Jeremiah 16:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Behold, I will cause to cease {H7673} out of this place {H4725} in your eyes {H5869}, and in your days {H3117}, the voice {H6963} of mirth {H8342}, and the voice {H6963} of gladness {H8057}, the voice {H6963} of the bridegroom {H2860}, and the voice {H6963} of the bride {H3618}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: 'In this place, while you are still alive, before your very eyes, I will put an end to the sounds of joy and gladness and to the voices of bridegroom and bride.'

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to remove from this place, before your very eyes and in your days, the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom.

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place, before 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:9 delivers a profound and imminent judgment from the Sovereign God of Israel upon Judah, declaring that within the lifetime of the current generation, all expressions of joy, celebration, and communal festivity will be utterly silenced in their land. This includes the cessation of general merriment and, specifically, the joyous sounds associated with weddings, symbolizing a complete societal breakdown, the end of normal life, and the devastating consequences of their persistent rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT

* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 16:9 is embedded within a section (chapters 15-20) that vividly portrays the severity and inevitability of God's judgment against Judah for their idolatry and unfaithfulness. Preceding this verse, the LORD had commanded Jeremiah not to marry or have children, nor to participate in mourning rites or feasts of celebration (Jeremiah 16:1-8). This divine instruction serves as a living parable, demonstrating the coming desolation where normal life, including family continuity, grief rituals, and joyous communal gatherings, would cease to exist. Verse 9 specifically elaborates on the nature of this cessation, detailing the specific sounds of joy that will vanish, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the impending catastrophe. The verses immediately following (Jeremiah 16:10-13) explain *why* this judgment is coming—because the people have forsaken God and served other gods.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered in Judah during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by political instability and spiritual decline, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The people of Judah had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption, despite repeated warnings from prophets. Weddings were profoundly significant cultural events in ancient Israel, symbolizing continuity, prosperity, and the future of the community. They were occasions of immense joy, feasting, music, and dancing, often lasting several days. The "voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride" (Jeremiah 16:9) were quintessential sounds of life, hope, and the perpetuation of family lines. The prophecy that these sounds would cease "in your eyes, and in your days" (Jeremiah 16:9) underscored the immediate and tangible nature of the judgment, indicating that the current generation would witness the complete collapse of their society and the cessation of all that signified life and blessing. This was a direct consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness, as warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and the Consequences of Sin**. God's righteous wrath against Judah's persistent rebellion and idolatry is vividly portrayed, demonstrating that disobedience has severe, tangible repercussions, leading to national desolation. This aligns with Jeremiah's consistent message that Judah's suffering is a direct result of their forsaking the LORD (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Judah's Two Evils")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Loss of Joy and Societal Collapse**. The silencing of mirth and gladness, particularly the sounds of weddings, symbolizes the complete breakdown of communal life, family structures, and all forms of celebration. This imagery paints a picture of a society stripped of hope and vitality, experiencing utter desolation. This theme is echoed in the lamentations over Jerusalem's fall (e.g., [Lamentations 5:15](/lamentations/5-15 "Lamentations 5:15 - Joy of Our Heart Has Ceased")). Thirdly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and the Imminence of His Word**. The declaration "thus saith the LORD of hosts" (Jeremiah 16:9) asserts God's absolute authority and power to execute His decrees. The phrase "in your eyes, and in your days" (Jeremiah 16:9) stresses the immediacy and certainty of the prophecy, indicating that the judgment would unfold within the lifetime of Jeremiah's contemporaries, making God's word undeniably true and inescapable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This refers to the covenant name of God, Jehovah, the self-Existent or Eternal One (H3068). Its use here, combined with "of hosts," emphasizes the speaker's supreme authority and unchanging nature, highlighting that this is not merely a human prediction but a divine decree from the ultimate sovereign.
* **cause to cease (Hebrew, _shâbath'_):** From a primitive root meaning to repose or desist from exertion (H7673). In this context, it signifies an active termination or removal. God Himself will bring about the cessation of these sounds, indicating a deliberate and complete end to the normal expressions of joy, rather than a gradual decline.
* **bridegroom (Hebrew, _châthân'_):** A relative by marriage, especially through the bride (H2860). This word, paired with "bride," specifically points to the sounds and celebrations associated with weddings. The silencing of the bridegroom's voice, along with the bride's, signifies the profound disruption of family life, the end of procreation, and the extinguishing of hope for future generations within the land.
* **bride (Hebrew, _kallâh'_):** From a root meaning "perfect," referring to a bride (H3618). Like "bridegroom," its inclusion underscores the complete breakdown of societal norms and the cessation of the most fundamental and joyous communal rites, symbolizing the death of hope and continuity for the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and unwavering certainty of the prophecy. It is not Jeremiah's personal opinion but a direct, authoritative declaration from Yahweh, the God who commands heavenly armies and is the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His power and His unique relationship with His people, which they have violated.
* **"Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days,":** The interjection "Behold" draws immediate attention to the gravity of the impending action. God explicitly states His direct agency ("I will cause to cease") in bringing about this judgment. The phrase "out of this place" refers to Judah, specifically Jerusalem and its environs. The temporal markers "in your eyes, and in your days" are crucial, signifying that the current generation will personally witness and experience this desolation, making the prophecy immediate, tangible, and inescapable.
* **"the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.":** This climactic phrase details the specific manifestations of joy that will be silenced. The repetition of "the voice of" (Hebrew: _qôwl_) emphasizes the auditory absence. "Mirth" and "gladness" refer to general expressions of joy and festivity. The specific mention of "the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride" is highly significant, as weddings were the quintessential celebrations of life, hope, and continuity in ancient Israel. Their cessation symbolizes the complete breakdown of society, the end of family lines, and the extinguishing of all hope for the future within the land.

