Old Testament
Jeremiah 15:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Woe is me, my mother, that you gave birth to me, a man of strife and contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent money at interest nor have others lent to me at interest, yet everyone curses me.
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Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me.
What Jeremiah 15:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah expresses deep sorrow and frustration about his life and role as a messenger of God. He feels like a source of conflict and strife for the people around him, lamenting that he was born into a life of contention. Despite living righteously—avoiding charging interest on loans—he finds himself cursed and rejected by others. This highlights the pain of being misunderstood and the burden of prophetic duty. Jeremiah's lament reflects the struggles of those who stand for truth in a world that often values convenience and self-interest over righteousness. His feelings of isolation and despair resonate with anyone who has faced opposition for their beliefs or actions, emphasizing the emotional toll of standing firm in faith amidst adversity.
How to apply Jeremiah 15:10 to your life
When facing rejection or misunderstanding for doing what is right, remember Jeremiah's experience. It’s important to stay true to your values and beliefs, even when others may not appreciate or support you. Seek comfort in your faith and community.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 15:10 mean?
Jeremiah 15:10 expresses the prophet's sorrow over being born into a life of conflict and strife. He feels misunderstood and cursed by others despite living righteously, highlighting the emotional burden of his prophetic role.
What is the significance of 'man of strife' in Jeremiah 15:10?
The phrase 'man of strife' signifies Jeremiah's role as a source of conflict due to his messages from God. It reflects how his truth-telling often led to opposition and rejection from those around him.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 15:10?
Key themes in Jeremiah 15:10 include prophetic lament, isolation, struggle, and rejection. The verse captures the emotional toll of standing firm in one's beliefs amidst conflict and misunderstanding.
How can I apply Jeremiah 15:10 to my life?
You can apply Jeremiah 15:10 by staying true to your values even when facing rejection or misunderstanding. It encourages finding strength in your faith and community during difficult times.
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