Jeremiah 4:31
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.
Jeremiah 4:31 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah captures the intense grief and lament of the daughter of Zion, symbolizing the people of Israel, over the destruction and violence surrounding them. The comparison to a woman in labor emphasizes the pain and turmoil experienced by the daughter of Zion, as she cries out in despair. The reference to bringing forth her first child may symbolize the vulnerability and innocence of the Israelites, who are suffering at the hands of their enemies. The expression of spreading her hands and saying "Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers" showcases the deep distress and exhaustion felt by the daughter of Zion as she mourns the tragic loss of life due to the actions of perpetrators. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering and anguish faced by those who are persecuted and oppressed, calling for compassion and empathy towards those in pain.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the sorrow and anguish experienced by the daughter of Zion, a symbol for the people of Jerusalem or Israel. The comparison of her voice to that of a woman in labor highlights the intensity of her pain and the deep sense of loss she feels. The mention of murderers emphasizes the violence and bloodshed that she is witnessing, adding to her despair. The phrase "Woe is me now!" reflects her deep sense of lament and hopelessness in the face of such tragedy. This verse speaks to the deep emotional turmoil and suffering experienced by the people of Zion, as they mourn the destruction and devastation around them. It serves as a reminder of the need for comfort and hope in times of great distress and sorrow.
Jeremiah 4:31 in other translations
American Standard Version
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that gaspeth for breath, that spreadeth her hands, [saying], Woe is me now! for my soul fainteth before the murderers.
World English Bible
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, the anguish as of her who gives birth to her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, who gasps for breath, who spreads her hands, saying, “Woe is me now! For my soul faints before the murderers.”
Douay-Rheims
For I have heard the voice as of a woman in travail, anguishes as of a woman in labour of a child. The voice of the daughter of Sion, dying away, spreading her hands: Woe is me, for my soul hath fainted because of them that are slain.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For I haue heard a noyse as of a woman trauailing, or as one labouring of her first child, euen the voyce of the daughter Zion that sigheth and stretcheth out her handes: woe is me nowe: for my soule fainteth because of the murtherers.