Jeremiah 30:6

6 Ask please and see whether a male can bear a child. Why [do] I see every strong man [with] his hands on his loins like a woman giving birth? And [why] are all [their] faces changed to paleness?

Jeremiah 30:6 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 30:6

Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child?
&c.] Look into the histories of former times, inquire of those most versed in them, whether ever there was such a thing in the world as that a man should travail with child; ask one and, another you see in distress, whether that is their case or not, which looks so much like it; and since there never was such an instance, nor is it possible that there should: wherefore do I see every man with his hands his loins, as a woman in
travail;
the usual posture of women in such a condition, trying hereby to abate their pain, and ease themselves. This metaphor is made use of, both to express the sharpness and shortness of this distress; as the pains of a woman in travail are very sharp, yet short, and, when over, quickly forgotten; and so it wilt be at this time; it will be a sharp trial of the church and people of God; but it will last but for a short time; and the joy and happy times that will follow will soon cause it to be forgotten: and all faces are turned into paleness?
at the departure of the blood, through fear and trembling. The Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions render it "the yellow jaundice"; their faces were of the colour of such persons that have that disease upon them; or, as others, the green sickness. Some render it, "the king's evil" ^F17.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 (Nwqryl) "in speciem morbi regii", Junius & Tremellius; "in morbum regium", Piscator.

Jeremiah 30:6 In-Context

4 Now these [are] the words that Yahweh spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah.

5 "For thus says Yahweh: 'We have heard a sound of trembling, terror, and there is no peace.

6 Ask please and see whether a male can bear a child. Why [do] I see every strong man [with] his hands on his loins like a woman giving birth? And [why] are all [their] faces changed to paleness?

7 Alas! For that day [is] great, {there is none like it}. And it [is] a time of distress for Jacob, yet from it he will be delivered.

8 And it will happen on that day,' {declares} Yahweh of hosts, 'I will break his yoke from your neck and your bonds I will tear to pieces. And strangers will no longer let him work as a slave.