Jeremiah 13:21
Jeremiah 13:21 in Multiple Translations
What will you say when He sets over you close allies whom you yourself trained? Will not pangs of anguish grip you, as they do a woman in labor?
What 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?
What wilt thou say, when he shall set over thee as head those whom thou hast thyself taught to be friends to thee? shall not sorrows take hold of thee, as of a woman in travail?
What will you say when he puts over you those whom you yourself have made your friends? will not pains take you like a woman in childbirth?
What are you going to say when he puts your enemies in charge of you, people you once counted as your friends? Won't you suffer pains like a woman in labor?
What wilt thou saye, when hee shall visite thee? (for thou hast taught them to be captaines and as chiefe ouer thee) shall not sorow take thee as a woman in trauaile?
What dost thou say, when He looketh after thee? And thou — thou hast taught them [to be] over thee — leaders for head? Do not pangs seize thee as a travailing woman?
What will you say when he sets over you as head those whom you have yourself taught to be friends to you? Won’t sorrows take hold of you, as of a woman in travail?
What 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?
What wilt thou say when he shall visit thee? for thou hast taught them against thee, and instructed them against thy own head: shall not sorrows lay hold on thee, as a woman in labour?
What will you say [RHQ] when Yahweh appoints people from other countries to rule over you, people who you mistakenly thought were your friends? You will [RHQ] suffer very much pain, like a woman who is about to give birth to a baby.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 13:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 13:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
תֹּֽאמְרִי֙
כִּֽי
יִפְקֹ֣ד
עָלַ֔יִ/ךְ
וְ֠/אַתְּ
לִמַּ֨דְתְּ
אֹתָ֥/ם
עָלַ֛יִ/ךְ
אַלֻּפִ֖ים
לְ/רֹ֑אשׁ
הֲ/ל֤וֹא
חֲבָלִים֙
יֹאחֱז֔וּ/ךְ
כְּמ֖וֹ
אֵ֥שֶׁת
לֵדָֽה
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תֹּֽאמְרִי֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִפְקֹ֣ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָלַ֔יִ/ךְ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וְ֠/אַתְּ
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
לִמַּ֨דְתְּ
lâmad
H3925
to learn
V-Piel-Perf-2fs
אֹתָ֥/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
עָלַ֛יִ/ךְ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אַלֻּפִ֖ים
ʼallûwph
H441
tame
N-mp
לְ/רֹ֑אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
הֲ/ל֤וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
חֲבָלִים֙
chebel
H2256
cord
N-mp
יֹאחֱז֔וּ/ךְ
ʼâchaz
H270
to grasp
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
כְּמ֖וֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep
אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
לֵדָֽה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 13:21
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תֹּֽאמְרִי֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִפְקֹ֣ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
עָלַ֔יִ/ךְ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וְ֠/אַתְּ
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
לִמַּ֨דְתְּ
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
V-Piel-Perf-2fs
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
אֹתָ֥/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עָלַ֛יִ/ךְ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אַלֻּפִ֖ים
ʼallûwph
H441
"tame"
N-mp
A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.
Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.
לְ/רֹ֑אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הֲ/ל֤וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חֲבָלִים֙
chebel
H2256
"cord"
N-mp
A cord or rope, also a measured area of land or a group of people tied together. In the Bible, it appears in books like Joshua and Psalms. It can also mean a company or region.
Definition: 1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company 1a) a rope, cord 1b) a measuring-cord or line 1c) a measured portion, lot, part, region 1d) a band or company § destruction
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: band, coast, company, cord, country, destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion, region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling. See also: Deuteronomy 3:4; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 16:6.
יֹאחֱז֔וּ/ךְ
ʼâchaz
H270
"to grasp"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.
כְּמ֖וֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
לֵדָֽה
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 13:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 13:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 13:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 13:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 13:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 13:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 13:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 13:21
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 13:21
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 13:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 13:21
- Sermons on Jeremiah 13:21
Context — Captivity Threatened
19The cities of the Negev have been shut tight, and no one can open them. All Judah has been carried into exile, wholly taken captive.
20Lift up your eyes and see those coming from the north. Where is the flock entrusted to you, the sheep that were your pride?
21What will you say when He sets over you close allies whom you yourself trained? Will not pangs of anguish grip you, as they do a woman in labor?
22And if you ask yourself, “Why has this happened to me?” It is because of the magnitude of your iniquity that your skirts have been stripped off and your body has been exposed. 23Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good— you who are accustomed to doing evil.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 13:8 | Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 4:31 | For I hear a cry like a woman in labor, a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child— the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands to say, “Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 5:31 | The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? |
| 4 | Isaiah 39:2–4 | And Hezekiah welcomed the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his entire armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came to me from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon.” “What have they seen in your palace?” Isaiah asked. “They have seen everything in my palace,” answered Hezekiah. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 10:3 | What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth? |
| 6 | Jeremiah 38:22 | All the women who remain in the palace of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officials of the king of Babylon, and those women will say: ‘They misled you and overcame you— those trusted friends of yours. Your feet sank into the mire, and they deserted you.’ |
| 7 | Jeremiah 22:23 | O inhabitant of Lebanon, nestled in the cedars, how you will groan when pangs of anguish come upon you, agony like a woman in labor.” |
| 8 | Isaiah 21:3 | Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 48:41 | Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab’s warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 6:24 | We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor. |
Jeremiah 13:21 Summary
This verse is saying that when God allows people we trust to turn against us, it can be very painful, like a woman giving birth. It's a reminder that God is in control, and sometimes He uses difficult situations to correct us or help us grow, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. We can trust that God's plans are always for our good, even when things seem hard or confusing. By recognizing God's sovereignty, we can learn to surrender to His will and trust in His goodness, as in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have close allies set over us by God?
This verse suggests that God can appoint leaders or authorities over us, even if they were once our friends or allies, as a form of judgment or correction, as seen in Jeremiah 13:21 and Isaiah 3:4-5.
Why does the Bible compare pain to a woman in labor?
The comparison to a woman in labor, as in Jeremiah 13:21, is used to describe intense, unbearable pain, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 4:31 and John 16:21-22.
Is this verse talking about a specific historical event or a spiritual principle?
While Jeremiah 13:21 is addressed to Judah, the principle of God's sovereignty and judgment applies to all people, as seen in Romans 11:22 and Hebrews 12:5-11.
How does this verse relate to the concept of accountability to God?
This verse emphasizes that we will be held accountable for our actions, and God can use various means, including our own allies, to bring about correction or judgment, as in Psalm 50:4-5 and Matthew 25:31-46.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing 'pangs of anguish' due to my own actions or decisions?
- How can I apply the principle of accountability to God in my daily life, recognizing that my choices have consequences?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty, even when faced with difficult or uncomfortable circumstances, as described in Jeremiah 13:21?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and recognizing my dependence on God's guidance and wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 13:21
What will thou say when he shall punish thee?.... Or, "visit upon thee" (f); that is, either when God shall punish thee for thy sins, thou canst bring no charge of injustice against him, or murmur
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 13:21
What 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? What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 13:21
That is, thou wilt have nothing to say, but be wholly confounded and ashamed when God shall visit thee with this sore judgment, or when Nebuchadnezzar’ s army sent by God shall visit thee; for thou, either by thy commerce and trading with them, or by thy so often calling them to thy assistance, or by thy idolatry borrowed from them, and other nations, hast taught them to be captains over thee; thy sorrows and affliction will come upon thee suddenly and terribly, as pain cometh upon a woman in travail; yea, and as certainly also.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 13:21
Jeremiah 13:21 What 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?Ver. 21. For thou hast taught them to be captains, and as chief over thee,] scil., By thy crouching unto them, and craving their help, thou hast made the Chaldeans masters of all thou hast. So did the British princes Vortiger and Vortimer bring in the Saxons here, and the Greeks the Turks.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 13:21
(21) What wilt thou say?—The verse is difficult, and requires an entire retranslation. What wilt thou (the daughter of Zion) say? for He (Jehovah) shall set over thee as head those whom thou taughtest (=tried to teach) to be thy familiar friends. This was to be the end of the alliance in which Judah had trusted. She had courted the Chaldean nobles as her lover-guides and friends (the word is the same as in Jeremiah 3:4; Psalms 55:13; Proverbs 2:17; Proverbs 16:28). Another possible construction gives, shall set over thee those whom thou delightest to be thy friends as head over thee, i.e., those whose supremacy Judah had acknowledged in order that she might court their alliance. What could come then but that which was to the Hebrew the type of extremest anguish (Isaiah 13:8; Isaiah 21:3; Psalms 48:6), the travail-pangs which were followed by no joy that a man was born into the world (John 16:21)?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 13:21
Verse 21. Thou hast taught them to be captains, and as chief over thee] This is said of their enemies, whether Assyrians or Chaldeans: for ever since Ahaz submitted himself to the king of Assyria, the kings of Judah never regained their independence. Their enemies were thus taught to be their lords and masters.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 13:21
21. The construction and order in MT. are difficult, and the Hebrew words seem to have suffered some dislocation in the course of transmission. The general sense is: Those whom thou considerest to be thy friends (meaning Babylon, and perhaps the lesser neighbouring nations) are now to be thy harsh masters. This however is not clearly expressed in either text or mg. It is better, therefore, with Dr., to render “What wilt thou say, when he shall set over thee as head those whom thou hast thyself taught to be friends unto thee?” Cp. Ezekiel 23:22 ff., where the “lovers” are enumerated.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 13:21
Translate, “What wilt thou say, O Jerusalem, when He, Yahweh, shall set over thee for head those whom thou hast taught to be thy bosom friends?” The foreign powers, whose friendship she has been courting, will become her tyrants.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 13:21
21. When he shall punish thee — This verse should read: What wilt thou (Jerusalem) say if he (Jehovah) shall set over thee, for a head, those whom thou accustomed to be thy bosom friends?
Sermons on Jeremiah 13:21
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Eternal Hell (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon transcript, the speaker expresses his frustration with the lack of preaching on the judgment of God and the impending return of Jesus as a judge. He longs for the re |
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Time to Travail by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency for believers to recognize the gravity of their mission. He compares the experience of a woman in labor, facing fear and pain, t |
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A Life of Effectual Intercessory Prayer by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of discerning the difference between the voice of God and the voice of Satan. He shares a story about a man who would pray for |
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Self Denial and Discipline by Miles DeBenedictis | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the analogy of athletes preparing for the ancient games in Corinth. He emphasizes the rigorous training and discipline that these athletes und |
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Ivory Houses & Fat Cows: The Excessive Nonsense of the Modern Christian Church by Joseph LoSardo | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the decline of a nation that was once a leader in industry and ponders its future. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on God and His s |
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Fren-14 Fondements Apostoliques - Église Dans Les Desseins De Dieu by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his own concerns and anxieties about preaching to an audience. He emphasizes the need for God's guidance and grace in order to effe |
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Judges 17:6 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the chaotic state of Israel during the time of the Judges, emphasizing the lack of leadership and direction that led the people to follow paths of moral relat |