Jeremiah 16:1

¶ The word of the LORD came also unto me, saying,

The word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came also unto me, saying {H559},

This word of ADONAI came to me:

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

The word of Jehovah came also unto me, saying,

Commentary

Jeremiah 16:1 (KJV) serves as a foundational verse, introducing a significant block of divine revelation concerning Judah's impending judgment and the prophet Jeremiah's unique role and lifestyle as a sign to the people. This verse underscores the divine origin of the messages that follow, establishing their authority and importance.

Context

Jeremiah 16:1 anchors the prophecies that follow in divine authority, setting the stage for one of the most somber and detailed pronouncements of judgment in the entire book. The prophet Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, from the late 7th to early 6th century BCE, leading up to the devastating Babylonian exile. Chapters leading up to this verse have detailed Judah's persistent idolatry and moral decay. Chapter 16 specifically outlines severe consequences for their disobedience and places unusual personal restrictions on Jeremiah, making his life a living sermon.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Revelation: The opening phrase, "The word of the LORD came also unto me," immediately establishes that the subsequent messages are not Jeremiah's personal opinions but direct communications from God. This highlights the absolute authority and infallibility of the divine message.
  • Prophetic Commission: This verse reaffirms Jeremiah's prophetic commission, reminding both him and his audience that he is God's chosen messenger. It emphasizes that God actively intervenes in human history and communicates His will to His servants, as seen in Amos 3:7.
  • Imminent Judgment: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the introductory nature of "The word of the LORD came... saying" sets the stage for the harsh pronouncements of judgment that characterize the rest of Jeremiah 16, detailing the complete destruction and dispersion of the people of Judah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" is a common prophetic formula in the Old Testament. In Hebrew, it is dabar Yahweh (דְּבַר יְהוָה). The word dabar (דָּבָר) means more than just a spoken word; it often implies an active, dynamic, and effective communication—a decree that carries authority and will accomplish its purpose. When God speaks, it is not merely information but a powerful act that brings about what it declares.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 16:1 serves as a timeless reminder that God is a God who speaks. While we no longer have prophets in the same Old Testament revelatory sense, God continues to communicate His will and truth through His written Word, the Bible. This verse encourages us to approach Scripture with reverence, recognizing its divine origin and seeking to understand and obey its truths. It calls us to listen attentively to God's voice, whether through His inspired Word or the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in our own lives, understanding that His words carry ultimate authority and purpose.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 1:4

    ¶ Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

  • Jeremiah 1:2

    To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

  • Jeremiah 2:1

    ¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
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