Jeremiah 3:16

KJV

And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit [it]; neither shall [that] be done any more.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied {H7235} and increased {H6509} in the land {H776}, in those days {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, they shall say {H559} no more, The ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068}: neither shall it come {H5927} to mind {H3820}: neither shall they remember {H2142} it; neither shall they visit {H6485} it; neither shall that be done {H6213} any more.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'"And," says ADONAI, "in those days, when your numbers have increased in the land, people will no longer talk about the ark for the covenant of ADONAI - they won't think about it, they won't miss it, and they won't make another one.

Berean Standard Bible

“In those days, when you multiply and increase in the land,” declares the LORD, “they will no longer discuss the ark of the covenant of the LORD. It will never come to mind, and no one will remember it or miss it, nor will another one be made.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, when ye are multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith Jehovah, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of Jehovah; neither shall it come to mind; neither shall they remember it; neither shall they miss it; neither shall it be made any more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 3:16 unveils a profound prophetic vision for a future era of unprecedented spiritual flourishing and multiplication for God's people. In this coming time, the Ark of the Covenant, once the most sacred artifact of the Old Covenant and the tangible focal point of Israelite worship, will no longer be remembered, sought, or even considered relevant. This declaration signifies a radical and divinely ordained shift in the nature of God's presence among His people, moving beyond physical symbols and localized rituals to a deeper, more intimate, and universally pervasive spiritual reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 3 commences with a poignant and vivid indictment of Judah's spiritual infidelity, employing the powerful metaphor of a faithless wife who has prostituted herself with many lovers, yet God still calls for her return [Jeremiah 3:1-5](/jeremiah/3-1-5 "Jeremiah 3:1-5 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery"). The prophet then contrasts Judah's persistent wickedness with that of her northern sister, Israel, declaring Judah to be even more culpable in her idolatry [Jeremiah 3:6-11](/jeremiah/3-6-11 "Jeremiah 3:6-11 - Judah's Greater Guilt"). Despite this severe condemnation, the passage pivots to a tender call for repentance and a glorious promise of restoration for both Israel and Judah, envisioning a future reunion under faithful, God-given shepherds who will lead them with knowledge and understanding [Jeremiah 3:12-15](/jeremiah/3-12-15 "Jeremiah 3:12-15 - Call to Repentance and Promise of Restoration"). Within this intricate tapestry of judgment, lament, and promised redemption, [Jeremiah 3:16](/jeremiah/3-16 "Jeremiah 3:16 - The Ark's Obsolescence") emerges as a startling and revolutionary prophecy, hinting at a new spiritual order that transcends the physical symbols and limitations of the Old Covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a tumultuous and pivotal period in Judah's history, primarily from the late 7th to early 6th century BCE, leading up to and encompassing the devastating Babylonian exile. The Ark of the Covenant held an unparalleled position of sanctity and significance within Israelite worship and national identity. It was considered the earthly throne of God, the mercy seat where He communed with His people [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - The Mercy Seat and God's Presence"), and the repository of the covenant tablets. Housed first in the Tabernacle and later in the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, its presence was synonymous with God's active involvement in Israel's life, leading them in battle, and symbolizing His unwavering covenant faithfulness. Culturally, the Ark was not merely an artifact; it was the very heart of their religious and national identity, representing God's unique dwelling among them. The prophecy in [Jeremiah 3:16](/jeremiah/3-16 "Jeremiah 3:16 - The Ark's Obsolescence") would have been profoundly shocking and challenging to a people whose entire understanding of God's presence was so deeply intertwined with this physical object.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **progressive nature of God's revelation and redemptive plan**, indicating a future where the physical, tangible symbols of the Old Covenant would be superseded by a more profound, internal, and spiritual reality. Secondly, it illuminates the theme of **divine presence**, prophesying a time when God's dwelling would no longer be localized in a sacred object or confined to a single temple, but would become more pervasive, intimate, and accessible among His people. This anticipates the radical shift of the New Covenant, where God's law is inscribed not on stone tablets but on human hearts [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts") and His Spirit indwells individual believers. Lastly, the opening phrase, "when ye be multiplied and increased in the land," points to a future of **spiritual abundance, maturity, and flourishing**, where a deeper understanding of God's nature and direct access to Him would render the need for physical intermediaries obsolete, ushering in an era of true spiritual intimacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** (H1285) Derived from a root meaning "to cut," referencing the ancient practice of cutting animals in half as part of a solemn compact, often with parties passing between the pieces. This word signifies a binding agreement, a compact, or a league, frequently initiated by God to establish a relationship with specific obligations, promises, and blessings. In the phrase "the ark of the covenant," the Ark itself served as the tangible symbol and repository of God's foundational covenant with Israel at Sinai, specifically containing the tablets of the Law. The prophecy of its future obsolescence therefore implies a radical transformation in the very nature of God's covenant relationship with His people, moving beyond its physical representation.
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** (H2142) This primitive root means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention." It extends beyond simple recollection to encompass active consideration, mindful attention, and even the act of memorializing or bringing something to mind with intent. When the prophecy states the Ark will "neither shall they remember it," it signifies not merely a passive forgetting, but an active cessation of the Ark as a focal point of thought, worship, or national identity. This indicates a complete and intentional shift in spiritual focus, where the Ark ceases to hold any active significance in the communal consciousness or practice.
* **Lord (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, personal, and self-existent name of God, often rendered "LORD" in English Bibles. It emphasizes God's eternal, unchanging nature, His absolute sovereignty, and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. The declaration concerning the Ark's future irrelevance is explicitly stated as "saith the LORD," underscoring the divine authority and certainty behind this revolutionary prophecy. It is Jehovah Himself, the covenant-keeping God, who declares that the very symbol of His covenant will one day be superseded by a greater reality, highlighting the divine initiative in this profound shift.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land,"**: This opening clause establishes the temporal setting for the prophecy, indicating a future period of significant demographic and spiritual growth for God's people within their promised land. This "multiplication and increase" suggests not merely physical prosperity but also a flourishing of spiritual understanding and a deeper, more widespread experience of God's presence among them.
* **"in those days, saith the LORD,"**: This crucial interjection serves to authenticate the prophecy, emphasizing its divine origin and absolute certainty. It is a direct, authoritative pronouncement from God Himself, signaling that the radical shift concerning the Ark will occur at a specific, divinely appointed future time, demonstrating God's sovereign control over redemptive history.
* **"they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it;"**: This powerful series of negations emphatically declares the complete cessation of the Ark's significance. It will not be spoken of in reverence or as a central object of their faith; it will not be brought to mind in their thoughts or meditations; nor will it be actively recalled or memorialized as a vital element of their worship or national identity. This tripartite negation indicates a profound spiritual maturity where reliance on physical symbols is utterly transcended.
* **"neither shall they visit [it]; neither shall [that] be done any more."**: These concluding negations reinforce the absolute obsolescence of the Ark's role. The people will no longer undertake pilgrimages to its location, seek its presence, or perform any rituals or acts of worship associated with it. The final phrase, "neither shall [that] be done any more," serves as a definitive and conclusive statement, marking the end of an entire era of worship and divine interaction that was centered on this sacred object, signaling a complete paradigm shift.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 3:16 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its radical and forward-looking message. The most striking is **Repetition**, evident in the series of cumulative negations: "say no more," "come to mind," "remember it," "visit [it]," and "be done any more." This cascading negation creates an overwhelming emphasis on the complete and utter irrelevance of the Ark in the prophesied future. It is not merely forgotten, but actively rendered obsolete, underscoring the monumental nature of the spiritual transformation. This repetition serves to impress upon the audience the radical break from past practices and the finality of the Ark's diminished role. Furthermore, the verse functions as a profound piece of **Foreshadowing** and **Prophecy**. It transcends the immediate context of Judah's unfaithfulness and impending judgment, peering into a distant future to hint at a new covenant and a different, more spiritual mode of divine presence that would ultimately supersede the physical symbols of the Old Covenant. The prophecy itself is inherently **Paradoxical**, as it diminishes the most sacred object in Israelite worship to highlight the coming of a greater, more spiritual, and universally accessible reality of God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 3:16 stands as a pivotal theological bridge, anticipating the profound shift from the Old Covenant's reliance on external symbols and localized presence to the New Covenant's emphasis on internal, spiritual realities. It reveals God's progressive plan for His people, moving them from a worship system centered on physical objects and a confined presence (like the Ark within the Temple) to one characterized by an intimate, indwelling presence of God's Spirit. The obsolescence of the Ark signifies that the ultimate reality of God's presence would no longer be confined to a box or a building, but would be accessible directly to His people, rendering external intermediaries unnecessary. This prophecy points towards a time when the "shadows" of the Old Testament would give way to the "substance" found in Christ, who is the true embodiment of God's presence.

* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy") - This seminal passage directly prophesies the New Covenant, where God will write His law on the hearts of His people, making external rituals and symbols less central and emphasizing an internal, direct knowledge of God.
* [Hebrews 8:7-13](/hebrews/8-7-13 "Hebrews 8:7-13 - The Superiority of the New Covenant") - The New Testament explicitly contrasts the Old Covenant with the superior New Covenant, explaining why the old system, with its physical elements and ceremonial laws, was destined to become obsolete in light of Christ's perfect sacrifice.
* [Hebrews 9:1-14](/hebrews/9-1-14 "Hebrews 9:1-14 - Earthly Sanctuary vs. Heavenly Reality") - This passage meticulously details the Old Covenant tabernacle and its elements, including the Ark, and then profoundly explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice rendered these earthly copies unnecessary, as He entered the true, heavenly sanctuary to secure eternal redemption.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 3:16 offers a powerful and enduring invitation for believers today to critically examine the nature of their worship, their spiritual priorities, and the foundations of their faith. It challenges any tendency to cling to external forms, cherished rituals, or even deeply ingrained traditions if they inadvertently obscure or replace a direct, living, and dynamic relationship with God. While structure, tradition, and physical elements can serve as valuable aids to worship, this verse serves as a profound reminder that true worship is not ultimately about physical artifacts, sacred spaces, or prescribed ceremonies, but about the spiritual reality of God's indwelling presence within us through Christ and the Holy Spirit. It calls us to focus on the very substance of our faith—Jesus Christ—who is the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament symbols and the direct, living access to God. Our spiritual growth and maturity should naturally lead us to a deeper, more intimate, and less dependent relationship on outward expressions, prioritizing the indwelling Spirit, the transforming power of God's Word, and a heart fully devoted to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "arks" or physical symbols, whether literal or metaphorical, might we unknowingly cling to in our modern worship or spiritual lives, potentially hindering a deeper, more direct encounter with God?**
* **How does understanding the Ark's prophesied obsolescence encourage a more internal, heart-centered approach to faith rather than an external, ritualistic one?**
* **In what ways does the "multiplication and increase" mentioned in the verse relate to spiritual maturity and the diminishing need for outward signs of God's presence in our personal and corporate worship?**
* **How can we ensure our worship remains profoundly focused on Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, rather than becoming overly reliant on traditions, emotional experiences, or physical elements that might distract from the true source of God's presence?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Ark of the Covenant so important in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's direct presence, His throne, and His covenant relationship with His people. It was the physical representation of God's dwelling among them, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron's staff, which represented God's law, provision, and priestly authority, respectively. Housed in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, it was the focal point of Israel's worship and a tangible sign of God's active involvement in their national life, leading them in battle and signifying divine approval. Its profound importance is highlighted in passages such as [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10-22 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant") and [Numbers 10:33-36](/numbers/10-33-36 "Numbers 10:33-36 - The Ark Leading Israel in the Wilderness").

