Jeremiah 20:16

KJV

And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide;

KJV (with Strong's)

And let that man {H376} be as the cities {H5892} which the LORD {H3068} overthrew {H2015}, and repented {H5162} not: and let him hear {H8085} the cry {H2201} in the morning {H1242}, and the shouting {H8643} at noontide {H6256}{H6672};

Complete Jewish Bible

Let that man be like the cities ADONAI overthrew without mercy! Let him hear cries of alarm in the morning and the sound of battle at noon,

Berean Standard Bible

May that man be like the cities that the LORD overthrew without compassion. May he hear an outcry in the morning and a battle cry at noon,

American Standard Version

And let that man be as the cities which Jehovah overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear a cry in the morning, and shouting at noontime;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 20:16 encapsulates the prophet's profound despair and the intensity of his curse upon the man who announced his birth. In the throes of suffering and persecution for his prophetic ministry, Jeremiah invokes a judgment reminiscent of the irreversible destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, wishing upon this unnamed individual a life consumed by perpetual terror and distress, from the first light of dawn to the full heat of noon. This verse is a raw expression of human anguish under divine commission, highlighting the immense personal cost of bearing God's truth to a rebellious people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 20:16 is situated within the prophet's "Confessions," a series of deeply personal laments (Jeremiah 11-20) where he expresses his struggles, doubts, and frustrations directly to God. This particular lament, found in [Jeremiah 20:7-18](/jeremiah/20-7 "Jeremiah 20:7-18 - Jeremiah's Lament"), immediately follows a severe episode of persecution where Pashhur, a chief priest, had Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks for his prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction. Jeremiah's anguish culminates in a curse upon the day of his birth and, specifically in this verse, upon the messenger who brought news of his birth to his father. The intensity of this curse underscores the prophet's profound psychological and spiritual torment, contrasting sharply with his initial divine call found in [Jeremiah 1:4-10](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4-10 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Call").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). This era was marked by political instability, the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people. Culturally, the act of cursing was a serious invocation, often believed to carry real power, particularly when invoking divine judgment. The reference to "cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not" is a direct and potent allusion to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (as detailed in [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24-25 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")), a well-known biblical example of irreversible divine wrath due to profound wickedness. This cultural reference would have immediately conveyed the absolute finality and severity of the desired judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the **prophetic suffering** and the immense personal burden of delivering an unpopular divine message, a recurring motif throughout the book (e.g., [Jeremiah 15:10-18](/jeremiah/15-10 "Jeremiah 15:10-18 - Jeremiah's Complaint")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment** and its irreversible nature when God's patience is exhausted, drawing a parallel to the ultimate consequences of unrepentant sin. Thirdly, the vivid imagery of constant "cry" and "shouting" emphasizes the theme of **unrelenting distress and chaos**, reflecting the prophet's own internal turmoil and foreshadowing the societal upheaval facing Judah. Finally, it provides a raw glimpse into the depths of **human despair**, even for those faithfully serving God, demonstrating that profound anguish is a real aspect of the human experience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Overthrew (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** From H2015, this primitive root means "to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert." In this context, it vividly describes a complete and violent reversal or destruction, not merely a defeat but an utter obliteration, as seen in the divine judgment upon the wicked cities. It signifies a radical, transformative act of destruction.
* **Repented (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** From H5162, this primitive root means "to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e. (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself)." When applied to God, "repented not" signifies the unwavering and unchangeable nature of His decree. It implies that the judgment was final, without any subsequent change of mind, pity, or reversal, highlighting the absolute and irreversible nature of the destruction.
* **Shouting (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwʻâh'_):** From H8643, this term denotes "clamor, i.e. acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum." In this context, juxtaposed with "cry," it refers to a tumultuous, alarming noise, possibly a battle cry, a shout of alarm, or a general clamor of distress and chaos. It suggests a pervasive, inescapable din of terror and calamity, far from any sound of peace or joy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew,"**: This clause initiates the curse, invoking a devastating comparison. The "man" (the messenger who brought news of Jeremiah's birth) is wished to suffer a fate akin to the cities (specifically Sodom and Gomorrah, though unnamed, the allusion is clear) that God Himself destroyed. This sets the stage for a judgment of ultimate, divine origin and severity.
* **"and repented not:"**: This crucial phrase clarifies the nature of the divine overthrow. It emphasizes the absolute finality and irreversibility of the judgment. Just as God did not relent or change His mind concerning the destruction of those wicked cities, Jeremiah wishes that the judgment upon this man would be equally unalterable and without reprieve.
* **"and let him hear the cry in the morning,"**: This part of the curse shifts to the experience of the cursed man, focusing on constant auditory torment. "The cry" (Hebrew: *za'aq*) often denotes a cry of distress, anguish, or an appeal for help. To hear it "in the morning" signifies that his torment would begin immediately upon waking, pervading the start of each day.
* **"and the shouting at noontide;"**: This continues the auditory torment, extending it throughout the day. "The shouting" (Hebrew: *tᵉrûwʻâh*) can mean a battle cry, an alarm, or a tumultuous noise. To hear it "at noontide," the busiest and most vibrant part of the day, suggests that there would be no respite, no moment of peace or quiet, but a continuous, overwhelming presence of dread and chaos.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 20:16 is rich in literary devices that amplify the prophet's despair and the severity of his curse. The primary device is **Simile**, as Jeremiah wishes the man to "be as the cities which the LORD overthrew," drawing a direct comparison to a well-known historical event of divine judgment. This simile is powerfully enhanced by **Allusion** to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")), a reference that would have been immediately understood by Jeremiah's audience as the epitome of irreversible divine wrath. The phrase "repented not" emphasizes the **Finality** of this judgment, underscoring God's unwavering resolve in such instances. Furthermore, the vivid **Imagery** of "the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide" creates a powerful sensory experience of perpetual terror and distress, illustrating a life devoid of peace. This use of **Merism** (morning and noontide representing the entire day) highlights the ceaseless nature of the torment. The entire verse can also be seen as an expression of **Hyperbole**, as Jeremiah's extreme language reflects the depth of his emotional agony and the intensity of his desire for retribution against those who caused him suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 20:16, while a stark expression of human anguish, offers profound theological insights into the nature of divine judgment and the reality of suffering in prophetic ministry. The reference to God overthrowing cities "and repented not" underscores God's absolute sovereignty and the unchangeable nature of His righteous decrees when judgment is final. This is not a capricious God, but one whose justice, once fully executed, is complete and without reversal. The prophet's lament also highlights the immense burden and personal cost of faithfulness, revealing that even those called by God can experience profound despair and wish for an end to their suffering, a reality that resonates throughout biblical narratives of righteous individuals facing opposition.

