Jeremiah 48 47

Jeremiah 48:47 kjv

Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.

Jeremiah 48:47 nkjv

"Yet I will bring back the captives of Moab In the latter days," says the LORD. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.

Jeremiah 48:47 niv

"Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come," declares the LORD. Here ends the judgment on Moab.

Jeremiah 48:47 esv

Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days, declares the LORD." Thus far is the judgment on Moab.

Jeremiah 48:47 nlt

But I will restore the fortunes of Moab
in days to come.
I, the LORD, have spoken!"
This is the end of Jeremiah's prophecy concerning Moab.

Jeremiah 48 verses

Jeremiah 48 47 meaning

Jeremiah 48:47 declares that despite the extensive divine judgment pronounced upon Moab, the Lord will ultimately restore their fortunes in a distant future, described as "the latter days." This verse functions as a concluding statement for the prolonged oracle against Moab, signaling both the completeness of the announced judgment and God's sovereign prerogative for future restoration and mercy, even for nations outside of Israel.

Jeremiah 48 47 Context

Jeremiah chapter 48 details an extensive and vivid oracle of judgment against Moab. Throughout the preceding 46 verses, the Lord, through Jeremiah, declares the complete devastation of Moab for its pride, idolatry (worship of Chemosh), and mockery of God's people. Cities will be destroyed, inhabitants will be slain or go into exile, and Moab will be broken like a discarded vessel. The lamentations are widespread, and Moab is left without help or refuge. This prophecy is part of Jeremiah's "Oracles against the Nations" (Jer 46-51), demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty over all peoples, not just Israel. Verse 47 serves as a poignant and unexpected postscript, abruptly shifting from an unrelenting message of doom to one of future hope, bringing a degree of comfort or nuance to the divine declaration of wrath. Historically, Moab was a rival nation, often hostile to Israel, but also kindred due to their shared ancestor Lot.

Jeremiah 48 47 Word analysis

• Yet (וְאַחֲרֵי-כֵן, ve'acharei-khen): Literally meaning "and after this/then." This word serves as a crucial conjunction indicating a sharp reversal or change of thought. It signals that despite the preceding definitive pronouncements of destruction, there will be a subsequent, different outcome in the divine plan.
• I will restore (וְשַׁבְתִּי, veshavti): Derived from the verb שׁוּב (shuv), "to return, to bring back." This verb emphasizes divine agency, indicating that the restoration is solely God's initiative and power. It points to a complete turnaround.
• the fortunes (אֶת-שְׁבִית, et-shevit): Often translated "captives," "captivity," or "welfare," signifying a reversal of a negative state. When linked with shuv (as in the idiomatic phrase "restore the captivity/fortunes"), it indicates a restoration to a former state of prosperity, freedom, or well-being after a period of punishment or exile. It’s a holistic recovery—national, economic, and potentially spiritual.
• of Moab (מוֹאָב, Mo'av): The specific nation that has been the subject of severe judgment throughout the chapter. Its explicit mention here reinforces that this unexpected promise of restoration is directed at a non-Israelite, historically antagonistic people.
• in the latter days (בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים, be'acharit ha-yamim): An important eschatological phrase in biblical prophecy, pointing to a future, often undefined period, associated with God's ultimate redemptive plan. It implies a significant stretch of time, often the Messianic era, when God brings about the consummation of His purposes, transcending immediate historical circumstances.
• declares the Lord (נְאֻם-יְהוָה, ne'um-YHWH): A formal prophetic oracle tag. It affirms that the preceding statement is a direct, authoritative utterance from God Himself (YHWH, the covenant name for God). This phrase guarantees the truth, certainty, and divine origin of the promise.
• Thus far (עַד הֵנָּה, ad henna): "Up to here." This temporal and spatial marker indicates a definite boundary or conclusion. It signals the end of the preceding extended declaration of judgment against Moab.
• is the judgment (מִשְׁפַּט, mishpat): "Judgment, justice, decree, ordinance." In this context, it refers to the judicial pronouncement of condemnation and its execution.
• on Moab (מוֹאָב, Mo'av): Reinforces that the lengthy preceding oracle and its final verdict have specifically targeted this nation.

• Words-group Analysis:
• "Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days": This phrase captures the divine initiative of mercy and a forward-looking promise. The conjunction "Yet" powerfully pivots the narrative from impending doom to future hope, with God as the sole actor in this redemptive process. "Latter days" situates this promise within God's ultimate, unfolding eschatological plan, beyond human immediate understanding or intervention.
• "declares the Lord. Thus far is the judgment on Moab": This combined statement provides a conclusive closure to the oracle of judgment while simultaneously stamping the future promise with divine authority. The "declares the Lord" authenticates the preceding hope, while "Thus far..." marks the termination of the pronounced judgment, making way for the subsequent, often surprising, move of God.

Jeremiah 48 47 Bonus section

• This pattern of judgment followed by a promise of restoration for Gentile nations appears in other "Oracles Against the Nations" in Jeremiah (e.g., Jer 49:6 for Ammon, 49:39 for Elam) and elsewhere in the prophets (e.g., Isa 19 for Egypt and Assyria). This suggests a consistent theological theme: while God brings judgment on nations for their sins, His ultimate plan includes an inclusive redemption for many.
• The "restoration of fortunes" for a non-Israelite nation like Moab likely does not imply a return to political or religious independence under Chemosh, but rather a spiritual turning to YHWH or being brought into His wider salvific plan, perhaps foreshadowing the Gentile inclusion in the Messianic age as understood in the New Testament.
• The placement of this verse at the very end of such a harsh oracle serves as a literary and theological shock. It invites the reader to ponder the depths of God's long-suffering and universal love, even for those who were Israel's perennial adversaries and proud idolaters.

Jeremiah 48 47 Commentary

Jeremiah 48:47 offers a profound insight into the character and scope of God's sovereignty. Following 46 verses detailing the absolute destruction and shame that awaits Moab due to its pride and worship of false gods, this verse introduces a startling, unexpected reversal: "Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days." This declaration prevents the oracle from ending in absolute despair, presenting a glimmer of divine grace. It signifies that even though judgment is inevitable and thorough, God's ultimate purpose can include restoration for all nations, not exclusively Israel. The phrase "latter days" implies that this restoration is part of God's overarching plan for humanity, likely in a time when all nations will eventually acknowledge the Lord. It underscores that God’s justice is not His final word; His mercy, though deferred and sovereignly applied, is always part of His grand design, demonstrating that He alone has the power to both judge and rebuild. This broadens the horizon of divine salvation beyond nationalistic boundaries, hinting at a universal redemption where enemies can eventually find a place in God's restorative economy.