Old Testament
Jeremiah 15:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah expresses deep sorrow and frustration about his life and role as a messenger of God.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
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.
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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