Old Testament
Jeremiah 20:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Why did I ever come out of the womb? All I've seen is hardship and sorrow, and my days are wasting away in shame.
Compare translations
Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?
What Jeremiah 20:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah expresses deep despair and frustration with his life. He questions the purpose of his birth, feeling that all he has experienced is suffering and shame. This reflects a moment of profound emotional pain, where he feels overwhelmed by the hardships he faces as a prophet. Jeremiah's lament highlights the struggle between the calling he has received from God and the intense personal suffering that accompanies it. His words resonate with anyone who has faced significant challenges, prompting reflection on the meaning of life and the weight of sorrow. This verse captures the raw human emotion of questioning one's existence in the face of relentless adversity, illustrating the struggle between hope and despair.
How to apply Jeremiah 20:18 to your life
When facing overwhelming challenges, it's important to acknowledge our feelings of despair and seek support. Like Jeremiah, we can express our struggles to God in prayer, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. This can lead to healing and a renewed sense of purpose, reminding us that we are not alone in our suffering.
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 20:18
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 20:18
Related Bible verses
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 20:18 mean?
In Jeremiah 20:18, the prophet expresses his deep anguish and questions the purpose of his life due to the overwhelming suffering he has endured. This verse captures a moment of despair, reflecting Jeremiah's struggle with his prophetic calling and the pain that comes with it. It highlights the emotional turmoil that can accompany a life dedicated to serving God, resonating with anyone who has faced significant hardships.
How can I relate to Jeremiah's feelings in this verse?
Many people experience moments of despair and question their purpose, especially during tough times. Jeremiah's lament in this verse serves as a reminder that it's okay to express feelings of sorrow and frustration. By acknowledging these emotions, you can begin to process them and seek support from others or through prayer, just as Jeremiah did.
What can I learn from Jeremiah's lament in this verse?
Jeremiah's lament teaches us the importance of being honest about our struggles. It encourages us to bring our feelings of despair to God, fostering a deeper relationship through vulnerability. This verse also reminds us that even those chosen for great purposes can experience profound pain, highlighting the human experience of grappling with suffering and seeking meaning.
How does this verse relate to the theme of suffering in the Bible?
Jeremiah 20:18 reflects a recurring theme in the Bible: the reality of suffering and its impact on faith. Many biblical figures, like Job and David, also expressed deep sorrow and questioned their circumstances. This verse illustrates that suffering is a part of the human experience, and it invites readers to explore their own struggles while seeking hope and purpose amidst adversity.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.