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Jeremiah 17:16

Jeremiah 17:16 in Multiple Translations

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.

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.

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.

As for me, I have not said; Let the day of trouble come to them quickly; and I have not been hoping for the death-giving day; you have knowledge of what came from my lips; it was open before you.

But I haven't been in a hurry to give up being your shepherd. I haven't wanted the time of trouble to come. You know that whatever I said was said in front of you.

But I haue not thrust in my selfe for a pastour after thee, neither haue I desired the day of miserie, thou knowest: that which came out of my lips, was right before thee.

And I hastened not from feeding after Thee, And the desperate day I have not desired, Thou — Thou hast known, The produce of my lips, before Thy face it hath been,

As for me, I have not hurried from being a shepherd after you. I haven’t desired the woeful day. You know. That which came out of my lips was before your face.

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 was uttered by my lips was right before thee.

And I am not troubled, following thee for my pastor, and I have not desired the day of man, thou knowest. That which went out of my lips, hath been right in thy sight.

Yahweh, you appointed me to take care of your people like a shepherd takes care of his sheep [MET]; I have not abandoned that work, and you know that I have not previously wanted this time of disaster to come to people who ridicule me. And you know everything that I have said [MTY] to your people.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 17:16

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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 17:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/אֲנִ֞י לֹא אַ֣צְתִּי מֵ/רֹעֶ֣ה אַחֲרֶ֗י/ךָ וְ/י֥וֹם אָנ֛וּשׁ לֹ֥א הִתְאַוֵּ֖יתִי אַתָּ֣ה יָדָ֑עְתָּ מוֹצָ֣א שְׂפָתַ֔/י נֹ֥כַח פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ הָיָֽה
וַ/אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
אַ֣צְתִּי ʼûwts H213 to hasten V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מֵ/רֹעֶ֣ה râʻâh H7462 House of Shepherds Prep | V-Qal
אַחֲרֶ֗י/ךָ ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff
וְ/י֥וֹם yôwm H3117 day Conj | N-ms
אָנ֛וּשׁ ʼânash H605 be incurable Adj
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
הִתְאַוֵּ֖יתִי ʼâvâh H183 to desire V-Hithpael-Perf-1cs
אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron
יָדָ֑עְתָּ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-2ms
מוֹצָ֣א môwtsâʼ H4161 exit N-ms
שְׂפָתַ֔/י sâphâh H8193 lips N-fd | Suff
נֹ֥כַח nôkach H5227 before Prep
פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ pânîym H6440 face N-cp | Suff
הָיָֽה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 17:16

וַ/אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
לֹא 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.
אַ֣צְתִּי ʼûwts H213 "to hasten" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to hurry or make haste, often used to describe urgency or pressure. It appears in various forms, such as in Psalm 38:22, where David asks God to hasten and help him. The word conveys a sense of urgency or being pressed for time.
Definition: 1) to press, be pressed, make haste, urge, be narrow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to press, hasten 1a2) to be pressed, confined, narrow 1a3) to hasten, make haste 1a4) be narrow 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to urge, insist 1b2) to hasten
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n, -y), labor, be narrow. See also: Genesis 19:15; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 19:2.
מֵ/רֹעֶ֣ה râʻâh H7462 "House of Shepherds" Prep | V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
אַחֲרֶ֗י/ךָ ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וְ/י֥וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אָנ֛וּשׁ ʼânash H605 "be incurable" Adj
This Hebrew verb means to be weak or sick, and is used to describe someone who is incurable or desperately wicked. It appears in the Bible to describe people who are hopeless or frail. In the KJV, it is translated as desperate or woeful.
Definition: 1) to be weak, sick, frail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be incurable 1a2) to be sick 1a3) desperate, incurable, desperately wicked, woeful, very sick (pass participle) (metaph.) 1b) (Niphal) to be sick
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: desperate(-ly wicked), incurable, sick, woeful. See also: 2 Samuel 12:15; Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 17:11.
לֹ֥א 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.
הִתְאַוֵּ֖יתִי ʼâvâh H183 "to desire" V-Hithpael-Perf-1cs
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יָדָ֑עְתָּ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
מוֹצָ֣א môwtsâʼ H4161 "exit" N-ms
Exit refers to a way out or a place of departure, like a gate or a door. In 1 Samuel 17:52, it describes the Israelites' escape route from the Philistines. This term can also mean the rising of the sun or the source of a river.
Definition: 1) act or place of going out or forth, issue, export, source, spring 1a) a going forth 1a1) rising (sun), going forth of a command 1a2) goings forth, those going forth 1a3) way out, exit 1b) that which goes forth 1b1) utterance 1b2) export 1c) place of going forth 1c1) source or spring (of water) 1c2) place of departure 1c3) east (of sun) 1c4) mine (of silver)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: brought out, bud, that which came out, east, going forth, goings out, that which (thing that) is gone out, outgoing, proceeded out, spring, vein, (water-) course (springs). See also: Numbers 30:13; Psalms 75:7; Psalms 19:7.
שְׂפָתַ֔/י sâphâh H8193 "lips" N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
נֹ֥כַח nôkach H5227 "before" Prep
Refers to something being in front of or before something else, often describing location or direction. Used in Deuteronomy to describe the Israelites' position relative to the Promised Land. It can also mean on behalf of someone.
Definition: subst 1) be in front of adv 2) in front of, opposite to, in the sight of, before, to the front, right on prep 3) towards the front of, in front of, on behalf of, as far as in front of Also means: ne.khach (נֵכַח "before" H5226)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, direct(-ly), for, right (on). See also: Genesis 25:21; 1 Kings 22:35; Proverbs 4:25.
פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָיָֽה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 17:16

