Jeremiah 16:8

KJV

Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting, to sit with them to eat and to drink.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not also go {H935} into the house {H1004} of feasting {H4960}, to sit {H3427} with them to eat {H398} and to drink {H8354}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And you are not to go into any house where there is celebrating to sit with them, eating and drinking.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not enter a house where there is feasting and sit down with them to eat and drink.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt not go into the house of feasting to sit with them, to eat and to drink.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:8 delivers a stark divine prohibition to the prophet Jeremiah, commanding him to abstain from participating in joyous social gatherings, specifically "the house of feasting." This injunction is part of a series of unconventional, symbolic acts that God imposes upon Jeremiah, transforming his personal life into a living prophecy. Through these commands, God graphically illustrates the impending and severe judgment upon Judah, signaling the complete cessation of normalcy, joy, and communal celebration as a direct consequence of their persistent idolatry and rebellion against Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 16 is a pivotal chapter within the larger prophetic book, marking a significant shift in tone and content. Following earlier pronouncements of Judah's sin and God's patience, this chapter intensifies the message of impending judgment and exile. Verses 1-9 detail a series of highly unusual and deeply personal commands given to Jeremiah: he is forbidden from marrying or having children ([Jeremiah 16:2](/jeremiah/16-2 "Jeremiah 16:2 - Prohibition of Marriage")), from participating in mourning rituals for the dead ([Jeremiah 16:5](/jeremiah/16-5 "Jeremiah 16:5 - Prohibition of Mourning")), and, as in this verse, from joining in celebratory feasts. These prohibitions are not arbitrary; they are divinely ordained sign-acts, designed to embody and communicate the severity of the coming desolation. Jeremiah's personal isolation and deprivation of life's fundamental joys—family, comfort in sorrow, and communal celebration—serve as a powerful, visible sermon, foreshadowing the national catastrophe where such normal human experiences would cease to exist for the people of Judah. The immediate verses following this command (e.g., [Jeremiah 16:9](/jeremiah/16-9 "Jeremiah 16:9 - Cessation of Joy")) explicitly state the reason: God will remove the sounds of joy and gladness from Judah.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the decline of Assyrian power, the rise of Babylon, and the final decades of the Kingdom of Judah before its destruction and exile. Judah, despite warnings from prophets, continued its deep-seated idolatry, syncretism, and social injustice, mirroring the very sins that led to the Northern Kingdom of Israel's demise. Feasting and banquets were integral parts of ancient Near Eastern social and religious life, often associated with celebrations, weddings, covenant renewals, or even idol worship. To abstain from such gatherings, especially those involving family and community, was a profound social anomaly and a public statement. Jeremiah's forced withdrawal from these cultural norms was a stark, counter-cultural act, demonstrating to a society steeped in revelry and false security that their time of merriment was rapidly coming to an end. It underscored the gravity of God's impending judgment, which would disrupt every facet of their accustomed life.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, illustrating God's righteous response to persistent rebellion and sin. The cessation of feasting symbolizes the comprehensive nature of this judgment, affecting not just political structures but the very fabric of daily life and joy. Secondly, the passage highlights **Prophetic Symbolism and Sign-Acts**. Jeremiah's life itself becomes a living parable; his personal experience of isolation and deprivation serves as a tangible, inescapable warning to a complacent nation. This is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, where the prophet's actions embody the divine message (e.g., [Isaiah 20:3](/isaiah/20-3 "Isaiah 20:3 - Isaiah's Nakedness as a Sign")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Cessation of Joy and Normalcy**. The "house of feasting" represents the ordinary delights of life—celebrations, social bonds, and merriment. God's command for Jeremiah to avoid them foreshadows a future where such joy will be utterly removed from Judah, a theme explicitly stated in passages like [Jeremiah 7:34](/jeremiah/7-34 "Jeremiah 7:34 - Removal of Joy from Judah") and [Jeremiah 25:10](/jeremiah/25-10 "Jeremiah 25:10 - Silence of Joy and Gladness"). This complete disruption of life's rhythms serves as a severe consequence of their spiritual apostasy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go (Hebrew, _bôwʼ_):** This primitive root (H935) signifies "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications. In this context, it emphasizes the active prohibition against Jeremiah's physical presence and participation. It's not merely a passive state of absence, but an explicit command to avoid entering and engaging, highlighting the deliberate nature of God's instruction for Jeremiah to separate himself from the normal social fabric.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this word (H1004) most commonly refers to a physical dwelling, but also extends to a household, family, or even a temple. Here, "house" denotes a specific physical location where communal activities take place, underscoring that the prohibition is against entering and being present in a social setting, not merely a general state of mind. It implies a place of gathering and shared experience.
* **Feasting (Hebrew, _mishteh_):** From the root "to drink" (H8354), this noun (H4960) literally means "drinking" or "a drinking party," and by implication, a "banquet" or "feast." It refers to a celebratory gathering characterized by abundant food and drink, often associated with joy and merriment. The use of this specific term highlights that the prohibition is not against all social interaction, but specifically against occasions of revelry and celebration, which would be incongruous with the solemnity of the impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting,"**: This initial clause establishes the core prohibition. Jeremiah is commanded to actively avoid entering any place designated for celebratory gatherings. The phrase "house of feasting" (Hebrew: _beit mishteh_) specifically points to banquets, parties, or any occasion marked by communal revelry and consumption of food and drink. This command is part of a series of personal restrictions placed on Jeremiah, designed to make his life a living parable of Judah's impending desolation.
* **"to sit with them"**: This phrase further specifies the nature of the prohibited activity. It's not just about physical entry, but about active participation and social integration. "To sit" (Hebrew: _yâshab_) implies settling down, taking one's place among others, and engaging in the social interaction characteristic of such a gathering. Jeremiah is to remain distinct and separate, not joining in the camaraderie or shared experience of the feast.
* **"to eat and to drink."**: This final clause explicitly details the primary activities of the "house of feasting" that Jeremiah is forbidden to partake in. Eating and drinking (Hebrew: _ʼâkal_ and _shâthâh_) are fundamental aspects of communal celebration and enjoyment. By prohibiting these actions, God emphasizes that the very essence of joy and normalcy, as expressed through shared meals and drinks, is to be absent from Jeremiah's life, mirroring the coming reality for Judah. This underscores the severity of the judgment that would strip the nation of all sources of delight.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Jeremiah 16:8, and indeed throughout [Jeremiah 16](/jeremiah/16 "Jeremiah 16 - Jeremiah's Symbolic Actions"), is **Symbolism** and the **Prophetic Sign-Act**. Jeremiah's life itself becomes a living sermon, a tangible representation of God's message. His forced abstention from the "house of feasting" is a symbolic action that prefigures the complete cessation of joy, celebration, and normalcy in Judah. The "house of feasting" itself is a **symbol** of communal joy, prosperity, and the continuity of life. By forbidding Jeremiah from participating, God is visually communicating that these very aspects of life will be stripped away from the nation. There is also an element of **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** between the expected social norms of celebration and God's counter-cultural, somber command, which highlights the gravity of the spiritual crisis and the impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 16:8 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and the role of the prophet as a living testament to God's truth. The prohibition against feasting underscores that God's judgment is not merely a political or military event, but a comprehensive disruption of life itself, affecting the most intimate and joyful aspects of human existence. It teaches that persistent sin and rebellion against God ultimately lead to a loss of joy and the cessation of blessings. The prophet's personal sacrifice and isolation serve as a powerful witness, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice and His determination to bring His people to repentance, even through severe discipline. This passage reminds us that there are times when God calls His people to a posture of solemnity and separation, aligning their hearts with His righteous indignation against sin, rather than indulging in carefree revelry.

