King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 9:17 Mean?

Jeremiah 9:17 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning wom...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning women, that they may come:”

Jeremiah 9:17 · KJV

Context

15

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

16

I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.

17

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning women, that they may come:

18

And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.

19

For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out.

Read Jeremiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse calls for mourners: 'Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women.' The Hebrew meqonenoth (מְקוֹנְנוֹת, mourning women) were professional wailers who led public lamentation at funerals. 'That they may come; and send for cunning women, that they may come.' The Hebrew chakamoth (חֲכָמוֹת, skilled/wise women) indicates expertise in funeral rites and laments. The call for professional mourners suggests the coming devastation will exceed family capacity for grief—organized, expert mourning will be required for the magnitude of death coming. The double command ('call,' 'send') emphasizes urgency.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Professional mourning women were common throughout the ancient Near East. Egyptian and Mesopotamian art depicts them at funerals with characteristic gestures and dress. In Israel, these women led communal grief with traditional laments (2 Chronicles 35:25). The passage suggests the scale of death will require their full mobilization—every skilled mourner in the nation called to service.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the call for professional mourners suggest about the scale of coming judgment?
  2. How does organized, communal grief differ from individual sorrow, and what purpose does it serve?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כֹּ֤ה1 of 12
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙2 of 12

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 12

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֔וֹת4 of 12

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֛וּ5 of 12

“Consider”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

וְקִרְא֥וּ6 of 12

“ye and call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לַמְקוֹנְנ֖וֹת7 of 12

“for the mourning women”

H6969

to strike a musical note, i.e., chant or wail (at a funeral)

וְתָבֽוֹאנָה׃8 of 12

“that they may come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְאֶל9 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַחֲכָמ֥וֹת10 of 12

“for cunning”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

שִׁלְח֖וּ11 of 12

“and send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וְתָבֽוֹאנָה׃12 of 12

“that they may come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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 9:17 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 9:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 5:16-17Ecclesiastes 12:52 Chronicles 35:25Matthew 9:23Job 3:8Mark 5:38

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