Old Testament
Jeremiah 9:19
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 people of Zion express deep sorrow and despair over their situation.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
A cry of grief is heard from Zion: 'We are ruined! We are utterly devastated because we have forsaken the land, and our dwellings have cast us out.'
For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people of Zion express deep sorrow and despair over their situation. They feel ruined and devastated because they have abandoned their homeland and the places where they used to live. This cry of grief highlights the consequences of their actions, showing that their forsaking of the land has led to their current state of suffering. The emotional weight of their lament reflects a profound sense of loss and confusion, as they grapple with the reality of their circumstances. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of connection to one's home and the devastating effects that can arise from turning away from it. The lamentation is not just about physical loss but also about the spiritual and communal disconnection that comes from abandoning the values and traditions that once defined them. This cry encapsulates the broader themes of loss, regret, and the need for repentance in the face of adversity.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 9:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the consequences of turning away from our values and community. It reminds us to cherish our homes and relationships, and to seek reconciliation when we feel lost or disconnected. Embracing our roots can lead to healing and restoration.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 9:19 mean?
Jeremiah 9:19 expresses the deep sorrow of the people of Zion as they lament their ruined state after abandoning their homeland. It highlights the emotional and spiritual devastation that comes from forsaking their land and the consequences of their actions.
What is the significance of lamentation in Jeremiah 9:19?
The lamentation in Jeremiah 9:19 signifies the profound grief and regret of the people for their lost connection to their homeland. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the pain that arises from turning away from one's roots.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 9:19?
Jeremiah 9:19 encompasses themes of grief, loss, forsaking, and spiritual disconnection. It illustrates the emotional turmoil experienced by the people as they confront the consequences of abandoning their values and traditions.
How does Jeremiah 9:19 relate to personal loss?
Jeremiah 9:19 can relate to personal loss by encouraging individuals to reflect on their own connections to home and community. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing relationships and the healing that can come from addressing feelings of disconnection.

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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