Jeremiah 22:23 Meaning and Explanation
“O inhabitant of Lebanon, that makest thy nest in the cedars, how gracious shalt thou be when pangs come upon thee, the pain as of a woman in travail!”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The king, dwelling in cedar luxury, will face acute suffering comparable to childbirth pangs.
The Context of Jeremiah 22:23
The king's luxury will provide no protection against overwhelming suffering.
What Does Jeremiah 22:23 Mean?
The address to the 'inhabitant of Lebanon' refers back to the king in his cedar palace (verse 6, 14). The rhetorical question 'how gracious shalt thou be when pangs come' is deeply ironic: the king will not appear gracious or noble when suffering arrives, but will writhe in agony. The comparison to labor pains emphasizes acute, inescapable, repeated waves of distress.
The intensity of suffering is emphasized by the labor metaphor—one of the most acute human experiences. There is no escape from pangs; they come relentlessly until the crisis is resolved.
Jeremiah 22:23 in the Original Language
ybalal (יְבַלֵּל), 'gracious'—also can mean 'compassionate'; used ironically to suggest the king will show no composure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 22:23
What does Jeremiah 22:23 mean?
The king, dwelling in cedar luxury, will face acute suffering comparable to childbirth pangs.
What is the context of Jeremiah 22:23?
The king's luxury will provide no protection against overwhelming suffering.