Jeremiah 17:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אַ֣צְתִּי׀
As for me I have not hastened
H213
אַ֣צְתִּי׀
As for me I have not hastened
Strong's:
H213
Word #:
3 of 16
to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw
מֵרֹעֶ֣ה
from being a pastor
H7462
מֵרֹעֶ֣ה
from being a pastor
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
4 of 16
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
אַחֲרֶ֗יךָ
to follow
H310
אַחֲרֶ֗יךָ
to follow
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְי֥וֹם
day
H3117
וְי֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 16
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
אָנ֛וּשׁ
the woeful
H605
אָנ֛וּשׁ
the woeful
Strong's:
H605
Word #:
7 of 16
to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדָ֑עְתָּ
thou knowest
H3045
יָדָ֑עְתָּ
thou knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
11 of 16
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מוֹצָ֣א
that which came out
H4161
מוֹצָ֣א
that which came out
Strong's:
H4161
Word #:
12 of 16
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
שְׂפָתַ֔י
of my lips
H8193
שְׂפָתַ֔י
of my lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
13 of 16
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
נֹ֥כַח
was right before
H5227
נֹ֥כַח
was right before
Strong's:
H5227
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance speaking difficult truths with maintaining pastoral compassion for those who need to hear them?
- What motivates your witness—genuine concern for others' spiritual welfare or satisfaction in being proved right?
- In what ways does Christ exemplify the perfect combination of truth-telling and compassionate love?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.