Jeremiah 48:16 Meaning and Explanation
“The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judgment is imminent; the time of Moab's suffering arrives swiftly.
The Context of Jeremiah 48:16
Transition: judgment is now imminent, no longer future.
What Does Jeremiah 48:16 Mean?
The repetition of proximity—'near to come' and 'hasteth fast'—emphasizes the urgency and inevitability of what approaches. There is no delay, no reprieve. The affliction does not creep slowly but rushes upon Moab with overwhelming speed.
This verse serves as a hinge between the detailed prophecies of destruction and the lament that follows. It announces that the time of words has ended; now comes the time of calamity itself.
Jeremiah 48:16 in the Original Language
הִשְׁתַּמְּמוּ (hasteth) — moving swiftly, without delay toward its appointed end.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 48:16
What does Jeremiah 48:16 mean?
Judgment is imminent; the time of Moab's suffering arrives swiftly.
What is the context of Jeremiah 48:16?
Transition: judgment is now imminent, no longer future.