King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 30:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 30:15 in the King James Version says “Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.”

Jeremiah 30:15 · KJV

Context

13

There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines. that: Heb. for binding up, or, pressing

14

All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; because thy sins were increased.

15

Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.

16

Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

17

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Read Jeremiah 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Why criest thou for thine affliction? (מַה תִּזְעַק עַל שִׁבְרֵךְ, 'mah tiz'ak al shivrech')—God's rhetorical question confronts Israel's self-pity. The answer is devastating: thy sorrow is incurable (אָנוּשׁ מַכְאֹבֵךְ, 'anush makh'ovech', literally 'your pain is desperate/mortal').

The phrase I have done these things unto thee affirms divine sovereignty in judgment—Babylon is merely God's instrument. Yet the repetition of 'multitude of thine iniquity' (רֹב עֲוֹנֵךְ) points toward hope: if sin's abundance brought judgment, grace's abundance (Rom 5:20) will bring restoration. The 'incurable' wound requires supernatural healing only God can provide.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem's suffering in the siege and exile seemed endless—famine, violence, deportation, temple destruction. Many questioned whether restoration was even possible after such catastrophic judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you ever complain about consequences while refusing to acknowledge the sin that caused them?
  2. How does understanding God's sovereignty in your trials change your response to suffering?
  3. What 'incurable' spiritual wounds in your life require God's miraculous intervention?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
מַה1 of 14
H4100

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

תִּזְעַק֙2 of 14

“Why criest”

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

עַל3 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שִׁבְרֵ֔ךְ4 of 14

“thou for thine affliction”

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

אָנ֖וּשׁ5 of 14

“is incurable”

H605

to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy

מַכְאֹבֵ֑ךְ6 of 14

“thy sorrow”

H4341

anguish or (figuratively) affliction

עַ֣ל׀7 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹ֣ב8 of 14

“for the multitude”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

עֲוֹנֵ֗ךְ9 of 14

“of thine iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

עָֽצְמוּ֙10 of 14

“were increased”

H6105

to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones

חַטֹּאתַ֔יִךְ11 of 14

“because thy sins”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

עָשִׂ֥יתִי12 of 14

“I have done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֵ֖לֶּה13 of 14
H428

these or those

לָֽךְ׃14 of 14
H0

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 30:15 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 30:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 30:14Jeremiah 30:12Lamentations 3:39Ezekiel 16:1-63Lamentations 4:13Jeremiah 11:13

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