Old Testament
Jeremiah 4:31
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 describes a deep sense of sorrow and despair experienced by the people of Zion, likening their cries to a woman in labor.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
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.'
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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.