Jeremiah 15:9

KJV

She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while [it was] yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

She that hath borne {H3205} seven {H7651} languisheth {H535}: she hath given up {H5301} the ghost {H5315}; her sun {H8121} is gone {H935} down while it was yet day {H3119}{H3117}: she hath been ashamed {H954} and confounded {H2659}: and the residue {H7611} of them will I deliver {H5414} to the sword {H2719} before {H6440} their enemies {H341}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The mother of seven sons grows faint, panting in despair; her sun has gone down while it's still daytime; she is left disgraced and bewildered. And the rest of them I will give to the sword, to their enemies," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The mother of seven will grow faint; she will breathe her last breath. Her sun will set while it is still day; she will be disgraced and humiliated. And the rest I will put to the sword in the presence of their enemies,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

She that hath borne seven languisheth; she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day; she hath been put to shame and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 15:9 paints a vivid and devastating picture of Judah's impending judgment, personified as a once-blessed mother who has lost everything. Having borne the ideal number of seven children, symbolizing abundant prosperity and divine favor, she now languishes in deathly despair, her life's vitality extinguished prematurely. This sudden and humiliating downfall, orchestrated by divine decree, signifies the complete desolation and shame that will befall the nation of Judah, with even the survivors facing inevitable destruction by the sword at the hands of their enemies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 15 stands as a pivotal chapter within the prophet's ministry, marking a shift from intercession to an emphatic declaration of irreversible judgment. Following Jeremiah's lament and God's firm refusal to relent (Jeremiah 15:1-4), this verse intensifies the imagery of national demise. It is part of a series of pronouncements detailing the various instruments of God's wrath—famine, sword, captivity, and pestilence—that will consume Judah due to its persistent idolatry and covenant breaking. The verse's stark portrayal of a mother's desolation serves as a powerful metaphor for Jerusalem's impending fate, reinforcing the finality of God's decision to punish His unfaithful people, as further elaborated in the subsequent verses describing the prophet's own suffering and God's renewed promise to him (Jeremiah 15:10-21).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah 15:9 is set against the backdrop of Judah's final decades before the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people, their kings, and priests had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy. The imagery of a woman bearing "seven" children was a profound symbol of blessing, prosperity, and divine favor in ancient Israelite culture, as seen in passages like [Ruth 4:15](/ruth/4-15 "Ruth 4:15 - Naomi's Blessing Through Ruth and Obed"). The reversal of this blessing to utter desolation would have been culturally shocking, underscoring the severity of God's judgment. The "sun gone down while it was yet day" speaks to a premature and unexpected end to Judah's national existence and glory, a stark contrast to the expected long life and prosperity promised for obedience to the covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")).
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 15:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature. The primary theme is **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, illustrating God's just response to generations of unrepentant sin and covenant infidelity. The imagery of the "languishing" mother and the "sun gone down" highlights the theme of **National Desolation and Humiliation**, emphasizing the complete stripping away of Judah's glory and security. This verse also underscores the **Irreversibility of God's Decree** once His patience has been exhausted, a theme reiterated through God's refusal to accept Jeremiah's intercession earlier in the chapter (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:16](/jeremiah/7-16 "Jeremiah 7:16 - God Forbids Intercession for Judah")). Finally, it speaks to the **Consequences of Persistent Rebellion**, demonstrating that the Lord, despite His compassion, will not indefinitely tolerate His people's departure from His ways, leading to severe and inescapable punishment, as forewarned throughout the Mosaic covenant (e.g., [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Consequences of Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **languisheth (Hebrew, _ʼâmal'_):** This primitive root signifies to droop, wither, or become feeble. In the context of Jeremiah 15:9, it vividly portrays the physical and spiritual decline of the personified Judah. It's not merely a state of weakness but a progression towards complete loss of vitality, reflecting the nation's dying state under divine judgment.
* **confounded (Hebrew, _châphêr'_):** This word implies to blush, be ashamed, or disappointed. It speaks to a deep sense of humiliation and disgrace. For Judah, it means being utterly exposed and disgraced before its enemies and the world, losing its honor and perceived divine favor, a direct consequence of its unfaithfulness.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** Derived from a root meaning drought, this term refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, used for destructive effect. In prophetic literature, the "sword" is a frequent metaphor and literal instrument of divine judgment, representing war, violence, and death. Its mention here underscores the violent and inescapable nature of the destruction awaiting the "residue" of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She that hath borne seven languisheth:"** This clause introduces the central metaphor: Judah as a mother who once experienced the ultimate blessing of a full family (seven children symbolizing completeness and abundance). Now, she is in a state of terminal decline, losing all vitality, signifying the nation's profound and agonizing decay.
* **"she hath given up the ghost;"** This common Hebrew idiom (literally "breathed out soul") explicitly declares the death of the personified Judah. It emphasizes the finality and totality of the nation's demise, moving beyond mere languishing to actual expiration.
* **"her sun is gone down while it was yet day:"** This powerful metaphorical image conveys a premature and unexpected end to Judah's prosperity, glory, and national existence. It suggests that the nation's downfall occurred suddenly, before its natural course, indicating a tragic and untimely cessation of its life and vibrancy.
* **"she hath been ashamed and confounded:"** This phrase highlights the profound humiliation and disgrace accompanying Judah's collapse. The nation, once proud and blessed, is now exposed in its weakness and unfaithfulness, suffering public ignominy before its adversaries.
* **"and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD."** This final clause shifts from metaphor to direct divine pronouncement, confirming the active role of God in the judgment. It declares that even those who survive the initial calamities—the "residue"—will ultimately face violent death by the sword at the hands of their enemies, underscoring the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's wrath, affirmed by the authoritative "saith the LORD."

