Jeremiah 16:3

KJV

For thus saith the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land;

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} concerning the sons {H1121} and concerning the daughters {H1323} that are born {H3205} in this place {H4725}, and concerning their mothers {H517} that bare {H3205} them, and concerning their fathers {H1} that begat {H3209} them in this land {H776};

Complete Jewish Bible

For this is what ADONAI says concerning the sons and daughters born here, as well as their mothers who gave birth to them and their fathers who conceived them in this land:

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD says concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and the mothers who bore them, and the fathers who fathered them in this land:

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:3 serves as a stark and comprehensive divine declaration, unveiling the profound and inescapable nature of God's impending judgment upon the nation of Judah. It meticulously details that the forthcoming desolation will encompass the entire family unit—sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers—who are inextricably linked to "this place" and "this land," signifying the devastating and all-encompassing consequences of their persistent and collective unfaithfulness to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 16 initiates a series of powerful prophetic pronouncements and symbolic actions that vividly underscore the severity and totality of Judah's impending judgment. Immediately preceding verse 3, the Lord issues a deeply personal and symbolic command to Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 16:2](/jeremiah/16-2 "Jeremiah 16:2 - Jeremiah's Symbolic Celibacy"), instructing him to refrain from marriage and having children. This prohibition is not merely a personal directive but a profound prophetic sign, illustrating that the coming calamity will be so overwhelming and devastating that the very foundations of normal life—procreation, family continuity, and the joys of domesticity—will be rendered meaningless or impossible. Furthermore, subsequent verses, such as [Jeremiah 16:5](/jeremiah/16-5 "Jeremiah 16:5 - Prohibition of Mourning"), forbid Jeremiah from participating in traditional mourning rituals or communal feasting, further emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the impending disaster. Verse 3, therefore, acts as a crucial explanatory bridge, identifying the primary subjects of this all-encompassing judgment: the very families and generations rooted in the land, whose lives will be irrevocably shattered by the divine decree, thereby providing the rationale for Jeremiah's symbolic actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a volatile and critical period in Judah's history, spanning the late 7th to early 6th centuries BC. This era was marked by the relentless rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which increasingly threatened the sovereignty and existence of Judah. Despite repeated and fervent warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people of Judah had largely abandoned their covenant with Yahweh, plunging into widespread idolatry, social injustice, and profound moral decay. This verse resonates deeply with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of corporate responsibility, a societal framework where the actions of a nation's leaders or the collective sin of its populace could justly bring judgment upon the entire community, including future generations. The specific mention of "this place" and "this land" unequivocally refers to Judah and its capital, Jerusalem—the very covenant land given by God to His people. This land, now defiled by their unfaithfulness, stood on the precipice of divine judgment, facing the dire threat of exile and dispossession, a central theme prophesied throughout the entire [Book of Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 16:3 powerfully contributes to and amplifies several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. The solemn declaration, "thus saith the LORD," establishes God's absolute authority over the destiny of His people and the unwavering certainty of His declared punishment for their persistent sin. This formula asserts that the impending judgment is not a random misfortune but a righteous and deliberate act of the sovereign God. Secondly, the verse highlights the tragic theme of **Generational Consequences**. It starkly demonstrates that the pervasive apostasy and covenant breaking of the current generation would not only affect them directly but would also profoundly impact their children and the lineage to come. This intergenerational suffering underscores the deep and lasting impact of corporate sin, a principle echoed in passages such as [Exodus 34:7](/exodus/34-7 "Exodus 34:7 - God visits iniquity to the third and fourth generation"), which speaks of God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children. Finally, the verse's specific focus on those "born in this place" and "begat them in this land" powerfully foreshadows the overarching theme of **Impending Desolation and Exile**. It signals that the very land promised to Abraham's descendants would become a crucible of unparalleled suffering and eventual removal, culminating in the [Babylonian captivity](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"), a central and devastating message of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." The use of this sacred divine name here is paramount, underscoring the absolute authority, covenantal faithfulness, and unchanging nature of the speaker. It is not a mere human prediction or a prophet's opinion, but an infallible decree emanating directly from the sovereign God of Israel, emphasizing the certainty and divine origin of the severe judgment that is about to be pronounced.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship)." While specifically referring to male offspring, this term, when paired with "daughters" (H1323, _bath_), represents the totality of the offspring—the entire younger generation. Their explicit inclusion in the scope of judgment highlights the comprehensive and intergenerational nature of the coming calamity, signifying that the future and continuity of the nation are directly implicated and threatened by the divine reckoning.
* **Place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** From H4725, meaning "properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific)." In this context, "this place" (and its parallel "this land," H776, _ʼerets_) refers specifically and pointedly to Judah and Jerusalem. This emphasizes that the judgment is not an abstract or distant threat but will be experienced precisely where the people have lived, established their families, and committed their sins, highlighting the tangible, geographical, and immediate impact of God's righteous wrath upon their very existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD":** This opening prophetic formula, _koh amar Yahweh_, serves as a powerful and authoritative declaration. It unequivocally establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows, signaling to the audience that these are not merely Jeremiah's words but a direct, infallible, and unalterable pronouncement from the sovereign God of Israel. This lends immense weight, certainty, and solemnity to the impending pronouncement of judgment.
