King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 9:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 9:19 in the King James Version says “For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 9:19 · KJV

Context

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.

20

Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.

21

For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the mourners' voice: 'For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion.' The Hebrew qol nehi (קוֹל נְהִי) is the characteristic sound of formal lamentation. 'How are we spoiled!' uses shadad (שָׁדַד, devastated, ruined)—the cry of complete destruction. 'We are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out.' The Hebrew bosh (בּוֹשׁ, shame, confusion) indicates the public humiliation of exile. 'Forsaken the land' (azavnu eth-ha'arets) uses the same verb applied earlier to forsaking Torah (9:13)—now they must forsake their land because they forsook God's law.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The lament captures authentic exile experience—not just geographical displacement but loss of identity, heritage, and hope. Being 'cast out' by their dwellings personifies the land itself expelling unfaithful inhabitants, fulfilling Leviticus 18:24-28's warning that the land would 'vomit out' those who defiled it. Archaeological evidence shows mass abandonment of Judean sites during this period.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the language of the land 'casting out' its inhabitants reflect the theology of land as divine gift contingent on obedience?
  2. What parallels exist between Israel's exile and Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּ֣י1 of 15
H3588

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

ק֥וֹל2 of 15

“For a voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

נְהִ֛י3 of 15

“of wailing”

H5092

an elegy

נִשְׁמַ֥ע4 of 15

“is heard”

H8085

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

מִצִּיּ֖וֹן5 of 15

“out of Zion”

H6726

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

אֵ֣יךְ6 of 15
H349

how? or how!; also where

שֻׁדָּ֑דְנוּ7 of 15

“How are we spoiled”

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

בֹּ֤שְׁנֽוּ8 of 15

“confounded”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

מְאֹד֙9 of 15

“we are greatly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

כִּֽי10 of 15
H3588

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

עָזַ֣בְנוּ11 of 15

“because we have forsaken”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אָ֔רֶץ12 of 15

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּ֥י13 of 15
H3588

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

הִשְׁלִ֖יכוּ14 of 15

“have cast us out”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

מִשְׁכְּנוֹתֵֽינוּ׃15 of 15

“because our dwellings”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

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 9:19 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 9:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 4:13Ezekiel 7:16-18Deuteronomy 28:29Leviticus 20:22Micah 1:8-9Leviticus 18:25

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Jeremiah 9 →

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