King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 8:21 Mean?

Jeremiah 8:21 in the King James Version says “For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.”

Jeremiah 8:21 · KJV

Context

19

Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? them: Heb. the country of them that are far off

20

The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

21

For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.

22

Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? recovered: Heb. gone up?

Read Jeremiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse expresses Jeremiah's deepest anguish: 'For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt.' The Hebrew sheber (שֶׁבֶר, breaking, fracture, ruin) appears twice—Jeremiah is shattered by his people's shattering. 'I am black' (qadarti, קָדַרְתִּי) indicates mourning posture, wearing dark clothes, face blackened with grief. 'Astonishment hath taken hold on me' uses shammah (שַׁמָּה, desolation, horror) to describe overwhelming grief. Jeremiah identifies completely with his people despite their rejection of his message. He doesn't stand apart to watch judgment with detached satisfaction but weeps with those he warned. This models prophetic compassion—true prophets grieve even necessary judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah earned the title 'weeping prophet' from passages like this. His identification with his people resembles Moses (Exodus 32:32) and anticipates Christ weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). Ancient mourning customs included wearing sackcloth, sitting in ashes, blackening the face with charcoal or ash, and public weeping. Jeremiah's grief was genuine, not merely professional or performed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah's grief for those under judgment model appropriate response to others' sin and its consequences?
  2. What distinguishes godly grief that mourns sin from self-righteous condemnation that rejoices in judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
עַל1 of 8
H5921

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

שֶׁ֥בֶר2 of 8

“For the hurt”

H7667

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

בַּת3 of 8

“of the daughter”

H1323

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

עַמִּ֖י4 of 8

“of my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָשְׁבָּ֑רְתִּי5 of 8

“am I hurt”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

קָדַ֕רְתִּי6 of 8

“I am black”

H6937

to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)

שַׁמָּ֖ה7 of 8

“astonishment”

H8047

ruin; by implication, consternation

הֶחֱזִקָֽתְנִי׃8 of 8

“hath taken hold”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

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 8:21 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 8:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 14:17Nahum 2:10Joel 2:6Song of Solomon 1:5-6Psalms 137:3-6Romans 9:1-3

Test Your Knowledge

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