King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 4:31 Mean?

Jeremiah 4:31 in the King James Version says “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 vo...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 4:31 · KJV

Context

29

The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen ; they shall go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: every city shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein.

30

And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life. face: Heb. eyes

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.

Read Jeremiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:31 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 4:31, 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 4:31 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:31 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּי֩1 of 19
H3588

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

ק֧וֹל2 of 19

“a voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

כְּחוֹלָ֜ה3 of 19

“as of a woman in travail”

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי4 of 19

“For I have heard”

H8085

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

צָרָה֙5 of 19

“and the anguish”

H6869

transitively, a female rival

כְּמַבְכִּירָ֔ה6 of 19

“as of her that bringeth forth her first child”

H1069

to give the birthright

ק֧וֹל7 of 19

“a voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

בַּת8 of 19

“of the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צִיּ֛וֹן9 of 19

“of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

תִּתְיַפֵּ֖חַ10 of 19

“that bewaileth”

H3306

properly, to breathe hard, i.e., (by implication) to sigh

תְּפָרֵ֣שׂ11 of 19

“herself that spreadeth”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

כַּפֶּ֑יהָ12 of 19

“her hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

אֽוֹי13 of 19

“saying Woe”

H188

lamentation; also interjectionally oh!

נָ֣א14 of 19
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

לִ֔י15 of 19
H0
כִּֽי16 of 19
H3588

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

עָיְפָ֥ה17 of 19

“is wearied”

H5888

to languish

נַפְשִׁ֖י18 of 19

“is me now! for 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

לְהֹרְגִֽים׃19 of 19

“because of murderers”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

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 4:31 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 4:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 1:17Isaiah 1:15Jeremiah 13:21Isaiah 21:3Job 10:1Jeremiah 48:41

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Jeremiah 4 →

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