She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD.

JEREMIAH 15:9KJV
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Jeremiah 15:9 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 15:9 mean?

Jeremiah 15:9 describes a woman who has borne seven children but now is weak, dying, and disgraced; her life ends suddenly, her hopes are cut off in broad daylight, and the rest of her people will be handed over to death by the sword, as declared by the LORD. The verse uses the image of a once-blessed mother losing everything to show the total devastation coming upon the people.

In this verse, God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah to warn the people of Judah about the severe judgment coming because of their unfaithfulness. The picture of the mother who has "borne seven" (often a symbol of completeness or blessing) now languishing and dying shows how even the strongest and most blessed will not escape disaster. The language of shame, confusion, and sudden darkness in the middle of the day emphasizes how unexpected and overwhelming this judgment will be.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 15:9

  • "borne" (יָלַד, yalad): This word means "to give birth." The focus on a woman who has given birth to seven children highlights what would have been seen as the height of blessing and security in ancient Israel.
  • "seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva): Seven is often a number representing completeness or fullness. The loss of a woman who has seven children underlines the total reversal of fortune.
  • "languisheth" (אָמַל, amal): This word means to become weak or to waste away. It shows the depth of suffering and helplessness, not just physical but emotional and social.
  • "her sun is gone down while it was yet day" (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh; בּוֹא, bo; יוֹם, yom): The image of the sun setting at midday suggests a sudden and unnatural end, a life or hope cut off unexpectedly.

Why Jeremiah 15:9 matters

  • Jeremiah 15:9 clears up the idea that blessing or strength (symbolized by a mother of seven) guarantees safety; even the most secure can face loss when judgment comes.
  • The verse emphasizes the completeness of the coming disaster—no one, not even the most honored or fruitful, will be spared.
  • This verse connects to Jeremiah’s wider message warning Judah that ignoring God’s ways leads to shame and destruction, even for those who seem most blessed.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H5301 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
  • Job 41:20 Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron.
  • Ezekiel 22:21 Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst thereof.

“languisheth” Hebrew H535 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
  • Isaiah 24:7 The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.
  • Ezekiel 16:30 How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;

“confounded” Hebrew H2659 · used in 17 verses

  • Job 6:20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
  • Psalms 70:2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
  • Isaiah 1:29 For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

“day” Hebrew H3119 · used in 50 verses

  • Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
  • Nehemiah 1:6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.
  • Isaiah 4:5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.