Jeremiah 48:40 Meaning and Explanation
“For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's agent of judgment will swoop down on Moab with overwhelming speed and dominance.
The Context of Jeremiah 48:40
God's agent (judge, invader) descends on Moab with irresistible power.
What Does Jeremiah 48:40 Mean?
The eagle represents God's instrument of judgment—moving with swift, unstoppable force. The image of wings spread over Moab suggests overwhelming coverage, inescapable advance. The eagle's dive is both swift and fatal; there is no escape from a predator descending from above.
This image echoes earlier prophecies of invasion but adds the element of God's direct orchestration. The eagle is God's agent, sent forth to accomplish divine judgment. The naturalness and inevitability of an eagle hunting its prey mirrors the certainty of God's judgment coming upon Moab.
Jeremiah 48:40 in the Original Language
נֶשֶׁר (nesher, eagle) — symbol of God's power and swift judgment, descending on prey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 48:40
What does Jeremiah 48:40 mean?
God's agent of judgment will swoop down on Moab with overwhelming speed and dominance.
What is the context of Jeremiah 48:40?
God's agent (judge, invader) descends on Moab with irresistible power.