Old Testament
Jeremiah 30:15
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, God addresses the people of Israel, questioning why they lament their suffering.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Why do you cry out over your suffering? Your pain cannot be cured. Because your guilt was so enormous and your sins so many, I did this to you.
Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God addresses the people of Israel, questioning why they lament their suffering. He points out that their pain is beyond healing due to the weight of their sins. The verse emphasizes that their afflictions are a direct result of their actions and choices, highlighting the consequences of their guilt and wrongdoing. God is not dismissing their pain but is instead reminding them that their suffering stems from their own moral failures. This serves as a call to recognize the seriousness of their sins and the need for repentance. The message is clear: their current state is a result of their own actions, and understanding this is crucial for moving forward. It reflects a broader theme of accountability and the relationship between sin and suffering, urging the people to reflect on their behavior and seek restoration through genuine repentance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 30:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and recognize how our actions can lead to suffering. It reminds us that acknowledging our mistakes and seeking forgiveness is essential for healing. Instead of merely lamenting our troubles, we should take responsibility for our choices and strive to make amends.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 30:15 mean about suffering?
Jeremiah 30:15 addresses the suffering of the people of Israel, indicating that their pain is a direct consequence of their sins. God questions why they cry out over their affliction, emphasizing that their sorrow is incurable due to the multitude of their iniquities. This verse highlights the connection between their moral failures and their current state of suffering, urging them to recognize the seriousness of their actions.
How can I apply Jeremiah 30:15 to my life?
To apply Jeremiah 30:15 in your life, reflect on your own actions and their consequences. Acknowledge any mistakes or wrongdoings that may be causing you distress. Instead of just lamenting your situation, take responsibility for your choices and seek forgiveness. This verse serves as a reminder that understanding the link between sin and suffering can lead to genuine repentance and healing.
Why does God say their pain cannot be cured?
In Jeremiah 30:15, God states that the people's pain cannot be cured because it is rooted in their extensive guilt and sins. This indicates that their suffering is not just a physical ailment but a spiritual consequence of their actions. The verse suggests that true healing can only come through acknowledging their wrongdoings and seeking genuine repentance, rather than simply wishing for relief from their pain.
What is the significance of repentance in this verse?
Repentance is significant in Jeremiah 30:15 as it highlights the need for the people to recognize their sins and take responsibility for their actions. The verse indicates that their suffering is linked to their moral failures, and understanding this connection is essential for moving forward. Genuine repentance is portrayed as a necessary step towards healing and restoration, emphasizing that acknowledging one's wrongs can lead to a better path.

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.
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 • Save over 90%
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.