Jeremiah 48:43 Meaning and Explanation
“Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Escape is impossible; judgment traps Moab on all sides.
The Context of Jeremiah 48:43
Inescapable judgment: fear, pits, snares trap Moab at every turn.
What Does Jeremiah 48:43 Mean?
'Fear, and the pit, and the snare' are images of inescapable danger. Fear is psychological—the inner terror preceding physical capture. The pit and snare are literal traps. Together, they form a prison without walls: the refugee facing fear, stumbling into pits, becoming caught in snares. Every direction leads to danger.
The prophecy echoes verse 44's fuller image. The point is that Moab's situation is inescapable. Whether fleeing through open country, hiding in valleys, or seeking shelter, Moab encounters danger at every turn. The variety of threats emphasizes that judgment is comprehensive and unavoidable.
Jeremiah 48:43 in the Original Language
פַּחַד (pachad, fear) — terror that fills the heart, preceding and accompanying capture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 48:43
What does Jeremiah 48:43 mean?
Escape is impossible; judgment traps Moab on all sides.
What is the context of Jeremiah 48:43?
Inescapable judgment: fear, pits, snares trap Moab at every turn.