Translations
Modern
Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me—water that is not there.
Traditional
Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?
Literal
Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You will surely be to me like a liar, waters that fail?
Latin
Quare factus est dolor meus perpetuus, et plaga mea desperabilis renuit curari? facta est mihi quasi mendacium aquarum infidelium.
Original
Hebrew
English
Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me—water that is not there.
Notes
Jeremiah asked two rhetorical questions that suggest he should not have to suffer.
Jeremiah's prayer reveals a key moment in his relationship with the Lord. Persecution had weakened him. Jeremiah might have started to think like the rebellious people of Judah.
Jeremiah shared his feelings with God about the unfair treatment he faced for delivering God's message. In response, God promised to protect and care for him.
Events
- Prophecies of Jeremiahc. 628 BC
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (Old Testament) Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah (Person) Prayer
Topics
Deserts: Phenomena of, Alluded to Mirage or Deceptive Appearance of Water Doubting: General Scriptures Concerning Wells: Flgurative without Water