD. Then Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites.” Agag came to him cheerfully, for he thought, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.” But Samuel declared: “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal. Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel. |
Jeremiah 48:10 Summary
This verse is a warning to those who are lazy or neglectful in serving God, and to those who fail to stand up for what is right. It's a call to be faithful and courageous in our service to God, even when it's hard or uncomfortable, as seen in Joshua 1:7. We can apply this to our own lives by being diligent in our work and witness, and by standing up for justice and righteousness, as seen in Micah 6:8. By doing so, we can avoid being 'cursed' and instead receive God's blessing and approval, as seen in Psalm 1:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'remiss in doing the work of the Lord'?
To be remiss in doing the Lord's work means to be lazy or neglectful in fulfilling one's duties as a servant of God, as seen in Jeremiah 48:10, which is a call to faithful obedience, similar to the exhortation in Joshua 1:7 to be strong and courageous in following God's commands.
Why is withholding the sword from bloodshed considered a curse?
Withholding the sword from bloodshed in this context refers to failing to execute God's judgment, as prophesied in Jeremiah 48:10, which is a part of God's plan to bring justice and righteousness, as seen in Isaiah 11:4, where the Messiah will slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.
Is this verse applicable to Christians today?
While Jeremiah 48:10 is specifically addressed to the nation of Moab, the principle of faithfully fulfilling one's duties as a servant of God is still relevant today, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, where believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, and in 2 Timothy 4:2, where they are exhorted to preach the Word of God with boldness and urgency.
How does this verse relate to the concept of holy war in the Old Testament?
Jeremiah 48:10 is part of a larger context in which God is executing judgment on the nations, including Moab, as seen in Jeremiah 48:8-9, and this concept of holy war is also seen in other passages such as Deuteronomy 20:1-20, where God gives instructions to the Israelites on how to conduct war, and in Psalm 144:1, where David praises God as his rock and redeemer who trains his hands for war.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'remiss in doing the work of the Lord', and how can I become more diligent in serving Him?
- In what ways can I be a faithful servant of God, even in the face of difficult or unpleasant tasks, as seen in Jeremiah 48:10?
- How can I balance the need to execute God's judgment with the call to love and mercy, as seen in other passages such as Matthew 5:38-42?
- What are some ways in which I can 'withhold my sword from bloodshed' in my own life, and how can I instead use my words and actions to bring life and healing to those around me, as seen in Ephesians 4:29-32?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:10
Cursed [be] he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully,.... Which is said with respect to the Chaldeans, who were enjoined to destroy the Moabites; which is called the work of the Lord, because
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:10
Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord - the divinely appointed utter devastation of Moab. Negligently.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:10
These words seem like the words of the prophet to the Chaldeans, inciting them to go on valiantly against the Moabites, calling it the work of the Lord, which he would have done, and to which he had called them. There is a time to withhold our hands from shedding blood, and that is always when we have not a special authority and call from God to it; and there is a time when God will curse those that do so withhold their hands, that time is when God doth require the shedding of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:10
Jeremiah 48:10 Cursed [be] he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed [be] he that keepeth back his sword from blood.Ver. 10. Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully.] Or, Slackly, or hastingly, to the halves: Late pater haec sententia. The work of destroying Moab is here mainly meant. But the text taketh in all lawful employments; these are God’ s works, and must be done vigorously, with all our might, in obedience to God, and for his greatest glory. Not soldiers only that have a good cause and in a good calling must likewise take a good courage, and do execution lustily, but magistrates also, who are keepers of both tables of the law, must do right to all without partiality, accounting it better to be counted a busy justice than an honest gentleman. Ministers must look to the ministry which they have received of the Lord, to fulfil the same. Every man in his particular place and station must be "not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord": non tanquam canis ad Nilum, sed ut Cygnus ad Thamesin: in God’ s immediate service especially men must stir up themselves to take hold of him, minding the work, and not doing it in a customary, formal, bedulling way. A very heathen could say, Ignavia in rebus divinis est nefaria, Dulness in divine duties is abominable. And Numa, king of the Romans, made a law that none should be careless or cursory in the service of God; and appointed an officer to cry oft to the people at such a time, Hoc agite, Mind what ye are about, and do it to your utmost. He that is ambitious of God’ s curse, let him do otherwise.
"Verbi minister es; hoc age": Perkinsi hoc erat symbolum. Aristides.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:10
(10) Cursed be he . . .—To the prophet the destruction of the tyrannous haughtiness was a righteous retribution in which he saw the work of Jehovah, and he could not wish that it should be done otherwise than effectually. The thought rests on the belief in the Divine government that works through war as well as through pestilence and famine (Jeremiah 25:31; Jeremiah 46:10). (Comp. like utterances in Judges 5:23; 1 Samuel 15:3; 1 Samuel 15:18; 1 Kings 20:42.) Even Christian nations fighting against slave-traders or pirates might legitimately echo the same prayer. It has been used, with less justification, in the religious wars of our own and other countries.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:10
Verse 10. Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully] Moab is doomed to destruction, and the Lord pronounces a curse on their enemies if they do not proceed to utter extirpation. God is the Author of life, and has a sovereign right to dispose of it as he pleases; and these had forfeited theirs long ago by their idolatry and other crimes.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:10
10. negligently] lit. with slackness, better than mg. deceitfully.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:10
Deceitfully - Better as in the margin.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:10
10. Deceitfully — Rather, negligently. The meaning is, that God will require the ministers of judgment upon Moab to do thorough work.
Sermons on Jeremiah 48:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Fulfilling Your Calling by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being lazy or slack in our work, especially when it comes to God's work. He references Matthew 28:19, where Jesus comm |
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Studies in Romans-08 by William MacDonald | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of humility and unity within the body of Christ. It encourages believers to recognize their unique roles and functions within the ch |
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Live Expressed by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and demonstrating true love, as exemplified by Jesus in his interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark chap |
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For Such a Time as This by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's eternal purposes, even when facing circumstances that are difficult to understand. It highlights the need to surrender th |
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David Gaining Strength and Encouragement in the Lord Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith begins by discussing the closing events of 1 Samuel, which include the death of Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines. He then transi |
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From the Death of Eli to the Death of Saul by Flavius Josephus | Samuel confronts Saul for disobeying God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites, sparing their king and the best of their livestock. Saul's disobedience angers God, leading |
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Judges 5:23 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the curse of Meroz, highlighting the consequences of inaction in the face of evil. He recounts the story of Israel's oppression under Jabin and Sisera, and h |