Jeremiah 4:31
Jeremiah 4:31 in Multiple Translations
For I hear a cry like a woman in labor, a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child— the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands to say, “Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!”
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that gaspeth for breath, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul fainteth before the murderers.
A voice has come to my ears like the voice of a woman in birth-pains, the pain of one giving birth to her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, fighting for breath, stretching out her hands, saying, Now sorrow is mine! for my strength is gone from me before the takers of life.
I hear the cries like a woman in labor, the agonizing moans of a woman giving birth to her first child. These are the cries of the Daughter of Zion gasping for air, holding out her hands, saying, “Please help me—I'm being murdered!”
For I haue heard a noyse as of a woman trauailing, or as one labouring of her first child, euen the voyce of the daughter Zion that sigheth and stretcheth out her handes: woe is me nowe: for my soule fainteth because of the murtherers.
For a voice as of a sick woman I have heard, Distress, as of one bringing forth a first-born, The voice of the daughter of Zion, She bewaileth herself, she spreadeth out her hands, 'Woe to me now, for weary is my soul of slayers!'
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, the anguish as of her who gives birth to her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, who gasps for breath, who spreads her hands, saying, “Woe is me now! For my soul faints before the murderers.”
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying , Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.
For I have heard the voice as of a woman in travail, anguishes as of a woman in labor of a child. The voice of the daughter of Sion, dying away, spreading her hands: Woe is me, for my soul hath fainted because of them that are slain.
It is as though I already hear the people in Jerusalem crying very loudly, like [SIM] a woman cries when she is giving birth to her first child; she gasps for breath and pleads for someone to help her. It is as though Jerusalem is crying, “Something terrible is happening to me! They are about to murder me!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 4:31
BAB
Word Study
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Jeremiah 4:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי֩
ק֨וֹל
כְּ/חוֹלָ֜ה
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
צָרָה֙
כְּ/מַבְכִּירָ֔ה
ק֧וֹל
בַּת
צִיּ֛וֹן
תִּתְיַפֵּ֖חַ
תְּפָרֵ֣שׂ
כַּפֶּ֑י/הָ
אֽוֹי
נָ֣א
לִ֔/י
כִּֽי
עָיְפָ֥ה
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
לְ/הֹרְגִֽים
כִּי֩
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ק֨וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
כְּ/חוֹלָ֜ה
châlâh
H2470
be weak
Prep | V-Qal
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
צָרָה֙
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
N-fs
כְּ/מַבְכִּירָ֔ה
bâkar
H1069
to be/bear firstborn
Prep | V-Hiphil
ק֧וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
צִיּ֛וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
Zion
N-proper
תִּתְיַפֵּ֖חַ
yâphach
H3306
to breathe
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fs
תְּפָרֵ֣שׂ
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
כַּפֶּ֑י/הָ
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
אֽוֹי
ʼôwy
H188
woe!
Part
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
לִ֔/י
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עָיְפָ֥ה
ʻâyêph
H5888
be faint
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
לְ/הֹרְגִֽים
hârag
H2026
to kill
Prep | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 4:31
כִּי֩
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ק֨וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
כְּ/חוֹלָ֜ה
châlâh
H2470
"be weak"
Prep | V-Qal
To beg or entreat means to ask or pray for something, often with a sense of weakness or sickness, like when someone is grieving or in pain.
Definition: : weak/disabled 1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry 1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak 1b2) to become sick, become ill 1c) (Niphal) 1c1) to make oneself sick 1c2) to be made sick 1c3) to be tired 1d) (Pual) to be made weak, become weak 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself sick 1f) (Hiphil) 1f1) to make sore 1f2) to make sick 1f3) to show signs of sickness, become sick 1f4) to grieve 1g) (Hophal) 1g1) to be made sick 1g2) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded. See also: Genesis 48:1; Psalms 119:58; Psalms 35:13.
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
צָרָה֙
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
N-fs
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
כְּ/מַבְכִּירָ֔ה
bâkar
H1069
"to be/bear firstborn"
Prep | V-Hiphil
This verb means to give the birthright or to be the firstborn, often referring to the special status of the first child. In Genesis, it describes the rights of the firstborn son. The KJV translates it as make firstborn.
Definition: 1) to be born first 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to bear early, new fruit 1a2) to give the right of the firstborn 1a2a) to make as firstborn 1a2b) to constitute as firstborn 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be born a firstling 1b2) to be made a firstling 1c) (Hiphil) one bearing her first child
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: make firstborn, be firstling, bring forth first child (new fruit). See also: Leviticus 27:26; Jeremiah 4:31; Ezekiel 47:12.
ק֧וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
צִיּ֛וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
"Zion"
N-proper
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
תִּתְיַפֵּ֖חַ
yâphach
H3306
"to breathe"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to breathe hard or sigh, often expressing sadness or exhaustion. In the book of Lamentations, it describes the prophet Jeremiah's emotional state. The word conveys a sense of deep emotional pain.
Definition: 1) to breathe, breathe hard, puff 1a) (Hithpael) to gasp for breath
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: bewail self. See also: Jeremiah 4:31.
תְּפָרֵ֣שׂ
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
כַּפֶּ֑י/הָ
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
אֽוֹי
ʼôwy
H188
"woe!"
Part
This word is an expression of sorrow or grief, like a cry of 'Oh no!' or 'Alas!' It's used in Isaiah and Jeremiah to lament the fate of God's people. The prophets use it to express deep emotional pain.
Definition: 1) woe! alas! oh! 1a) passionate cry of grief or despair
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: alas, woe. See also: Numbers 21:29; Jeremiah 6:4; Proverbs 23:29.
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
לִ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עָיְפָ֥ה
ʻâyêph
H5888
"be faint"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To be faint means to be weary or languish, as seen in Isaiah 40:31 where God helps those who wait on Him.
Definition: 1) to be faint, be weary 1a) (Qal) to be faint, be weary
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: be wearied. See also: Jeremiah 4:31.
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
לְ/הֹרְגִֽים
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Prep | V-Qal
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 4:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 4:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:31
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:31
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:31
- Sermons on Jeremiah 4:31
Context — Lamentation for Judah
29Every city flees at the sound of the horseman and archer. They enter the thickets and climb among the rocks. Every city is abandoned; no inhabitant is left.
30And you, O devastated one, what will you do, though you dress yourself in scarlet, though you adorn yourself with gold jewelry, though you enlarge your eyes with paint? You adorn yourself in vain; your lovers despise you; they want to take your life.
31For I hear a cry like a woman in labor, a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child— the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands to say, “Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 1:17 | Zion stretches out her hands, but there is no one to comfort her. The LORD has decreed against Jacob that his neighbors become his foes. Jerusalem has become an unclean thing among them. |
| 2 | Isaiah 1:15 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 13:21 | What will you say when He sets over you close allies whom you yourself trained? Will not pangs of anguish grip you, as they do a woman in labor? |
| 4 | Jeremiah 22:23 | O inhabitant of Lebanon, nestled in the cedars, how you will groan when pangs of anguish come upon you, agony like a woman in labor.” |
| 5 | Micah 7:1 | Woe is me! For I am like one gathering summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster to eat, no early fig that I crave. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 48:41 | Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab’s warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 14:18 | If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know.’” |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 9:16 | Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! |
| 9 | Jeremiah 45:2 | “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: |
| 10 | Job 10:1 | “I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul. |
Jeremiah 4:31 Summary
Jeremiah 4:31 describes the city of Jerusalem, called the Daughter of Zion, as crying out in anguish and distress due to the impending judgment and destruction of the city. The cry of the Daughter of Zion is compared to a woman in labor to convey the intensity of her pain and suffering. This verse reminds us that God hears the cries of those who are suffering and will ultimately bring justice and redemption, as seen in Isaiah 40:1-2 and Revelation 21:4. Just as the Daughter of Zion is crying out to God for help, we can also cry out to Him in our times of need and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the Daughter of Zion in Jeremiah 4:31?
The Daughter of Zion is a metaphor for the city of Jerusalem and its people, as seen in Isaiah 37:22, where God refers to Jerusalem as the Daughter of Zion. In Jeremiah 4:31, the Daughter of Zion is crying out in anguish and distress due to the impending judgment and destruction of the city.
Why is the cry of the Daughter of Zion compared to a woman in labor?
The cry of the Daughter of Zion is compared to a woman in labor to convey the intensity of her pain and suffering, as seen in Jeremiah 4:31. This comparison is also used in other parts of the Bible, such as John 16:21, where Jesus compares the pain of birth to the pain of spiritual birth.
What does it mean that the soul of the Daughter of Zion faints before the murderers?
The soul of the Daughter of Zion fainting before the murderers means that she is overwhelmed with fear and desperation in the face of her enemies, who seek to destroy her. This is similar to what is described in Psalm 55:4-5, where the psalmist's heart is in anguish and his soul is faint within him due to the presence of his enemies.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Jeremiah?
