King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 3:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 3:16 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall sa... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. come to mind: Heb. come upon the heart that: or, it be magnified

Jeremiah 3:16 · KJV


Context

14

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

15

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

16

And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. come to mind: Heb. come upon the heart that: or, it be magnified

17

At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart. imagination: or, stubbornness

18

In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers. with: or, to given: or, caused your fathers to possess


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 3:16 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 3:16, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah 3:16 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 3:16 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וְהָיָ֡ה1 of 27
H1961

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

כִּ֣י2 of 27
H3588

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

תִרְבּוּ֩3 of 27

And it shall come to pass when ye be multiplied

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וּפְרִיתֶ֨ם4 of 27

and increased

H6509

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

בָּאָ֜רֶץ5 of 27

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בַּיָּמִ֤ים6 of 27

in those days

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

הָהֵ֙מָּה֙7 of 27
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

נְאֻם8 of 27

saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

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

לֹא10 of 27
H3808

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

יֹ֣אמְרוּ11 of 27

they shall say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ע֗וֹד12 of 27
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֲרוֹן֙13 of 27

no more The ark

H727

a box

בְּרִית14 of 27

of the covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָ֔ה15 of 27

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְלֹ֥א16 of 27
H3808

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

יַעֲלֶ֖ה17 of 27

neither shall it come

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל18 of 27
H5921

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

לֵ֑ב19 of 27

to mind

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְלֹ֤א20 of 27
H3808

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

יִזְכְּרוּ21 of 27

neither shall they remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

בוֹ֙22 of 27
H0
וְלֹ֣א23 of 27
H3808

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

יִפְקֹ֔דוּ24 of 27

it neither shall they visit

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

וְלֹ֥א25 of 27
H3808

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

יֵעָשֶׂ֖ה26 of 27

it neither shall that be done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עֽוֹד׃27 of 27
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more


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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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