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 20:20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house,
2 Jeremiah 4:19–20 My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. Disaster after disaster is proclaimed, for the whole land is laid waste. My tents are destroyed in an instant, my curtains in a moment.
3 Acts 20:27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.
4 James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
5 Amos 7:14–15 “I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’
6 Jeremiah 1:4–10 The word of the LORD came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.”
7 Jeremiah 20:9 If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
8 Romans 9:1–3 I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit. I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,
9 Jeremiah 18:20 Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them.
10 Ezekiel 33:7–9 As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me. If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

Jeremiah 17:16 Summary

[Jeremiah 17:16 means that Jeremiah is telling God that he has not given up on being a leader and teacher for God's people, even when things get tough. He is saying that he has stayed true to God, even when others were against him, and that he has spoken the truth, knowing that God is always with him. This is like what it says in Psalm 23:4, where David says that even in the darkest valley, God is with him, and in Isaiah 41:10, where God promises to be with us and help us, so we do not need to fear.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jeremiah mean by 'being Your shepherd' in Jeremiah 17:16?

Jeremiah is referring to his role as a spiritual leader, guiding God's people with the truth of God's word, as seen in Jeremiah 3:15, where God promises to give His people shepherds who will feed them with knowledge and understanding.

What is the 'day of despair' that Jeremiah mentions in Jeremiah 17:16?

The 'day of despair' likely refers to a time of great trouble and distress, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 31:17, where God warns of a day when He will hide His face from His people, leading to despair and desperation.

How can we be sure that our words and actions are 'spoken in God's presence' as Jeremiah claims in Jeremiah 17:16?

We can be sure by remembering that God is always with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20, and by being mindful of our thoughts and actions, as instructed in Colossians 3:17, where we are told to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

What can we learn from Jeremiah's commitment to speaking the truth, even in the face of opposition, as seen in Jeremiah 17:16?

We can learn the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges and criticism, just as Jeremiah did, and as encouraged in Ephesians 6:13, where we are told to stand firm in the face of spiritual battles, trusting in God's power and protection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I, like Jeremiah, remain faithful to God's calling on my life, even when faced with opposition or criticism?
  2. In what ways can I 'speak in God's presence' in my daily life, being mindful of His constant presence with me?
  3. What are some areas where I may be tempted to 'run away' from my responsibilities or God's calling, and how can I stay committed to following Him?
  4. How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God's presence and protection, as Jeremiah expresses in Jeremiah 17:17-18?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 17:16

As for me, I have not hastened from [being] a pastor to follow thee,.... Though he had met with so much ill usage, and was hated by the people for bringing such messages to them, and was jeered and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 17:16

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. Prayer of the prophet for deliverance from the enemies whom he excited by his faithful denunciations.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:16

I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: that the words contain the prophet’ s appeal to God upon some reproaches cast upon him by this wicked people, as if he had thrust himself into the prophetical office, is evident, and reasonably well agreed by interpreters; but they are divided about the sense of the word wxua which yet always in Scripture signifies to make haste, or to urge, or press; the sense seemeth to be this: Lord! as I did not seek the office of a prophet, so when thou wert pleased to call me to it, I did not decline to be a pastor after thee. Neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest; neither (saith he) have I desired to be a prophet of these sad tidings, those woeful miseries which thou hast made me thy messenger to foretell. That which came out of my lips was right before thee; I have spoken nothing but what was right in thy sight, being what thou commandedst me to deliver as from thee, and so I know was right in thy sight.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:16