* [Jeremiah 7:34](/jeremiah/7-34 "Jeremiah 7:34 - Cessation of Joy in Judah"): "Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate."
* [Jeremiah 25:10](/jeremiah/25-10 "Jeremiah 25:10 - Silence of Joy and Gladness"): "Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle."
* [Ecclesiastes 7:2](/ecclesiastes/7-2 "Ecclesiastes 7:2 - Better to Go to the House of Mourning"): "It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 16:8 calls us to a deep discernment of the spiritual climate, both personally and corporately. While Christians are indeed called to rejoice always in the Lord, this verse reminds us that there are seasons and situations where a posture of solemnity, self-denial, and even prophetic lament is more appropriate than unbridled celebration. It challenges us to consider whether our lives, like Jeremiah's, are truly aligned with God's heart for a broken world and a rebellious humanity. When sin is rampant, injustice abounds, or judgment looms, our personal choices—even regarding seemingly innocuous social activities—can become a powerful witness to the gravity of the times and the seriousness of God. This passage encourages us to cultivate spiritual sensitivity, to mourn with those who mourn, and to prioritize God's purposes over personal comfort or social conformity, allowing our lives to speak prophetically to a world in need of repentance and reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah's personal sacrifice in abstaining from feasting challenge my own pursuit of comfort and pleasure?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to a posture of spiritual solemnity or self-denial in response to the sin or brokenness I see around me?**
* **How can my life, like Jeremiah's, become a "living sermon" that speaks to the spiritual realities of my community or generation?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and His call for repentance?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jeremiah forbidden from participating in feasting?**

