Old Testament

Jeremiah 6:24

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Jeremiah 6:24, the people express their fear and anxiety upon hearing reports of impending danger.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

We've heard the reports about them, and our hands go limp with fear. Anguish grips us — pain like a woman in labor.

KJVKing James Version

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Jeremiah 6:24, the people express their fear and anxiety upon hearing reports of impending danger. The imagery of hands going limp signifies a loss of strength and resolve, while the anguish described is likened to the intense pain experienced during childbirth. This metaphor highlights the deep emotional turmoil and dread that grips them as they face the reality of their situation. The verse captures the overwhelming sense of helplessness and the physical manifestation of fear, illustrating how dire circumstances can lead to a profound sense of despair. The reference to labor pains suggests that the suffering they are experiencing is not only immediate but also indicative of a larger, more painful process that is unfolding. This passage serves as a reminder of the weight of impending judgment and the emotional toll it takes on individuals and communities, emphasizing the need for awareness and preparedness in the face of adversity.

Key themes

Related topics

fear, judgment, despair

How to apply Jeremiah 6:24 to your life

When faced with overwhelming fear or anxiety, it is important to acknowledge those feelings rather than ignore them. Seeking support from others and turning to faith can provide strength and comfort during difficult times. Remember that pain can lead to growth and transformation.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 6:24 mean?

Jeremiah 6:24 expresses the fear and anxiety of the people upon hearing news of impending danger. The imagery of hands going limp symbolizes a loss of strength, while the pain likened to childbirth highlights their emotional turmoil and helplessness.

What is the significance of 'anguish' in Jeremiah 6:24?

The term 'anguish' in Jeremiah 6:24 signifies deep emotional pain and distress. It reflects the intense fear and dread the people feel as they confront the reality of their situation.

What does the phrase 'pain like a woman in labor' mean in Jeremiah 6:24?

The phrase 'pain like a woman in labor' in Jeremiah 6:24 illustrates the severity of the emotional and physical suffering the people are experiencing. It suggests that their current pain is part of a larger, more painful process they must endure.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 6:24?

Jeremiah 6:24 includes themes of fear, anguish, helplessness, and judgment. It captures the emotional turmoil faced by the people in response to impending danger.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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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