Jeremiah 16:8
Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting, to sit with them to eat and to drink.
Original Language Analysis
וּבֵית
into the house
H1004
וּבֵית
into the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
1 of 8
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה
of feasting
H4960
מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה
of feasting
Strong's:
H4960
Word #:
2 of 8
drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָב֖וֹא
Thou shalt not also go
H935
תָב֖וֹא
Thou shalt not also go
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 8
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לָשֶׁ֣בֶת
to sit
H3427
לָשֶׁ֣בֶת
to sit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אוֹתָ֑ם
H854
אוֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Cross References
Jeremiah 15:17I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.Psalms 26:4I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.1 Corinthians 5:11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.Matthew 24:38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Historical Context
Feasts and communal meals were central to ancient Israelite social and religious life. Jeremiah's absence from these would have marked him as separate and provoked questions about God's relationship to the people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does abstention from both mourning and feasting communicate theological truth?
- What does Jeremiah's social isolation teach about the cost of prophetic ministry?
- How should awareness of coming judgment affect participation in normal social celebrations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Prohibition from joyful gatherings: 'Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting, to sit with them to eat and to drink.' Jeremiah must avoid both mourning and celebration. His absence from feasting symbolizes the cessation of joy under coming judgment. This sign-act demonstrates that normal life—both its sorrows and joys—will be disrupted. The prophet's lifestyle becomes a living sermon: neither mourn (because God has withdrawn comfort) nor feast (because joy will cease). This comprehensive abstention from social life illustrates that God's judgment affects every dimension of existence, not just religious observance.