Jeremiah 15:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy words {H1697} were found {H4672}, and I did eat {H398} them; and thy word {H1697} was unto me the joy {H8342} and rejoicing {H8057} of mine heart {H3824}: for I am called {H7121} by thy name {H8034}, O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When I found your words, I devoured them; your words made me glad, they gave me joy; because, ADONAI-Tzva'ot, you had me bear your name.

Berean Standard Bible

Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.

American Standard Version

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy words were unto me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Jehovah, God of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 15:16 is a profound declaration from the prophet Jeremiah, expressing the deep personal satisfaction and spiritual nourishment he found in God's revealed word, even amidst his difficult prophetic ministry. It highlights the intimate connection between internalizing divine truth and experiencing profound joy, affirming his identity and calling as one uniquely consecrated by the LORD God of hosts. This verse stands as a testament to the sustaining power of God's word, particularly in times of personal and national distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 15:16 is situated within a section of Jeremiah's personal laments and dialogues with God, often referred to as "confessions" (Jeremiah 11-20). Immediately preceding this verse, Jeremiah expresses his profound distress and isolation due to the rejection of his prophetic message and the suffering it has brought him (Jeremiah 15:10-11). He laments his birth and the burden of his calling. This verse, therefore, serves as a poignant counterpoint, recalling an earlier, perhaps purer, joy and commitment to God's word before the full weight of his suffering bore down. It sets the stage for God's subsequent response, which both affirms Jeremiah's calling and challenges him to purify his heart further (Jeremiah 15:19-21).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah, culminating in the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The nation was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and political instability, facing imminent judgment from Babylon. Prophets like Jeremiah were often marginalized, persecuted, and viewed as traitors for delivering unpopular messages of repentance and impending doom. In such a climate, the prophet's personal relationship with God and the divine word became his sole anchor and source of strength, as external circumstances offered no comfort or affirmation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. It underscores the theme of **divine revelation** as essential for spiritual life, portraying God's word not merely as information but as vital sustenance. It also highlights the **personal cost of prophecy** and the **prophet's intimate relationship with God**, contrasting the initial joy of receiving the word with the later anguish of delivering it. The declaration "I am called by thy name" emphasizes **divine election and identity**, a recurring motif for God's chosen servants and Israel as a whole, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:10](/deuteronomy/28-10 "Deuteronomy 28:10 - Israel Called by God's Name") and [Isaiah 43:7](/isaiah/43-7 "Isaiah 43:7 - Called by My Name"). Furthermore, the verse prefigures the **transformative power of God's word** to bring joy and reshape the heart, a concept echoed throughout the Psalms, especially [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - Delight in God's Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) is far more expansive than just "spoken utterance." It encompasses a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," "deed," "report," or "message." In Jeremiah 15:16, it refers to the entirety of God's revealed communication to the prophet—His commands, prophecies, and truths. The plural "words" suggests the cumulative body of revelation Jeremiah had received, while the singular "word" later in the verse emphasizes the unified essence and impact of that revelation.
* **Eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** The verb (H398) literally means "to eat" or "to consume." Here, it is used metaphorically to describe the profound act of internalizing and assimilating God's word. It implies not just intellectual understanding, but a deep, personal absorption of divine truth, making it a part of one's very being, much like food becomes part of the body. This imagery conveys a sense of nourishment, satisfaction, and vital sustenance derived from the word.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** This noun (H3824) refers to the innermost organ, the core of a person's being. In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and conscience. When Jeremiah declares that God's word was "the joy and rejoicing of mine heart," he is expressing a profound, holistic delight that permeated his entire inner self, not merely a superficial happiness. It signifies a deep, spiritual contentment and alignment with God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy words were found, and I did eat them":** This clause describes the initial, transformative encounter Jeremiah had with God's revelation. "Found" suggests a discovery or reception of something precious and perhaps previously unknown or not fully apprehended. "Did eat them" is a powerful metaphor for the prophet's complete and eager internalization of these divine truths, embracing them as essential spiritual nourishment.
* **"and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart":** This phrase expresses the profound emotional and spiritual impact of God's word on Jeremiah. The internalization of the word resulted in deep inner delight and exultation. This joy was not circumstantial but stemmed directly from his communion with God through His revelation, satisfying the deepest longings of his being.
* **"for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts":** This final clause provides the foundational reason for Jeremiah's profound experience. His identity and purpose are inextricably linked to God. To be "called by thy name" signifies belonging, divine ownership, and a sacred commission. The title "LORD God of hosts" (Yahweh Elohim Tzeva'ot) emphasizes God's sovereign power and authority over all creation, reinforcing the weight and truth of His word and the legitimacy of Jeremiah's prophetic calling.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 15:16 is rich in literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "Thy words were found, and I did eat them." Here, God's words are likened to food, emphasizing their role as vital spiritual sustenance and the necessity of their complete internalization for nourishment. This **Sensory Imagery** of eating makes the abstract concept of divine revelation tangible and visceral. The verse also employs **Personification**, attributing the capacity to bring "joy and rejoicing" to God's word, suggesting an active, life-giving quality inherent in the divine utterance. Furthermore, the use of the divine title "O LORD God of hosts" is a form of **Appellation** or **Theological Naming**, which serves to underscore the supreme authority and omnipotence of the God who speaks, lending immense weight to the words received by Jeremiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 15:16 stands as a powerful testament to the life-giving and joy-producing nature of God's word. Theologically, it affirms the concept of divine revelation as both authoritative and personally transformative. It highlights that true spiritual sustenance comes not from human wisdom or worldly pursuits, but from the diligent reception and internalization of God's truth. This profound joy, rooted in God's word and one's identity in Him, serves as an anchor amidst suffering and opposition, demonstrating that inner peace and delight can transcend external circumstances. The prophet's experience foreshadows the New Covenant promise of God's law being written on the heart, leading to an intimate knowledge of God and a joy found in His presence.

