For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.

JEREMIAH 8:21KJV
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Jeremiah 8:21 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 8:21 mean?

Jeremiah 8:21 describes the deep personal pain and shock Jeremiah feels because of the suffering of his people; he is overwhelmed and visibly affected by their hurt. The verse uses vivid language to show how the prophet identifies with his people's distress and is emotionally shaken by their situation.

Jeremiah is speaking here as both a prophet and a fellow Israelite, reacting to the disaster and spiritual decline facing Judah. The phrase "I am black" refers to his face growing dark with grief or mourning, not skin color. Jeremiah’s astonishment shows how the devastation of his people leaves him stunned and heartbroken, emphasizing the seriousness of their condition.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 8:21

  • "hurt" (שֶׁבֶר, shever): This word means a breaking or crushing injury, often used for disaster or calamity. Jeremiah is not just sad; he feels broken by what has happened to his people.
  • "black" (קָדַר, qadar): This verb means to become dark or mournful. It paints a picture of Jeremiah’s face or appearance darkening with sorrow, a common way in Hebrew to show deep mourning.
  • "astonishment" (שָׁמָה, shammah): This word means horror or appalling shock. Jeremiah is not just sad—he is stunned and horrified by the extent of the suffering.

Why Jeremiah 8:21 matters

  • Jeremiah’s reaction clears up the idea that prophets were emotionally detached; here, he is personally devastated by his people's pain.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of Judah’s situation, showing that their suffering is not just physical but deeply affects those who care for them.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the emotional cost of judgment and the depth of Jeremiah’s compassion, setting the stage for his continued pleas and laments.

Where else these words appear

“black” Hebrew H6937 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Kings 18:45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.
  • Psalms 38:6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
  • Ezekiel 31:15 Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when he went down to the grave I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained the floods thereof, and the great waters were stayed: and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him.

“astonishment” Hebrew H8047 · used in 39 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:37 And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
  • Jeremiah 18:16 To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.
  • Jeremiah 49:17 Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.

“hurt” 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.

“hurt” Hebrew H7665 · used in 145 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Psalms 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
  • Jeremiah 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: