Jeremiah 14:2 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 14:2 mean?

Jeremiah 14:2 describes the people of Judah in deep sorrow, with their city’s gates weakened and darkened, and the sound of Jerusalem’s distress rising up. The verse paints a picture of a community overwhelmed by grief and hardship.

The prophet Jeremiah is speaking about Judah during a time of crisis, likely a severe drought or national disaster. The “gates” represent the heart of city life, now lifeless and in decline. The phrase “they are black unto the ground” uses vivid imagery to show how intense the mourning and suffering have become, while the “cry of Jerusalem” signals that the whole city is calling out in despair.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 14:2

• “Mourneth” (אָבַל, ’aval): This word means to grieve or lament deeply, highlighting the seriousness of Judah’s sorrow, not just sadness but a public, visible mourning.
• “Gates” (שַׁעַר, sha‘ar): Gates were central to city life, serving as gathering places for leaders and people. Their “languishing” suggests the collapse of social and civic order.
• “Black” (קָדַר, qadar): This word often means to become dark or gloomy. Here, it describes the gates as darkened, possibly from neglect or as a symbol of deep mourning.
• “Cry” (זַעֲקָה, za‘aqah): This is a word for a loud outcry or wail, showing that Jerusalem’s suffering is not hidden but openly expressed and heard.

Why Jeremiah 14:2 matters

• The verse shows that the suffering is not just individual but affects the whole community, including its leaders and public spaces.
• The imagery of darkened gates and a rising cry emphasizes how visible and undeniable the crisis has become.
• Understanding these details helps clarify that the verse is describing a real, historical disaster and its emotional impact, not just using poetic language.