Jeremiah 9:18 Meaning and Explanation
“And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The mourning women are called to lead grief so profound that it moves the entire community to tears.
The Context of Jeremiah 9:18
The mourning women are summoned to lead the people into collective lamentation.
What Does Jeremiah 9:18 Mean?
'Gush out with waters' recalls Jeremiah's own longing in verse 1 to be a fountain of tears. The collective tears of the nation in mourning over their loss will finally match the depth of sorrow Jeremiah has carried alone. The wailing of professionals is meant to crack open the hardened hearts of the people.
There is redemptive possibility in this command to mourn authentically. True grief over what is lost—including what is lost by departing from God—can open hearts to repentance and restoration. The mourning women call the people to feel, to acknowledge, to become human again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 9:18
What does Jeremiah 9:18 mean?
The mourning women are called to lead grief so profound that it moves the entire community to tears.
What is the context of Jeremiah 9:18?
The mourning women are summoned to lead the people into collective lamentation.