For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.
Since I spake, I cried out - rather, 'Whenever I speak I cry out.' 'Concerning violence and spoil I (am compelled to) cry out' - i:e., complain (Maurer). The English version in the last clause is more graphic, "I cried violence and spoil" (Jeremiah 6:7). I could not speak in a calm tone; their desperate wickedness compelled me "cry out."
Because - rather, therefore; the apodosis of the previous sentence; because, in discharging my prophetic functions, I not merely spake, but cried; and cried violence, etc.; therefore the word of the Lord was made a reproach to me (Jeremiah 20:7).