* **"concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place":** This clause precisely identifies the first and most vulnerable group affected by the divine decree: the children, both male and female, who have been brought into existence within the very land of Judah. It immediately highlights the profound and tragic reality that the innocent, the future generation, will be inextricably caught in the sweeping tide of national judgment, emphasizing the far-reaching and devastating consequences of their parents' and society's pervasive sin.
* **"and concerning their mothers that bare them":** This phrase specifically names the mothers, acknowledging their foundational role in bringing forth life and nurturing the next generation. By including them, the verse underscores that the judgment will affect those who have invested their lives in the most intimate act of community continuation—childbearing and rearing. This makes the impending desolation even more poignant, as it targets the very source of life and the continuity of the community.
* **"and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land;":** Finally, the fathers are explicitly mentioned, completing the comprehensive picture of the nuclear family unit. Their role in begetting children "in this land" reinforces the deep, covenantal connection between the people, their lineage, and the specific geographical location of Judah. The exhaustive listing of sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers powerfully emphasizes that no part of the family structure, no generation, and no individual rooted in the land will be exempt from the coming, all-encompassing divine reckoning.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 16:3 employs several potent literary devices to convey its somber and inescapable message of judgment. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly the anaphoric use of the phrase "concerning the" (Hebrew: `ʻal`) which is reiterated four times to introduce each category of family members ("sons," "daughters," "mothers," "fathers"). This insistent repetition creates a rhythmic, almost relentless tone that powerfully underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment, emphasizing that every segment of the family unit will be directly and profoundly affected. The verse also skillfully utilizes **Merism** by listing "sons and daughters," "mothers," and "fathers" to represent the entirety of the population, from the youngest to the oldest, thereby signifying the universality of the impending doom that will spare no one. Furthermore, the opening phrase "thus saith the LORD" functions as a quintessential **Prophetic Formula**, lending immense **Authority** and **Divine Mandate** to the pronouncement. This formula signals that the words are not merely human predictions or opinions but infallible, direct decrees from God Himself, imbuing the message with absolute certainty. The repeated emphasis on "this place" and "this land" serves as a form of **Geographical Specificity**, grounding the abstract concept of divine judgment in the tangible, concrete reality of Judah and Jerusalem, making the threat immediate, personal, and dire for its inhabitants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 16:3 profoundly articulates the theological principle that corporate sin inevitably leads to corporate judgment, a consequence that extends beyond individual transgressors to encompass entire families and succeeding generations. It reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, which inherently includes both promised blessings for obedience and severe consequences for persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness. The verse underscores the extreme gravity of Judah's widespread idolatry, social injustice, and covenant breaking, demonstrating that God's justice is not arbitrary or capricious but a righteous, necessary, and proportionate response to a deeply broken covenant relationship. It also highlights the profound and often devastating intergenerational impact of sin, where the choices and spiritual trajectory of one generation can have catastrophic effects on those who follow. This serves as a solemn and urgent warning about the enduring legacy of spiritual compromise and the critical importance of national and individual repentance before a holy God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 1:1-5](/lamentations/1-1-5 "Lamentations 1:1-5 - Jerusalem's Desolation")
* [Ezekiel 14:12-20](/ezekiel/14-12-20 "Ezekiel 14:12-20 - God's Four Severe Judgments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 16:3, though a somber pronouncement rooted in a context of impending judgment, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark and necessary reminder that God is holy and righteous, taking sin with utmost seriousness, and that persistent rebellion against His revealed will inevitably leads to severe consequences—not only for individuals but often for entire communities and future generations. This sobering truth should compel us to deeply consider the spiritual legacy we are actively building for our families, our churches, and our broader society. Are our lives and collective choices truly honoring God, or are we, perhaps subtly, contributing to a culture of spiritual compromise, moral decay, or indifference to His commands? The verse challenges us to engage in honest self-examination of our own lives and our collective societal values, urging us to prioritize unwavering faithfulness to God above all else. It calls for a profound sense of responsibility, recognizing that our spiritual health and obedience have far-reaching ripple effects, impacting those immediately around us and those who will come after us. Ultimately, this passage is a powerful call to humility, genuine repentance, and a renewed, steadfast commitment to living in accordance with God's righteous and holy standards, trusting implicitly in His boundless mercy while acknowledging the certainty of His justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of intergenerational consequences in Jeremiah 16:3 challenge or affirm your understanding of personal and corporate responsibility before God in today's world?**
* **What specific "places" or "lands" (i.e., communities, nations, or cultural spheres) in our contemporary society might be experiencing the visible or invisible consequences of collective spiritual drift or unfaithfulness to God's ways?**
* **In what tangible ways can we, as individuals and as the gathered body of Christ, actively work to break cycles of sin and cultivate a vibrant legacy of faithfulness, righteousness, and obedience for future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why does God punish entire families, including children, for the sins of the nation, as suggested by this verse?**

This verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of corporate solidarity, a societal and theological concept where the identity and fate of the individual were deeply intertwined with the family, clan, and nation. In a covenantal relationship, the actions of the whole community, especially its leaders and collective choices, could justly bring either blessings for obedience or severe curses for rebellion upon everyone. While God is inherently just and merciful, He also holds nations accountable for their collective rejection of His moral law and covenant. The suffering of children, though undeniably tragic and heart-wrenching, underscores the profound seriousness of sin and its far-reaching, devastating consequences, demonstrating that the entire fabric of society is corrupted and unravels when it turns away from God. This also served as a powerful deterrent and a fervent call to repentance for the living, highlighting the dire stakes of their choices. However, it is crucial to note that the Bible also teaches individual accountability for sin, as clearly articulated in passages like [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - The Son Will Not Bear the Iniquity of the Father"), indicating that while the temporal consequences of corporate sin may be widespread, ultimate spiritual condemnation is based on individual choice and response to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 16:3, with its grim pronouncement of comprehensive judgment upon families "born in this place" and "begat in this land," powerfully foreshadows humanity's universal predicament under the pervasive curse of sin, inherited and perpetuated through generations. While the Old Covenant revealed God's unwavering justice in punishing sin, often with corporate and intergenerational consequences to highlight its gravity, the New Covenant unveils God's ultimate and redemptive solution found exclusively in Jesus Christ. The "place" of judgment for humanity's sin was ultimately transferred from an entire nation to the cross, where the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full, crushing weight of humanity's collective rebellion. Christ, the perfect and sinless Son, willingly took upon Himself the "iniquity of us all" ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")), thereby breaking the cycle of generational judgment and offering a path to redemption for all who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He established a new spiritual family, where believers are "born again" ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - You Must Be Born Again"))—not of natural lineage or "in this place" of earthly condemnation, but by the regenerating power of the Spirit of God. In Christ, the curse of sin is reversed, and the glorious promise of eternal life replaces the threat of desolation, offering a new "land"—a new heaven and new earth—where righteousness dwells and the family of God lives in perfect, unbroken fellowship, forever free from the devastating consequences of sin ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 16:5

For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the LORD, [even] lovingkindness and mercies.

Jeremiah 6:21

Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish.

Jeremiah 16:9

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.