Old Testament
Jeremiah 8:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For the hurt of the daughter of my people, I am hurt; I am in mourning; astonishment has taken hold of me.
Compare translations
For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
What Jeremiah 8:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah expresses deep sorrow for the suffering of his people, often referred to as the 'daughter of my people.' His pain is so profound that he feels it personally, indicating a strong emotional connection to their plight. The phrase 'I am black' in the KJV suggests a state of mourning or grief, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Jeremiah is overwhelmed by astonishment, indicating that the suffering and sin of the people have reached a point that is shocking and distressing. This verse highlights the compassion of a leader who feels the pain of his community, emphasizing the importance of empathy and shared suffering in times of crisis. It serves as a reminder of the emotional toll that collective hardship can take on individuals, especially those in positions of responsibility.
How to apply Jeremiah 8:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to cultivate empathy for those who are suffering around us. It reminds us to be aware of the pain in our communities and to respond with compassion. By sharing in the grief of others, we can foster stronger connections and support systems.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 8:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 8:21
Related Bible verses
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 8:21 mean in simple terms?
Jeremiah 8:21 expresses the deep sorrow of the prophet for the suffering of his people. He feels their pain personally, indicating a strong emotional bond with them. The verse highlights his mourning and astonishment at the severity of their situation, emphasizing the importance of empathy and shared grief in leadership.
How can I apply Jeremiah 8:21 to my life?
You can apply Jeremiah 8:21 by actively cultivating empathy for those around you who are suffering. This verse encourages you to be aware of the pain in your community and to respond with compassion. By sharing in the grief of others, you can strengthen your connections and create a supportive environment for those in need.
What does 'I am black' mean in Jeremiah 8:21?
In Jeremiah 8:21, 'I am black' signifies a state of mourning and grief. It reflects the seriousness of the situation faced by the people and indicates that Jeremiah is deeply affected by their suffering. This phrase underscores the emotional weight of collective hardship and the profound impact it has on leaders.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 8:21?
Jeremiah 8:21 encompasses several themes, including empathy, suffering, mourning, community, leadership, and grief. It illustrates the emotional toll that collective hardship can have on individuals, especially those in positions of responsibility, and highlights the importance of compassion in times of crisis.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.