Jeremiah 48:41 Meaning and Explanation
“Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Even Moab's strongest soldiers are overwhelmed with terror and helplessness.
The Context of Jeremiah 48:41
Military collapse: even Moab's strongest soldiers are paralyzed by terror.
What Does Jeremiah 48:41 Mean?
The fall of Kerioth signals Moab's military collapse. The 'strong holds' (fortified cities) are 'surprised' (overtaken suddenly). The metaphor of mighty men's hearts becoming 'as the heart of a woman in her pangs' is particularly striking—warriors, traditionally symbols of strength, are reduced to helpless fear, their hearts racing with panic and pain like a woman in labor.
This image is striking not as insult but as honest description of overwhelming terror and helplessness. Even the mightiest warriors cannot resist when judgment comes. Fear unmans the strongest; vulnerability transcends gender when confronted with irresistible force.
Jeremiah 48:41 in the Original Language
גִּבּוֹרִים (gibborim, mighty men) — warriors overwhelmed, their courage dissolved in panic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 48:41
What does Jeremiah 48:41 mean?
Even Moab's strongest soldiers are overwhelmed with terror and helplessness.
What is the context of Jeremiah 48:41?
Military collapse: even Moab's strongest soldiers are paralyzed by terror.