Jeremiah 6:2

KJV

I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate [woman].

KJV (with Strong's)

I have likened {H1820} the daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726} to a comely {H5116} and delicate {H6026} woman.

Complete Jewish Bible

Although she is beautiful and delicate, I am cutting off the daughter of Tziyon."

Berean Standard Bible

Though she is beautiful and delicate, I will destroy the Daughter of Zion.

American Standard Version

The comely and delicate one, the daughter of Zion, will I cut off.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse presents a vivid and poignant simile, likening "the daughter of Zion"—a poetic personification of Jerusalem and its inhabitants—to a "comely and delicate woman." This imagery serves as a powerful prophetic indictment, highlighting the stark contrast between Judah's outward beauty, privileged status, and perceived security on one hand, and her profound spiritual vulnerability and impending destruction due to persistent apostasy and unfaithfulness on the other. The verse sets the stage for the severe divine judgment that is about to befall the city, emphasizing God's sorrow over the state of His cherished, yet rebellious, people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6:2 is situated within a broader prophetic oracle (Jeremiah 6:1-30) that details the imminent invasion of Judah by an unnamed, formidable enemy from the north, often understood to be Babylon. The preceding verse, [Jeremiah 6:1](/jeremiah/6-1 "Jeremiah 6:1 - Warning to Flee Jerusalem"), issues a dire warning for the people of Benjamin (and by extension, Jerusalem) to flee, indicating the immediate danger. Following [Jeremiah 6:2](/jeremiah/6-2 "Jeremiah 6:2 - The Daughter of Zion's Vulnerability"), verse [Jeremiah 6:3](/jeremiah/6-3 "Jeremiah 6:3 - The Shepherds and Their Flocks") continues the military imagery, describing the invading armies as "shepherds" bringing their "flocks" (soldiers) to devour the "pasture" (Judah). This progression of imagery—from a vulnerable woman to a besieged city and then to a ravaged land—underscores the escalating severity of God's judgment and the inescapable nature of the coming devastation. The "comely and delicate woman" is thus portrayed as utterly unprepared for the brutal reality of war.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE). This era was marked by political instability, shifting alliances with regional powers like Egypt and Babylon, and, most significantly, rampant idolatry and social injustice within Judah despite Josiah's earlier reforms. Jerusalem, as the capital and the site of the Temple, held immense religious and cultural significance, often seen as inviolable due to God's covenant with David and His presence in the Temple. The "daughter of Zion" metaphor was a common poetic device in ancient Israelite literature, reflecting a deep affection and reverence for the city. However, Judah's persistent rejection of God's covenant, as detailed in [Jeremiah 2](/jeremiah/2 "Jeremiah 2 - Judah's Apostasy") and [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Judah's Unfaithfulness"), meant that their privileged status would not exempt them from the consequences of their actions. The "delicate" nature implies a people accustomed to peace and prosperity, perhaps even complacent, making the impending invasion all the more shocking and devastating.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 6:2 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences of Disobedience**. Despite Zion's beauty and God's past favor, her spiritual unfaithfulness leads to severe divine wrath, demonstrating that covenant blessings are conditional upon obedience. Secondly, the verse highlights **Vulnerability and Spiritual Complacency**. The "delicate woman" imagery underscores Jerusalem's unpreparedness for the harsh realities of judgment, reflecting a spiritual softness and lack of resilience born from a false sense of security. This contrasts sharply with the spiritual fortitude required to withstand trials, as seen in [Jeremiah 1:18-19](/jeremiah/1-18 "Jeremiah 1:18 - Jeremiah's Commission") where Jeremiah himself is strengthened. Thirdly, the metaphor subtly conveys **God's Sorrow and Lament**. While judgment is decreed, the choice of such tender imagery for Zion suggests God's deep pain over His people's rebellion and the necessity of their suffering, echoing the lamentations found in [Lamentations 1:1-2](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1 - Jerusalem's Desolation"). This tension between divine justice and divine pathos is central to Jeremiah's prophetic message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** This term (H1323) is derived from the root meaning "to build" and functions as the feminine form of "son." While literally referring to a female offspring, in this context, "daughter of Zion" is a common personification of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. It conveys a sense of intimate relationship, vulnerability, and often, a cherished status, implying that Zion was once beloved and cared for by God as a father cares for his daughter.
* **Comely (Hebrew, _nâveh'_):** This word (H5116) means "at home," "lovely," or "a pleasant dwelling." It denotes inherent attractiveness, beauty, and desirability. Applied to Zion, it suggests that Jerusalem possessed a natural beauty, perhaps in its physical setting, its spiritual heritage as God's chosen city, or its outward appearance of prosperity and peace before the impending judgment. It speaks to what Zion *was* or *appeared to be*.
* **Delicate (Hebrew, _ʻânag'_):** This term (H6026) is from a primitive root meaning "to be soft or pliable," figuratively implying "effeminate" or "luxurious." It describes someone pampered, living in ease, or unaccustomed to hardship. When applied to Zion, it highlights her spiritual softness, lack of resilience, and perhaps even a decadent lifestyle that made her ill-equipped to face the coming divine discipline and military invasion. It emphasizes a state of spiritual and moral weakness despite outward appearances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have likened the daughter of Zion":** This opening clause immediately establishes a divine perspective. God Himself is the one making the comparison, indicating His intimate knowledge and assessment of Jerusalem. "The daughter of Zion" is a poetic and affectionate term for Jerusalem and its people, emphasizing their special, covenantal relationship with God. The use of "likened" (or "compared") signals a simile, drawing a parallel to illuminate a deeper truth.
* **"to a comely and delicate woman.":** This is the core of the simile. The comparison to a "comely" (beautiful, pleasant) woman acknowledges Zion's inherent attractiveness or former glory, perhaps referring to its status as God's chosen city or its physical splendor. However, the addition of "delicate" introduces a critical nuance: this woman is pampered, soft, and ill-prepared for hardship. This highlights Zion's spiritual complacency, lack of moral fortitude, and vulnerability in the face of the impending judgment, despite her outward beauty. It suggests a tragic contrast between appearance and reality, and between privilege and preparedness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stated by "I have likened," comparing "the daughter of Zion" to a "comely and delicate woman." This comparison is not merely descriptive but deeply symbolic, revealing Zion's true, vulnerable state. **Personification** is also central, as Jerusalem is given human attributes and referred to as a "daughter," evoking a sense of familial relationship and emotional attachment, particularly from God's perspective. There is a strong element of **Irony** present; what appears "comely" on the surface is simultaneously "delicate," implying a fatal weakness. The beauty that should signify strength or blessing instead highlights a pampered state that makes her susceptible to destruction. Finally, the verse carries significant **Pathos**, as the imagery of a beautiful, yet fragile, woman facing devastation evokes pity and sorrow, reflecting God's own lament over the fate of His beloved, yet rebellious, people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:2 powerfully encapsulates the tragic consequences of spiritual apostasy and the nature of divine judgment. The "daughter of Zion" represents God's cherished people, chosen and blessed, yet their unfaithfulness has rendered them spiritually weak and vulnerable, despite any outward appearance of beauty or strength. This verse underscores the theological truth that privilege does not equate to immunity from judgment when covenant obligations are neglected. God's act of "likening" Zion to a delicate woman reveals His intimate knowledge of their condition and His sorrow over their impending fate, a judgment that is both just and profoundly painful for the Divine heart. It serves as a stark reminder that true security lies not in external status or past blessings, but in ongoing faithfulness and spiritual resilience.

