Jeremiah 10:19
Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שִׁבְרִ֔י
is me for my hurt
H7667
שִׁבְרִ֔י
is me for my hurt
Strong's:
H7667
Word #:
4 of 12
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
נַחְלָ֖ה
is grievous
H2470
נַחְלָ֖ה
is grievous
Strong's:
H2470
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
מַכָּתִ֑י
my wound
H4347
מַכָּתִ֑י
my wound
Strong's:
H4347
Word #:
6 of 12
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
אַ֛ךְ
Truly
H389
אַ֛ךְ
Truly
Strong's:
H389
Word #:
9 of 12
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
Cross References
Micah 7:9I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.Psalms 39:9I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.Jeremiah 14:17Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.Jeremiah 4:31For 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.
Historical Context
This lament may represent exilic community's growing acceptance of their situation—moving from denial and protest to recognition that judgment must be endured. The theology of Lamentations similarly combines anguished protest with acknowledged justice. Jeremiah's counsel to exiles (chapter 29) encouraged acceptance and constructive living during the seventy-year sentence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the acknowledgment 'I must bear it' represent growth from denial to acceptance of divine discipline?
- What role does accepting deserved consequences play in the restoration process?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse voices lament: 'Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous.' The Hebrew oi-li (אוֹי־לִי, woe to me) is a cry of anguish; makka (מַכָּה, wound, blow) indicates injury. The speaker may be Jeremiah, personified Jerusalem, or the community. 'But I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.' The Hebrew choli (חֹלִי, sickness, grief) and nasa (נָשָׂא, bear, carry) express resigned acceptance of suffering. Unlike earlier complaints, this voice acknowledges the necessity of enduring judgment—recognition that the wound is deserved and must be borne.