This verse is part of a larger section in Jeremiah that describes the judgment and destruction of Jerusalem, as seen in Jeremiah 4:5-31. The book of Jeremiah as a whole is a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of sin, as seen in Jeremiah 18:11 and Jeremiah 25:4-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can identify with the cry of the Daughter of Zion, and how can I apply her experience to my own life?
- How does the comparison of the Daughter of Zion's cry to a woman in labor affect my understanding of her suffering, and what can I learn from this comparison?
- What are some ways that I can respond to the pain and suffering of those around me, just as the Daughter of Zion is crying out in anguish?
- How can I use this verse as a call to prayer and intercession for those who are suffering, just as the Daughter of Zion is crying out to God for help?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:31
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail,.... So the distress of the Jews, at the time of their destruction, is compared to the sorrows of a woman in travail; and a word, that signifies that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:31
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:31
A voice as of a woman in travail: when the Scripture would express any exquisite sorrow, exceeding all other pains, it doth it by a woman in travail, ,9 Jeremiah 6:24 30:6,7. The anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, which of all seems to be the most painful, both from natural causes, and because they have less patience to bear, having not had former experience of the like. The daughter of Zion, viz. Jerusalem, . That spreadeth her hands; in her great distress she either reacheth them out to God for some help, ; or rather, according to the use of persons in great anguish, clapping or wringing their hands together, as both the former expression of bewailing herself, fetching of deep sighs and lamentations, and the following woe is me, intimates. See . Woe is me now! or, the time of my woe is at hand; it draws near. My soul is wearied because of murderers; there is no more spirit left within me, I am ready to sink under my distress, considering not only that my destruction is so near, but that those of whom I have been so fond, and whose idols I have so zealously served, should become my murderers, , and that I should fall into the hands of such as will have no compassion, .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:31
Jeremiah 4:31 For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, [and] the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, [that] bewaileth herself, [that] spreadeth her hands, [saying], Woe [is] me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.Ver. 31. As of her that bringeth forth her first child.] Primiparae: such have greatest pains, and least patience oft. For my soul is wearied because of murderers.] Once her paramours, her sweethearts. There is nothing got by comporting with idolaters. The Duke of Medina’ s sword knew no difference between Papists and Protestants in 1588, and that they should have found had the Spaniard then prevailed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:31
(31) A woman in travail.—Literally, writhing in pain, as in Jeremiah 4:19. Bewaileth herself.—Literally, pants for breath. The prophet draws his pictures with a terrible intensity. On the one side is Zion as the harlot, in her gold and crimson and cosmetics; on the other we see the forlorn and desperate castaway, in the hour of a woman’s utter helplessness, outraged and abandoned, stretching out her hands to implore mercy from the assassins who attack her, and imploring it in vain.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:31
Verse 31. Bringeth forth her first child] In such a case the fear, danger, and pain were naturally the greatest. Spreadeth her hands] The gesture indicated by nature to signify distress, and implore help. We have met with this figure in other parts, and among the classic writers it is frequent.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:31
31. Thy wiles shall have no effect; for already I hear thy cries of agony and dismay. daughter of Zion] denoting the inhabitants as a whole. Cp. Jeremiah 6:2, etc.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:31
For a cry have I heard as of one writhing in vain: Anguish as of one that bringeth forth her first-born: The cry of the daughter of Zion. She gasps for breath: she stretches out her palms: Woe is me!
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:31
31. I have heard — But all in vain. The prophet hears the cry of distress as the agony of a woman in travail. The daughter of Zion stretches out her hands in unavailing supplication, and falls beneath the stroke of her murderers.
Sermons on Jeremiah 4:31
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A Life of Effectual Intercessory Prayer by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of discerning the difference between the voice of God and the voice of Satan. He shares a story about a man who would pray for |
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Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |
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Doctrine of the Remnant - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for mercy upon America and for people to turn away from idols and serve God. He emphasizes the importance of not just worshiping God |
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Blessed Are the Pure in Heart by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the poor quality of the recording but expresses hope that the message will still be a blessing. The speaker then reads from Psal |
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Knowing and Doing Good by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to si |
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The Giver's Hand by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of offering gifts to the Lord with clean hands, highlighting that God looks at the heart of the giver rather than the gift itself. He st |
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Where Do We Go to Eat? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a poignant message from Micah 7, addressing the spiritual famine affecting both ancient Israel and the modern church. He highlights the desperate cry of be |