Jeremiah 20:17

because he did not kill me in the womb so that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb forever enlarged.

Study Bible

For he did not kill me in the womb
This phrase reflects Jeremiah's deep anguish and despair. The Hebrew word for "kill" here is "הָרַג" (harag), which conveys a sense of being slain or destroyed. Jeremiah is lamenting his birth, expressing a wish that he had never been born. This sentiment echoes the profound suffering and rejection he faced as a prophet. In the historical context, Jeremiah's ministry was marked by persecution and hardship, as he delivered messages of impending judgment to a rebellious nation. His lament is reminiscent of Job's similar expressions of despair (Job 3:11), highlighting the intense emotional and spiritual struggles faced by those called to deliver God's messages in times of national apostasy.

that my mother might have been my grave
The imagery of the womb as a grave is stark and poignant. The Hebrew word for "grave" is "קֶבֶר" (qeber), which signifies a burial place. Jeremiah is expressing a wish that his life had ended before it began, that the place of life (the womb) would have been his final resting place. This reflects the depth of his sorrow and the burden of his prophetic calling. In a broader scriptural context, this lament can be seen as a reflection of the human condition under sin, where life is often marked by suffering and the shadow of death. Yet, it also points to the hope of redemption and resurrection, where the grave is not the end for those who trust in God.

and her womb forever enlarged
The phrase "forever enlarged" uses the Hebrew word "הַרְחָבָה" (harchavah), which means to be made wide or spacious. Jeremiah is poetically expressing a desire that his mother's womb would have been his eternal resting place, never giving birth. This hyperbolic language underscores the intensity of his lament. Historically, Jeremiah's life was one of relentless opposition and sorrow, as he witnessed the decline of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem. His lament is a cry from the depths of despair, yet it also serves as a reminder of the cost of faithfulness to God's calling. In the broader biblical narrative, such expressions of lament are not without hope, as they ultimately point to God's promise of restoration and new life beyond the grave.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet who is expressing his deep anguish and despair in this passage. Known for his role as a prophet during a tumultuous time in Judah's history, he often faced persecution and rejection.

2. The Womb
Symbolically represents the place of life and potential, yet here it is depicted as a place of death and despair in Jeremiah's lament.

3. Jeremiah's Mother
While not named, she is referenced as part of Jeremiah's lament, symbolizing the source of life that could have been his grave.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jeremiah prophesied. The nation was facing impending judgment and exile due to its disobedience to God.

5. God
The ultimate authority in Jeremiah's life, who called him to be a prophet and whose plans and purposes are central to the account.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Despair
Jeremiah's words remind us that even the most faithful servants of God can experience deep despair and anguish. It is important to acknowledge and address these feelings rather than suppress them.

The Sanctity of Life
Despite Jeremiah's lament, the passage indirectly affirms the value and sanctity of life, as it reflects the deep struggle and significance of existence.

God's Sovereignty and Purpose
Even in moments of despair, believers are encouraged to trust in God's overarching plan and purpose for their lives, as seen throughout Scripture.

The Power of Lament
Lament is a biblical way to process pain and suffering. It allows believers to bring their deepest emotions before God, trusting in His understanding and compassion.

Hope Beyond Despair
While Jeremiah expresses a wish for death, the broader account of Scripture points to hope and redemption, encouraging believers to seek God's presence and promises in times of trouble.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's expression of despair in this verse reflect the broader context of his prophetic ministry and the challenges he faced?

2. In what ways can we relate to Jeremiah's feelings of despair, and how can we find comfort in God's Word during such times?

3. How does the concept of the womb as both a place of life and potential death challenge or affirm your understanding of the sanctity of life?

4. What other biblical figures experienced similar moments of despair, and how did they find hope and restoration in God?

5. How can the practice of lament, as seen in Jeremiah's life, be a healthy and biblical way to process our own struggles and emotions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Job's Lament
Similar to Jeremiah, Job also laments his birth and wishes he had never been born, highlighting the depth of human suffering and despair.

Psalm 139
Contrasts Jeremiah's lament by celebrating God's intimate knowledge and care for us even in the womb, emphasizing God's sovereignty and purpose.

Isaiah 49
Speaks of God's calling and purpose for individuals even from the womb, offering a perspective of hope and divine purpose.