* [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24-25 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"): This passage details the historical event to which Jeremiah alludes, illustrating the finality of divine judgment upon unrepentant wickedness.
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God Does Not Change His Mind"): "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" This verse affirms the immutability of God's word and purpose, echoing the "repented not" in Jeremiah.
* [Psalm 88:1-9](/psalms/88-1 "Psalm 88:1-9 - A Psalm of Deep Distress"): This psalm, like Jeremiah's confession, expresses profound personal suffering and a sense of being overwhelmed by distress, demonstrating that lament and anguish are legitimate expressions within a relationship with God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's raw and deeply human lament in Jeremiah 20:16 offers a poignant reminder that even the most faithful servants of God are not immune to profound suffering, despair, and the temptation to express extreme emotions. This verse validates the reality of human pain and the desperate cries that can arise from a heart overwhelmed by opposition and the burden of God's calling. It challenges us to acknowledge the difficult, often unseen, costs of obedience and faithfulness in a world hostile to divine truth. While Jeremiah's curse is extreme and not a model for personal vengeance, it serves as a powerful testament to the intensity of his anguish and the severity of the judgment he knew awaited a rebellious people. For believers today, it encourages empathy for those who suffer for their faith and a deeper appreciation for the steadfastness required to walk with God through trials, understanding that God hears even our most desperate cries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah's extreme lament challenge or affirm your understanding of a faithful servant of God?**
* **What does the phrase "repented not" teach us about the nature of God's judgment and His character?**
* **In what ways might the "cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide" manifest in contemporary forms of distress or anxiety?**
* **How can we, as believers, navigate moments of profound despair while remaining faithful to God's call?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jeremiah utter such a harsh curse, even wishing destruction on the messenger of his birth?**

