Jeremiah 16:3
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;
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֣ה׀
H3541
כֹ֣ה׀
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבָּנִים֙
concerning the sons
H1121
הַבָּנִים֙
concerning the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבָּנ֔וֹת
and concerning the daughters
H1323
הַבָּנ֔וֹת
and concerning the daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
8 of 21
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
הַמּוֹלִדִ֥ים
that are born
H3205
הַמּוֹלִדִ֥ים
that are born
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
9 of 21
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
בַּמָּק֣וֹם
in this place
H4725
בַּמָּק֣וֹם
in this place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
10 of 21
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)
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וְעַֽל
H5921
וְעַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אִמֹּתָ֞ם
and concerning their mothers
H517
אִמֹּתָ֞ם
and concerning their mothers
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
13 of 21
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
הַמּוֹלִדִ֥ים
that are born
H3205
הַמּוֹלִדִ֥ים
that are born
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
14 of 21
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אוֹתָ֗ם
H853
אוֹתָ֗ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲבוֹתָ֛ם
them and concerning their fathers
H1
אֲבוֹתָ֛ם
them and concerning their fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
17 of 21
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
הַמּוֹלִדִ֥ים
that are born
H3205
הַמּוֹלִדִ֥ים
that are born
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
18 of 21
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אוֹתָ֖ם
H853
אוֹתָ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How should awareness of coming judgment affect decisions about marriage and family?
- What does God's concern for children's suffering teach about His compassion even in judgment?
- How do we balance normal life pursuits with eschatological awareness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.