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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 20 - Verse 17

20:17
Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me.

Meaning

This verse from the Book of Jeremiah reflects the deep despair and lament of the speaker, who is expressing a wish that he had never been born. The words "Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me," convey a sense of intense suffering and anguish. The speaker is questioning why he was allowed to live, only to endure such pain and sorrow. It is a reflection on the difficult circumstances and trials that the speaker is facing, to the point where he believes it would have been better never to have been born at all. The verse serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering and emotional turmoil that can exist within the human experience, and offers a glimpse into the depth of despair that can be expressed in times of great distress.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Jeremiah is expressing his anguish and regret at being born. His words convey a deep sense of despair and hopelessness, as he contemplates the idea of never having been born at all. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the profound suffering and emotional turmoil that Jeremiah is experiencing. Some scholars suggest that Jeremiah is expressing a desire for non-existence, as he contemplates the possibility of being laid to rest in his mother's womb instead of enduring the hardships of life. This verse also underscores the fragility and vulnerability of human life, as well as the complexities of the human experience. Through word studies, we can uncover the depth of Jeremiah's anguish and explore the nuances of his language, shedding light on the emotional depth of this verse.

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