**Does this prophecy mean the Ark was lost or destroyed?**

Answer: While the precise physical fate of the Ark of the Covenant after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem (around 586 BCE) remains a subject of speculation and debate, Jeremiah's prophecy in [Jeremiah 3:16](/jeremiah/3-16 "Jeremiah 3:16 - The Ark's Obsolescence") is not primarily concerned with its physical disappearance. Instead, it speaks to its *theological and functional obsolescence* in a future, divinely ordained era. The prophecy declares that even if the Ark were to be rediscovered, it would no longer hold the same spiritual significance or be central to worship. The emphasis is on a profound shift from reliance on a physical object to a new, more spiritual reality of God's presence, making the Ark's physical location or existence ultimately irrelevant to the future of God's people.

**How does this prophecy relate to Christians today?**

Answer: For Christians, [Jeremiah 3:16](/jeremiah/3-16 "Jeremiah 3:16 - The Ark's Obsolescence") is a powerful and direct foreshadowing of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. It signifies that God's presence is no longer confined to a physical object, a specific building, or a particular location, but is now universally accessible directly through Christ and intimately indwells believers through the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages us to pursue a spiritual, heart-centered worship that is not dependent on external rituals, symbols, or physical intermediaries, but on a living, personal relationship with God. It reminds us that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament shadows, including the Ark, as He is the true tabernacle, the perfect High Priest, and the living presence of God among us and within us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 3:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The prophecy that the Ark of the Covenant would no longer be remembered, sought, or needed points directly to the advent of a superior and final reality: God's very presence embodied in human flesh. Just as the Ark symbolized God's dwelling among His people, Jesus is revealed as God "tabernacling" among us, full of grace and truth, the Word made flesh [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the true and greater High Priest who entered not into an earthly sanctuary made with human hands, but into heaven itself, through His own precious blood, securing an eternal redemption that far surpasses the temporary atonement offered by the Old Covenant sacrifices [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the True High Priest"). The New Covenant, which Jeremiah himself so powerfully prophesied would replace the old, flawed covenant [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy"), is inaugurated in Christ's death and resurrection, where God's law is written not on stone tablets but on the hearts and minds of believers by the indwelling Holy Spirit, rendering external symbols like the Ark utterly unnecessary. Furthermore, in this glorious New Covenant, believers themselves become the temple of the Holy Spirit [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple"); [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit"), meaning God's presence is no longer localized in an object or building, but intimately indwells His people personally and pervasively. Thus, the "multiplication and increase in the land" foreshadows the global expansion of God's people through the Great Commission [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"), where every believer, filled with the Spirit, carries God's presence, making the physical Ark obsolete in the glorious and all-sufficient light of Christ's finished work.

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

Isaiah 65:17

¶ For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Ezekiel 37:26

Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.

Amos 9:14

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Amos 9:15

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

Zechariah 8:4

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.

Zechariah 8:5

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

Hosea 1:10

Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God.