* [Isaiah 1:2-3](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-3 - God's Complaint Against Israel") - God laments His children's rebellion and lack of understanding.
* [Ezekiel 16:1-14](/ezekiel/16-1 "Ezekiel 16:1-14 - The Unfaithful Wife") - God describes Israel's origins as a helpless infant, whom He beautified and raised, only for her to become a prostitute.
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - Lack of Knowledge") - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," highlighting a spiritual fragility that leads to ruin.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:2 offers a profound mirror for contemporary believers and communities. The image of the "comely and delicate woman" challenges us to examine our own spiritual state: are we resting on past blessings, outward appearances of piety, or a presumed security in our faith, while neglecting the deeper work of spiritual formation and obedience? A "delicate" faith is one that may appear beautiful but lacks resilience, easily swayed by cultural pressures, spiritual apathy, or the allure of worldly comforts. It is unprepared for the spiritual battles and trials that inevitably come. This verse calls us to move beyond superficiality to cultivate a robust, resilient faith, rooted in genuine repentance, active obedience, and humble dependence on God. It reminds us that true strength comes not from outward adornments or historical privilege, but from an inner spiritual vitality that can withstand the storms of life and the scrutiny of divine judgment. We are called to be vigilant, to shed complacency, and to actively pursue a faith that is not merely comely but also spiritually robust and prepared.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my personal faith, or our church community, be "comely" in outward appearance but "delicate" in spiritual resilience?**
* **What specific areas of my life or our communal practice might indicate a reliance on past blessings rather than an active, ongoing pursuit of God's will?**
* **How can I cultivate a more robust and resilient faith that is prepared for spiritual challenges and temptations?**
* **What does it mean to truly humble myself and turn from "wicked ways" (as in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People")) in light of Zion's vulnerability?**

