Old Testament
Jeremiah 45:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 45:3, the speaker expresses deep anguish and despair, feeling overwhelmed by the burdens placed upon him by God.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
You said, 'Woe is me now! The LORD has added grief to my sorrow. I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.'
Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 45:3, the speaker expresses deep anguish and despair, feeling overwhelmed by the burdens placed upon him by God. The phrase 'Woe is me now!' indicates a moment of intense sorrow and frustration. The speaker feels that God has increased his suffering, leading to a sense of hopelessness. The imagery of fainting in sighing suggests a physical and emotional exhaustion, as if the weight of grief is too much to bear. This verse captures the struggle of dealing with overwhelming circumstances and the feeling of being trapped in sorrow without relief. It reflects a common human experience of feeling abandoned or unsupported during difficult times, highlighting the emotional toll that such experiences can take. The speaker's cry for rest signifies a longing for peace and relief from the burdens of life, which resonates with many who face trials and tribulations.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 45:3 to your life
This verse reminds us that it is okay to express our feelings of sorrow and despair to God. When we feel overwhelmed, we can turn to Him for comfort and support. Acknowledging our struggles can lead to healing and the hope of finding rest in His presence.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 45:3 mean?
Jeremiah 45:3 expresses a deep sense of anguish and despair from the speaker, who feels overwhelmed by the burdens imposed by God. The phrase 'Woe is me now!' signifies intense sorrow, while the mention of fainting in sighing illustrates both emotional and physical exhaustion. This verse captures the struggle of feeling trapped in grief and the longing for relief, resonating with anyone who has faced overwhelming challenges.
How can I apply Jeremiah 45:3 to my life?
You can apply Jeremiah 45:3 by acknowledging your feelings of sorrow and despair when facing difficult times. It's important to express these emotions to God, as doing so can lead to healing and comfort. This verse encourages you to seek God's presence for rest and support, reminding you that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and that you are not alone in your struggles.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 45:3?
Jeremiah 45:3 encompasses several themes, including sorrow, grief, and despair. It highlights the concept of divine burden, where the speaker feels that God has added to their suffering. Emotional exhaustion is also a key theme, as the speaker expresses a longing for rest and relief from their troubles. These themes reflect the human experience of dealing with overwhelming circumstances and the desire for peace.
Why does the speaker feel abandoned in Jeremiah 45:3?
The speaker in Jeremiah 45:3 feels abandoned because they perceive that God has increased their suffering, leading to a sense of hopelessness. This feeling of being overwhelmed by grief and sorrow can create a sense of isolation, as if no support is available. The verse captures the emotional toll of such experiences, illustrating the struggle to find solace amidst trials.

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.
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