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 15:9 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message of severe judgment. **Personification** is central, as Judah is depicted as a "she" who "hath borne seven," allowing the audience to emotionally connect with the nation's suffering as if it were a grieving mother. The phrase "her sun is gone down while it was yet day" employs a potent **metaphor** for a sudden, premature, and tragic end to prosperity and national life, contrasting sharply with the expected duration of a day or a nation's existence. The number "seven" functions as **symbolism**, representing completeness and abundant blessing, which then highlights the profound **irony** and tragedy of the mother's subsequent desolation. The entire verse is infused with **pathos**, evoking a deep sense of sorrow and pity for the once-blessed nation now facing utter ruin. Finally, the concluding "saith the LORD" serves as a **divine oracle**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the pronouncement of judgment, emphasizing that this is not merely Jeremiah's lament but God's unalterable decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 15:9 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that persistent rebellion against God's covenant leads to severe and inescapable consequences. It reveals God's righteous judgment as a necessary response to deep-seated sin, demonstrating that His patience, though vast, is not infinite. The desolation described is not arbitrary but a just outworking of divine holiness against a people who have repeatedly rejected His warnings and pursued idolatry. This passage underscores God's sovereignty over nations, His ability to use external forces (like enemies) as instruments of His will, and the ultimate futility of relying on anything other than faithful obedience to Him. It serves as a stark reminder that true security and blessing come only through adherence to God's ways, and that a nation's spiritual health directly impacts its temporal well-being.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-57](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49-57 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 7:16](/jeremiah/7-16 "Jeremiah 7:16 - God Forbids Intercession for Judah")
* [Lamentations 1:1](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1 - Jerusalem's Desolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 15:9 offers a sobering call to introspection, both individually and corporately. It compels us to consider the gravity of sin and the profound consequences of persistent disobedience to God's revealed will. The imagery of a once-blessed entity "languishing" and experiencing a premature "sunset" should prompt us to examine the spiritual vitality of our own lives, our families, and our communities. Are there areas where we are stubbornly resisting God's warnings, allowing spiritual decay to set in? This verse reminds us that God's justice is an inherent part of His character, and while He is rich in mercy, He will not indefinitely tolerate unrepentant sin. For believers, it's a powerful reminder to walk in humble obedience, to heed the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and to earnestly seek repentance when we stray. It also encourages us to pray for our nations, that they might turn from paths of unrighteousness and seek the Lord, recognizing that national well-being is often tied to national faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a mother "languishing" and "giving up the ghost" challenge our assumptions about God's patience with sin?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a community of faith, be experiencing a "sun gone down while it was yet day" due to unaddressed spiritual compromise?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our lives and communities are characterized by repentance and obedience, rather than facing the "shame and confounded" state described in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Who is "she" in Jeremiah 15:9?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 15:9, "she" is a powerful personification of the nation of Judah, specifically Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah often uses such vivid imagery to convey the spiritual and physical state of the people. By depicting Judah as a mother who once bore "seven" children—a symbol of abundant blessing and fruitfulness—the verse emphasizes the tragic and complete reversal of fortunes that will befall the nation due to its unfaithfulness and persistent sin. This personification makes the impending judgment more relatable and emotionally impactful, highlighting the profound loss and humiliation Judah is about to experience.

