King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 4:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 4:19 in the King James Version says “My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. my very: Heb. the walls of my heart

Jeremiah 4:19 · KJV


Context

17

As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.

18

Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.

19

My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. my very: Heb. the walls of my heart

20

Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.

21

How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:19 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 4:19, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah 4:19 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:19 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
מֵעַ֨י׀1 of 17

My bowels

H4578

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

מֵעַ֨י׀2 of 17

My bowels

H4578

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

אֹחִ֜ולָה3 of 17

I am pained

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

קִיר֥וֹת4 of 17

at my very

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

לִבִּ֖י5 of 17

heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הֹֽמֶה6 of 17

maketh a noise

H1993

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

לִּ֥י7 of 17
H0
לִבִּ֖י8 of 17

heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לֹ֣א9 of 17
H3808

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

אַחֲרִ֑שׁ10 of 17

in me I cannot hold my peace

H2790

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

כִּ֣י11 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ק֤וֹל12 of 17

the sound

H6963

a voice or sound

שׁוֹפָר֙13 of 17

of the trumpet

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

שָׁמַ֣עַתְּי14 of 17

because thou hast heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נַפְשִׁ֔י15 of 17

O my soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

תְּרוּעַ֖ת16 of 17

the alarm

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

מִלְחָמָֽה׃17 of 17

of war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)


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 4:19 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 4:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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