Jeremiah 6:24

Jeremiah 6:24 Meaning and Explanation

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

At news of the invaders, the people lose courage and are gripped by anguish like birth pangs.

The Context of Jeremiah 6:24

Terror precedes and ensures the fall of the city.

What Does Jeremiah 6:24 Mean?

The fame of the northern people has reached Judah before the armies arrive. This is the psychological precursor to physical defeat: fear and dread weaken resolve. Our hands wax feeble describes the loss of strength and will to resist.

Pain as of a woman in travail (labor) conveys acute, inescapable suffering. The people are gripped by existential dread. No escape appears possible; no relief comes. The comparison to birth pangs is ironic—the pain produces not new life but destruction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 6:24

What does Jeremiah 6:24 mean?

At news of the invaders, the people lose courage and are gripped by anguish like birth pangs.

What is the context of Jeremiah 6:24?

Terror precedes and ensures the fall of the city.

Keep Studying Jeremiah 6

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.