Jeremiah 9:1

KJV

¶ Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

KJV (with Strong's)

Oh that {H5414} my head {H7218} were waters {H4325}, and mine eyes {H5869} a fountain {H4726} of tears {H1832}, that I might weep {H1058} day {H3119} and night {H3915} for the slain {H2491} of the daughter {H1323} of my people {H5971}!

Complete Jewish Bible

wish my head were made of water and my eyes were a fountain of tears, so that I could cry day and night over the slain of the daughter of my people!

Berean Standard Bible

Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people.

American Standard Version

Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 9:1 encapsulates the prophet Jeremiah’s profound and overwhelming lament over the spiritual apostasy and impending destruction of the nation of Judah. It is a deeply personal and emotionally charged cry, expressing an insatiable desire to mourn continuously for the catastrophic loss of life that will result from God's righteous judgment upon His unfaithful people. This verse serves as a poignant expression of prophetic empathy, mirroring God's own sorrow over His rebellious covenant nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 9:1 immediately follows a series of pronouncements detailing Judah's deep moral corruption, deceit, and idolatry. Chapters 7 and 8 contain Jeremiah's Temple Sermon, where he confronts the people's false security in the Temple while their lives are devoid of true worship and obedience. He highlights their persistent rebellion and rejection of God's law, leading to the pronouncement of severe judgment. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 8:18-22) vividly describe the prophet's anguish over the "hurt of the daughter of my people," expressing a sense of hopelessness as the harvest is past and salvation has not come. Jeremiah 9:1 intensifies this personal lament, moving from a general expression of grief to a hyperbolic desire for an endless capacity to weep, specifically for the "slain" that will result from the coming divine wrath. This verse sets the tone for the subsequent verses in chapter 9, which continue to expose the people's treachery and the inevitability of judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BC). This era was marked by political instability, shifting alliances with regional powers (Egypt and Babylon), and a pervasive return to idolatry and social injustice after the brief reforms of King Josiah. Despite Jeremiah's persistent warnings, the people, including religious and political leaders, largely ignored his messages, clinging to a false sense of security. The "slain of the daughter of my people" refers to the devastating military defeats and mass casualties that would occur during the Babylonian invasions, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. Weeping and lamentation were culturally significant expressions of grief and mourning in the ancient Near East, often involving professional mourners (as referenced in [Jeremiah 9:17-18](/jeremiah/9-17 "Jeremiah 9:17-18 - Call for Mourners")). Jeremiah's desire for an inexhaustible supply of tears underscores the immense scale of the impending catastrophe.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the **Profound Grief and Compassion** of the prophet, who deeply identifies with the suffering of his people, even as he delivers messages of judgment. This personal anguish is a hallmark of Jeremiah's ministry, earning him the title "the weeping prophet." Secondly, it underscores the **Inevitability of Divine Judgment** against persistent sin, a central message throughout the book. The "slain" are a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness, a theme echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Desolation"). Thirdly, it reveals the **Burden of Prophetic Ministry**, demonstrating the emotional toll of delivering unwelcome truths and witnessing the tragic consequences of national apostasy. Jeremiah's lament foreshadows the widespread destruction and exile detailed in later chapters, such as [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **weep (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** H1058, a primitive root meaning "to weep; generally to bemoan." This word conveys a deep, visceral expression of sorrow, often accompanied by tears and lamentation. Jeremiah's desire to "weep day and night" signifies an unceasing, profound grief that transcends normal human capacity, reflecting the overwhelming magnitude of the impending tragedy. It speaks to a heart broken over the spiritual and physical devastation facing his people.
* **fountain (Hebrew, _mâqôwr'_):** H4726, properly "something dug," referring to a source or spring of water, and figuratively used for tears, blood, or even happiness and wisdom. In this context, "fountain of tears" emphasizes an inexhaustible, continuous flow, indicating a boundless capacity for mourning. It is not merely a wish for tears, but for an unending source of them, proportional to the unending sorrow he anticipates.
* **slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_)::** H2491, from a root meaning "pierced," referring to those pierced (especially to death) or wounded. This term specifically denotes casualties of war or violence, often those who have fallen in battle or been executed. Its use here highlights the violent and deadly nature of the judgment that will befall Judah, emphasizing the physical destruction and loss of life that so deeply grieves the prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Oh that my head were waters":** This is a hyperbolic expression of intense desire for an unimaginable volume of tears. The prophet wishes his entire head, the source of his eyes, could transform into an endless reservoir of water, capable of producing an infinite flow of tears. It sets the stage for the subsequent clause, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of his sorrow.
* **"and mine eyes a fountain of tears":** Building on the previous phrase, this further specifies the nature of the desired weeping. His eyes are not merely to shed tears, but to become a perpetual "fountain" or "spring" from which tears would flow without cessation. This imagery conveys an insatiable and unceasing capacity for grief, far beyond what is humanly possible, reflecting the immense tragedy he foresees.
* **"that I might weep day and night":** This clause clarifies the duration and intensity of the desired mourning. Jeremiah wishes to weep without pause, continuously, throughout all hours of the day and night. This emphasizes the relentless and pervasive nature of the sorrow he feels, indicating that the cause of his grief is so profound that it demands constant lamentation.
* **"for the slain of the daughter of my people!":** This specifies the object and reason for Jeremiah's profound grief. "The daughter of my people" is a tender, poetic, and affectionate term for the nation of Judah or Israel, highlighting Jeremiah's deep personal connection and love for his kinsmen. The "slain" refers to the countless casualties and widespread death that would result from the impending divine judgment and the Babylonian invasions. This phrase reveals the ultimate cause of his lament: the catastrophic loss of life among those he deeply loves.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 9:1 is rich with **Hyperbole**, a literary device used to exaggerate for emphasis, as seen in the prophet's wish for his "head were waters" and his "eyes a fountain of tears." This extreme exaggeration underscores the immeasurable depth of his grief, suggesting that no ordinary amount of weeping could suffice for the coming tragedy. The phrase "fountain of tears" also functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, comparing his eyes to an unending spring, which vividly conveys the desired continuous flow of sorrow. The use of "daughter of my people" is a form of **Personification** and a tender **Idiom**, giving the nation a familial, vulnerable quality, thereby intensifying the pathos of their impending destruction. The entire verse is a profound **Lament**, a poetic expression of grief and sorrow, characteristic of prophetic literature and the broader biblical tradition of expressing deep emotion in the face of suffering or divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 9:1 reveals a profound theological truth: God's chosen messengers often bear a heavy emotional burden for the spiritual state and impending judgment of their people. Jeremiah's weeping is not merely personal sentiment but a prophetic identification with God's own sorrow over His unfaithful covenant nation. Just as God grieves over the sin and destruction of His beloved people, so too does His prophet. This verse highlights the devastating consequences of persistent rebellion against God, emphasizing that divine judgment, while righteous, is also accompanied by deep sorrow for the lost. It calls believers to cultivate a heart of compassion for those who are spiritually lost and facing eternal consequences, echoing the urgency of repentance.

