King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 15:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 15:16 in the King James Version says “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. I am: Heb. thy name is called upon me

Jeremiah 15:16 · KJV


Context

14

And I will make thee to pass with thine enemies into a land which thou knowest not: for a fire is kindled in mine anger, which shall burn upon you.

15

O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering : know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

16

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. I am: Heb. thy name is called upon me

17

I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

18

Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail? fail: Heb. be not sure?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the joy of receiving God's word: 'Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.' The Hebrew matsa (מָצָא, found) and akal (אָכַל, eat) picture discovering and consuming Scripture as nourishment. 'Joy' (sason) and 'rejoicing' (simchah) of heart describes the initial delight of divine revelation. 'For I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.' Being 'called by thy name' (niqra shimkha alai) indicates identification, belonging, ownership—Jeremiah bears God's name as His prophet. Despite suffering, the prophet recalls his calling's joy. This verse grounds the lament in genuine relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The image of eating God's words appears also in Ezekiel 2:8-3:3 and Revelation 10:9-10. The discovery and eating of the Torah during Josiah's reform (2 Kings 22-23) may form background for Jeremiah's experience. The prophet's calling brought initial joy that persecution tested but couldn't destroy. Being 'called by God's name' established identity that suffering couldn't erase.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'eating' God's words suggest about how Scripture should be received?
  2. How does remembering initial joy in calling provide strength during persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
נִמְצְא֤וּ1 of 16

were found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

דְבָֽרְיךָ֙2 of 16

Thy words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וָאֹ֣כְלֵ֔ם3 of 16

and I did eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיְהִ֤י4 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבָֽרְיךָ֙5 of 16

Thy words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

לִ֔י6 of 16
H0
לְשָׂשׂ֖וֹן7 of 16

was unto me the joy

H8342

cheerfulness; specifically, welcome

וּלְשִׂמְחַ֣ת8 of 16

and rejoicing

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

לְבָבִ֑י9 of 16

of mine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

כִּֽי10 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִקְרָ֤א11 of 16

for I am called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שִׁמְךָ֙12 of 16

by thy name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עָלַ֔י13 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 16

O LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֥י15 of 16

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

צְבָאֽוֹת׃16 of 16

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 15:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 15:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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