Jeremiah 4:31
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.
Context
This verse from Jeremiah Chapter 4 connects to 10 cross-references. Jeremiah calls Israel to circumcise their hearts and not their foreskins. A trumpet signals danger from the north and Jeremiah describes the approach of the destroyer. In a devastating vision he sees chaos reverting to formless void — creation undone …
Other Translations
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that gaspeth for breath, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul fainteth before the murderers.
For a voice as of a sick woman I have heard, Distress, as of one bringing forth a first-born, The voice of the daughter of Zion, She bewaileth herself, she spreadeth out her hands, `Woe to me now, for weary is my soul of slayers!'
A voice has come to my ears like the voice of a woman in birth-pains, the pain of one giving birth to her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, fighting for breath, stretching out her hands, saying, Now sorrow is mine! for my strength is gone from me before the takers of life.
Cross References
I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a …
Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that …
And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a …
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I …
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, …
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with …
The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, …
Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken …
Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day …
Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men’s hearts in Moab at that day shall …