Jeremiah 14:17 – “Speak this word to them: ‘Let my eyes overflow with tears night and day without ceasing; for the Virgin Daughter, my people, has suffered a grievous wound, a crushing blow.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Jeremiah 14:17 conveys the deep sorrow God feels over the suffering of His people, Judah. God commands Jeremiah to speak a word of lament, expressing unending grief over the nation’s destruction. The phrase “Virgin Daughter, my people” reflects God’s tender love for Judah, portraying them as vulnerable and precious, yet now deeply wounded by their rebellion and the resulting judgment.
The “grievous wound” and “crushing blow” describe not just physical suffering but the spiritual and emotional toll of their sin. God’s heart breaks over their condition because He desires their restoration. The overflowing tears symbolize the depth of divine sorrow, showing that judgment is not something God delights in but is a necessary consequence of their persistent disobedience.
Historical Context
Jeremiah prophesied during the final years of Judah before the Babylonian exile. The nation was experiencing severe hardships due to their rejection of God’s covenant, including drought, famine, and the looming threat of conquest. Despite repeated warnings through prophets like Jeremiah, the people refused to repent.
The image of “Virgin Daughter” emphasizes Judah’s identity as God’s chosen people, set apart for Him. Their current state—wounded and crushed—is a direct result of their abandonment of that identity by turning to idolatry and injustice. The grief expressed in this verse mirrors the reality of their downfall, a tragedy caused by their own choices.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the compassionate heart of God, even in the midst of judgment. God is not indifferent to His people’s suffering. He grieves over their pain, showing that His discipline is not punitive but redemptive. His tears reflect His longing for their repentance and restoration.
At the same time, the verse underscores the seriousness of sin. The “grievous wound” is not a random occurrence but the direct result of Judah’s rebellion. Sin brings real and devastating consequences, not just for individuals but for entire communities.
Literary Analysis
The language in Jeremiah 14:17 is poetic and emotional, using vivid imagery to convey sorrow. The phrase “Let my eyes overflow with tears” creates a picture of unending grief, while “night and day without ceasing” emphasizes the intensity and continuity of the lament.
The metaphor of “Virgin Daughter” juxtaposes purity and innocence with the tragic reality of Judah’s fallen state. This contrast deepens the emotional weight of the verse, highlighting the distance between what Judah was called to be and what they have become.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Lamentations 1:16: Another expression of weeping over the destruction of Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 22:4: A lament over the devastation of God’s people.
- Hosea 11:8-9: God’s heart of compassion and reluctance to bring judgment on His people.
- Luke 19:41-44: Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, foreseeing its destruction.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, Jeremiah 14:17 is a reminder of God’s deep love and compassion, even in the face of judgment. It challenges us to consider how our actions affect our relationship with God and how sin wounds not only ourselves but also the heart of God.
This verse also calls us to weep over the brokenness of the world around us. Like Jeremiah, believers are called to share God’s sorrow for sin and its consequences and to pray for the restoration of those who are far from Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s overflowing tears in this verse reveal the depth of His love for His people. He does not take pleasure in their suffering but grieves over their pain and rebellion. His sorrow is a reflection of His desire for their repentance and return to Him.
This verse shows that God’s love is not passive; it is active and engaged. Even when His people turn away, His heart remains tender toward them, longing for their restoration.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jeremiah 14:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God’s compassion and sorrow over sin. In Luke 19:41-44, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, knowing the judgment they would face for rejecting Him. His tears reflect the same heart of love and grief seen in Jeremiah.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the ultimate solution for the “grievous wound” of sin. He takes the crushing blow upon Himself (Isaiah 53:5) so that we can be healed and restored to a right relationship with God. Jesus’ sacrifice assures us that God’s tears are not the end of the story—redemption and restoration are possible for all who turn to Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to reflect on the seriousness of sin in your own life?
- What does God’s grief over Judah’s suffering teach you about His character?
- How can you share God’s sorrow for the brokenness of the world around you?
- In what ways does Jesus’ sacrifice provide healing for the “grievous wound” of sin?
- How can you respond to God’s love and compassion in your daily walk with Him?
Jeremiah 14:17 reveals the tender heart of God, grieving over the consequences of sin while longing for the restoration of His people. It invites us to trust in His love, turn away from sin, and embrace the healing and hope found in Jesus Christ.