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.
Why didn't God let me die before I was born, so that my mother's womb could have been my grave, and she would have stayed pregnant with me forever?
Jeremiah is expressing such deep anguish that he wishes he had never been born at all.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah was a prophet in ancient Judah during the 7th and 6th centuries BC, a time of political turmoil and impending Babylonian invasion, where he faced severe opposition for warning the people of God's judgment. In this verse, from his personal lament, Jeremiah expresses overwhelming despair and wishes he had never been born, reflecting the intense emotional and physical suffering he endured as a faithful messenger. This highlights the broader biblical theme of prophets experiencing hardship as part of their calling in a society that often rejected divine truth.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.