Jeremiah 15:10

KJV

¶ Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; [yet] every one of them doth curse me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H188} is me, my mother {H517}, that thou hast borne {H3205} me a man {H376} of strife {H7379} and a man {H376} of contention {H4066} to the whole earth {H776}! I have neither lent on usury {H5383}, nor men have lent to me on usury {H5383}; yet every one of them doth curse {H7043} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Woe to me, mother, that you gave me birth, a man who is the object of strife and controversy throughout the land! I neither lend nor borrow, yet all of them curse me.

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and conflict in all the land. I have neither lent nor borrowed, yet everyone curses me.

American Standard Version

Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have not lent, neither have men lent to me; yet every one of them doth curse me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 15:10 captures the prophet Jeremiah's profound lament and deep personal anguish, expressing a desperate wish that he had never been born due to the overwhelming opposition and contention his prophetic ministry has brought upon him. Despite his moral integrity, particularly concerning financial dealings, he finds himself universally cursed and isolated, a "man of strife and contention" to the entire land simply for delivering God's unpopular message of judgment and repentance to a rebellious Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a poignant cry within a series of laments and confessions from Jeremiah, often referred to as the "confessions of Jeremiah" (e.g., [Jeremiah 11:18-23](/jeremiah/11-18 "Jeremiah's first confession"), [Jeremiah 12:1-6](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah's complaint and God's response"), [Jeremiah 17:14-18](/jeremiah/17-14 "Jeremiah's prayer for vindication"), [Jeremiah 18:18-23](/jeremiah/18-18 "Jeremiah's plea for vengeance"), [Jeremiah 20:7-18](/jeremiah/20-7 "Jeremiah's deepest lament")). Immediately preceding this verse, God has pronounced severe judgments upon Judah, including sword, famine, and captivity ([Jeremiah 15:1-9](/jeremiah/15-1 "God's judgment on Judah")). Jeremiah's lament here serves as a deeply personal response to the harsh reality of delivering such a message, highlighting the immense personal cost and the prophet's feeling of being utterly alone in his difficult calling. It underscores the prophet's profound identification with the suffering of his people, even as he is rejected by them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (c. 627-586 BC), spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. This was a period marked by widespread idolatry, social injustice, and political instability, with Judah caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining influence of Egypt. Jeremiah's message of impending judgment and the call to humble submission to Babylon was deeply unpopular, challenging both the false prophets who promised peace and the nationalistic fervor of the people. Culturally, the concept of "usury" (lending with interest) was a sensitive issue, especially among fellow Israelites, often forbidden or strictly regulated by Mosaic Law to protect the poor ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Law on lending to the poor"), [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36 "Law on not taking usury from a brother"), [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Law on usury to a brother or foreigner")). Jeremiah's explicit denial of involvement in such practices emphasizes his moral blamelessness and highlights that the hatred he faced was not due to personal misconduct or financial disputes, but solely because of his divine commission.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 15:10 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah. It vividly illustrates the theme of **Prophetic Suffering and Isolation**, portraying Jeremiah as a solitary figure, hated by all for speaking God's truth. This deep personal anguish is a recurring motif, showing the immense burden of being God's messenger to a resistant people. The verse also underscores the theme of **Unjust Persecution**, as Jeremiah highlights his blamelessness in societal dealings, thereby demonstrating that the animosity he faces is entirely unwarranted and a direct consequence of his faithfulness to God's word, not any personal failing. This connects to the broader theme of **Divine Judgment and Human Resistance**, where God's righteous decrees are met with stubborn rebellion, leading to inevitable conflict for the prophet who delivers them. Jeremiah's lament also foreshadows the ultimate cost of obedience, a theme echoed in the life of Christ, who also faced rejection for speaking truth ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus came to His own, and His own received Him not")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _ʼôwy'_):** From H188, this interjection expresses deep lament, sorrow, or distress. It is a cry of profound anguish, revealing Jeremiah's intense emotional suffering and despair over his circumstances. It's not just a casual complaint but a guttural expression of misery, as if wishing he had never been born into such a difficult existence.
