Jeremiah 16:19

KJV

O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, my strength {H5797}, and my fortress {H4581}, and my refuge {H4498} in the day {H3117} of affliction {H6869}, the Gentiles {H1471} shall come {H935} unto thee from the ends {H657} of the earth {H776}, and shall say {H559}, Surely our fathers {H1} have inherited {H5157} lies {H8267}, vanity {H1892}, and things wherein there is no profit {H3276}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, my strength, my fortress, my refuge in time of trouble, the nations will come to you from the ends of the earth, saying, "Our ancestors inherited nothing but lies, futile idols, completely useless."

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of affliction, unto thee shall the nations come from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Our fathers have inherited nought but lies, even vanity and things wherein there is no profit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:19 powerfully articulates the prophet's unwavering reliance on the LORD as his ultimate source of strength, security, and sanctuary amidst profound national and personal distress. This deeply personal confession seamlessly transitions into a remarkable and expansive prophecy: a future vision where Gentile nations, from the farthest reaches of the earth, will turn to the God of Israel, unequivocally acknowledging the utter futility, deceit, and inherent worthlessness of their ancestral idols and false traditions. The verse thus masterfully intertwines the prophet's individual faith with God's grand, universal redemptive plan for all humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 16:19 emerges as a striking beacon of hope and prophetic revelation within a chapter predominantly characterized by severe pronouncements of judgment and desolation upon Judah. Chapters 15 and 16 meticulously detail Jeremiah's profound personal suffering, his lament over the nation's impending doom, and God's unyielding resolve to punish Israel for its persistent idolatry and blatant covenant unfaithfulness. The preceding verses [Jeremiah 16:1-18](/jeremiah/16-1-18 "Jeremiah 16:1-18 - Judgment and Scattering") describe the grim consequences of sin, including divine prohibitions on marriage and mourning, and the inevitable scattering of the people. Against this backdrop of despair and divine wrath, verse 19 functions as a sudden, glorious pivot, revealing God's ultimate redemptive purpose that extends far beyond the immediate crisis, offering a profound glimpse into the eschatological inclusion of the nations. It serves as a stark and powerful **contrast**, highlighting God's faithfulness and universal sovereignty even when His chosen people face severe discipline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous and pivotal period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings leading up to the devastating Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE). The nation was deeply entrenched in widespread idolatry, having adopted the worship of various Canaanite deities like Baal, Molech, and the "host of heaven," often blending these abhorrent practices with the worship of YHWH. This pervasive syncretism represented a direct and egregious violation of the Mosaic covenant. Culturally, the concept of foreign nations (Gentiles) abandoning their ancestral gods to worship the God of Israel was nothing short of revolutionary, as religious identity was almost universally tied to ethnic and national heritage. The phrase "ends of the earth" profoundly emphasizes the global, unprecedented scope of this future conversion, challenging the prevailing ethnocentric views of divine favor and hinting at a universal spiritual awakening that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 16:19 contributes significantly to several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Sufficiency of God**, portraying the LORD as the only true "strength, fortress, and refuge" in times of "affliction." This resonates deeply with the declarations of trust found in the Psalms, such as the powerful affirmation in [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock and my fortress"). Secondly, the verse introduces the profound and expansive theme of **Universal Salvation and Gentile Inclusion**, a concept hinted at in earlier prophetic writings (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flow to Zion") and [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")) but here explicitly stated by Jeremiah. This vision challenges the narrow nationalistic understanding of God's covenant, pointing to a future where all humanity will acknowledge and worship Him. Finally, it powerfully reinforces the pervasive theme of the **Futility and Deceit of Idolatry**. The Gentiles' confession that their fathers "inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit" serves as a stark and damning indictment of false worship, aligning perfectly with Jeremiah's consistent condemnation of idols throughout his prophetic ministry, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 10:1-16](/jeremiah/10 "Jeremiah 10 - Idols and the True God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenant name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Jeremiah's direct and intimate address to "O LORD" establishes the foundational truth of God's unchanging nature and absolute sovereignty, upon whom all true strength, security, and refuge ultimately depend. It stands in stark and deliberate contrast to the "lies" and "vanity" of false gods, emphasizing the unique reality and power of the one true God.
* **Gentiles (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term, also rendered as "goyim," refers to "foreign nations" or "heathen," specifically indicating peoples outside the covenant community of Israel. The astonishing prophecy that these nations "shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth" is revolutionary in its scope, signifying a universal ingathering and the expansion of God's redemptive plan beyond ethnic boundaries. This directly challenges the prevailing ethnocentric religious views of the time, pointing to a future where God's worship will be globally embraced.