Answer: Jeremiah was forbidden from participating in feasting as a symbolic act, transforming his personal life into a prophetic message. God commanded him to abstain from normal social joys—including marriage, mourning rituals, and celebratory feasts—to vividly illustrate the impending and severe judgment upon Judah. His personal deprivation foreshadowed the national catastrophe, where the sounds of joy, gladness, and normal life would cease for the people due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. It was a stark visual and experiential sermon, demonstrating that the time for revelry was over and a period of desolation was at hand, as seen in [Jeremiah 16:9](/jeremiah/16-9 "Jeremiah 16:9 - Cessation of Joy").

**What does "house of feasting" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: The "house of feasting" (Hebrew: _beit mishteh_) refers to a place of communal celebration, a banquet hall, or any setting where people gather for joyous occasions involving abundant food and drink. It signifies parties, weddings, or other festive events. In the ancient Near East, such gatherings were central to social and cultural life. By prohibiting Jeremiah from entering and participating in these, God was signaling the end of all such normal, joyful communal experiences for Judah, as their land would soon be desolate and their people exiled, as prophesied in passages like [Jeremiah 25:10](/jeremiah/25-10 "Jeremiah 25:10 - Silence of Joy and Gladness").

**Is this command applicable to Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the same specific prophetic mandate as Jeremiah, the underlying principles of Jeremiah 16:8 remain highly relevant. It teaches us about the seriousness of sin and God's righteous judgment. It calls us to spiritual discernment, recognizing that there are times when our personal attitudes and actions should align with God's purposes or the spiritual state of a community, even if it means foregoing personal pleasures or social norms. This can manifest as a call to lament, repentance, or prophetic witness, where our choices reflect the gravity of sin and the need for God's intervention, rather than a carefree indulgence that might be out of step with God's heart for a broken world. It encourages a sensitivity to the spiritual climate, prioritizing God's will over immediate gratification, much like the wisdom found in [Ecclesiastes 7:2](/ecclesiastes/7-2 "Ecclesiastes 7:2 - Better to Go to the House of Mourning").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 16:8, with its somber prohibition against feasting, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a perpetual denial of joy, but in the profound reality that Christ Himself bore the ultimate cessation of joy and experienced deep isolation for humanity's sake. Jeremiah's personal suffering and social ostracism foreshadow the unparalleled suffering and abandonment of Jesus, who became "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Man of Sorrows")). On the cross, Jesus endured the ultimate "house of mourning" and the complete absence of divine favor, taking upon Himself the judgment that our sins deserved, so that we might enter into true and lasting joy. The temporary cessation of joy for Judah pointed to the permanent solution found in Christ's sacrifice, which atoned for the very sins that provoked God's judgment. While Jeremiah was forbidden to feast, Christ invites us to a feast of a different kind: the spiritual banquet of salvation, where He offers Himself as the Bread of Life and the Living Water ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Ultimately, the prophetic sign of Jeremiah's isolation gives way to the glorious promise of the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where all true believers will feast eternally with Christ, in a joy that no earthly judgment can ever take away.

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 15:17

I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

Ecclesiastes 7:2

[It is] better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that [is] the end of all men; and the living will lay [it] to his heart.

Ecclesiastes 7:4

The heart of the wise [is] in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools [is] in the house of mirth.

Amos 6:4

That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

Amos 6:6

That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

Isaiah 22:12

And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

Isaiah 22:14

And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.