Jeremiah 9:20
Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.
Jeremiah 9:20 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament calls upon women to listen to the word of the Lord and pass it on to their daughters and neighbors. The act of teaching wailing and lamentation to their daughters and neighbors signifies a tradition of expressing grief and mourning in times of distress. In biblical times, wailing and lamentation were common practices during periods of hardship, loss, or tragedy. It was a way for individuals to collectively mourn and seek comfort from one another. By instructing women to teach these practices, the verse emphasizes the importance of passing down cultural and spiritual traditions from one generation to the next. It highlights the role of women as keepers of tradition and knowledge within their communities. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the power of unity and support in times of sorrow and adversity.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, we find a call from the Lord for women to listen to His word and pass it down to future generations. The word 'wailing' and 'lamentation' could indicate a time of mourning or repentance, emphasizing the need for women to teach their daughters the importance of expressing sorrow and seeking forgiveness. Through this instruction, the Lord is urging women to promote a culture of humility, reflection, and spiritual growth among themselves and their communities. This verse serves as a reminder of the significant role women play in shaping the spiritual and emotional well-being of those around them. By heeding the word of the Lord and passing it down to others, women can help cultivate a deeper connection to God and encourage a spirit of repentance and renewal.
Jeremiah 9:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
Yet hear the word of Jehovah, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth; and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbor lamentation.
World English Bible
Yet hear Yahweh’s word, you women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth; and teach your daughters wailing, and everyone her neighbor lamentation.
Douay-Rheims
Hear therefore, ye women, the word of the Lord: and let your ears receive the word of his mouth: and teach your daughters wailing: and every one her neighbour mourning.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore heare the worde of the Lord, O ye women, and let your eares regard the words of his mouth, and teach your daughters to mourne, and euery one her neighbour to lament.