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** This word denotes "emptiness or vanity" and, figuratively, "something transitory and unsatisfactory." It is famously used throughout the book of Ecclesiastes to describe the futility and meaninglessness of life and human endeavors apart from God. Here, it powerfully describes the inherent worthlessness, insubstantial nature, and ultimate futility of the idols and false religious practices inherited and propagated by the Gentile fathers, emphasizing their complete inability to provide any true benefit, salvation, or lasting satisfaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction":** This opening clause is a deeply personal and profound theological declaration by the prophet Jeremiah. He addresses God directly, employing three distinct and powerful **metaphors** to describe YHWH's essential character and His indispensable role in his life: "strength" (H5797, _ʻôz_), indicating divine might, power, and courage; "fortress" (H4581, _mâʻôwz_), a fortified place offering impregnable defense and security; and "refuge" (H4498, _mânôwç_), a place of escape, safe retreat, or ultimate sanctuary. These divine attributes are particularly vital "in the day of affliction" (H3117, _yôwm_ H6869, _tsârâh_), a time of intense tightness, distress, or tribulation, which accurately reflects Jeremiah's personal suffering and the severe national crisis facing Judah. This part of the verse firmly establishes the absolute sufficiency of God as the sole and unwavering source of security, sustenance, and hope.
* **"the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth":** This clause marks a dramatic and unexpected shift from Jeremiah's personal lament to a sweeping universal prophecy. "The Gentiles" (H1471, _gôwy_), or foreign nations, are depicted as actively and intentionally seeking out the LORD. The phrase "from the ends of the earth" (H657, _ʼepheç_ H776, _ʼerets_) powerfully emphasizes the global scope and comprehensive nature of this future pilgrimage, indicating that people from every corner of the world will turn to the God of Israel, transcending geographical, ethnic, and cultural barriers. This is a profound eschatological vision of universal worship and recognition of YHWH's supreme sovereignty.
* **"and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.":** This final clause reveals the profound content of the Gentiles' confession upon their conversion and turning to the LORD. They will openly acknowledge that their ancestral traditions and religious practices were based on "lies" (H8267, _sheqer_), meaning untruths, deceit, or falsehoods; "vanity" (H1892, _hebel_), signifying emptiness, futility, and transience; and "things wherein [there is] no profit" (H3276, _yaʻal_), highlighting the utter uselessness, lack of benefit, and spiritual barrenness derived from their idols and false worship. This is a powerful, self-incriminating renunciation of idolatry and a testament to the self-evident truth, efficacy, and life-giving power of the one true God, YHWH.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 16:19 is profoundly rich in literary devices that amplify its theological impact and emotional resonance. The verse commences with a direct address to God, an **Apostrophe**, "O LORD," which immediately establishes a personal, intimate, and reverent tone, contrasting sharply with the broader prophetic pronouncements of judgment. The subsequent descriptions of God as "my strength," "my fortress," and "my refuge" are powerful **Metaphors**, portraying abstract divine attributes in concrete, tangible terms that evoke feelings of unwavering security, impregnable protection, and ultimate sanctuary. The entire verse is masterfully structured around a profound **Contrast**: Jeremiah's unwavering trust in the true God stands in stark and absolute opposition to the "lies, vanity, and no profit" of the idols and false traditions worshipped by the Gentile fathers. This contrast powerfully highlights the inherent worthlessness and spiritual barrenness of false worship versus the enduring efficacy, truth, and life-giving power of the LORD. The phrase "from the ends of the earth" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the vast, global, and comprehensive reach of the future Gentile conversion, signifying a universal and unprecedented turning to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 16:19 stands as a cornerstone verse, revealing God's ultimate redemptive purpose that extends far beyond the immediate judgment upon Israel. It profoundly affirms that despite human sin, rebellion, and national discipline, God's plan for salvation is universal, encompassing all nations and peoples. The Gentiles' future confession underscores the inherent futility, emptiness, and spiritual barrenness of any spiritual path or object of worship that is not the one true God, YHWH. This remarkable prophecy anticipates the New Covenant era, where the gospel would indeed go forth to all peoples, demonstrating that God's desire is for all humanity to come to a knowledge of His truth and renounce the empty promises and deceptive allure of the world. It speaks powerfully to God's unwavering faithfulness, His sovereign ability to draw all peoples to Himself, and the eventual triumph of His kingdom.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20-23 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Nations Seek the Lord")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Futility of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 16:19 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers navigating a complex and often turbulent world. In an age fraught with uncertainty, personal trials, and societal upheaval, the prophet's declaration, "O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction," serves as a timeless and unshakeable anchor for our souls. It compels us to deeply examine where our ultimate trust and security truly lie: Is it in fleeting human systems, the accumulation of material possessions, our own limited capabilities, or the shifting sands of cultural trends, all of which are ultimately "vanity" and offer "no profit"? Or do we, like Jeremiah, find our secure dwelling, our impregnable defense, and our unfailing help in the unchangeable character and sovereign power of God? Furthermore, the astonishing prophecy of the Gentiles coming from "the ends of the earth" is a powerful and urgent reminder of God's global heart and the ongoing, vital mission of the church. It challenges us to actively participate in sharing the gospel, recognizing that God is indeed drawing people from every nation, tribe, and tongue to Himself. We are called to discern, expose, and courageously renounce the "lies" and "vanities" of our own age—whether they manifest as secular ideologies, self-worship, deceptive cultural narratives, or any form of idolatry—and to wholeheartedly embrace the liberating truth of God's Word, which alone offers true and lasting profit for our souls and eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I currently experience the LORD as my "strength," "fortress," and "refuge" in my own personal "day of affliction" or times of distress?**
* **How does the prophecy of Gentiles coming to God from "the ends of the earth" influence my perspective on global missions, evangelism, and my personal involvement in sharing the gospel with those from different backgrounds?**
* **What "lies," "vanities," or "things wherein there is no profit" might I have unknowingly inherited or embraced from my culture, upbringing, or personal background that I need to critically evaluate and renounce in light of God's unchanging truth?**

