Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 8 - Verse 21

Jeremiah 8:21 speaks of the prophet's deep empathy and sorrow for the suffering of his people. By stating "For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt," Jeremiah is expressing his profound connection to the pain and anguish of the Israelites. The phrase "I am black" could be interpreted both literally, as a description of his physical appearance, or metaphorically, as a representation of his mourning and distress. The word "astonishment" conveys Jeremiah's shock and disbelief at the magnitude of the suffering he witnesses among his people. This verse highlights the prophet's role as a compassionate leader who shares in the struggles of his community and serves as a voice of empathy and solidarity during times of crisis.

In this verse, the speaker is expressing deep sorrow and anguish over the suffering of his people. The phrase "I am black" does not refer to the color of the speaker's skin, but rather symbolizes mourning and distress. In the Bible, the color black is often associated with sadness, despair, and mourning. The speaker is overwhelmed with astonishment and grief at the suffering of the daughter of his people. This verse highlights the deep empathy and solidarity that the speaker feels towards his community in their time of need. It serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and support for those who are hurting and in distress. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the emotional and spiritual significance of this verse, and how it relates to themes of suffering, empathy, and community in the larger context of the Bible.