Jeremiah 6:24
22 This is what the LORD says: “Behold, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is stirred up from the ends of the earth.
23 They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.”
We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.
25 Do not go out to the fields; do not walk the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.
26 O daughter of my people, dress yourselves in sackcloth and roll in ashes. Mourn with bitter wailing, as you would for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.
- KJV
- We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
- WEB
- We have heard its report. Our hands become feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, and pains as of a woman in labor.
- ASV
- We have heard the report thereof; our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, [and] pangs as of a woman in travail.
- DARBY
- We have heard the report thereof: our hands are grown feeble; anguish hath taken hold of us, pain as of a woman that travaileth.
- BLB
- We have heard the report of it, our hands grow feeble; distress has taken hold of us, writhing as a woman giving birth.
- ÅB
- Vi har hørt ryktet om det, våre hender er blitt kraftløse; angst har grepet oss, smerter som den fødende kvinnes.
- OTB
- Vi har hørt rapporter om dem, og våre hender er svake. Angst har grepet oss, smerte som den til en kvinne i fødsel.
- B1930
- Vi har hørt ryktet om det, våre hender er blitt kraftløse; angst har grepet oss, smerter som den fødende kvinnes.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Jeremiah 50:43
The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor.
Read in contextJeremiah 49:24
Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor.
Read in contextJeremiah 4:31
For I hear a cry like a woman in labor, a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child— the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands to say, “Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!”
Read in contextIsaiah 21:3
Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see.
Read in contextJeremiah 4:19–21
My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle.
Read in contextJeremiah 13:21
What will you say when He sets over you close allies whom you yourself trained? Will not pangs of anguish grip you, as they do a woman in labor?
Read in contextJeremiah 30:6
Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale?
Read in contextIsaiah 28:19
As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror.
Read in context