### FAQ
**What does "daughter of Zion" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Daughter of Zion" is a poetic and personified term for Jerusalem and its inhabitants. It's a common literary device in the Old Testament that expresses a deep, often affectionate, connection to the city. In Jeremiah 6:2, it highlights Jerusalem's identity as God's chosen city and people, emphasizing the intimate relationship God had with them, which makes their impending judgment all the more tragic and poignant. This term is used throughout the prophets, such as in [Isaiah 62:11](/isaiah/62-11 "Isaiah 62:11 - Salvation is Coming") and [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming King"), often carrying connotations of both privilege and responsibility.

**How does Zion's "delicate" nature relate to her judgment?**

Answer: Zion's "delicate" nature implies that she was pampered, luxurious, and unaccustomed to hardship, both physically and spiritually. This spiritual softness meant she had grown complacent in her covenant with God, engaging in idolatry and injustice without genuine repentance. Her "delicacy" is directly linked to her judgment because it signifies her lack of spiritual resilience and moral fortitude, making her utterly unprepared for the severe divine discipline that God was bringing upon her through the invading armies. It suggests that her outward beauty masked a fatal inner weakness, leading to her downfall, as the prophet warns throughout [Jeremiah 6](/jeremiah/6 "Jeremiah 6 - The Coming Invasion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 6:2, with its poignant portrayal of the "daughter of Zion" as a "comely and delicate woman" facing judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Firstly, while ancient Israel, represented by Zion, proved unfaithful and vulnerable to judgment due to her sin, Jesus Christ stands as the perfectly faithful Son, the true Israel, who perfectly fulfilled God's law and bore the full weight of divine judgment in His own body. He was not "delicate" in His resolve, but steadfastly set His face toward Jerusalem, knowing the suffering that awaited Him ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). Secondly, the vulnerability of Zion foreshadows the ultimate vulnerability of God Himself, who in Christ, condescended to become human, experiencing weakness, rejection, and death on the cross for the sake of His people ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He became "delicate" in human flesh so that His people might be made strong and resilient in Him. Finally, the church, the new "daughter of Zion" ([Galatians 4:26](/galatians/4-26 "Galatians 4:26 - Jerusalem Above")), finds its true beauty and security not in its own strength or outward appearance, but in its union with Christ. Through His sacrifice, believers are cleansed and made "comely" in God's sight ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")), and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be spiritually resilient, no longer "delicate" in the face of sin or trial, but able to stand firm in the grace and power of God ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - The Armor of God")). Thus, Christ is both the one who endures the judgment for the delicate, and the one who transforms the delicate into a strong and beautiful bride.

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 1:8

And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.

Jeremiah 4:31

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.

Lamentations 2:13

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?

Isaiah 3:16

¶ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

Isaiah 3:17

Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.

Lamentations 2:1

¶ How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, [and] cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger!