Book Quote by Christopher J. H. Wright
“What is so striking in the book of Jeremiah is how many times it is impossible to distinguish between the words of Jeremiah and the words of God, when deep feelings are being expressed. That is probably intentional. The prophet not only speaks what God says, he also feels what God feels. The tears of the prophet are the tears of God.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Jeremiah (Biblical Book), attributed to the Prophet Jeremiah, 7th century BCE
The quote highlights the deep emotional overlap between the prophet Jeremiah and God, suggesting that Jeremiah's feelings mirror divine feelings, blurring the line between human and divine expression.
In simple terms: Jeremiah feels what God feels, making their words hard to separate.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that emotions can convey spiritual truth.
Themes
prophecy
emotion
divine-human connection
interpretation
faith
Mood
reflective
reverent
Type
theological
interpretive
inspirational
When to use this quote
- preaching
- personal prayer
- counseling
- academic study of scripture
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate your own emotions from perceived divine feelings?
- What role does empathy play in interpreting sacred texts?
A Different Perspective
The emotional intensity may be read as rhetorical, not literal, limiting its theological precision.
