Jeremiah 20:14

Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me never be blessed.

Study Bible

Cursed be the day
The Hebrew word for "cursed" is "אָרוּר" (arur), which conveys a strong denunciation or expression of deep regret. In the ancient Near Eastern context, curses were serious pronouncements that invoked divine disfavor. Jeremiah's use of this word reflects his profound anguish and despair. This is not a casual lament but a deep, heartfelt cry from a prophet who feels overwhelmed by the burden of his calling. The day of one's birth is typically a time of joy and celebration, yet Jeremiah's inversion of this sentiment underscores the depth of his suffering.

I was born
The act of being born is a significant event in biblical narratives, often associated with divine purpose and destiny. In Hebrew, "יָלַד" (yalad) is the root for "born," emphasizing the beginning of life. Jeremiah's lament here is not just about his physical birth but also about the life of hardship and persecution he has faced as a prophet. His birth, which should have been a blessing, feels like a curse due to the relentless opposition he encounters.

May the day
The repetition of "day" in this verse highlights the specific moment in time that Jeremiah wishes to erase. In biblical terms, a "day" can symbolize a period of divine action or intervention. Jeremiah's wish to nullify the day of his birth suggests a desire to escape the divine mission that has brought him so much pain. This reflects a common human struggle with accepting difficult callings or circumstances that seem overwhelming.

my mother bore me
The phrase "my mother bore me" uses the Hebrew root "יָלַד" (yalad) again, emphasizing the intimate and personal nature of birth. In ancient Israel, motherhood was revered, and the act of bearing a child was seen as a blessing from God. Jeremiah's lament, therefore, is not just a personal cry but also a cultural and theological paradox. He is questioning the very blessing of life that is celebrated in his culture, highlighting the depth of his internal conflict.

never be blessed
The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "בָּרוּךְ" (baruch), which is often used to invoke divine favor and prosperity. Jeremiah's wish that the day of his birth "never be blessed" is a stark reversal of the typical Jewish blessing. This reflects his profound sense of isolation and despair, feeling as though his life has brought more curse than blessing. In a broader theological context, this lament can be seen as a precursor to the hope of redemption, as it acknowledges the brokenness of the world and the need for divine intervention.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet who is expressing deep anguish and despair in this verse. He is known for his prophecies of judgment and his personal struggles with the burden of his calling.

2. The Day of Birth
This is a metaphorical reference to the day Jeremiah was born, which he curses due to his overwhelming suffering and the rejection he faces as a prophet.

3. Jeremiah's Mother
While not directly involved in the events of this verse, she is mentioned as the one who bore Jeremiah, highlighting the personal nature of his lament.

4. Jeremiah's Prophetic Ministry
The broader context of Jeremiah's life, marked by conflict, persecution, and the heavy burden of delivering God's messages to a rebellious people.

5. The City of Jerusalem
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Jerusalem is the primary setting of Jeremiah's ministry and the focus of many of his prophecies.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Despair
Even the most faithful servants of God can experience deep despair and anguish. This is a reminder that such feelings are part of the human experience and not necessarily a sign of weak faith.

The Burden of Prophetic Ministry
Jeremiah's lament underscores the heavy burden that comes with being a messenger of God, especially when the message is one of judgment and repentance.

The Importance of Lament
Lament is a biblical way to express grief and sorrow. It is a form of prayer that acknowledges pain while still turning to God.

Hope Beyond Despair
While Jeremiah curses the day of his birth, his life and writings also point to the hope and restoration that God promises. Believers are encouraged to look beyond their current suffering to the hope found in God.

Empathy and Support
Understanding Jeremiah's despair can help believers empathize with others who are suffering and offer support and encouragement.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's expression of despair in Jeremiah 20:14 compare to Job's lament in Job 3:1-3, and what can we learn from these expressions of anguish?

2. In what ways can the practice of lament, as seen in Jeremiah's life, be a healthy part of a believer's spiritual journey?

3. How does understanding the context of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry help us empathize with his feelings of despair?

4. What are some practical ways we can support others who are experiencing deep despair, drawing from Jeremiah's experience?

5. How can we find hope and encouragement in God's promises, even when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, as Jeremiah did?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Job 3:1-3
Job also curses the day of his birth, expressing similar feelings of despair and suffering. This connection highlights the theme of righteous individuals experiencing deep anguish.

Lamentations 3:1-20
Written by Jeremiah, this passage reflects his continued struggle with suffering and the feeling of being overwhelmed by his circumstances.

Psalm 22
David's lament in this psalm echoes the feelings of abandonment and despair, yet it transitions into trust in God, offering a model for moving from lament to hope.