Old Testament

Jeremiah 20:18

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 despair and frustration with his life.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

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.

KJVKing James Version

Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related topics

despair, suffering, sorrow

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

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.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.