Jeremiah 9:19
For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִשְׁמַ֥ע
is heard
H8085
נִשְׁמַ֥ע
is heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מִצִּיּ֖וֹן
out of Zion
H6726
מִצִּיּ֖וֹן
out of Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
5 of 15
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
שֻׁדָּ֑דְנוּ
How are we spoiled
H7703
שֻׁדָּ֑דְנוּ
How are we spoiled
Strong's:
H7703
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
בֹּ֤שְׁנֽוּ
confounded
H954
בֹּ֤שְׁנֽוּ
confounded
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
מְאֹד֙
we are greatly
H3966
מְאֹד֙
we are greatly
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָזַ֣בְנוּ
because we have forsaken
H5800
עָזַ֣בְנוּ
because we have forsaken
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
11 of 15
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Jeremiah 4:13Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.Deuteronomy 28:29And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.
Historical Context
The lament captures authentic exile experience—not just geographical displacement but loss of identity, heritage, and hope. Being 'cast out' by their dwellings personifies the land itself expelling unfaithful inhabitants, fulfilling Leviticus 18:24-28's warning that the land would 'vomit out' those who defiled it. Archaeological evidence shows mass abandonment of Judean sites during this period.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the language of the land 'casting out' its inhabitants reflect the theology of land as divine gift contingent on obedience?
- What parallels exist between Israel's exile and Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes the mourners' voice: 'For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion.' The Hebrew qol nehi (קוֹל נְהִי) is the characteristic sound of formal lamentation. 'How are we spoiled!' uses shadad (שָׁדַד, devastated, ruined)—the cry of complete destruction. 'We are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out.' The Hebrew bosh (בּוֹשׁ, shame, confusion) indicates the public humiliation of exile. 'Forsaken the land' (azavnu eth-ha'arets) uses the same verb applied earlier to forsaking Torah (9:13)—now they must forsake their land because they forsook God's law.