Jeremiah 8:21
For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שֶׁ֥בֶר
For the hurt
H7667
שֶׁ֥בֶר
For the hurt
Strong's:
H7667
Word #:
2 of 8
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
בַּת
of the daughter
H1323
בַּת
of the daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
3 of 8
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
עַמִּ֖י
of my people
H5971
עַמִּ֖י
of my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
קָדַ֕רְתִּי
I am black
H6937
קָדַ֕רְתִּי
I am black
Strong's:
H6937
Word #:
6 of 8
to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)
Cross References
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.Nahum 2:10She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.Joel 2:6Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.
Historical Context
Jeremiah earned the title 'weeping prophet' from passages like this. His identification with his people resembles Moses (Exodus 32:32) and anticipates Christ weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). Ancient mourning customs included wearing sackcloth, sitting in ashes, blackening the face with charcoal or ash, and public weeping. Jeremiah's grief was genuine, not merely professional or performed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jeremiah's grief for those under judgment model appropriate response to others' sin and its consequences?
- What distinguishes godly grief that mourns sin from self-righteous condemnation that rejoices in judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse expresses Jeremiah's deepest anguish: 'For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt.' The Hebrew sheber (שֶׁבֶר, breaking, fracture, ruin) appears twice—Jeremiah is shattered by his people's shattering. 'I am black' (qadarti, קָדַרְתִּי) indicates mourning posture, wearing dark clothes, face blackened with grief. 'Astonishment hath taken hold on me' uses shammah (שַׁמָּה, desolation, horror) to describe overwhelming grief. Jeremiah identifies completely with his people despite their rejection of his message. He doesn't stand apart to watch judgment with detached satisfaction but weeps with those he warned. This models prophetic compassion—true prophets grieve even necessary judgment.