Jeremiah 9:20

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

כי שמענה נשים דבר יהוה ותקח אזנכם דבר פיו ולמדנה בנותיכם נהי ואשה רעותה קינה:

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, telling women to listen to His word and teach their daughters and neighbors to wail and lament. This is part of a larger message about mourning and sorrow in Jerusalem.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're at a funeral, and everyone is very sad. God is asking the moms to teach their daughters and friends how to show this sadness properly. It's like learning a special song about feeling very sorry.

Historical Background

This verse was written by the prophet Jeremiah around 600 BC, during a time of great distress in Jerusalem. The Israelites were facing the destruction of their city and temple by the Babylonians, and Jeremiah's message was to prepare them for mourning.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can teach us about the importance of acknowledging and expressing grief properly in times of loss. For example, after the loss of a loved one, learning to express our sorrow and teaching others to do so can be a way of honoring the memory and finding healing.

Topics

• mourning
• women
• Jeremiah
• lamentation
• teaching
• sorrow

Related Verses

• Lamentations 2:11
• Ezekiel 27:30
• Matthew 2:18
• Joel 2:16
• Micah 1:8

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is God asking women to teach their daughters?

In this historical context, women played significant roles in communal mourning. Teaching daughters and neighbors was a way to ensure the tradition of lamenting was passed on, reflecting the deep sorrow over the impending destruction.

What does it mean to 'wail' and 'lament'?

Wailing and lamentation are expressions of deep sorrow. They often involve crying out, mourning publicly, and sometimes engaging in rituals of mourning as a way to process and express grief.

How can we apply this verse to our lives today?

Today, we can apply this verse by acknowledging and expressing our sorrow in healthy ways, especially in communities where there has been a significant loss. It's about teaching others to be open about their feelings and to support each other in times of grief.

What is the significance of 'word of his mouth' in this verse?

The phrase 'word of his mouth' emphasizes the direct, authoritative message from God. It signifies that what is being said is not just advice but a directive from God Himself, highlighting the importance of listening and following His word.