Jeremiah 13:17
But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord's flock is carried away captive.
Jeremiah 13:17 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah expresses the prophet's deep sorrow and pain over the people's stubbornness and pride. Jeremiah is warning the people of the consequences of not heeding the word of the Lord and turning away from His commandments. The prophet's soul is so troubled that he weeps in secret places, mourning for the pride that has led the Lord's flock astray. The imagery of weeping sorely and tears running down signifies the depth of Jeremiah's grief and distress over the captivity that the people will face due to their disobedience. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to God's guidance and following His ways to avoid the devastating consequences of pride and disobedience. The verse serves as a call to repentance and a plea for the people to turn back to the Lord before it's too late.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah expresses deep sorrow and lamentation over the pride and disobedience of the people of Judah. The word 'weep' in this context conveys a sense of intense grief and sorrow, highlighting the emotional reaction of the prophet to the sinful behavior of the people. The word 'secret places' suggests that Jeremiah's weeping is not a public display but a private, heartfelt response to the spiritual condition of his people. By using the imagery of weeping eyes, the prophet emphasizes the pain and emotional toll that the disobedience of the people has on him. The mention of the Lord's flock being carried away captive signifies the consequences of the people's actions, as they will be taken into exile due to their sins. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of heeding God's word and the devastating effects of pride and disobedience in the eyes of the Lord.
Jeremiah 13:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret for [your] pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because Jehovah's flock is taken captive.
World English Bible
But if you will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret for your pride; and my eye shall weep bitterly, and run down with tears, because Yahweh’s flock is taken captive.
Douay-Rheims
But if you will not hear this, my soul shall weep in secret for your pride: weeping it shall weep, and my eyes shall run down with tears, because the flock of the Lord is carried away captive.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But if ye will not heare this, my soule shall weepe in secrete for your pride, and mine eye shall weepe and drop downe teares, because the Lords flocke is caried away captiue.