Jeremiah 14:17
Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow. Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.
This chapter stands among Jeremiah's messages warning of the people's sin and their impending punishment by Babylon. The command to speak this word expresses the prophet's deep grief over his people's desperate condition and the great breach and very grievous blow breaking them, coming upon them as a severe and devastating calamity that has struck them. The running down of his eyes with tears night and day without ceasing shows that his sorrow is unceasing in its depth and persistence, born of grief and sympathy for their devastation and suffering. The phrase night and day refers to both parts of a full day, showing that night is counted as part of the day. The verse thus calls attention to compassionate grief over the misfortunes of others.