Old Testament
Jeremiah 9:20
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So listen to the LORD's word, you women. Let your ears take in what he says. Teach your daughters how to wail, and teach your neighbors songs of mourning.
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Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.
What Jeremiah 9:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God calls upon women to listen carefully to His message. He emphasizes the importance of mourning and lamentation in response to the sorrow and destruction that is coming. The instruction to teach daughters how to wail and neighbors how to mourn highlights the communal aspect of grief. It suggests that mourning is not just a personal experience but a shared one, where the community comes together to express their sorrow. This call to lament serves as a reminder of the seriousness of the situation and the need for heartfelt response to the consequences of sin and disobedience. The act of teaching others to mourn indicates that this is a time for reflection and acknowledgment of loss, urging the community to recognize the gravity of their circumstances and the need for repentance.
How to apply Jeremiah 9:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to acknowledge our grief and the impact of sin in our lives and communities. We can support one another in times of sorrow by sharing our feelings and teaching others how to process their emotions. Creating spaces for mourning can foster healing and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 9:20
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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 9:20 mean?
Jeremiah 9:20 calls on women to listen to God's message and emphasizes the importance of mourning in response to impending sorrow and destruction. It highlights the communal aspect of grief, encouraging people to teach each other how to express their sorrow.
What is the significance of teaching daughters to wail in Jeremiah 9:20?
Teaching daughters to wail in Jeremiah 9:20 signifies the importance of passing down the practice of mourning and lamentation. It reflects the need for the community to come together in grief and to acknowledge the seriousness of their circumstances.
How does Jeremiah 9:20 relate to community mourning?
Jeremiah 9:20 relates to community mourning by urging individuals to teach one another how to express grief. It shows that mourning is a shared experience that can bring people together in times of sorrow.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 9:20?
Themes in Jeremiah 9:20 include mourning, community support, teaching, listening to God, lamentation, and the response to sin. These themes highlight the importance of acknowledging grief collectively and the need for reflection.
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