Answer: Jeremiah's curse in [Jeremiah 20:16](/jeremiah/20-16 "Jeremiah 20:16 - Jeremiah's Curse") stems from the depths of his profound despair and anguish, often referred to as one of his "confessions." Immediately prior to this, he had been beaten and put in stocks by Pashhur the priest for prophesying God's judgment. This physical and emotional torment, coupled with the rejection of his prophetic message and the immense personal cost of his calling (as seen in [Jeremiah 15:10](/jeremiah/15-10 "Jeremiah 15:10 - Jeremiah's Complaint of Loneliness")), led him to a breaking point. His curse is not a model for personal vengeance, but rather a raw, unvarnished expression of a human being overwhelmed by suffering and wishing he had never been born to endure such pain. It highlights the immense psychological burden of being God's prophet in a rebellious age, where speaking truth brought only persecution.

**What is the significance of the phrase "the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not"?**

Answer: This phrase is a direct and powerful allusion to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as narrated in [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24-25 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). The significance lies in two key aspects: First, it invokes the most well-known biblical example of absolute, irreversible divine judgment due to profound wickedness. Jeremiah is wishing upon the unnamed man a fate of utter desolation and finality. Second, the phrase "repented not" (Hebrew: *lo' nicham*) when referring to God's action, emphasizes the unchangeable and unwavering nature of this particular judgment. It signifies that there was no turning back, no change of mind, and no reversal of the decreed destruction. This highlights God's justice, which, once fully executed in such cases, is complete and without reprieve, a concept also seen in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God Does Not Change His Mind").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah's lament in [Jeremiah 20:16](/jeremiah/20-16 "Jeremiah 20:16 - Jeremiah's Curse") expresses a desire for judgment and a profound personal anguish, it ultimately points to Christ in several profound ways. Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet," embodies the suffering servant motif, foreshadowing Jesus, who also experienced immense rejection and suffering for proclaiming God's truth (as seen in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised and Rejected")). The irreversible judgment wished upon the unnamed man in Jeremiah's curse finds its ultimate fulfillment not in human vengeance, but in the divine justice executed at the cross. There, the "cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not" find their parallel in the just wrath of God against sin, which Jesus willingly bore, becoming the ultimate recipient of God's judgment so that humanity might be spared (as highlighted in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, the "cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide" that Jeremiah wishes upon his tormentor can be seen as a dark reflection of the constant spiritual battle and distress that Jesus faced, culminating in His own cries of anguish on the cross (e.g., [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")). Yet, unlike the unredeemed judgment Jeremiah invokes, Christ's suffering leads to resurrection and the promise of ultimate peace, transforming the lament of despair into a victorious shout of salvation (as prophesied in [Psalm 118:24](/psalms/118-24 "Psalm 118:24 - The Day the Lord Has Made") and fulfilled in [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). Thus, Christ fulfills the prophetic suffering and transforms the curse of judgment into the blessing of redemption.

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 18:22

Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.

Jeremiah 48:3

A voice of crying [shall be] from Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction.

Jeremiah 48:4

Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Hosea 10:14

Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon [her] children.

Amos 1:14

But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:

Genesis 19:24

¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;