Jeremiah 48:40 kjv
For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.
Jeremiah 48:40 nkjv
For thus says the LORD: "Behold, one shall fly like an eagle, And spread his wings over Moab.
Jeremiah 48:40 niv
This is what the LORD says: "Look! An eagle is swooping down, spreading its wings over Moab.
Jeremiah 48:40 esv
For thus says the LORD: "Behold, one shall fly swiftly like an eagle and spread his wings against Moab;
Jeremiah 48:40 nlt
This is what the LORD says: "Look! The enemy swoops down like an eagle,
spreading his wings over Moab.
Jeremiah 48 40 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah 48:40 | For behold, he will fly as an eagle, and will spread his wings over Moab. | Direct fulfillment prediction |
| Jeremiah 48:1-47 | Prophecy against Moab | Full context of judgment |
| Isaiah 14:29 | Rejoice not, O Philistia, because the rod that smote thee is broken | Related judgment on enemies |
| Isaiah 16:6-14 | Lamentation over Moab | Echoes judgment theme |
| Jeremiah 49:1-5 | Prophecy against Ammon | Similar judgment pattern |
| Ezekiel 25:1-7 | Judgment against Ammon | Judgment on neighboring nations |
| Ezekiel 29:1-16 | Judgment against Egypt | God's power over nations |
| Amos 2:1-3 | Judgment against Moab | Moab's sin and impending destruction |
| Zephaniah 2:8-10 | Judgment against Moab and Ammon | Specific mention of Moab's arrogance |
| Revelation 18:1-24 | Judgment upon Babylon | Typological fulfillment of judgment |
| Jeremiah 51:1-59 | Judgment against Babylon | God's sovereignty over nations |
| Isaiah 46:9-11 | God's foreknowledge and purpose | Emphasizes God's plan and execution |
| Jeremiah 25:12-14 | Judgment upon Babylon and its consequence | Ultimate destruction and captivity |
| Luke 21:24 | Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles... | Gentile dominion, parallels earthly power |
| Matthew 24:15-28 | Signs of the end and destruction of Jerusalem | Portents of coming desolation |
| 2 Kings 17:20-23 | God's rejection of Israel | Divine judgment for disobedience |
| Deuteronomy 28:49-57 | Consequences of disobedience | Detailed curses for rebellion |
| Psalm 78:5-8 | Importance of remembering God's ways | Continuity of God's dealings |
| Acts 1:8 | Receiving power to be witnesses | God's sovereign action empowering His people |
| John 3:36 | Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life | Contrast between obedience and unbelief |
| Romans 11:33-36 | Depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! | God's ultimate purpose and sovereignty |
| Jeremiah 46:15-28 | Prophecy against Egypt | God's control over global events |
| Jeremiah 47:1-7 | Prophecy against the Philistines | Judgment on Philistia |
Jeremiah 48 verses
Jeremiah 48 40 Meaning
This verse prophesies the imminent downfall and conquest of Moab. God declares that a mighty force, led by an unstoppable king, will descend upon Moab, destroying its cities and lands. The ultimate judgment is the complete subjugation and devastation of the nation, signifying the irreversible consequences of their defiance against God and their own sinful ways.
Jeremiah 48 40 Context
Jeremiah chapter 48 delivers a comprehensive prophecy of judgment against Moab, a neighboring kingdom to Israel, known for its arrogance and idolatry. The Moabites, descendants of Lot, often antagonized Israel and showed disdain for God's people and God Himself. This chapter details the specific sins of Moab, including pride, overconfidence, and apostasy, and foretells their utter destruction and desolation at the hands of invaders. The specific mention of the "eagle" alludes to a conquering army, often depicted by ancient Near Eastern powers as their emblem or symbol of power, signifying an unstoppable force coming from a distance. This prophecy fits within the broader context of Jeremiah's ministry, which was characterized by warnings of impending judgment upon nations for their unrighteousness, ultimately pointing to God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience.
Jeremiah 48 40 Word Analysis
- "For": Introduces the reason or cause for the preceding judgment, linking it to God's declaration.
- "behold": An interjection used to draw attention, emphasizing the immediacy and certainty of the event. It conveys a sense of awe or alarm.
- "he": Refers to the conquering king or nation that will execute God's judgment upon Moab. This is often understood to represent Babylon in historical context, though some interpretations extend it to typological fulfillments.
- "will fly": Implies a swift, decisive, and powerful advance.
- "as an eagle": The eagle was a symbol of great power, speed, and imperial might in the ancient world. It suggests an imposing, majestic, and feared aggressor swooping down upon its prey.
- "and": Connects the two actions, highlighting the complete and comprehensive nature of the attack.
- "will spread his wings": Reinforces the imagery of enveloping conquest. The wings of an eagle suggest coverage and control, implying that Moab will be completely encompassed by the invading force.
- "over Moab": Clearly identifies the target of this divine judgment.
Words-Group Analysis
- "will fly as an eagle": This phrase vividly portrays the speed and overwhelming nature of the invasion. The analogy is potent in conveying an inexorable force that cannot be resisted, reminiscent of a bird of prey seizing its victim. This imagery underscores the totality of Moab's impending doom.
- "spread his wings over Moab": This compound imagery signifies dominion and control. The conqueror's "wings" are not for escape but for capture, demonstrating that Moab will be completely subjugated and its territory fully occupied and controlled by the invading power. It implies no corner of Moab will be safe from the encroaching power.
Jeremiah 48 40 Bonus Section
The imagery of an eagle as a symbol of a conquering nation was common in the ancient Near East. Assyrian and Babylonian empires, for example, often used eagle motifs in their art and iconography to represent their power and reach. This makes the metaphor particularly potent for the original audience, immediately associating the invading force with an established symbol of imperial might. This verse is part of a larger corpus of prophetic oracles against the nations, demonstrating God's universal sovereignty not only over His chosen people but also over all the nations of the earth. Moab's judgment serves as a testament to God's justice and His faithfulness to protect and vindicate His people.
Jeremiah 48 40 Commentary
Jeremiah 48:40 presents a powerful and direct prophecy of Moab's destruction. The simile of an eagle with spread wings signifies the swift, irresistible, and total conquest by an invading enemy, often interpreted as Babylon. This imagery emphasizes the finality of the judgment upon Moab for its long-standing pride and opposition to God and His people. The prophecy is a stark reminder of divine justice and the consequences of nations defying God's purposes and sovereignty. The complete envelopment implied by the spread wings suggests that escape or resistance will be futile for Moab.