Jeremiah 20:18

Jeremiah’s Complaint · Jeremiah 20:7–18
Read Jeremiah 20

Translations

Modern
Why did I come out of the womb to see only trouble and sorrow, and to end my days in shame?
Traditional
Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?
Literal
Why is this—that from the womb I came forth to see trouble and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?
Latin
Quare de vulva egressus sum, ut viderem laborem et dolorem, et consumerentur in confusione dies mei?

Original

Hebrew
English
Why did I come out of the womb to see only trouble and sorrow, and to end my days in shame?

Notes

Jeremiah felt his life had no purpose.

Jeremiah hoped for rescue, but he still faced harsh realities. Surprised by his persecution, he wished he were dead or had never been born (see Jeremiah 16:3–4; Job 3).

Theme notes and profiles

Complaints The Suffering Prophet

Events

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (Old Testament) Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah (Person) Prayer Psalms, Book of

Topics

Birthday: Cursed Jeremiah: The Prophet: His Melancholy and Complaints Against God, in Consequence of Persecution Life: (Sacredness of, an Inference from What is Taught in the Law Concerning Murder): Jeremiah Murmuring: Jeremiah