Jeremiah 17:16

KJV

As for me, I have not hastened from [being] a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was [right] before thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for me, I have not hastened {H213} from being a pastor {H7462} to follow {H310} thee: neither have I desired {H183} the woeful {H605} day {H3117}; thou knowest {H3045}: that which came out {H4161} of my lips {H8193} was right before {H5227} thee {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for me, I have not run away from being a shepherd who follows you; you know I didn't want this fatal day; what came from my lips has been clear to you.

Berean Standard Bible

But I have not run away from being Your shepherd; I have not desired the day of despair. You know that the utterance of my lips was spoken in Your presence.

American Standard Version

As for me, I have not hastened from being a shepherd after thee; neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was before thy face.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:16 captures the prophet's profound personal appeal to God, a heartfelt defense of his unwavering faithfulness and integrity amidst intense persecution and public scorn. He asserts that he neither shirked his divinely appointed role as a spiritual shepherd nor desired the calamitous judgment he was compelled to prophesy. Instead, he appeals to God's perfect knowledge, affirming that every word spoken from his lips was truly from the Lord and righteous in His sight, underscoring his commitment to divine truth over personal popularity or comfort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a deeply personal section of Jeremiah's prophecy, often referred to as his "confessions" or laments (e.g., [Jeremiah 11:18-23](/jeremiah/11-18-23 "Jeremiah's First Confession"), [Jeremiah 15:10-21](/jeremiah/15-10-21 "Jeremiah's Second Confession"), [Jeremiah 18:18-23](/jeremiah/18-18-23 "Jeremiah's Third Confession")). Immediately preceding [Jeremiah 17:16](/jeremiah/17-16 "Jeremiah 17:16 - Jeremiah's Defense"), [Jeremiah 17:15](/jeremiah/17-15 "Jeremiah 17:15 - Scoffers' Challenge") records the taunts of scoffers who challenge the veracity of Jeremiah's prophecies, demanding, "Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come now!" This direct challenge prompts Jeremiah's earnest defense to God in verse 16, where he reaffirms his prophetic calling and the divine origin of his difficult messages. The broader context of [Jeremiah 17](/jeremiah/17 "Jeremiah 17 - Judah's Sin and God's Justice") contrasts the cursed life of those who trust in human strength with the blessed life of those who trust in the Lord, setting the stage for Jeremiah's personal example of unwavering trust despite immense hardship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE), a period marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. The people, including their leaders and false prophets, largely rejected Jeremiah's warnings of impending judgment, preferring comforting lies. Prophets like Jeremiah often served as public figures, delivering God's word in the temple courts, city gates, or public squares, making them highly visible and vulnerable to public opinion and political pressure. The concept of a "pastor" or "shepherd" (Hebrew: _ro'eh_) was a common metaphor for leaders, both spiritual and political, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying care, guidance, and authority over a flock or people. Jeremiah's claim that he did not "desire the woeful day" highlights the cultural expectation that a true prophet would grieve over, rather than rejoice in, the calamities he foretold, distinguishing him from those who might exploit fear or personal gain from disaster.

* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 17:16](/jeremiah/17-16 "Jeremiah 17:16 - Jeremiah's Defense") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. It underscores the theme of **prophetic integrity and faithfulness**, as Jeremiah stands firm in his calling despite immense personal suffering and public rejection, contrasting sharply with the false prophets who offered popular, but deceptive, messages (e.g., [Jeremiah 14:13-16](/jeremiah/14-13-16 "Jeremiah 14:13-16 - False Prophets")). The verse also highlights **divine sovereignty and omniscience**, as Jeremiah appeals directly to God's perfect knowledge ("thou knowest") as the ultimate arbiter of his sincerity and the truthfulness of his words, even when human judgment is flawed or hostile. Furthermore, it reveals the prophet's profound **compassion and lament over judgment**, demonstrating that true prophetic ministry is not about gloating over impending doom but grieving deeply for the people's sin and the necessary consequences, aligning with the broader theme of God's sorrow over Judah's rebellion (e.g., [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Grief")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hastened (Hebrew, _ʼûwts'_):** This primitive root signifies to "press," "hurry," or "withdraw." In this context, Jeremiah asserts that he did not rush away from his prophetic duties or shrink back from the difficult message, implying a steadfastness and resilience in the face of opposition. He did not hastily abandon his post or seek to escape the burden of his calling, but remained steadfast.
* **desired (Hebrew, _ʼâvâh'_):** This word means "to wish for," "covet," or "long after." Jeremiah emphatically states he did not "desire" the "woeful day," clarifying that his prophetic pronouncements of judgment were not born of personal vindictiveness or a wish for calamity, but out of obedience to God and a sorrowful recognition of Judah's impending fate. This highlights his compassionate heart, distinguishing him from those who might revel in others' misfortune.
* **right (Hebrew, _nôkach'_):** Properly meaning "the front part," this word is used adverbially here to mean "opposite," "in front of," or "directly." When Jeremiah declares that what came out of his lips was "right before thee," he is asserting that his words were directly aligned with God's truth, transparent and unadulterated in God's presence, implying divine approval and accuracy. It indicates that his message was not only true but also delivered with integrity and without hidden motives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for me, I have not hastened from [being] a pastor to follow thee":** Jeremiah begins with a personal affirmation, distinguishing himself from others. He asserts that he has not "hastened" or shrunk back from his role as a "pastor" (shepherd), a metaphor for his prophetic ministry and leadership over God's people. This implies his steadfast commitment to God's calling, even when it was arduous and unpopular, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to tending God's flock by delivering His word.
* **"neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest":** The prophet continues by denying any personal glee or desire for the "woeful day" – the day of judgment and calamity he was commissioned to announce. His heart was not set on destruction but on God's will. He then appeals directly to God's omniscience, "thou knowest," as the ultimate witness to his sincerity and the purity of his motives, emphasizing that God alone truly understands his heart and intentions.
* **"that which came out of my lips was [right] before thee":** This final clause serves as Jeremiah's powerful vindication of his prophetic message. He affirms that every word he uttered was not his own invention or personal opinion, but was "right" – accurate, true, and aligned with God's will – in God's sight. This declares the divine origin and authority of his prophecies, even those that were harsh and unwelcome, reinforcing his faithfulness as God's messenger.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:16 employs several potent literary devices. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the use of "pastor" (Hebrew: _ro'eh_) to describe Jeremiah's prophetic role. This evokes the image of a shepherd diligently caring for a flock, highlighting his responsibility to guide, protect, and feed God's people with divine truth, even when they resist. The phrase "woeful day" functions as **Euphemism** or **Understatement**, referring to the impending catastrophic judgment that Jeremiah was tasked to announce, softening the direct impact while still conveying its severity. The prophet's direct address, "thou knowest," is a powerful example of **Apostrophe**, where he turns from his human accusers to speak directly to God, appealing to divine omniscience for vindication. This also serves as a form of **Assertion**, a strong declaration of truth and integrity, placing his testimony directly before the ultimate Judge. The entire verse functions as a **Personal Lament** and **Apologia**, a defense of his character and ministry in the face of widespread opposition and misunderstanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:16 offers profound theological insights into the nature of true prophecy, divine knowledge, and the character of God's chosen messengers. It underscores that authentic prophetic ministry is not self-serving or driven by personal desires for calamity, but by a sorrowful obedience to God's will, even when that will involves judgment. Jeremiah's appeal to God's omniscience ("thou knowest") highlights the theological truth that God is the ultimate discerner of hearts and motives, validating His servants' integrity even when human perception is clouded by hostility or disbelief. This verse also implicitly affirms the inspiration and authority of God's word delivered through His prophets; Jeremiah's words were "right before thee," meaning they were divinely sanctioned and accurate, regardless of their reception.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [Ezekiel 3:17-21](/ezekiel/3-17-21 "Ezekiel 3:17-21 - The Watchman's Responsibility")
* [2 Timothy 4:2-5](/2_timothy/4-2-5 "2 Timothy 4:2-5 - Preaching the Word in Season and Out")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's steadfastness in [Jeremiah 17:16](/jeremiah/17-16 "Jeremiah 17:16 - Jeremiah's Defense") provides a powerful model for believers today, particularly those in leadership or prophetic roles. It challenges us to examine our own motives in service: Are we driven by a genuine desire to serve God and His people, or by personal gain, popularity, or the avoidance of discomfort? Jeremiah's willingness to speak difficult truths, even while grieving their necessity, reminds us that compassion does not negate conviction. We are called to embody both truth and grace, lamenting the consequences of sin even as we faithfully declare God's standards. When facing misunderstanding, false accusation, or the heavy burden of our calling, we can find immense comfort and vindication in appealing to God, who truly "knows" our hearts and intentions. Our ultimate audience is not human opinion, but the omniscient God before whom our words and deeds are laid bare.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry might you be tempted to "hasten from" your calling due to difficulty or opposition?**
* **How can you cultivate a heart of compassion and lament, even when confronting difficult truths or witnessing the consequences of sin in the world around you?**
* **When you feel misunderstood or falsely accused, how does Jeremiah's appeal to God's knowledge ("thou knowest") encourage you to trust in divine vindication rather than human approval?**

### FAQ

**What does "pastor" mean in Jeremiah 17:16?**

Answer: In [Jeremiah 17:16](/jeremiah/17-16 "Jeremiah 17:16 - Jeremiah's Defense"), the KJV translation "pastor" comes from the Hebrew word _ro'eh_ (H7462), which literally means "shepherd." In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe Jeremiah's role as a spiritual leader and prophet. Just as a shepherd guides, feeds, and protects his flock, Jeremiah was called by God to guide the people of Judah, feed them with God's word, and warn them of impending dangers. It signifies his divinely appointed responsibility to care for the spiritual well-being of God's people by faithfully delivering His message, even when it was unpopular or brought him personal suffering.

**Why did Jeremiah say he didn't "desire the woeful day"?**

Answer: Jeremiah's declaration that he did not "desire the woeful day" (from Hebrew _ʼânash_ H605, meaning "woeful," and _yôwm_ H3117, meaning "day") emphasizes his genuine sorrow and compassion for his people, Judah. As God's prophet, he was tasked with delivering messages of impending judgment and destruction due to their persistent idolatry and sin. However, this was not a task he relished. His statement highlights that his prophetic warnings were not born of personal vindictiveness or a desire for calamity to befall his nation. Instead, he grieved over the necessity of God's judgment, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's own sorrow over His people's rebellion, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Grief"). This distinguishes him from false prophets who might have exploited fear or lacked true empathy.

**What does "that which came out of my lips was [right] before thee" signify?**

Answer: This phrase is Jeremiah's powerful affirmation of the divine origin and truthfulness of his prophecies. By stating that what came from his lips was "right" (Hebrew _nôkach_ H5227, meaning "directly aligned" or "proper") "before thee" (Hebrew _pânîym_ H6440, meaning "in your face" or "in your presence"), Jeremiah is appealing to God as the ultimate witness and judge of his message. He is asserting that his words were not his own opinions or desires, but were precisely what God intended to be spoken, accurate and true in God's sight, regardless of how they were received by the people. This underscores his integrity as a prophet and the authoritative nature of the divine word he proclaimed, even when it was a message of judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:16, while a personal lament of the prophet, profoundly foreshadows the character and mission of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to his calling as a "pastor" or shepherd, even when it meant delivering unwelcome truths and facing intense opposition, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). Like Jeremiah, Jesus did not "hasten from" His divine mission, but steadfastly pursued God's will, even to the cross (e.g., [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). Furthermore, Jeremiah's assertion that he did not "desire the woeful day" but grieved over impending judgment resonates deeply with Christ's lament over Jerusalem (e.g., [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")) and His agony in Gethsemane, where He prayed for the cup of suffering to pass, yet submitted to the Father's will (e.g., [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Most significantly, Jeremiah's claim that "that which came out of my lips was [right] before thee" points to Jesus as the embodiment of divine truth. Every word Jesus spoke was perfectly aligned with the Father's will and truth (e.g., [John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - Jesus in the Father")), and He Himself is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the ultimate and perfect revelation of God. Thus, Jeremiah's integrity, compassion, and faithfulness in delivering God's difficult word find their perfect and complete expression in the person and work of Christ.

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

Acts 20:20

[And] how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you], but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Jeremiah 4:19

¶ My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.

Jeremiah 4:20

Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, [and] my curtains in a moment.

Acts 20:27

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Jeremiah 13:17

But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for [your] pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

James 3:1

¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.