* **strife (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** From H7379, this word denotes a contest, quarrel, or legal dispute. When Jeremiah calls himself a "man of strife," he's not saying he is inherently quarrelsome, but rather that his prophetic message, which confronts the nation's sin and announces divine judgment, inevitably puts him in conflict with everyone around him. His truth-telling creates division and opposition, making him an unwilling participant in constant contention.
* **curse (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** From H7043, this primitive root means to be (or make) light, figuratively leading to concepts like vile, despise, or afflict, and specifically to curse. The fact that "every one of them doth curse me" indicates a widespread, profound rejection and vilification of Jeremiah. It highlights the depth of the people's animosity, where they not only reject his message but actively wish him ill, demonstrating their utter contempt for God's messenger and, by extension, God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me":** This opening clause is a deeply personal and desperate lament. Jeremiah expresses profound regret over his very birth, directly addressing his mother. It signifies an overwhelming burden of suffering that makes existence itself feel unbearable. This is not a casual complaint but a cry of existential despair, wishing he had never entered into a life filled with such pain and opposition.
* **"a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth!":** Here, Jeremiah identifies the source of his anguish: his identity as a prophet has made him an antagonist to everyone. The repetition of "man of" emphasizes that this contentious role defines his public persona. "To the whole earth" (or "to the whole land") indicates the pervasive nature of this opposition, implying that no one, from common people to leaders, supports him or his message. He is perceived as a source of conflict, not because of his character, but because of the challenging truth he proclaims.
* **"I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury;":** This statement serves as Jeremiah's defense against any accusation of personal wrongdoing or financial impropriety. By asserting his blamelessness in common commercial practices, especially those often associated with social friction (like lending with interest, which was regulated by Mosaic Law), he underscores that the hostility he faces is not a consequence of his own actions or a personal grievance. He is not involved in the kind of disputes that typically arise from financial dealings.
* **"yet every one of them doth curse me.":** This final clause highlights the profound injustice of his situation. Despite his moral integrity and blameless conduct, he is universally condemned and reviled. The "yet" emphasizes the stark contrast between his righteous living and the widespread animosity he receives. This cursing is a direct result of his prophetic faithfulness, confirming that his suffering is solely due to his divine calling and the unpopular truth he delivers.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 15:10 is rich with literary devices that amplify the prophet's profound distress. The most prominent is **Lament**, a form of poetic expression common in biblical literature, used here to convey deep sorrow and anguish, directly addressing his mother in a cry of existential regret. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth," as it exaggerates the extent of his opposition to emphasize the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the animosity he faces. The use of **Parallelism** in "a man of strife and a man of contention" reinforces the idea of his confrontational public image, with both phrases conveying a similar meaning of being in constant dispute. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**: Jeremiah, who is faithful to God's law (as evidenced by his blamelessness in usury), is cursed by those who are unfaithful, highlighting the perversion of justice and the moral decay of his society. Finally, the verse employs **Contrast** between Jeremiah's personal integrity ("I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury") and the universal condemnation he receives ("yet every one of them doth curse me"), intensifying the sense of his unjust suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 15:10 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of prophetic ministry and the cost of faithfulness. It reveals that God's truth, when proclaimed uncompromisingly to a rebellious people, often generates conflict rather than acceptance. Jeremiah's lament underscores the deep personal suffering that can accompany divine calling, particularly when the message is unpopular or challenging to societal norms. His experience highlights that true obedience to God may lead to isolation and persecution from human beings, but it remains the path of righteousness and divine approval. The prophet's blamelessness concerning usury further emphasizes that his suffering is not a consequence of personal sin but a direct result of his unwavering commitment to God's word, making his persecution a form of suffering for righteousness' sake.

