Jeremiah 6:24
We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ
We have heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ
We have heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רָפ֣וּ
wax feeble
H7503
רָפ֣וּ
wax feeble
Strong's:
H7503
Word #:
4 of 9
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
יָדֵ֑ינוּ
thereof our hands
H3027
יָדֵ֑ינוּ
thereof our hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הֶחֱזִקַ֔תְנוּ
hath taken hold
H2388
הֶחֱזִקַ֔תְנוּ
hath taken hold
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
7 of 9
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
Cross References
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.Jeremiah 50:43The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail.Jeremiah 49:24Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail.Isaiah 28:19From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.Isaiah 21:3Therefore 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 13:21What 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?Jeremiah 30:6Ask 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?
Historical Context
When news reached Jerusalem of Babylon's approach, initial disbelief gave way to panic. Archaeological evidence shows hasty defensive preparations attempted in Jerusalem's final years.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does knowledge of approaching judgment often paralyze rather than motivate repentance?
- What is the significance of using childbirth imagery for judgment and eschatological events?
- How should present awareness of future judgment shape current spiritual priorities?
Analysis & Commentary
The response to news of invasion shows terror: 'We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble.' Physical weakness ('feeble hands') accompanies psychological distress: 'anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.' The childbirth metaphor appears frequently in judgment contexts, suggesting both intensity and inevitability of the coming pain. This verse captures the helplessness of those facing God's judgment—previous confidence and bravado evaporate when reality arrives. The progression from hearing to physical weakness to overwhelming anguish shows how knowledge of approaching judgment affects the whole person.