Jeremiah 15:18

Authorized King James Version

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Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?

Original Language Analysis

לָ֣מָּה H4100
לָ֣מָּה
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 1 of 16
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הָיָ֤ה H1961
הָיָ֤ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 2 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְאֵבִי֙ Why is my pain H3511
כְאֵבִי֙ Why is my pain
Strong's: H3511
Word #: 3 of 16
suffering (physical or mental), adversity
נֶ֔צַח perpetual H5331
נֶ֔צַח perpetual
Strong's: H5331
Word #: 4 of 16
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
וּמַכָּתִ֖י and my wound H4347
וּמַכָּתִ֖י and my wound
Strong's: H4347
Word #: 5 of 16
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
אֲנוּשָׁ֑ה֙ incurable H605
אֲנוּשָׁ֑ה֙ incurable
Strong's: H605
Word #: 6 of 16
to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy
מֵֽאֲנָה֙ which refuseth H3985
מֵֽאֲנָה֙ which refuseth
Strong's: H3985
Word #: 7 of 16
to refuse
הֵֽרָפֵ֔א to be healed H7495
הֵֽרָפֵ֔א to be healed
Strong's: H7495
Word #: 8 of 16
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
הָי֨וֹ H1961
הָי֨וֹ
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 9 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
תִֽהְיֶ֥ה H1961
תִֽהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 10 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִי֙ H0
לִי֙
Strong's: H0
Word #: 11 of 16
כְּמ֣וֹ H3644
כְּמ֣וֹ
Strong's: H3644
Word #: 12 of 16
as, thus, so
אַכְזָ֔ב wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar H391
אַכְזָ֔ב wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar
Strong's: H391
Word #: 13 of 16
falsehood; by implication treachery
מַ֖יִם and as waters H4325
מַ֖יִם and as waters
Strong's: H4325
Word #: 14 of 16
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 15 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נֶאֱמָֽנוּ׃ that fail H539
נֶאֱמָֽנוּ׃ that fail
Strong's: H539
Word #: 16 of 16
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

Analysis & Commentary

Jeremiah describes his relationship to God's word: 'Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.' The metaphor 'I did eat them' depicts thorough internalization of Scripture (cf. Ezekiel 3:1-3; Revelation 10:9-10). Despite the harsh content of his prophetic message, God's word brought 'joy and rejoicing' to Jeremiah's heart. The reason: identity—'I am called by thy name.' Being identified with God brings joy even when the message brings persecution. This reflects the Reformed high view of Scripture as spiritually nourishing and joy-producing despite its often difficult content.

Historical Context

Jeremiah's ministry began when Josiah discovered the Book of the Law during temple renovation (2 Kings 22). The rediscovery of Scripture sparked reform and shaped Jeremiah's prophetic calling.

Questions for Reflection

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