Old Testament
Jeremiah 15:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"The mother who bore 7 sons grows faint — she breathes her last. Her sun has set while it's still daytime. She is left in shame and disgrace. As for those who survive, I will hand them over to the sword before their enemies," declares the LORD.
Compare translations
She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD.
What Jeremiah 15:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the imagery of a mother who has given birth to seven sons but is now faint and dying illustrates deep sorrow and loss. The phrase 'her sun has set while it's still daytime' signifies a premature end to her joy and vitality. This reflects the devastation that has befallen the people of Judah, who once thrived but are now facing destruction and disgrace. The mention of being handed over to the sword indicates impending judgment and violence against those who survive. This verse captures the profound grief and hopelessness that comes with the consequences of sin and disobedience to God, emphasizing the seriousness of their situation and the divine judgment that follows.
How to apply Jeremiah 15:9 to your life
This verse reminds us of the weight of our actions and the potential consequences they carry. It encourages us to reflect on our lives, seek repentance, and strive to live in alignment with God's will to avoid similar fates of despair and loss.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 15:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 15:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 15:9 mean about the mother who bore seven sons?
In Jeremiah 15:9, the mother symbolizes the people of Judah who once enjoyed prosperity and blessings but are now facing devastation. The imagery of her bearing seven sons, a sign of completeness and joy, contrasts with her current state of faintness and impending death, reflecting the deep sorrow and loss experienced by the nation due to their disobedience to God.
How does the phrase 'her sun has set while it's still daytime' relate to the verse?
The phrase 'her sun has set while it's still daytime' signifies a premature end to joy and vitality. It illustrates the sudden and tragic downfall of the people of Judah, who were once thriving but are now experiencing shame and disgrace. This metaphor emphasizes the unexpected nature of their suffering and the stark reality of their situation.
What is the significance of being handed over to the sword in this verse?
Being handed over to the sword in Jeremiah 15:9 indicates impending judgment and violence against those who survive the calamity. It serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and disobedience to God, highlighting the seriousness of their actions and the divine retribution that follows. This reflects the broader theme of accountability in the face of God's justice.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 15:9?
Jeremiah 15:9 encompasses several themes, including loss and grief, divine judgment, shame and disgrace, survival and suffering, and the consequences of sin. These themes collectively illustrate the profound impact of disobedience to God and the resulting despair faced by the people of Judah, serving as a cautionary reminder for readers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.