Jeremiah 48:11

Moab has been at ease from youth, settled like wine on its dregs; he has not been poured from vessel to vessel or gone into exile. So his flavor has remained the same, and his aroma is unchanged.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The prophet Jeremiah pronounces this oracle against Moab within a broader judgment sequence. The speech addresses the nation directly, declaring impending divine punishment for its prolonged untroubled state.

The words — The Hebrew שַׁאֲנָן (sha'anan) translates literally as "at ease" or "settled," describing Moab's untroubled condition. Paired with שֶׁמָרָיו (shemarav), meaning "its lees" or "dregs," the phrase establishes a wine metaphor for stagnant stability.

The thread — This theme of divine anger toward complacent nations appears in Zephaniah 1:12 and Zechariah 1:15. The wine imagery of remaining on dregs directly contrasts with the coming judgment in Jeremiah 48:12 where vessels will be shattered and the nation poured out.

Why it lands — The text demands recognition that prolonged spiritual stagnation invites decisive intervention. It requires the reader to understand that comfort without correction preserves corruption until divine action removes it.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.

Cross-references

Zephaniah 1:12 And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say to themselves, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’
Jeremiah 48:29 We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his proud arrogance and haughtiness of heart.
Zechariah 1:15 but I am fiercely angry with the nations that are at ease. For I was a little angry, but they have added to the calamity.’
Ezekiel 16:49 Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy.
Nahum 2:2 For the LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and ruined the branches of their vine.
Psalms 55:19 God will hear and humiliate them—the One enthroned for the ages—Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God.
Psalms 73:4 They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
Psalms 123:4 We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud.
Isaiah 16:6 We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his overflowing arrogance. But his boasting is empty.
Isaiah 24:3 The earth will be utterly laid waste and thoroughly plundered. For the LORD has spoken this word.