Discovery BoxJeremiah 4:31 
Context4:31 In fact, 1 I hear a cry like that of a woman in labor,
a cry of anguish like that of a woman giving birth to her first baby.
It is the cry of Daughter Zion 2 gasping for breath,
reaching out for help, 3 saying, “I am done in! 4
My life is ebbing away before these murderers!”
Jeremiah 6:23
Context6:23 Its soldiers are armed with bows and spears.
They are cruel and show no mercy.
They sound like the roaring sea
as they ride forth on their horses.
Lined up in formation like men going into battle
to attack you, Daughter Zion.’” 5
1 tn The particle כִּי (ki) is more likely asseverative here than causal.
2 sn Jerusalem is personified as a helpless maiden.
3 tn Heb “spreading out her hands.” The idea of asking or pleading for help is implicit in the figure.
4 tn Heb “Woe, now to me!” See the translator’s note on 4:13 for the usage of “Woe to…”
5 sn Jerualem is personified as a young maiden helpless before enemy attackers.
