Jeremiah 8:21 Meaning and Explanation
“For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah grieves deeply with Jerusalem, darkened by shock at the coming judgment.
The Context of Jeremiah 8:21
Jeremiah's profound grief, identifying with Jerusalem's suffering.
What Does Jeremiah 8:21 Mean?
The prophet identifies completely with his people's pain: 'For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt.' This is not clinical prophecy but wounded empathy. Jeremiah doesn't stand apart announcing judgment; he stands within it, sharing the sorrow.
His own darkness—'I am black'—and astonishment show a man undone by what he foresees. This is the cost of bearing God's word to a rebellious people: the truth breaks the messenger's heart. Yet he continues to speak because love compels him to warn, even when warning goes unheeded.
Jeremiah 8:21 in the Original Language
kahah (קָהָה), 'black'—darkened, dim, as if covered by shadow or mourning garments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 8:21
What does Jeremiah 8:21 mean?
Jeremiah grieves deeply with Jerusalem, darkened by shock at the coming judgment.
What is the context of Jeremiah 8:21?
Jeremiah's profound grief, identifying with Jerusalem's suffering.