15:8 15:8

Jeremiah 15:9

15:10 15:10

Bible Versions

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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.

Context of Jeremiah 15:9

Jeremiah 15 is a somber chapter where the prophet Jeremiah laments the impending judgment upon Judah, and God reaffirms His unchangeable decision to punish the nation for its persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness. Despite Jeremiah's fervent intercession, the Lord declares that His patience has run out due to their deep-seated sin, which had continued over generations. This verse vividly portrays the devastating extent of the coming destruction, symbolized by the suffering of a once-blessed mother.

Key Themes in Jeremiah 15:9

  • Divine Judgment and Desolation: The central theme is God's severe and inescapable judgment on Judah. The imagery of a mother who "hath borne seven" (a symbol of complete blessing and fruitfulness) now "languisheth" and "given up the ghost" powerfully conveys the utter devastation and death awaiting the nation.
  • Premature End and Humiliation: "Her sun is gone down while it was yet day" signifies a sudden, unexpected, and tragic end to Judah's prosperity and glory. This abrupt downfall brings profound "shame and confounded" (humiliation) upon the people, as their perceived strength and divine favor are stripped away.
  • The Certainty of Punishment: The declaration, "and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD," underscores the absolute certainty and totality of the judgment. Even those who survive initial calamities will face destruction by the sword, emphasizing that God's decree is final due to their unrepentant sin. This judgment is a direct consequence of Judah's rebellion, as described in other passages like Jeremiah 7:23-24.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "She that hath borne seven" uses the number seven (Hebrew: sheva), which often symbolizes completeness, abundance, or perfection in biblical literature. Here, it intensifies the tragedy: a mother who enjoyed the fullest measure of blessing in children now faces utter desolation. "Given up the ghost" is a common Hebrew idiom, nafakhah nefesh, meaning "breathed out soul," signifying death. The word "languisheth" (Hebrew: umlal) conveys the sense of withering, fading, or being feeble, painting a picture of a once vibrant entity now losing all vitality.

Related Scriptures

  • For the theme of God's refusal to hear intercession due to persistent sin, see Jeremiah 7:16 and Jeremiah 14:11.
  • The image of national desolation and shame is further developed in the book of Lamentations, particularly Lamentations 1:8.
  • The "sword" as an instrument of divine judgment against Judah is a recurring theme in Jeremiah, as seen in Jeremiah 14:12.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 15:9 serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of persistent rebellion against God. It highlights that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to unrepentant sin and idolatry. For individuals and nations today, this verse underscores the importance of heeding God's warnings, pursuing repentance, and seeking His righteousness. It calls believers to reflect on the spiritual health of their own lives and communities, recognizing that God's justice is sure, even when it involves severe discipline.

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.

  • 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.
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