Jeremiah 9 19

Jeremiah 9:19 kjv

For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out.

Jeremiah 9:19 nkjv

For a voice of wailing is heard from Zion: 'How we are plundered! We are greatly ashamed, Because we have forsaken the land, Because we have been cast out of our dwellings.' "

Jeremiah 9:19 niv

The sound of wailing is heard from Zion: 'How ruined we are! How great is our shame! We must leave our land because our houses are in ruins.'?"

Jeremiah 9:19 esv

For a sound of wailing is heard from Zion: 'How we are ruined! We are utterly shamed, because we have left the land, because they have cast down our dwellings.'"

Jeremiah 9:19 nlt

Hear the people of Jerusalem crying in despair,
'We are ruined! We are completely humiliated!
We must leave our land,
because our homes have been torn down.'"

Jeremiah 9 verses

Jeremiah 9 19 Meaning

The verse describes a profound call for wise people to acknowledge God's actions and to cease their boasting. It highlights that even the wisest are subject to God's sovereign plans and should understand His judgments. Their pride and strength become meaningless when God intervenes.

Jeremiah 9 19 Context

Jeremiah 9:19-20 continues the prophet's lament and pronouncements of judgment against Judah. Following the powerful words about the "scarlet woman" representing the sin of Jerusalem and the call for wisdom, these verses shift focus to the wise among them who are now instructed to understand God's imminent action. The chapter as a whole deals with Judah's sin, the inevitable judgment, and the prophetic call for repentance. This specific section appears to be a direct message concerning the consequences of their defiance and God's ultimate sovereignty.

Jeremiah 9 19 Word analysis

• Observe (red'û): From the root "ra'ah" (רָאָה), meaning to see, behold, perceive, consider, or look at. It implies active, discerning observation, not just passive sight.
• Wisdom (khokhmáh): (חָכְמָה) The Hebrew word for wisdom, referring to skill, cleverness, insight, and practical knowledge, often seen as a gift from God.
• Boast (yit'hallèl): From the root "halal" (הָלַל), meaning to praise, glory, or boast. In this context, it refers to prideful self-exaltation or relying on one's own capabilities.
• Wisdom (bi-kʰokhmatḵèm): A variation of the same word, referring to their own specific wisdom or that of their wise men.
• Discern (tivḵ'rû): From the root "bakhar" (בָּחַר), meaning to choose, select, or distinguish. It carries the idea of critically evaluating and understanding.
• Understand (taḵaṣṣeḵû): From the root "ḵaṣaḵ" (חָצַךְ), which is rare, often interpreted as to judge, discern, or bring to an end. In this context, it means to comprehend or understand God's purposes.
• Disastrous (pārō‘á): Likely from the root "pār" (פָּרַע), meaning to let loose, break forth, or become ungovernable. It describes a calamity or a powerful, destructive force.
• Majesty (gedulah): (גְּדֻלָּה) Refers to greatness, might, or magnificent glory. It emphasizes God's supreme power and authority.
• Judgment (mišpāṭ): (מִשְׁפָּט) God's righteous administration of justice, His rulings, and His acts of judgment against sin.
• Mercy (khesed): (חֶסֶד) While not directly in this verse, understanding the divine attributes in opposition to judgment is crucial. This word signifies loyal love, kindness, and steadfast love.

Group by Words Analysis:

• "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom..." - This is a direct echo of Jeremiah 9:23, emphasizing the futility of human pride when confronted with divine reality. It cautions against self-reliance and intellectual arrogance.
• "...neither let the mighty man boast in his might..." - A parallel construction emphasizing that not only intellectual pride but also physical power or influence is rendered ineffective before God.
• "but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me..." - This pivots the object of boasting. True, valid boasting is not in self-acquired qualities but in an intimate, relational knowledge of God, recognizing His nature and actions.
• "...that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness on the earth." - This is the reason for such knowledge. God's character—His covenant faithfulness (hesed), His equity (mishpat), and His uprightness (tsedakah)—is the basis of true understanding and the source of His actions on earth.
• "For I, the Lord, delight in these things.” - This confirms God's intrinsic nature. He acts according to His holy character, and this is what the wise should recognize and know.

Jeremiah 9 19 Bonus section

The concept of "knowing God" presented here is relational and experiential, not just intellectual. It’s about understanding His nature through His historical dealings with His people, recognizing His justice in judgment and His persistent love despite sin. This anticipates the New Testament emphasis on "knowing Christ" (Philippians 3:10), which is also a relationship of profound understanding and reliance. The verse also subtly contrasts with the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, whose "wisdom" and "might" were often associated with false deities. Jeremiah’s call is a return to true revelation.

Jeremiah 9 19 Commentary

This verse serves as a pivotal statement in Jeremiah's message, directly challenging the perceived strength and wisdom of the people of Judah. In a time when they were facing imminent destruction due to their sin, their reliance on their own cleverness and might had proven futile. God, through Jeremiah, redirects their focus from their own boasting to an understanding of His divine character and purposes. The true mark of wisdom is not worldly success or intellectual prowess, but an intimate knowledge of God Himself and an appreciation for His justice and steadfast love that governs all His actions. It's a call to humility, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and that all true might and wisdom ultimately reside in Him. This is the basis upon which the prophet grounds God's judgments: He acts according to His immutable character of justice and mercy.