King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 16:3 Mean?

Jeremiah 16:3 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning the... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For thus saith the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land;

Jeremiah 16:3 · KJV


Context

1

The word of the LORD came also unto me, saying,

2

Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters in this place.

3

For thus saith the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land;

4

They shall die of grievous deaths; they shall not be lamented; neither shall they be buried; but they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth: and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their carcases shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.

5

For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the LORD, even lovingkindness and mercies. mourning: or, mourning feast


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The reason for the marriage prohibition: 'For thus saith the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land.' This introduces explanation for why Jeremiah shouldn't have children. The specificity ('sons,' 'daughters,' 'mothers,' 'fathers') emphasizes that all family relationships will be affected by coming judgment. The phrase 'in this place' and 'in this land' emphasizes localized judgment on Judah. Bringing children into such circumstances would be cruel. Jeremiah's celibacy thus demonstrated mercy—not subjecting children to coming horrors.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Parents during the Babylonian siege witnessed unspeakable horrors including starvation of children and familial cannibalism (Lamentations 4:10). Jeremiah's celibacy spared him this agony.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should awareness of coming judgment affect decisions about marriage and family?
  2. What does God's concern for children's suffering teach about His compassion even in judgment?
  3. How do we balance normal life pursuits with eschatological awareness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּי1 of 21
H3588

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

כֹ֣ה׀2 of 21
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר3 of 21

For thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 21

the LORD

H3068

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

עַל5 of 21
H5921

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

הַבָּנִים֙6 of 21

concerning the sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְעַל7 of 21
H5921

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

הַבָּנ֔וֹת8 of 21

and concerning the daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

הַמּוֹלִדִ֥ים9 of 21

that are born

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בַּמָּק֣וֹם10 of 21

in this place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֑ה11 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְעַֽל12 of 21
H5921

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

אִמֹּתָ֞ם13 of 21

and concerning their mothers

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

הַמּוֹלִדִ֥ים14 of 21

that are born

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אוֹתָ֗ם15 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְעַל16 of 21
H5921

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

אֲבוֹתָ֛ם17 of 21

them and concerning their fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הַמּוֹלִדִ֥ים18 of 21

that are born

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אוֹתָ֖ם19 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּאָ֥רֶץ20 of 21

them in this land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַזֹּֽאת׃21 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)


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 16:3 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 16:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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