Jeremiah 8:18
When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me.
Original Language Analysis
מַבְלִ֥יגִיתִ֖י
When I would comfort
H4010
מַבְלִ֥יגִיתִ֖י
When I would comfort
Strong's:
H4010
Word #:
1 of 6
desistance (or rather desolation)
עֲלֵ֣י
H5921
עֲלֵ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עָלַ֖י
H5921
עָלַ֖י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Isaiah 22:4Therefore 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.Jeremiah 6:24We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.Lamentations 5:17For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim.
Historical Context
Jeremiah's personal laments (sometimes called his 'confessions') appear throughout the book (11:18-12:6, 15:10-21, 17:14-18, 18:18-23, 20:7-18). These passages reveal the psychological cost of faithful prophetic ministry. Unlike court prophets who enjoyed royal favor for their positive messages, Jeremiah faced constant opposition, imprisonment, and threat of death. His emotional struggle authenticates his message—he didn't want to prophesy doom but was compelled by God's word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jeremiah's emotional struggle with his message authenticate rather than undermine prophetic authority?
- What does this verse teach about the personal cost of faithful ministry that involves unpopular truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse expresses Jeremiah's personal anguish: 'When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me.' The Hebrew mabligiti (מַבְלִיגִיתִי) means 'my comfort' or 'when I would refresh myself.' Jeremiah seeks emotional relief from prophetic burden but finds none. 'My heart is faint' (libbi devai, לִבִּי דַוָּי) describes heart-sickness, emotional exhaustion, grief beyond recovery. The phrase 'against sorrow' (alay yagon, עֲלֵי יָגוֹן) indicates sorrow pressing upon him like a weight. This verse begins Jeremiah's personal lament within the prophetic oracle, revealing the prophet's human struggle with his painful message. Unlike false prophets who delivered comfortable lies, Jeremiah suffered with the truth he proclaimed.