Therefore 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.

JEREMIAH 14:17KJV
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Jeremiah 14:17 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 14:17 mean?

Jeremiah 14:17 describes God instructing Jeremiah to speak words of deep sorrow over the people of Judah, saying that his eyes overflow with tears day and night because the people—called the "virgin daughter"—have suffered a terrible and crushing disaster. The verse shows the depth of grief over the nation's brokenness and the seriousness of their suffering.

In this verse, God is speaking to Jeremiah during a time of national crisis, likely a drought and its consequences. Jeremiah is told to express ongoing, unstoppable grief, symbolized by tears that do not cease. The phrase "virgin daughter of my people" highlights the innocence and vulnerability of Judah, while the words for "broken" and "grievous blow" emphasize the severity of what has happened to them.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 14:17

  • "Virgin" (בְּתוּלָה, bətulah): This word refers to a young woman who has not been married, often used as a symbol of purity or innocence. Calling Judah the "virgin daughter" underlines her vulnerability and the tragedy of her downfall.
  • "Broken" (שָׁבַר, shavár): This verb means to be shattered or destroyed. It paints a picture of total devastation, not just a minor setback.
  • "Breach" (שֶׁבֶר, shever): This noun means a break or fracture, often used for a wound or disaster. The "great breach" suggests a wound so severe that it cannot be easily healed.
  • "Blow" (מַכָּה, makkah): This word means a wound or a strike, often used for physical or emotional injury. The "very grievous blow" intensifies the sense of pain and suffering.

Why Jeremiah 14:17 matters

  • Jeremiah 14:17 clears up the idea that God or His prophet is emotionally distant; instead, it shows a deep, personal sorrow for the people's suffering.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of Judah's situation by using strong words for brokenness and pain, helping the reader grasp the full weight of the disaster.
  • In the wider passage, this verse connects Jeremiah's tears with God's own grief, highlighting that the judgment is not cold or indifferent but comes with real sorrow over what has happened to the people.

Where else these words appear

“cease” Hebrew H1820 · used in 14 verses

  • Psalms 49:12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
  • Jeremiah 6:2 I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.
  • Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

“tears” Hebrew H1832 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Kings 20:5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
  • Psalms 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
  • Jeremiah 13:17 But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

“breach” Hebrew H7667 · used in 41 verses

  • Leviticus 21:19 Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded,
  • Isaiah 30:26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.
  • Jeremiah 30:15 Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.

“blow” Hebrew H4347 · used in 46 verses

  • Leviticus 26:21 And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.
  • 1 Samuel 19:8 And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.
  • Isaiah 14:6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.