King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:16 in the King James Version says “As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee. to: Heb. after thee

Jeremiah 17:16 · KJV


Context

14

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

15

Behold, they say unto me, Where is the word of the LORD? let it come now.

16

As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee. to: Heb. after thee

17

Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil.

18

Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction. destroy: Heb. break them with a double breach


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah defends his prophetic integrity against accusation that he desired the judgment he proclaimed. "I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee" indicates his reluctance—he didn't eagerly pursue the prophet's role or rush to pronounce doom. The Hebrew ro'eh (רֹעֶה, pastor/shepherd) emphasizes his pastoral concern for the flock, even while announcing judgment.

"Neither have I desired the woeful day" proves Jeremiah's heart aligned with God's—not delighting in judgment but grieving over its necessity (cf. Ezek 18:23, 33:11). True prophets never relish pronouncing doom; they share God's heart that longs for repentance. "Thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee" appeals to divine omniscience—God knows Jeremiah's motives and the faithfulness of his message.

This verse models faithful ministry that balances truth-telling with compassion. Reformed pastors must proclaim both law and gospel without softening hard truths, yet never with vindictive pleasure in others' judgment. Like Jeremiah, Christ wept over Jerusalem while pronouncing its doom (Luke 19:41-44). Authentic ministry combines unflinching truth with pastoral love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

False prophets distinguished themselves by popular, comfortable messages that pleased their audiences (Mic 2:11, Jer 5:31). Jeremiah's unpopular message of certain judgment made him suspect—people assumed he hated his nation or desired its downfall. His emotional anguish over Judah's condition is evident throughout his prophecies (Jer 4:19-21, 8:18-9:1, 13:17), demonstrating his pastoral heart despite his stern warnings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance speaking difficult truths with maintaining pastoral compassion for those who need to hear them?
  2. What motivates your witness—genuine concern for others' spiritual welfare or satisfaction in being proved right?
  3. In what ways does Christ exemplify the perfect combination of truth-telling and compassionate love?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַאֲנִ֞י1 of 16
H589

i

לֹא2 of 16
H3808

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

אַ֣צְתִּי׀3 of 16

As for me I have not hastened

H213

to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw

מֵרֹעֶ֣ה4 of 16

from being a pastor

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

אַחֲרֶ֗יךָ5 of 16

to follow

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְי֥וֹם6 of 16

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אָנ֛וּשׁ7 of 16

the woeful

H605

to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy

לֹ֥א8 of 16
H3808

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

הִתְאַוֵּ֖יתִי9 of 16

thee neither have I desired

H183

to wish for

אַתָּ֣ה10 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יָדָ֑עְתָּ11 of 16

thou knowest

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מוֹצָ֣א12 of 16

that which came out

H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

שְׂפָתַ֔י13 of 16

of my lips

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

נֹ֥כַח14 of 16

was right before

H5227

properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of

פָּנֶ֖יךָ15 of 16

thee

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָיָֽה׃16 of 16
H1961

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


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 17:16 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 17:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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