* [Psalm 119:103](/psalms/119-103 "Psalm 119:103 - How sweet are your words to my taste!")
* [Ezekiel 3:3](/ezekiel/3-3 "Ezekiel 3:3 - Eating the scroll and finding it sweet as honey")
* [Revelation 10:9-10](/revelation/10-9 "Revelation 10:9-10 - John eats the little scroll")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's experience in this verse offers timeless principles for believers today. In a world saturated with fleeting pleasures and superficial information, the prophet reminds us that genuine, lasting joy and spiritual vitality are found in the intentional and deep engagement with God's word. To "eat" God's words means to meditate on them, to allow them to permeate our thoughts, emotions, and actions, making them an integral part of who we are. This process transforms our hearts, anchoring us in divine truth and providing an unshakeable source of joy, even when circumstances are challenging. Our identity, like Jeremiah's, is ultimately found in being "called by His name," signifying our belonging to Him through Christ. This divine ownership grants us purpose, security, and the authority to live out our faith with confidence, knowing that the God of hosts is with us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I "eat" God's word, truly internalizing it beyond mere reading?**
* **How does God's word bring me joy and rejoicing, even amidst personal difficulties or societal pressures?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "called by God's name" in my daily life, and how does that identity shape my actions and perspective?**

### FAQ
**How can God's word be "eaten" in a practical sense today?**

Answer: To "eat" God's word metaphorically means to thoroughly consume, internalize, and assimilate its truths into one's being. Practically, this involves more than just casual reading. It includes diligent study, meditation (mulling over passages), memorization, and prayerful application of Scripture to one's life. It's about allowing the word to nourish your spirit, shape your thoughts, transform your desires, and guide your actions, much like physical food becomes part of your body and provides sustenance. This deep engagement allows the word to become a living, active force within you, as described in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word").

**What is the significance of being "called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a profound relationship of belonging, ownership, and divine commission. For Jeremiah, it established his identity and authority as a prophet directly from God. For believers today, being "called by God's name" means we are His adopted children through faith in Jesus Christ. It implies a covenant relationship where God's character and purposes are associated with us. The title "LORD God of hosts" (Yahweh Elohim Tzeva'ot) emphasizes God's supreme power and authority over all creation, reinforcing that the one who calls us is omnipotent and sovereign. This identity provides a foundation for our purpose, security, and confidence in living out our faith, knowing we belong to the Almighty. This concept is central to the New Testament understanding of believers as God's people, as seen in [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 15:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jeremiah's experience of finding joy and sustenance in the written word foreshadows the coming of the Living Word, Jesus Christ, through whom all of God's revelation is perfectly embodied. Just as Jeremiah "ate" the words of God, believers today are called to spiritually "consume" Christ, who is the "bread of life" (as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Our spiritual nourishment and eternal life come from Him, not merely from intellectual assent to doctrines. The joy Jeremiah found in God's word is fully realized in the joy of salvation and the indwelling Holy Spirit, which Christ provides (see [John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - My Joy May Be in You")). Furthermore, Jeremiah's identity as one "called by thy name" points to the new identity of believers in Christ. Through faith, we are adopted into God's family, receiving a new name and becoming children of God (as promised in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Power to Become Children of God")). Our belonging to the "LORD God of hosts" is secured by Christ's atoning work, making us co-heirs with Him and granting us access to the very presence of God (see [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, Jeremiah's personal encounter with God's sustaining word is a beautiful prefigurement of the complete and abundant life found in Christ, the Word made flesh.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 10:9

And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take [it], and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

Revelation 10:10

And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

Ezekiel 3:1

¶ Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 3:3

And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat [it]; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.

Psalms 119:101

¶ I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

Psalms 119:103

¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!

Job 23:12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].