Jeremiah 4:31

KJV

For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, [and] the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, [that] bewaileth herself, [that] spreadeth her hands, [saying], Woe [is] me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I have heard {H8085} a voice {H6963} as of a woman in travail {H2470}, and the anguish {H6869} as of her that bringeth forth her first child {H1069}, the voice {H6963} of the daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726}, that bewaileth {H3306} herself, that spreadeth {H6566} her hands {H3709}, saying, Woe {H188} is me now! for my soul {H5315} is wearied {H5888} because of murderers {H2026}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I have heard a sound like a woman in labor, in anguish giving birth to her first child. It is the sound of the daughter of Tziyon gasping for breath as she spreads her hands: "Woe to me! Everything in me is so weary before the killers."

Berean Standard Bible

For I hear a cry like a woman in labor, a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child— the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands to say, “Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!”

American Standard Version

For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that gaspeth for breath, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul fainteth before the murderers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:31 presents a harrowing prophetic vision of Jerusalem, personified as the "daughter of Zion," experiencing extreme anguish and despair. The prophet hears a piercing cry, likened to a woman in the throes of childbirth, particularly the intense pain of delivering her first child. This vivid imagery conveys the overwhelming and inescapable suffering that will soon engulf Judah as a direct consequence of their persistent rebellion against God, culminating in the devastating invasion by a brutal, murderous enemy. The verse encapsulates the profound lament and utter helplessness of a people facing divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of urgent prophecies in Jeremiah chapters 4-6, which detail the impending judgment upon Judah, primarily through the metaphor of an invading force from the north. Jeremiah has repeatedly called the people to repentance, but their spiritual adultery and idolatry have hardened their hearts, leading to inevitable divine wrath. The preceding verses in [Jeremiah 4](/jeremiah/4 "Jeremiah 4 - Call to Repentance and Warning of Judgment") describe the land's desolation and cities' ruin, painting a picture of utter destruction and the futility of fleeing. Verse 31 serves as the climactic expression of the emotional and physical toll of this judgment, moving from descriptions of a ravaged land to the agonizing cry of its personified capital, emphasizing the immediate and personal impact of the coming catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings leading up to the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The "murderers" in this context refer to the approaching Babylonian army, known for its brutal siege tactics and merciless conquest. The imagery of a woman in "travail" or "childbirth" was a common biblical metaphor for extreme, unavoidable distress and pain, often associated with divine judgment or the "day of the Lord" (e.g., [Isaiah 13:8](/isaiah/13-8 "Isaiah 13:8 - Anguish and Pangs of Childbirth")). For a woman to bear her "first child" was particularly significant, as it carried immense cultural expectations and joy, making the anguish of its delivery a powerful symbol of profound, life-altering suffering and the shattering of hope. Jerusalem, as the "daughter of Zion," was the spiritual and political heart of Judah, making its suffering representative of the entire nation's plight.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 4:31 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in the book. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment**, where God's holiness and justice demand a response to Judah's persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness, leading to severe consequences. This judgment is depicted with **Profound Anguish and Despair**, using the visceral imagery of childbirth to convey an inescapable, overwhelming sorrow that grips the nation. The verse also highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, emphasizing that Judah's spiritual rebellion and idolatry (as seen in their forsaking the "fountain of living waters" in [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")) directly lead to this bitter suffering. Finally, it underscores **Lament and Helplessness**, as Zion's cry "Woe is me now!" and the spreading of hands signify a desperate, personal wail of powerlessness in the face of an annihilating enemy, echoing the deep sorrow found throughout the [Book of Lamentations](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - Jerusalem's Desolation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Travail (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** From H2470, a primitive root meaning "to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or (causatively) to grieve, make sick." While it can specifically denote a "woman in travail," its broader sense of being severely afflicted or in deep pain underscores the intensity of Zion's suffering. It implies not just physical pain, but a profound, debilitating anguish that leaves one weak, grieved, and worn out.
