Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me.
Oh no! My mother, why did you give birth to me as someone who brings conflict and arguments to the whole world! I haven't lent money at high interest rates, and no one has lent money to me at high rates either; yet everyone still curses me.
The writer is expressing deep anguish about being hated by everyone despite living honestly and not taking advantage of people financially.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah was a prophet in ancient Judah during the 7th and 6th centuries BC, a time when the nation faced imminent judgment from Babylon due to widespread idolatry and moral decline. In this verse, he laments his calling, feeling burdened by constant opposition and conflict from his own people for delivering God's unpopular messages of repentance. Despite his integrity in avoiding exploitative practices like usury, Jeremiah is met with curses, highlighting the personal cost of prophetic ministry.
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