#### Literary Devices

The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its somber message. **Repetition** of "the voice of" (Hebrew: *qol*) creates a mournful, rhythmic emphasis, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the silence that will fall upon the land. This anaphora builds a sense of dread and finality. **Metonymy** is evident in "the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride," where the sounds themselves stand for the entire spectrum of joyous communal life and celebrations. The absence of these sounds signifies the absence of the events and the very conditions that produce them. The entire verse functions as a powerful **prophetic oracle**, delivering a direct divine message of impending judgment. The specificity of the "bridegroom" and "bride" voices serves as a potent **symbolism** for the cessation of new life, family continuity, and the future of the nation, as weddings were foundational to Israelite society. The phrase "in your eyes, and in your days" uses **direct address** to emphasize the immediacy and personal impact of the judgment on the current generation, making the prophecy particularly poignant and inescapable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Jeremiah 16:9 serves as a stark theological declaration of God's unwavering justice against persistent disobedience. It reveals that while God is merciful and patient, there comes a point when His people's rebellion necessitates severe judgment to uphold His righteousness and the integrity of His covenant. The silencing of joy and the cessation of normal life, particularly the vital institution of marriage, underscore the profound consequences of forsaking the Living God for idols. This judgment is not arbitrary but a direct outcome of Judah's choices, demonstrating the principle that sin, left unrepented, leads to desolation and the loss of blessing. It also highlights God's sovereignty over all aspects of human existence, including joy and sorrow, and His ability to bring about His decreed will.