* [Psalm 119:136](/psalms/119-136 "Psalm 119:136 - Rivers of Tears for Disobedience")
* [Romans 9:1-3](/romans/9-1 "Romans 9:1-3 - Paul's Anguish for Israel")
* [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 9:1 challenges us to examine the depth of our own compassion for a world estranged from God and for those who face the consequences of spiritual rebellion. Do we truly mourn over sin, both in our own lives and in the lives of others, with a grief that moves us to action? The prophet's lament serves as a powerful call to intercessory prayer, urging us to weep before God for the lost, the spiritually blinded, and those on a path to destruction. It reminds us that genuine love for God often manifests as a profound burden for the salvation of others, compelling us to share the truth of the Gospel with urgency and compassion. Furthermore, this verse offers solace to those in ministry who experience deep emotional toil in their service, affirming that such sorrow can be a reflection of God's own heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Jeremiah's intense sorrow reveal about the nature of God's own heart towards a rebellious people?**
* **How does Jeremiah's lament challenge my own level of compassion for those who are spiritually lost or suffering due to sin?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of intercessory prayer and mourn over the spiritual condition of my community or nation?**
* **What are the "slain" in our contemporary context that should move us to weep and act?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jeremiah called "the weeping prophet," and how does this verse exemplify it?**

Answer: Jeremiah is often called "the weeping prophet" due to the pervasive theme of lament and sorrow found throughout his book, particularly his deep personal anguish over the sins of Judah and the impending judgment. Jeremiah 9:1 is a prime example of this, as he expresses an extreme, hyperbolic desire for an endless supply of tears ("Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears") so that he might "weep day and night" for the catastrophic loss of life among his people. This verse captures the essence of his prophetic burden, showcasing his profound empathy and identification with the suffering of his nation, even as he delivered God's harsh messages of judgment. His weeping is not merely personal despair but a reflection of God's own sorrow over His unfaithful covenant people, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 8:18-22](/jeremiah/8-18 "Jeremiah 8:18-22 - Jeremiah's Anguish for Judah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's profound lament in [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Lament") finds its ultimate and most perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah wept for the physical and spiritual destruction of Judah due to their sin, Jesus, the true Prophet, also wept over Jerusalem, knowing their continued rejection of God would lead to their desolation (cf. [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). More profoundly, Christ did not merely wish for an endless fountain of tears; He became the ultimate "slain" Lamb of God, taking upon Himself the very judgment that Judah faced. His agony in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus in Gethsemane")) and His suffering on the cross were the ultimate expressions of divine sorrow over sin and its devastating consequences, culminating in His voluntary sacrifice to redeem humanity from the "slain" state of spiritual death. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened a true "fountain" of living water ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")) and a "fountain" for sin and uncleanness ([Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - A Fountain for Sin")), turning the tears of judgment into tears of repentance and joy for all who believe.

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

Jeremiah 8:21

For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.

Jeremiah 8:22

[Is there] no balm in Gilead; [is there] no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Jeremiah 13:17

But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for [your] pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

Isaiah 22:4

Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.

Lamentations 2:11

Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city.

Jeremiah 6:26

O daughter of my people, gird [thee] with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, [as for] an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.

Ezekiel 21:6

Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of [thy] loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes.