Jeremiah 20:15
Jeremiah 20:15 in Multiple Translations
Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, saying, “A son is born to you,” bringing him great joy.
Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.
Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man-child is born unto thee; making him very glad.
A curse on the man who gave the news to my father, saying, You have a male child; making him very glad.
May the man be cursed who brought my father the news that made him really happy, saying, “You have a son.”
Cursed be the man, that shewed my father, saying, A man child is borne vnto thee, and comforted him.
Cursed [is] the man who bore tidings [to] my father, saying, 'Born to thee hath been a child — a male,' Making him very glad!
Cursed is the man who brought news to my father, saying, “A boy is born to you,” making him very glad.
Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A male child is born to thee; making him very glad.
Cursed be the man that brought the tidings to my father, saying: A man child is born to thee: and made him greatly rejoice.
And as for that man who brought to my father the news, and caused him to be very happy, by saying “You wife has given birth to a son for you”, I hope/desire that he also will be cursed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 20:15
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 20:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָר֣וּר
הָ/אִ֗ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
בִּשַּׂ֤ר
אֶת
אָבִ/י֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
יֻֽלַּד
לְ/ךָ֖
בֵּ֣ן
זָכָ֑ר
שַׂמֵּ֖חַ
שִׂמֳּחָֽ/הוּ
אָר֣וּר
ʼârar
H779
to curse
V-Qal-Inf-c
הָ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בִּשַּׂ֤ר
bâsar
H1319
to bear tidings
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יֻֽלַּד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
בֵּ֣ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
זָכָ֑ר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
שַׂמֵּ֖חַ
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Piel-Ptc
שִׂמֳּחָֽ/הוּ
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 20:15
אָר֣וּר
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To curse someone or something, like God cursing the serpent in Genesis 3. It means to execrate or wish harm upon someone, often used in the context of punishment or judgment. This word appears in various biblical accounts.
Definition: 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bitterly curse. See also: Genesis 3:14; Deuteronomy 27:23; Psalms 119:21.
הָ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בִּשַּׂ֤ר
bâsar
H1319
"to bear tidings"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
Basar means to bear tidings or announce good news, often used to describe preaching or publishing glad news. It is used in the Bible to describe the spread of salvation or joyful messages.
Definition: 1) to bear news, bear tidings, publish, preach, show forth 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to gladden with good news 1a2) to bear news 1a3) to announce (salvation) as good news, preach 1b) (Hithpael) to receive good news
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: messenger, preach, publish, shew forth, (bear, bring, carry, preach, good, tell good) tidings. See also: 1 Samuel 4:17; 1 Chronicles 16:23; Psalms 40:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
יֻֽלַּד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
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.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
בֵּ֣ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
זָכָ֑ר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
שַׂמֵּ֖חַ
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Piel-Ptc
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
שִׂמֳּחָֽ/הוּ
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 20:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 20:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 20:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 20:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:15
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 20:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:15
- Sermons on Jeremiah 20:15
Context — Jeremiah’s Complaint
13Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers.
14Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me never be blessed.
15Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, saying, “A son is born to you,” bringing him great joy.
16May that man be like the cities that the LORD overthrew without compassion. May he hear an outcry in the morning and a battle cry at noon, 17because he did not kill me in the womb so that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb forever enlarged.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 21:5–6 | Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.” |
| 2 | Luke 1:14 | He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, |
| 3 | Jeremiah 1:5 | “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” |
Jeremiah 20:15 Summary
[Jeremiah is saying that he wishes the man who told his father that he was born had never said anything, because his life has been so hard and painful, as mentioned in Jeremiah 20:14. This is like saying that he wishes he had never been born, which is a very sad and desperate feeling. Jeremiah is expressing his emotions honestly to God, as we see in other parts of the Bible, like Psalm 13:1-2, where the Psalmist also expresses his feelings of sadness and desperation. We can learn from Jeremiah's example to be honest with God about our emotions and struggles, and to trust that He will hear and respond to our cries, as promised in Psalm 34:17-18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jeremiah cursing the man who brought news of his birth?
Jeremiah is expressing his deep sorrow and frustration with the difficulties and suffering he has faced in his life, as seen in Jeremiah 20:14, and is lamenting the fact that he was even born, wishing that the man who announced his birth had never done so, as mentioned in Jeremiah 20:15.
Is Jeremiah's curse a sinful response to his circumstances?
While Jeremiah's words may seem harsh, they are a expression of his emotional pain and frustration, and can be understood in the context of the Psalmist's laments, such as Psalm 137:8-9, where the Psalmist also expresses a desire for judgment on his enemies.
What can we learn from Jeremiah's expression of sorrow and frustration?
Jeremiah's words remind us that it is okay to express our emotions and struggles to God, as seen in Psalm 42:11, and that He is able to handle our honest and heartfelt cries, as promised in Isaiah 41:10.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of Jeremiah's lament, where he is expressing his sorrow and frustration with the difficulties he has faced, as seen in Jeremiah 20:13-17, and is a cry for God's rescue and deliverance, as mentioned in Jeremiah 20:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that cause me to feel like cursing the day I was born, and how can I bring those struggles to God in prayer?
- How can I, like Jeremiah, be honest with God about my emotions and struggles, and trust that He will hear and respond to my cries?
- What are some ways that I can express my sorrow and frustration to God, and how can I trust that He is able to handle my emotions?
- How can I use Jeremiah's example to inform my own responses to difficult circumstances, and to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 20:15
Cursed [be] the man who brought tidings to my father,.... The word signifies commonly good tidings, as the news of a child born, and especially a man child, is to its parent.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 20:15
Cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:15
Parents are usually rejoiced when a son is born to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:15
Jeremiah 20:15 Cursed [be] the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.Ver. 15. Cursed be the man.] Let him have a curse for a reward of his so good news. Thus the prophet, in a fit of impatience, carrieth himself as one who, being cut by a surgeon and extremely pained, striketh at and biteth those that hold him; or, like him in the poet, “ Quem non incusavi amens hominum que deumque? ” Aeneid, lib. ii. Surely as the bird in a cage, because pent up, beats herself, so doth the discontented person. Look to it, therefore. Satan thrusteth in upon us sometimes praying, with a cloud of strange passions, such as are ready to gallow us out of that little wit and faith we have. Resist him betimes. The wildfire of passion will be burning while the incense of prayer is in offering; this scum will be rising up in the boiling pot, together with the meat. See Jonah 4:1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:15
(15) Making him very glad.—The memory, or rather the thought of that day, the joy of father and another when their child was born (John 16:21) was wanted, as in the irony of destiny, to add the keenest pang to the misery of the present. The “sorrow’s crown of sorrow” was found in remembering happier days. We note the same tenderness turned to bitterness as in Jeremiah 15:10. The day of his birth was to him a day of darkness and not of light.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:15
Verse 15. A man child is born] Borun is to thee a knave child.-Old MS. Bible. This is the old English word for man or servant; and is so used by Wiclif, Revelation 12:5.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 20:15
15. “No man of course can curse his father or his mother, so Jeremiah curses the messenger, who brought the joyful news from the women’s quarters.” Du.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:15
14-18. Cursed be the day, etc. — Violent and unexpected is the contrast of this passage with the preceding.
Sermons on Jeremiah 20:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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True Prophets by Gary R. Kane | Gary R. Kane preaches on the role of prophets in the church, highlighting their importance in speaking under the direct impulse of the Holy Spirit to guide and purify the spiritual |
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Memoirs: 1.\tHis Youth, and Preparation for the Ministry\t 1 by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne reflects on his early life and preparation for the ministry, emphasizing the divine purpose behind his birth and the spiritual awakening that followed the de |
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A Word for Those Who Want to Know God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and how it relates to our modern times. He highlights Daniel's prophecy about an increase in travel and knowledge in the l |
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Israel in the End Times by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the signs that Jesus gave regarding his second coming. He explains that there are four main signs: famine, wars, earthquakes in the world; a g |
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Wall of Fire by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of watching a disturbing music video by Michael Jackson that depicted demonic and occultist imagery. This experience led t |
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Jack Hyles Fresh Oil Part 1 by Jack Hyles | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being anointed with fresh oil, drawing parallels to King David's anointing as a symbol of God's empowerment and calling. It shares a person |
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Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac |