Jeremiah 6:24
Jeremiah 6:24 in Multiple Translations
We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.
We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
We have heard the report thereof; our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pangs as of a woman in travail.
The news of it has come to our ears; our hands have become feeble: trouble has come on us and pain, like the pain of a woman in childbirth.
The people reply, “We've heard the news, and our hands are limp with shock! We're overcome with agony, suffering pain like a woman in labor.
We haue heard their fame, and our handes waxe feeble sorrowe is come vpon vs, as the sorrowe of a woman in trauaile.
'We have heard its sound, feeble have been our hands, Distress hath seized us, pain as of a travailing woman.
We have heard its report. Our hands become feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, and pains as of a woman in labor.
We have heard the fame of it: our hands become feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
We have heard the fame thereof, our hands grow feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, as a woman in labor.
The people of Jerusalem say, “We have heard reports about the enemy; so we are very frightened, with the result that we feel weak. We are very afraid, and worried, like [SIM] women who are about to give birth to babies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 6:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 6:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ
אֶת
שָׁמְע֖/וֹ
רָפ֣וּ
יָדֵ֑י/נוּ
צָרָה֙
הֶחֱזִיקַ֔תְ/נוּ
חִ֖יל
כַּ/יּוֹלֵדָֽה
שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שָׁמְע֖/וֹ
shômaʻ
H8089
report
N-ms | Suff
רָפ֣וּ
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
יָדֵ֑י/נוּ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
צָרָה֙
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
N-fs
הֶחֱזִיקַ֔תְ/נוּ
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs | Suff
חִ֖יל
chîyl
H2427
agony
N-ms
כַּ/יּוֹלֵדָֽה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Prep | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 6:24
שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שָׁמְע֖/וֹ
shômaʻ
H8089
"report"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a report or news, and is first used in Exodus to describe the fame of the Israelites. It is also used in Psalm 78:11 to recall the great deeds of God. The word is about sharing information or news.
Definition: report, rumour, news, fame Another spelling of she.ma (שֵׁ֫מַע "report" H8088B)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fame. See also: Joshua 6:27; Esther 9:4; Jeremiah 6:24.
רָפ֣וּ
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
יָדֵ֑י/נוּ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
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.
הֶחֱזִיקַ֔תְ/נוּ
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs | Suff
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
חִ֖יל
chîyl
H2427
"agony"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means agony or intense pain, like the kind experienced in childbirth. It's used to describe strong emotions, such as sorrow or anguish. In the Bible, it appears in Isaiah 66:7-9.
Definition: 1) pain, agony, sorrow, a writhing, anguish 1a) writhing (of fear) 1b) anguish Also means: chi.lah (חִילָה "agony" H2427B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: pain, pang, sorrow. See also: Exodus 15:14; Jeremiah 6:24; Psalms 48:7.
כַּ/יּוֹלֵדָֽה
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Prep | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 6:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 6:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:24
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:24
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:24
- Sermons on Jeremiah 6:24
Context — An Invasion from the North
22This is what the LORD says: “Behold, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is stirred up from the ends of the earth.
23They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.”
24We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.
25Do not go out to the fields; do not walk the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side. 26O daughter of my people, dress yourselves in sackcloth and roll in ashes. Mourn with bitter wailing, as you would for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 4:31 | 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!” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 50:43 | The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 49:24 | Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor. |
| 4 | Isaiah 21:3 | Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see. |
| 5 | Isaiah 28:19 | As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 4:19–21 | My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. Disaster after disaster is proclaimed, for the whole land is laid waste. My tents are destroyed in an instant, my curtains in a moment. How long must I see the signal flag and hear the sound of the horn? |
| 7 | 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? |
| 8 | Jeremiah 30:6 | Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale? |
| 9 | 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.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 1:27–28 | when your dread comes like a storm, and your destruction like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish overwhelm you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. |
Jeremiah 6:24 Summary
This verse, Jeremiah 6:24, describes how the people of Judah felt when they heard the news of the impending invasion - they were filled with fear and anguish, feeling weak and powerless. It's like when we hear bad news and feel like we've been punched in the gut, unable to move or do anything, similar to the feeling of fear described in Deuteronomy 31:6. The pain is compared to that of a woman in labor, which is a very intense and uncomfortable experience, as described in John 16:21. The verse is reminding us that even in the midst of difficulty and uncertainty, we can trust in God's presence and provision, as seen in Psalm 34:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the report being referred to in Jeremiah 6:24?
The report is likely the news of the impending invasion by the army from the north, as mentioned in Jeremiah 6:22, which has caused fear and anguish among the people of Judah, similar to the fear expressed in Isaiah 13:6-8.
What does it mean for hands to 'hang limp'?
When hands hang limp, it means that the people have become weak and powerless, unable to take action or defend themselves, much like the feeling of hopelessness described in Psalm 38:8.
Why is the pain compared to that of a woman in labor?
The pain is compared to that of a woman in labor to convey the intensity and severity of the anguish, as labor is a time of great discomfort and distress, similar to the anguish described in Matthew 24:8.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?
This verse is part of Jeremiah's warning to Judah of the impending judgment and destruction, as seen in Jeremiah 1:16, and serves as a call to repentance and surrender to God's will, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can prepare myself for times of uncertainty and fear, like the people in Jeremiah 6:24?
- How can I balance the need to be aware of potential dangers with the need to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
- In what ways can I identify with the feelings of anguish and powerlessness expressed in this verse, and how can I apply the lessons of Jeremiah 6:24 to my own life?
- What are some ways that I can respond to bad news or difficult circumstances in a way that honors God, as seen in Habakkuk 3:17-19?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:24
We have heard the fame thereof,.... Meaning not the prophet's report then, but the rumour of the enemy's coming from another quarter, at the time he was actually coming.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:24
We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail. Fame thereof - the report of them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:24
We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble. The prophet personates the people’ s affections: q.d. At the very report of the. approach and fierceness of this people we are dismayed and discouraged, our hearts melt within us; all warlike courage is taken from us, ; or he modestly reckons himself among the rest. Anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail; a description of the exquisiteness of their sufferings, .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:24
Jeremiah 6:24 We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.Ver. 24. Our hands wax feeble.] He modestly reckoneth himself among the rest, though the "arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob," and his "heart was fixed, trusting in the Lord."
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:24
(24) We have heard the fame.—Another dramatic impersonation of the cry of terror from the dwellers in Jerusalem, when they shall hear of the approach of the army. The imagery of the woman in travail is reproduced from Jeremiah 4:31.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:24
24. Jeremiah is here the mouthpiece of his fellow-countrymen on the arrival of the news. fame] i.e. report. wax feeble] lit. sink down. Cp. Isaiah 5:24.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:24
The effect upon the Jewish people of the news of Nebuchadnezzars approach. Wax feeble - Are relaxed.
Sermons on Jeremiah 6:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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Take Heed, Lest You Fall by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of listening to God's voice. The prophet in focus is described as having a fierce loyalty to God and |
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In Time of War by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the Valley of Vision, using the prophecy in Isaiah to warn about the impending danger faced by Jerusalem due to their sins and lack of r |
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A Call to Set Our Hearts on God by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of setting our hearts on God, drawing inspiration from the life of the prophet Jeremiah, who sought the Lord and received His word. Despit |
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Called to Christlikeness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the call to Christlikeness through the example of the prophet Jeremiah, who engaged his heart to seek the Lord and shared in God's burden of weeping for |