Old Testament
Jeremiah 49:22
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Look, he will come up and fly like an eagle, spreading his wings over Bozrah. On that day, the hearts of the mighty men of Edom will be like the heart of a woman in labor pains.
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Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.
What Jeremiah 49:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is declaring impending judgment on Edom, symbolized by the imagery of an eagle. The eagle represents swiftness and power, indicating that the judgment will come quickly and decisively. Bozrah, a key city in Edom, will be the focal point of this divine intervention. The phrase about the hearts of the mighty men of Edom being like a woman in labor signifies extreme fear and distress. Just as a woman in labor experiences intense pain and vulnerability, so too will the warriors of Edom feel helpless and terrified in the face of God's judgment. This verse emphasizes the certainty of God's plans and the futility of human strength against divine will, serving as a warning to those who oppose Him.
How to apply Jeremiah 49:22 to your life
This verse reminds us that no matter how strong we think we are, we are vulnerable to God's plans. It encourages us to seek alignment with God's will rather than opposing it. In times of trouble, we should turn to God for strength and comfort instead of relying solely on our own abilities.
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 49:22 mean?
Jeremiah 49:22 conveys God's impending judgment on Edom, symbolized by an eagle that represents swift and powerful action. The verse highlights the fear and helplessness of Edom's warriors, comparing their distress to that of a woman in labor.
What is the significance of the eagle in Jeremiah 49:22?
The eagle in Jeremiah 49:22 symbolizes swiftness and strength, indicating that God's judgment will come quickly and decisively upon Edom. This imagery emphasizes the overwhelming power of God's intervention.
What does the phrase 'heart of a woman in labor' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'heart of a woman in labor' in Jeremiah 49:22 illustrates extreme fear and vulnerability. It signifies that the mighty men of Edom will experience intense distress and helplessness in the face of God's judgment.
How can Jeremiah 49:22 be applied to our lives today?
Jeremiah 49:22 serves as a reminder of our vulnerability to God's plans, encouraging us to align with His will. It suggests that in times of trouble, we should seek strength and comfort from God rather than relying solely on our own abilities.
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