Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

JEREMIAH 9:1KJV
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Jeremiah 9:1 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 9:1 mean?

Jeremiah 9:1 describes the prophet Jeremiah’s deep sorrow over the suffering and death of his people, wishing he could cry endlessly for them. The verse uses vivid imagery to show Jeremiah’s overwhelming grief, longing for his head to be like a spring of water and his eyes a fountain of tears so he could mourn day and night for those who have been killed.

Jeremiah himself is speaking, expressing his heartbreak over the destruction facing the people of Judah because of their unfaithfulness to God. The verse comes at a time when Jeremiah sees judgment and violence coming upon Jerusalem, and he feels powerless to stop it. This verse captures the personal pain of a prophet who loves his people, even as he knows disaster is coming.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 9:1

  • "Waters" (מַיִם, mayim): Jeremiah wishes his head were "waters," picturing an unending supply of tears. This emphasizes the depth and constancy of his sorrow.
  • "Fountain" (מָקוֹר, maqor): The word for "fountain" means a spring or source of water, suggesting Jeremiah wishes his eyes could pour out tears without stopping, not just a few drops but a continual flow.
  • "Weep" (בָּכָה, bakhah): The Hebrew word for "weep" here means to mourn or lament deeply, not just to shed a few tears. Jeremiah’s grief is profound and ongoing.
  • "Slain" (חָלָל, chalal): This word refers to those killed, often in battle or violence. Jeremiah’s grief is specifically for those who have died as a result of the coming judgment.

Why Jeremiah 9:1 matters

  • Jeremiah 9:1 shows that Jeremiah’s role as a prophet was not just to announce judgment but to feel the pain of his people personally, highlighting his compassion and humanity.
  • The verse helps clear up the idea that biblical prophets were only harsh or angry; Jeremiah’s tears show deep empathy and sorrow for the suffering he sees.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Jeremiah where the prophet often mourns for Judah, showing that God’s warnings come from a place of sorrow, not just anger.

Where else these words appear

“fountain” Hebrew H4726 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 12:7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.
  • Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
  • Proverbs 25:26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

“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 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.

“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.

“slain” Hebrew H2491 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 34:27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:22 For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.
  • Ezekiel 11:6 Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain.