Jeremiah 16:2
Jeremiah 16:2 in Multiple Translations
“You must not marry or have sons or daughters in this place.”
Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters in this place.
Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters, in this place.
You are not to take a wife for yourself or have sons or daughters in this place.
Don't marry or have children here.
Thou shalt not take thee a wife, nor haue sonnes nor daughters in this place.
Thou dost not take to thee a wife, Nor hast thou sons and daughters in this place.
“You shall not take a wife, neither shall you have sons or daughters, in this place.”
Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons nor daughters in this place.
Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have thee sons and daughters in this place.
“Do not get married and have children in this land,
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 16:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 16:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
תִקַּ֥ח
לְ/ךָ֖
אִשָּׁ֑ה
וְ/לֹֽא
יִהְי֤וּ
לְ/ךָ֙
בָּנִ֣ים
וּ/בָנ֔וֹת
בַּ/מָּק֖וֹם
הַ/זֶּֽה
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִקַּ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
אִשָּׁ֑ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִהְי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לְ/ךָ֙
Prep | Suff
בָּנִ֣ים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
וּ/בָנ֔וֹת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
Conj | N-fp
בַּ/מָּק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 16:2
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִקַּ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
אִשָּׁ֑ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִהְי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/ךָ֙
""
Prep | Suff
בָּנִ֣ים
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וּ/בָנ֔וֹת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
Conj | N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
בַּ/מָּק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 16:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 16:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 16:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 16:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:2
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 16:2
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 16:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:2
- Sermons on Jeremiah 16:2
Context — Disaster Predicted
1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2“You must not marry or have sons or daughters in this place.”
3For this is what the LORD says concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and the mothers who bore them, and the fathers who fathered them in this land: 4“They will die from deadly diseases. They will not be mourned or buried, but will lie like dung on the ground. They will be finished off by sword and famine, and their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and beasts of the earth.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 7:26–27 | Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you committed to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you free of commitment? Do not look for a wife. |
| 2 | Luke 23:29 | Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’ |
| 3 | Genesis 19:14 | So Lot went out and spoke to the sons-in-law who were pledged in marriage to his daughters. “Get up,” he said. “Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. |
| 4 | Luke 21:23 | How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. |
| 5 | Matthew 24:19 | How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! |
Jeremiah 16:2 Summary
[This verse means that God told Jeremiah not to get married or have kids because He was about to bring judgment on the land, and Jeremiah's personal life was to be a sign of that judgment, similar to the way God instructed Hosea to marry a prostitute in Hosea 1:2 to illustrate His relationship with Israel. This shows us that God's commands are not always easy to understand, but we must trust and obey Him. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, we must trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, and He will make our paths straight.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God tell Jeremiah not to marry or have children in this place?
God told Jeremiah not to marry or have children because of the severe judgment that was coming upon the land, as seen in Jeremiah 16:3-4, where it says they will die from deadly diseases and be finished off by sword and famine, much like the punishments described in Leviticus 26:16 and Deuteronomy 28:15.
Is this command to Jeremiah applicable to all believers today?
No, this command was specifically for Jeremiah in his unique circumstances, as seen in the context of Jeremiah 16:1-4, and is not a general principle for all believers, unlike the command to be fruitful and multiply in Genesis 1:28.
How does this verse relate to Jeremiah's role as a prophet?
As a prophet, Jeremiah was called to proclaim God's message to the people, and his personal life, including his decision not to marry or have children, was to be a sign to the people of the coming judgment, similar to the way Isaiah's children were given symbolic names in Isaiah 7:3 and 8:1-4.
What can we learn from Jeremiah's obedience to this command?
We can learn the importance of trusting and obeying God's specific instructions for our lives, even when they go against cultural norms or our own desires, as seen in Jeremiah's obedience and the promise of blessing for obedience in Jeremiah 7:23 and Exodus 19:5.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse challenge my own priorities and values when it comes to family and relationships?
- In what ways can I, like Jeremiah, be a sign to those around me of God's love and judgment?
- What are some ways I can trust and obey God's specific instructions for my life, even when they are difficult or unpopular?
- How can I balance the desire for family and relationships with the call to be a prophet or messenger of God's message to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 16:2
Thou shall not take thee a wife,.... Not because it was unlawful; for it was lawful for prophets to marry, and they did; but because it was not advisable, on account of the calamities and distresses
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 16:2
Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters in this place. Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons nor daughters in this place - in Judea.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:2
It is uncertain whether what we have in this chapter be a new revelation, or a continuance of his former prophecy. God commandeth the prophet in it under certain types to foretell their utter ruin and destruction. First he commandeth him to marry no wife, nor have sons or daughters. He expoundeth this command ,4.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:2
Jeremiah 16:2 Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters in this place.Ver. 2. Thou shalt not take thee a wife, &c.] It is very likely that this befell the prophet in a vision. Or, if otherwise, it was but for a sign, and in regard of the great calamity impendent, that he is here forbidden marriage, otherwise lawful enough, and in some cases necessary. The contrary doctrine (such as was that of the Tatian heretics and Popish canonists) is a doctrine of devils.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:2
(2) Thou shalt not take thee a wife . . .—The words came to an Israelite and to a priest with a force which we can hardly understand. With them marriage, and the hopes which it involved, was not only a happiness but a duty, and to be cut off from it was to renounce both, because the evil that was coming on the nation was such as to turn both into a curse. We may compare cur Lord’s words in Matthew 24:19 and those spoken to the daughters of Jerusalem (Luke 23:29), and what, in part at least, entered into St. Paul’s motives for a like abstinence on account of “the present distress” (1 Corinthians 7:26).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:2
Verse 2. Those shalt not take thee a wife] As it would be very inconvenient to have a family when the threatened desolations should come on the place. The reason is given in the following verses.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 16:2
2. Thou shall not take thee a wife] Marriage was a state of life in special favour with the Jews. By his act of self-denial therefore Jeremiah was to shew his full submission to the will of God, while it would at the same time be a forcible mode of conveying the message of coming woes which he was charged to deliver to the people.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 16:2
As marriage was obligatory upon the Jews, the prohibition of it to Jeremiah was a sign that the impending calamity was so great as to override all ordinary duties.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:2
2. Not take thee a wife — Marriage was in the general obligatory, and this prohibition was clearly exceptional. So far, then, from favouring clerical celibacy the bearing of the passage is distinctly against it.
Sermons on Jeremiah 16:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Freedom From Distraction by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of remaining focused on God's voice amidst life's distractions, urging the congregation to prioritize their relationship with God over worl |
|
The Judgment Day by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the last trumpet and the resurrection of the dead. He explains that God sent forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet |
|
(Genesis) - Part 18 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding quickly to God's call, using the examples of Peter and Matthew who immediately left their jobs to follow Jesus. |
|
The Next Great Awakening (Part 1) by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II preaches about the urgent need for Christians to awaken from their spiritual slumber and confess their sins, emphasizing the importance of personal revival before e |
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Holl-06 Israel's Final Restoration by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on personal failures and the challenges faced in relationships and teaching. The State of Israel is mentioned as an opportunity to recognize an |