Jeremiah 20:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah curses the messenger who announced his birth to his father, which brought him joy.
The Context of Jeremiah 20:15
Jeremiah extends the curse to include the messenger who announced his birth to his father.
What Does Jeremiah 20:15 Mean?
The curse narrows from the day of birth to the specific moment when news of his birth reached his father. In the biblical world, the announcement of a male child brought honor and joy to a family. But from Jeremiah's vantage point of suffering, that joy was misplaced, that announcement a herald of all the pain that was to follow. Every strand of family happiness tied to his birth is now viewed as a tragedy.
This verse intensifies the emotional desperation. Jeremiah does not merely regret his existence abstractly—he curses the concrete human moment when others rejoiced at his coming. He is unmaking, in speech, the celebration that accompanied his arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 20:15
What does Jeremiah 20:15 mean?
Jeremiah curses the messenger who announced his birth to his father, which brought him joy.
What is the context of Jeremiah 20:15?
Jeremiah extends the curse to include the messenger who announced his birth to his father.