* **Woe (Hebrew, _ʼôwy'_):** From H188, probably from a root meaning "to cry out after," this interjection expresses lamentation, sorrow, or distress. It is a primal cry of despair, often used in prophetic contexts to announce impending doom or to express deep personal grief over calamity. Zion's utterance of "Woe is me now!" is a raw, unadulterated expression of her utter despondency and the overwhelming nature of her situation.
* **Murderers (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From H2026, a primitive root meaning "to smite with deadly intent; destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er)." This word directly identifies the invading army not merely as conquerors but as brutal, life-taking destroyers. It emphasizes the violent, ruthless, and existential threat faced by the "daughter of Zion," highlighting the severity and mercilessness of the impending attack that will bring about such weariness and despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child,"**: The prophet Jeremiah conveys the divine perspective, having "heard" (or received a revelation of) a sound so agonizing it can only be compared to the most intense human suffering—that of a woman in labor. The specific mention of "her first child" amplifies the pain, as it is often the most difficult, terrifying, and significant delivery, symbolizing an unprecedented and overwhelming catastrophe for Judah, a pain that shatters all prior expectations of joy.
* **"the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands,"**: The source of this agonizing sound is identified as "the daughter of Zion," a personification of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. Her actions—"bewaileth herself" (sighing deeply, lamenting, as from H3306 _yâphach_ meaning "to breathe hard, to sigh") and "spreadeth her hands" (as from H6566 _pâras_ meaning "to spread out," combined with H3709 _kaph_ for "hand")—are classic postures of profound grief, desperation, and helplessness. Spreading hands could signify a plea for help, a gesture of surrender, or simply an expression of utter despair in the face of unavoidable doom.
* **"saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers."**: This is Zion's direct, desperate cry. "Woe is me now!" is a lament of utter despair, acknowledging the immediate and inescapable nature of her suffering. Her "soul is wearied" speaks to a complete exhaustion of spirit, a profound weariness (from H5888 _ʻâyêph_ meaning "to languish") that goes beyond physical fatigue, brought on by the terror and devastation wrought by the "murderers"—the ruthless invading army. This phrase encapsulates the spiritual and emotional collapse of the nation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:31 is rich in **Imagery** and **Figurative Language**, creating a powerful and visceral scene that evokes deep empathy. The most prominent device is **Personification**, where Jerusalem is depicted as the "daughter of Zion," a female figure experiencing the excruciating pain of childbirth. This makes the abstract concept of national suffering deeply relatable and emotionally resonant. The use of **Simile** is central, comparing the "voice" and "anguish" to that of a "woman in travail" and "her that bringeth forth her first child." This comparison vividly conveys the intensity, inevitability, and life-threatening nature of the impending judgment. The phrase "Woe is me now!" is an example of **Lament**, a direct, guttural expression of grief and despair. The "spreading of hands" is a powerful **Gesture** symbolizing helplessness, surrender, or a desperate plea for divine intervention that will not come. The entire verse functions as a dramatic **Monologue** from the perspective of suffering Zion, amplifying the pathos and urgency of the prophetic message and underscoring the profound spiritual and physical desolation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:31 serves as a stark reminder of the profound consequences of unrepentant sin and the unwavering justice of God. The anguish depicted is not arbitrary but a direct result of Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant breaking. This verse underscores the biblical truth that while God is merciful and slow to anger, His holiness necessitates a response to rebellion, often involving severe discipline or judgment to call His people back to Himself. The suffering of Zion is a tragic illustration of what happens when a people forsake the living God for idols, leading to spiritual barrenness and national devastation. It highlights the principle that true peace and security are found only in faithful obedience to the Lord, and that turning away from Him inevitably leads to a "weariness" of soul and profound "woe."