* [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - Eating Children in Siege")
* [Isaiah 24:7-9](/isaiah/24-7 "Isaiah 24:7-9 - Earth Mourns, Joy Ceases")
* [Ezekiel 26:13](/ezekiel/26-13 "Ezekiel 26:13 - Silencing of Music in Tyre")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Jeremiah 16:9 stands as a timeless warning that persistent rebellion against God's commands and a disregard for His covenant lead to profound and devastating consequences, including the loss of joy, community, and the very fabric of societal well-being. For believers today, this verse calls for a sober self-examination of our own hearts and lives. Are we, individually and corporately, truly prioritizing God and His will, or are we allowing spiritual apathy, idolatry (whether of possessions, power, or self), and unfaithfulness to erode our relationship with Him? The silencing of joy serves as a powerful reminder that true and lasting joy is not found in transient worldly pleasures or societal stability, but ultimately flows from a right relationship with God and obedience to His Word. It prompts us to consider what "voices of mirth and gladness" might be silenced in our own lives or communities if we drift from God's path, urging us to cultivate a life of faithful devotion and genuine worship, recognizing that God's justice is as real as His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **What "voices of mirth and gladness" in your life or community might be at risk if God's presence and commands are neglected?**
* **How does the concept of God's righteous judgment, as seen in this verse, shape your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Judah, be prone to spiritual complacency or idolatry in our modern context?**
* **How can we actively cultivate a life of obedience and devotion to ensure that true, God-given joy remains vibrant in our lives?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride" ceasing?**

Answer: The cessation of the "voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride" (Jeremiah 16:9) holds profound significance. In ancient Israelite culture, weddings were the most joyous and foundational communal events, symbolizing new life, family continuity, prosperity, and the future of the community. Their absence signifies a complete breakdown of society, the end of normal life, the cessation of procreation, and the extinguishing of hope for future generations within the land. It represents total desolation and the death of the nation's future, a direct consequence of God's severe judgment. This imagery is also used in other prophetic books to denote utter ruin, such as in [Revelation 18:23](/revelation/18-23 "Revelation 18:23 - No More Light of a Lamp") when describing the fall of Babylon.

**Why does God declare this judgment will happen "in your eyes, and in your days"?**

Answer: The phrase "in your eyes, and in your days" (Jeremiah 16:9) emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of the prophecy. It means that the judgment would occur within the lifetime of Jeremiah's contemporaries—the very generation he was addressing. This makes the prophecy incredibly impactful and inescapable, removing any possibility that the people could dismiss it as a distant threat. It underscores God's direct involvement and His commitment to executing His word, ensuring that those who had persistently rebelled would personally witness the devastating consequences of their actions. It served as a stark, tangible warning that the time for repentance had passed for the nation as a whole, and judgment was at their doorstep.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Jeremiah 16:9 speaks of a severe judgment upon Israel, foreshadowing the silencing of joy and the desolation brought by sin, it ultimately points to the profound joy and restoration found in Christ. The cessation of the bridegroom's and bride's voices in Judah symbolizes a broken covenant and a people separated from God, leading to spiritual barrenness. However, in the New Testament, Jesus is presented as the ultimate **Bridegroom** (e.g., [Matthew 9:15](/matthew/9-15 "Matthew 9:15 - The Bridegroom's Presence") and [John 3:29](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - John the Baptist on the Bridegroom")). His coming inaugurates a new covenant, where the marriage feast, far from being silenced, is eternally celebrated. The Church is depicted as the **Bride of Christ** (e.g., [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church") and [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - New Jerusalem, the Bride")). The joy that was lost due to Israel's unfaithfulness is fully restored and surpassed in the presence of Christ. Where sin brought silence and sorrow, Christ brings the **"fullness of joy"** (e.g., [Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy")) and the promise of eternal celebration. His sacrifice on the cross (e.g., [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")) atoned for the sins that caused such desolation, offering reconciliation and a future filled with hope, where the voices of gladness and mirth, far from ceasing, will echo eternally in His presence. The ultimate fulfillment of joy, peace, and communal celebration is found in the eschatological marriage supper of the Lamb (e.g., [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where the eternal Bridegroom reigns with His redeemed Bride.

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

Hosea 2:11

I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.

Ezekiel 26:13

And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.

Jeremiah 7:34

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

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.

Isaiah 24:7

The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.

Isaiah 24:12

In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.

Revelation 18:22

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;