Jeremiah 15:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
נִמְצְא֤וּ
were found
H4672
נִמְצְא֤וּ
were found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
1 of 16
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
דְבָֽרְיךָ֙
Thy words
H1697
דְבָֽרְיךָ֙
Thy words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וַיְהִ֤י
H1961
וַיְהִ֤י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבָֽרְיךָ֙
Thy words
H1697
דְבָֽרְיךָ֙
Thy words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וּלְשִׂמְחַ֣ת
and rejoicing
H8057
וּלְשִׂמְחַ֣ת
and rejoicing
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
8 of 16
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִקְרָ֤א
for I am called
H7121
נִקְרָ֤א
for I am called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
11 of 16
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שִׁמְךָ֙
by thy name
H8034
שִׁמְךָ֙
by thy name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
12 of 16
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
עָלַ֔י
H5921
עָלַ֔י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְהוָ֖ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Job 23:12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.Psalms 19:10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.Psalms 119:111Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.Psalms 119:97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.Psalms 119:72The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.Jeremiah 14:9Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'eating' God's words suggest about how Scripture should be received?
- How does remembering initial joy in calling provide strength during persecution?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.