**What does "her sun is gone down while it was yet day" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a potent metaphor signifying a sudden, premature, and tragic end to Judah's prosperity, glory, and national existence. In ancient cultures, the sun was often associated with life, vitality, and power. For the sun to set "while it was yet day" implies that Judah's flourishing period would be cut short unexpectedly, before its natural course or expected lifespan. It speaks to a rapid decline and collapse, indicating that the nation's downfall would be swift and devastating, leaving no time for recovery or a natural conclusion, a direct consequence of God's judgment against their unrepentant sin, as seen throughout [Jeremiah](/jeremiah "The Book of Jeremiah").

**Does God truly delight in such severe judgment?**

Answer: No, the Bible consistently teaches that God does not delight in the destruction of the wicked, but rather desires their repentance and life. Passages like [Ezekiel 18:23](/ezekiel/18-23 "Ezekiel 18:23 - God's Desire for Repentance") and [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Takes No Pleasure in Death") clearly state God's preference for people to turn from their wicked ways. However, God is also perfectly just and holy. When His warnings are repeatedly ignored, and His covenant is persistently violated, His justice demands a response. The severe judgment described in Jeremiah 15:9 is not an act of arbitrary cruelty but a righteous consequence of Judah's deep-seated rebellion and idolatry, demonstrating that God's character encompasses both boundless love and unwavering justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 15:9 vividly portrays the devastating judgment upon unfaithful Judah, its ultimate fulfillment and reversal are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "languishing" and "giving up the ghost" of the personified Judah foreshadow the ultimate death and humiliation that Christ willingly embraced on the cross. He became the one who "gave up the ghost" (e.g., [Matthew 27:50](/matthew/27-50 "Matthew 27:50 - Jesus' Death")) not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity, absorbing the full wrath and judgment that a rebellious people deserved. His "sun went down while it was yet day" as He died prematurely, in the prime of His life, enduring the profound "shame and confounded" experience of crucifixion (e.g., [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")) so that those who believe in Him might never face such eternal desolation. Through His sacrificial death, Christ bore the "sword" of divine justice (e.g., [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - The Shepherd Struck")), becoming a curse for us (e.g., [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), thereby delivering us from the sword of God's judgment that hung over humanity. In Him, the promise of life and blessing, once lost through Israel's unfaithfulness, is perfectly restored and offered to all, transforming shame into glory and death into eternal life (e.g., [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His 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

1 Samuel 2:5

[They that were] full have hired out themselves for bread; and [they that were] hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

Isaiah 47:9

But these two [things] shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, [and] for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

Amos 8:9

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

Amos 8:10

And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only [son], and the end thereof as a bitter day.

Lamentations 1:1

¶ How doth the city sit solitary, [that was] full of people! [how] is she become as a widow! she [that was] great among the nations, [and] princess among the provinces, [how] is she become tributary!

Jeremiah 44:27

Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that [are] in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.

Jeremiah 15:2

And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.