### FAQ

**Question?** Why does Jeremiah pivot so suddenly from judgment to Gentile inclusion in this verse?

Answer: The sudden pivot in [Jeremiah 16:19](/jeremiah/16-19 "Jeremiah 16:19 - Gentiles Come to the Lord") serves several profound theological purposes within the broader narrative of Jeremiah's prophecy. Firstly, it highlights God's ultimate redemptive plan and unwavering faithfulness even amidst severe and deserved judgment. While Israel faces discipline for its persistent unfaithfulness, God's broader purpose for humanity, which includes the salvation of all nations, remains intact and will ultimately be realized. Secondly, it powerfully underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty and salvation. The explicit inclusion of Gentiles demonstrates that God's covenant promises and His desire for worship extend far beyond a single nation, profoundly foreshadowing the New Covenant era. Finally, this unexpected shift provides a crucial beacon of hope, reminding Jeremiah and all future readers that God's faithfulness endures, and His kingdom will ultimately encompass all who turn to Him, renouncing the futility of false gods and embracing His truth. This striking contrast serves to emphasize the glory of God's future work against the bleak backdrop of present despair and impending judgment.

**Question?** What are "lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit" in a contemporary context?

Answer: In a contemporary context, "lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit" can refer to anything that promises ultimate fulfillment, security, meaning, or salvation apart from the one true God, but ultimately delivers only emptiness, disappointment, and spiritual barrenness. This broad category includes: **Materialism**, which promises happiness and contentment through the accumulation of possessions and wealth but often leads to spiritual emptiness and insatiable desire; **Self-worship** and radical individualism, which elevate human autonomy, desires, and self-expression above divine authority, leading to isolation, moral relativism, and a lack of ultimate purpose; the **Idolatry of success or achievement**, where one's inherent worth and identity are mistakenly tied to external accomplishments, career status, or public recognition rather than intrinsic value as a beloved child of God; **False ideologies** or political systems that claim to offer ultimate solutions to human problems without acknowledging spiritual realities, human sinfulness, or God's sovereign plan; and even **Religious practices** that are devoid of genuine faith, reducing spirituality to empty rituals, self-serving doctrines, or a means to manipulate divine favor rather than a sincere relationship with God. Any pursuit, belief system, or object of devotion that distracts from or replaces the worship of the true God is ultimately "vanity" and offers "no profit" for the eternal soul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 16:19 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "strength," "fortress," and "refuge" that Jeremiah proclaimed. In Him, believers find unwavering security, impregnable protection, and eternal sanctuary "in the day of affliction," for He has definitively overcome the world, sin, and death, declaring, "[In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")!" The astonishing prophecy that "the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth" is profoundly realized through Christ's atoning sacrifice and the subsequent, Spirit-empowered expansion of His Church. Jesus' Great Commission, as recorded in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"), explicitly commands His followers to make disciples of "all nations," directly fulfilling this ancient promise. The apostle Paul, uniquely called as the "apostle to the Gentiles," tirelessly proclaimed the gospel, bringing countless non-Jews into the family of God, demonstrating that in Christ, "[there is neither Jew nor Gentile](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")". Furthermore, Jesus perfectly exposes the "lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit" of all false gods, worldly systems, and human endeavors apart from Him. He declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")", revealing the absolute emptiness and spiritual barrenness of anything apart from Him. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, He offers true and eternal "profit"—reconciliation with God, abundant life ([I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")), and a secure inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled ([To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). Thus, Jeremiah's prophetic vision of universal worship and the global renunciation of idolatry culminates in the person and saving work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and draws all people to Himself ([And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")).

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

Isaiah 25:4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall.

Jeremiah 17:17

Be not a terror unto me: thou [art] my hope in the day of evil.

Nahum 1:7

The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Isaiah 2:2

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Isaiah 2:3

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Psalms 91:1

¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 91:2

I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.