I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.

JEREMIAH 6:2KJV
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Jeremiah 6:2 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 6:2 mean?

Jeremiah 6:2 uses the image of a beautiful and delicate woman to describe the "daughter of Zion," meaning the people of Jerusalem. This verse highlights how precious and vulnerable Jerusalem is in God’s eyes, setting up the seriousness of the coming warning.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Jerusalem during a time of looming danger from invading armies. By comparing Jerusalem to a "comely and delicate woman," the verse emphasizes both the city's attractiveness and its fragility, making the threat of destruction feel more personal and tragic.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 6:2

  • "Likened" (דִּמִּיתִי, dimmīti): This word means "to compare" or "to make like." Here, God is intentionally drawing a picture for the people, helping them see themselves in a new light.
  • "Comely" (נוָה, navéh): This word often means "lovely," "beautiful," or even "a pleasant dwelling." It suggests that Jerusalem is not just physically attractive but also a place meant for peace and flourishing.
  • "Delicate" (עָנֲגָה, ‘anagah): This word carries the sense of being pampered, tender, or not used to hardship. It underscores how unprepared Jerusalem is for the suffering that is coming.

Why Jeremiah 6:2 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jerusalem was strong or ready for trouble; instead, it stresses the city's vulnerability and innocence before disaster strikes.
  • The comparison to a delicate woman makes the coming judgment feel more tragic, showing that what is about to happen is not just a military defeat but a personal loss.
  • In the wider context, this image sets the emotional tone for the warnings and laments that follow, helping readers feel the weight of what is at stake for God's people.

Where else these words appear

“delicate” Hebrew H6026 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:56 The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,
  • Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
  • Isaiah 57:4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

“likened” Hebrew H1820 · used in 14 verses

  • Psalms 49:12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
  • Jeremiah 14:17 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.
  • 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.

“comely” Hebrew H5116 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
  • Jeremiah 31:23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness.