King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 16:7 Mean?

Jeremiah 16:7 in the King James Version says “Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cu... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother. tear: or, break bread for them

Jeremiah 16:7 · King James Version


Context

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

6

Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:

7

Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother. tear: or, break bread for them

8

Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting, to sit with them to eat and to drink.

9

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
More mourning customs suspended: 'Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.' The 'cup of consolation' was likely ceremonial drink shared at funerals. These social comforts will cease. The phrase 'to comfort them for the dead' emphasizes mourning's consolatory function—now unavailable. Even parental death (father, mother) won't receive proper mourning. This depicts societal collapse: when traditional support structures fail, even grief cannot be properly processed. The absence of consolation illustrates judgment's comprehensive dismantling of normal life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient mourning rituals included communal meals and symbolic acts of solidarity with the bereaved. The prophecy envisions such devastation that these social supports collapse entirely.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the collapse of social mourning rituals teach about judgment's effects on community?
  2. How do traditional forms of consolation depend on stable social structures?
  3. What happens to a society when even grief cannot be properly acknowledged and processed?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִפְרְס֥וּ2 of 17

Neither shall men tear

H6536

to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute

לָהֶ֛ם3 of 17
H0
עַל4 of 17
H5921

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

אֵ֖בֶל5 of 17

themselves for them in mourning

H60

lamentation

לְנַחֲמ֣וֹ6 of 17

to comfort

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

עַל7 of 17
H5921

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

מֵ֑ת8 of 17

them for the dead

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְלֹֽא9 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַשְׁק֤וּ10 of 17

to drink

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

אוֹתָם֙11 of 17
H853

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

כּ֣וֹס12 of 17

neither shall men give them the cup

H3563

a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

תַּנְחוּמִ֔ים13 of 17

of consolation

H8575

compassion, solace

עַל14 of 17
H5921

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

אָבִ֖יו15 of 17

for their father

H1

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

וְעַל16 of 17
H5921

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

אִמּֽוֹ׃17 of 17

or for their mother

H517

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


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 16:7 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 16:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study