Old Testament
Jeremiah 4:31
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I hear a voice like a woman in labor, the anguish of one giving birth to her first child. It is the voice of the daughter of Zion, lamenting and spreading her hands, saying, 'Woe is me now! My soul is wearied because of murderers.'
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For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.
What Jeremiah 4:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah describes a deep sense of sorrow and despair experienced by the people of Zion, likening their cries to a woman in labor. This imagery emphasizes the intensity of their suffering and the pain of impending destruction. The daughter of Zion represents the people of Jerusalem, who are lamenting their dire situation, feeling overwhelmed by the violence and injustice around them. The phrase 'my soul is wearied because of murderers' highlights the emotional toll that violence takes on individuals and communities. It reflects a longing for peace and a cry for help in the face of overwhelming adversity. This verse captures the essence of grief and the desperate need for divine intervention in times of crisis, illustrating the profound impact of societal sin and moral decay on the human spirit.
How to apply Jeremiah 4:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to acknowledge our pain and the injustices in our world. It reminds us to seek help and support from God and our community during difficult times. We should also strive to be agents of peace and justice, addressing violence and supporting those in need.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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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 4:31 mean?
Jeremiah 4:31 expresses the deep sorrow and anguish of the people of Zion, comparing their cries to a woman in labor. This imagery highlights their suffering and despair due to violence and impending destruction, reflecting a longing for peace and divine help.
What is the meaning of 'daughter of Zion' in Jeremiah 4:31?
The 'daughter of Zion' refers to the people of Jerusalem, symbolizing their collective identity and suffering. In this verse, it represents their lamentation and emotional turmoil in the face of violence and injustice.
What does 'my soul is wearied because of murderers' mean in Jeremiah 4:31?
The phrase 'my soul is wearied because of murderers' conveys the emotional toll that violence takes on individuals and communities. It reflects a deep sense of fatigue and despair caused by the pervasive presence of injustice and suffering.
How can we apply Jeremiah 4:31 to our lives today?
Jeremiah 4:31 encourages us to recognize and acknowledge the pain and injustices in our world. It reminds us to seek support from God and our community during tough times and to actively work towards peace and justice.
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