King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 15:18 Mean?

Jeremiah 15:18 in the King James Version says “Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail? fail: Heb. be not sure?

Jeremiah 15:18 · KJV


Context

16

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. I am: Heb. thy name is called upon me

17

I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

18

Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail? fail: Heb. be not sure?

19

Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.

20

And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah describes his relationship to God's word: 'Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.' The metaphor 'I did eat them' depicts thorough internalization of Scripture (cf. Ezekiel 3:1-3; Revelation 10:9-10). Despite the harsh content of his prophetic message, God's word brought 'joy and rejoicing' to Jeremiah's heart. The reason: identity—'I am called by thy name.' Being identified with God brings joy even when the message brings persecution. This reflects the Reformed high view of Scripture as spiritually nourishing and joy-producing despite its often difficult content.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah's ministry began when Josiah discovered the Book of the Law during temple renovation (2 Kings 22). The rediscovery of Scripture sparked reform and shaped Jeremiah's prophetic calling.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'eating' God's words teach about Scripture internalization?
  2. How can God's word produce joy even when its content includes judgment and difficulty?
  3. What is the relationship between being 'called by God's name' and finding joy in His word?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
לָ֣מָּה1 of 16
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הָיָ֤ה2 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְאֵבִי֙3 of 16

Why is my pain

H3511

suffering (physical or mental), adversity

נֶ֔צַח4 of 16

perpetual

H5331

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

וּמַכָּתִ֖י5 of 16

and my wound

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

אֲנוּשָׁ֑ה֙6 of 16

incurable

H605

to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy

מֵֽאֲנָה֙7 of 16

which refuseth

H3985

to refuse

הֵֽרָפֵ֔א8 of 16

to be healed

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

הָי֨וֹ9 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

תִֽהְיֶ֥ה10 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִי֙11 of 16
H0
כְּמ֣וֹ12 of 16
H3644

as, thus, so

אַכְזָ֔ב13 of 16

wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar

H391

falsehood; by implication treachery

מַ֖יִם14 of 16

and as waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לֹ֥א15 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נֶאֱמָֽנוּ׃16 of 16

that fail

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 15:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 15:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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