Jeremiah 16:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

This word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

The word of Jehovah came also unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:1 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, establishing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the profound prophetic messages that follow. It signifies the commencement of a significant block of divine revelation, primarily concerning Judah's impending judgment, exile, and eventual restoration, while also highlighting the prophet Jeremiah's unique and often challenging role as God's chosen messenger during a period of national crisis. This verse underscores that the words Jeremiah is about to deliver are not his own, but direct communications from the sovereign Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 16:1 acts as a formal divine commission, introducing a new section of prophecy that extends through chapter 17, and possibly beyond, detailing the severe consequences of Judah's persistent sin and idolatry. Preceding chapters have established the nation's spiritual apostasy and the prophet's initial call and struggles. Specifically, chapters 14-15 describe a period of drought and famine, coupled with God's resolute refusal to relent from judgment, even in response to Jeremiah's intercession. Chapter 16, introduced by this verse, then escalates the pronouncements of judgment by imposing radical personal restrictions on Jeremiah, making his very life a prophetic sign of the coming desolation, particularly concerning marriage, mourning, and feasting—all fundamental aspects of Israelite social life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during the twilight years of the Kingdom of Judah, from approximately 627 to 586 BCE, a period marked by political instability, shifting regional powers (Assyria, Egypt, Babylon), and profound spiritual decline within Judah. The people had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and false worship, despite the reforms initiated by King Josiah. This era culminated in the Babylonian invasions and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BCE, leading to the [Babylonian exile](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). Jeremiah's ministry was set against this backdrop of national impending doom, and his messages, divinely commissioned in verses like this, were often met with hostility and rejection because they directly confronted the people's sinful practices and their false sense of security.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse immediately establishes several crucial themes that permeate the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Authority and Revelation**, emphasizing that the words spoken are not human opinion but the very word of the Lord, carrying ultimate authority and truth. This is a recurring motif, as seen in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants"). Secondly, it underscores **Prophetic Commission and Burden**, reaffirming Jeremiah's role as God's chosen messenger, a calling he received in [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Call"). His life and words become inextricably linked to God's message, often bearing a heavy personal cost. Thirdly, while not explicitly stated in this verse, it implicitly sets the stage for the theme of **Imminent Judgment and Exile**, as the "word of the LORD" that follows is overwhelmingly a message of impending doom for Judah due to their unfaithfulness, a theme developed extensively throughout [Jeremiah chapters 16-20](/jeremiah/16 "Jeremiah 16 - Jeremiah's Life as a Sign of Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term, H1697, signifies more than just a spoken utterance; it encompasses a matter, a thing, an affair, a decree, or an act. When used in the context of "the word of the LORD," it implies a dynamic, effective, and authoritative communication that carries the power to accomplish what it declares. It is not merely information but a divine pronouncement that shapes reality and brings about its intended purpose, whether judgment or promise.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is H3068, the sacred covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It derives from the root "to be" (H1961, _hâyâh_), implying "the self-Existent" or "the Eternal One." The use of "Yᵉhôvâh" here emphasizes the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel as the source of this revelation, highlighting His unchanging nature and His sovereign authority over His people and their history, even in judgment.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):: ** H559 is a primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude. In this context, it indicates the direct, verbal nature of God's communication to Jeremiah. It establishes that the subsequent content is a direct quote or summary of God's explicit instructions and messages to the prophet, reinforcing the divine origin and imperative nature of the revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word of the LORD":** This opening phrase is a classic prophetic formula, immediately establishing the divine authority and origin of the message. It signifies that what follows is not Jeremiah's personal opinion, but a direct, authoritative communication from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This phrase underscores the infallibility and power inherent in God's spoken word.
* **"came also unto me":** This clause highlights the personal and direct nature of the divine revelation to Jeremiah. The "also" suggests a continuation or a new installment of divine communication, affirming Jeremiah's ongoing role as God's chosen prophet. It emphasizes that God actively engages with His servants, imparting His will and truth directly to them.
* **"saying,":** This final word serves as a direct introduction to the content of the divine message that follows. It indicates that the subsequent verses are the very words spoken by the Lord to Jeremiah, setting the stage for the specific commands, pronouncements, and prophecies that constitute the remainder of chapter 16 and beyond.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 16:1 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula**, "The word of the LORD came unto me," which is a standard opening in prophetic literature (e.g., [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Hosea"), [Joel 1:1](/joel/1-1 "Joel 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Joel")). This formula immediately establishes the divine authority and origin of the subsequent message, leaving no doubt that the words are God's, not Jeremiah's. This device lends immense weight and gravity to the pronouncements that follow. There is also an element of **Divine Address**, where God directly communicates with His chosen messenger, highlighting the intimate and personal relationship between the divine and the prophet. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Framing Device**, signaling the beginning of a distinct section of prophecy within the book, setting the tone and context for the severe judgments and unique prophetic actions described in the ensuing chapters. The brevity and directness of the statement also contribute to a sense of **Immediacy**, conveying that this is an urgent and direct communication from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 16:1 profoundly impacts our understanding of divine revelation and the nature of God's communication with humanity. It asserts God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating that He is not a silent, distant deity but one who speaks, intervenes, and reveals His will and purposes. The emphasis on "the word of the LORD" underscores the absolute authority, truthfulness, and efficacy of God's pronouncements. This verse sets the stage for a theology of judgment and covenant faithfulness, where God holds His people accountable to His revealed word, and disobedience leads to severe consequences. It also highlights the crucial role of the prophet as God's mouthpiece, bearing the heavy responsibility of delivering often unpopular divine messages to a rebellious people.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Accomplish Its Purpose")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 16:1 serves as a powerful reminder that the God we worship is a speaking God. His communication is not merely informative but transformative, carrying the weight of His authority and the power to accomplish His purposes. For us today, while direct prophetic revelation in the Old Testament sense has ceased with the completion of the canon, God continues to speak authoritatively through His inspired and inerrant written Word, the Bible. This verse calls us to approach Scripture with reverence and a deep sense of expectation, recognizing that when we read or hear the Bible, we are encountering the very "word of the LORD." It challenges us to listen attentively, to meditate deeply, and to submit wholeheartedly to its truth, understanding that God's word is living and active, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Our lives should be characterized by a sincere desire to hear and obey His voice, allowing His word to shape our worldview, guide our decisions, and transform our character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of Scripture (as highlighted by "the word of the LORD came") impact your approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what ways do you actively seek to hear God's "word" in your daily life, and how do you discern its truth and authority?**
* **Considering Jeremiah's difficult task of delivering God's word, what does this verse teach us about the cost and courage required to faithfully proclaim God's truth, even when it is unpopular?**

### FAQ

**Why is the phrase "The word of the LORD came unto me" so common in prophetic books?**

Answer: This phrase is a foundational prophetic formula used repeatedly throughout the Old Testament (e.g., in Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Zephaniah) to unequivocally establish the divine origin and authority of the message that follows. It serves to differentiate the prophet's personal opinions or human wisdom from the direct, authoritative communication of God. By opening with this declaration, the prophet signals to the audience that they are about to hear not merely a human utterance, but the very word of Yahweh, carrying ultimate weight and demanding attention and obedience. It underscores the concept that prophecy is not human invention but divine revelation.

**Does this verse imply that God speaks audibly to prophets like Jeremiah?**

Answer: While the Bible does record instances of audible divine speech (e.g., God speaking to Moses from the burning bush in [Exodus 3:4](/exodus/3-4 "Exodus 3:4 - God Calls to Moses from the Bush")), the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" does not exclusively specify an audible voice. It can refer to various forms of divine communication, including direct verbal revelation, visions, dreams, or a deep, undeniable spiritual impression and conviction within the prophet's spirit that is clearly recognized as God's message. The emphasis is on the divine source and content of the message, rather than the precise sensory mechanism of its reception. For Jeremiah, it was clearly a profound and undeniable experience of God's direct communication, as evidenced by his commission in [Jeremiah 1](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah 1 - Jeremiah's Call").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 16:1, by emphasizing "the word of the LORD" coming to the prophet, prefigures the ultimate and complete revelation of God's Word in the person of Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah received God's word in fragments and through various means, [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") declares that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and and the Word was God." This "Word" is not merely a message, but a divine person, the second person of the Trinity. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") further reveals that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," making God's revelation tangible and accessible. Jesus is the living embodiment of God's authoritative and effective word, fulfilling all the prophecies and promises given through the Old Testament prophets. He is the one through whom God has spoken His final and most complete word to humanity, as [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son") states, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Thus, Jeremiah's reception of "the word of the LORD" points forward to Christ, who is the very Word of God incarnate, bringing not only judgment but also the ultimate message of salvation and reconciliation.

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

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,