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 1:12](/lamentations/1-12 "Lamentations 1:12 - Jerusalem's Suffering and Despair")
* [Isaiah 1:4](/isaiah/1-4 "Isaiah 1:4 - A Sinful and Rebellious Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:31, though set in a specific historical context, speaks timeless truths about the nature of sin, judgment, and the human response to divine discipline. It compels us to consider the profound anguish that results from spiritual rebellion, not just in a national sense but also in our individual lives. When we persist in disobedience, our souls can become "wearied" by the consequences, leading to a spiritual "woe" that mirrors Zion's cry. This verse serves as a powerful call to heed God's warnings, to take sin seriously, and to embrace genuine repentance before the inevitable consequences lead to such deep despair. It reminds us that while God's judgment is severe, it is always just and often intended to bring about a turning back to Him. The image of Zion's helplessness should drive us to seek God's mercy and strength in our own times of trial, recognizing that true rest for our souls comes from Him alone, and that our "spreading hands" should be lifted in earnest prayer and surrender to His will, not in despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's warnings, and what "weariness" or "anguish" might result from continued disobedience?**
* **How does the imagery of a woman in travail deepen my understanding of the severity of sin and its consequences, both for individuals and communities?**
* **What does Zion's cry of "Woe is me now!" teach me about the importance of honest lament and the expression of deep pain before God, even in moments of despair?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jerusalem personified as a woman in travail?**

Answer: Jerusalem, referred to as "the daughter of Zion," is personified as a woman in travail to convey the extreme, inescapable, and agonizing pain she is about to experience. Childbirth, especially the first, is a universal symbol of intense, unavoidable suffering, often accompanied by fear and a sense of being overwhelmed. This metaphor emphasizes that the impending judgment from the "murderers" (the invading Babylonians) will be as unavoidable and devastating as the pangs of labor, leading to a profound national anguish and a complete sense of helplessness. It makes the abstract concept of national suffering deeply personal and visceral, highlighting the depth of the calamity described in [Jeremiah 4:31](/jeremiah/4-31 "Jeremiah 4:31 - Daughter of Zion's Anguish").

**Who are the "murderers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "murderers" refer to the invading army that God is sending to execute judgment upon Judah. Historically, this primarily points to the Babylonian forces, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, who would eventually besiege and destroy Jerusalem and its temple. The term "murderers" emphasizes the brutal, merciless, and life-taking nature of their conquest, highlighting the terror and devastation they would inflict upon the inhabitants of Judah, leading to the "weariness" and despair expressed by the daughter of Zion in [Jeremiah 4:31](/jeremiah/4-31 "Jeremiah 4:31 - Daughter of Zion's Anguish"). This term underscores the severity of the divine judgment and the ruthlessness of its agents.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 4:31 vividly portrays the anguish of Zion under divine judgment for sin, it ultimately points us to the ultimate fulfillment of suffering and peace found in Jesus Christ. The "weariness" of soul and the "woe" cried out by Zion find their deepest answer not in human efforts but in the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Jesus, the true Son of David and the embodiment of God's faithful Israel, willingly bore the ultimate anguish and judgment for humanity's sin, becoming "wearied" for our sake and carrying our sorrows (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")). His cry of dereliction on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (from [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), echoes Zion's lament, but with a redemptive purpose. Through His suffering, Christ absorbed the righteous wrath of God, offering true rest to all who are "weary and burdened" by the weight of sin and its consequences ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). The anguish of Zion, a consequence of sin, foreshadows the greater anguish Christ endured to deliver us from the ultimate "murderer," sin and death. In Him, the lament of "Woe is me now!" is transformed into the hope of a future where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more mourning, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Mourning, Crying, or Pain")), because the righteous judgment has been fully satisfied in Christ.

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

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Lamentations 1:17

Zion spreadeth forth her hands, [and there is] none to comfort her: the LORD hath commanded concerning Jacob, [that] his adversaries [should be] round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them.

Jeremiah 13:21

What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them [to be] captains, [and] as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail?

Isaiah 21:3

Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing [of it]; I was dismayed at the seeing [of it].

Jeremiah 30:6

Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

Job 10:1

¶ My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

Jeremiah 14:18

If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.