Jeremiah 17:16 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.Ver. 16. I have not hastened from being a pastor before thee.] I have neither rashly taken up the work of the ministry, quo secundus abs te assam pastor, wherein I have been thine under shepherd, but was rightly called by thee thereunto, and have obeyed thy call; neither have I been over hasty to rid my hands of this so troublesome and thankless an employment. Latimer, in one of his sermons, speaking of a minister who gave this answer why he ceased preaching, Because he saw he did no good, but got the hatred of many: This, saith he, was a naughty, a very naughty answer. Neither have I desired the woeful day.] The doleful or deadly day, sc., of their desolation, or my denunciation of it. God’ s ministers take no delight to fling daggers at the faces of graceless persons, whatever they may think, or to terrify them causelessly; but, as "knowing the terror of the Lord," they seek to frighten them by the menaces of God’ s mouth from such sinful practices as will be their ruin, and hence they are hated, “ An expectes ut Quintilianus ametur? ” - Juven. Thou knowest it.] See Jeremiah 12:1; Jeremiah 15:15 2 Corinthians 1:12.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:16

(16) I have not hastened . . .—The words of the English Version are somewhat obscure, and a better rendering would perhaps be, I have not been quick to withdraw from my work in following thee, as a shepherd and guide of the people. A possible meaning, adopted by some commentators, would be, “I have not hastened from my work as a shepherd (in the literal sense) to follow thee,” as presenting a parallel to the words of Amos (Amos 7:14-15); and, though we cannot get beyond conjecture, it is quite possible that Jeremiah, in his youth, before the call of Jer 1:4, may have been employed in the pasture grounds that belonged to Anathoth as a city of the priests (Numbers 35:4; Joshua 21:4; Joshua 21:18; 1 Chronicles 6:60). It is to some extent in favour of this view, that throughout the book the work of the shepherd, when used figuratively, answers to the work of the ruler, and not to that of the prophet. What he means, if we keep the version given above, is that he had not been too slack in his obedience, but neither had he been over eager. He had no desire to see the woful day that would fulfil his predictions. What had come from his lips was just what he had been bidden to say and no more (Jeremiah 15:16-19), and thus he had spoken as in the sight of God. The interpolated word “right” mars rather than mends the meaning,

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:16

Verse 16. I have not hastened from being a pastor] Dr. Blayney translates thus: "But I have not been in haste to outrun thy guidance." I was obliged to utter thy prediction; but I have not hastened the evil day. For the credit of my prophecy I have not desired the calamity to come speedily; I have rather pleaded for respite. I have followed thy steps, and proclaimed thy truth. I did not desire to be a prophet; but thou hast commanded, and I obeyed.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 17:16

16. I have not hastened from being a shepherd after thee] The word “shepherd” is not used elsewhere of prophets. Moreover the whole expression is an awkward one. LXX, who seem to have read the Hebrew as it is vocalised in MT., render somewhat vaguely, as though puzzled. On the other hand Aquila and Syr., with much improvement to the parallelism, read (with different vowels) the (one) Hebrew word, rendered here “from being a shepherd,” because of evil, i.e. I have not pursued thee with persistent supplication to bring calamity on my foes (see ch. Jeremiah 2:8, with note). the woeful day] LXX, as mg. the (judgement) day of man. thou knowest] He appeals to God to confirm his protest and support his cause. was before thy face] was plainly to be seen by Thee.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:16

16. A pastor to follow thee — Better, a shepherd after thee. The woful day — Literally, the day of mortal sickness: the day of judgment and calamity to the city and nation.

Sermons on Jeremiah 17:16

SermonDescription
Alan Redpath (Sermon Preparation) Lecture 07 by Alan Redpath In the video, the preacher introduces fourteen principles for Christian living. He challenges the audience to quickly find Bible verses to support each principle. The principles in
Paris Reidhead Loved With Everlasting Love - Part 2 by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of people to start something without doing their homework or fully understanding what is involved. He emphasizes the importance o
Carter Conlon The Gospel of the Grace of God by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the transformative power of the Gospel of the Grace of God. He emphasizes that when someone truly encounters God, they are changed from the i
Zac Poonen A Clear Gospel Message - Part 2 by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of coming into the light and being honest with God about our sins, acknowledging our need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for a new b
Jim Cymbala Book of Acts Series - Part 32 | a Life for a Life by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about a translator who seemed to have his own agenda rather than accurately translating the message. The speaker then describes a song
Stephen Hamilton Bishop j.c. Ryle: Liverpool's Mr. Protestant (Famous Saints #5) by Stephen Hamilton In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel and the responsibility that comes with it. He refers to 1 Corinthians 9:16, where the apostle Paul exp
Zac Poonen A Clear Gospel Message by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of laying a foundation and being born again. He references Acts chapter 20, where the apostle Paul declares that he preached t

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