* [Psalm 69:7](/psalm/69-7 "Psalm 69:7 - For your sake I have borne reproach")
* [Matthew 5:11-12](/matthew/5-11 "Matthew 5:11-12 - Blessed are you when others revile you")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for being a Christian")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's raw lament in this verse resonates deeply with believers in any age who find themselves at odds with prevailing cultural currents due to their commitment to biblical truth. It serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ and upholding His standards may not lead to popularity or ease, but often to misunderstanding, ridicule, and even active opposition. The prophet's integrity concerning usury, despite the widespread cursing, challenges us to maintain our moral uprightness even when it goes unnoticed or when we are unjustly maligned. Our calling is not to seek human approval, but divine faithfulness. When we face opposition for standing on God's word, Jeremiah's experience offers solidarity, reminding us that we are not alone in our suffering and that God understands the pain of His faithful servants. It encourages perseverance, knowing that our ultimate reward and vindication come from God, not from a world that may curse us for His sake.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or faith journey have you experienced "strife and contention" due to your commitment to biblical truth?**
* **How do you respond when your integrity is questioned or when you are "cursed" for actions that align with God's word?**
* **What comfort can you draw from Jeremiah's lament when you feel isolated or misunderstood in your faith?**
* **How does Jeremiah's emphasis on his blamelessness in financial dealings challenge you to live with integrity in all areas, even when it doesn't prevent opposition?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jeremiah wish he had never been born?**

Answer: Jeremiah's lament, "Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me," is an expression of profound despair and anguish. He wishes he had never been born because his prophetic calling has made him a "man of strife and contention" to everyone around him. Despite his blameless conduct, he is universally cursed and rejected. This extreme emotional distress highlights the immense personal cost and suffering he endured as God's faithful messenger to a rebellious nation, where his message of truth brought him only opposition and isolation, rather than acceptance or peace.

**What does Jeremiah mean by "man of strife and contention"?**

Answer: Jeremiah is not implying that he is naturally quarrelsome or seeks conflict. Instead, he means that his divinely appointed role as a prophet, delivering God's unpopular messages of judgment and calling for repentance, inherently places him in opposition to the entire nation of Judah. His uncompromising truth-telling creates "strife" (dispute, legal contest) and "contention" (quarrel, brawling) because the people reject God's word and, by extension, God's messenger. He is perceived as an adversary simply because he speaks the truth.

**What is the significance of Jeremiah's statement about usury?**

Answer: Jeremiah's declaration, "I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury," is crucial for establishing his moral integrity. In ancient Israel, lending money at interest (usury) was often a source of social friction and was prohibited or heavily regulated by Mosaic Law, especially when dealing with fellow Israelites in need ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Law on lending to the poor")). By stating his blamelessness in such common financial practices, Jeremiah underscores that the widespread cursing and animosity he faces is not due to any personal misdeed, financial dispute, or social grievance. His suffering is solely a consequence of his faithfulness to God's prophetic word, making his persecution entirely unjust and highlighting the depth of the people's rebellion against God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's lament in [Jeremiah 15:10](/jeremiah/15-10 "Jeremiah's Lament of Strife") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah, the "man of strife and contention" to his own people, foreshadows the Lamb of God who came "to his own, and his own received him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus came to His own, and His own received Him not")). Like Jeremiah, Jesus was blameless, having committed no sin ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ committed no sin")), yet He was universally cursed and rejected by the very people He came to save. The religious leaders and the crowds cried out, "Crucify him!" ([Luke 23:21](/luke/23-21 "Luke 23:21 - Crucify him!")) and reviled Him even on the cross ([Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Jesus mocked on the cross")). Jesus, the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), paradoxically declared that He came not to bring peace but a sword, dividing families and setting people against each other for the sake of the Gospel ([Matthew 10:34-36](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34-36 - Not peace but a sword")). His message of truth and call to repentance, like Jeremiah's, brought Him into direct conflict with the entrenched sin and rebellion of humanity. Thus, Jeremiah's suffering for righteousness' sake becomes a poignant prophetic type of Christ's ultimate suffering, who bore the curses of humanity to bring about salvation, demonstrating that true faithfulness to God often involves profound opposition and self-sacrifice for the sake of divine truth and love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 22:25

¶ If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

Luke 6:22

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

1 Kings 22:8

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

1 Kings 21:20

And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found [thee]: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

Matthew 24:9

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

Deuteronomy 23:19

Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

Deuteronomy 23:20

Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.