Jeremiah 20:9
Jeremiah 20:9 in Multiple Translations
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.
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
And if I say, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I cannot contain.
And if I say, I will not keep him in mind, I will not say another word in his name; then it is in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am tired of keeping myself in, I am not able to do it.
If I tell myself, “I won't talk about him anymore, I won't even mention his name,” then his message is like a fire trapped within me, burning me from the inside out. I'm getting tired of holding it in. I just can't win.
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speake any more in his Name. But his worde was in mine heart as a burning fire shut vp in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
And I said, 'I do not mention Him, Nor do I speak any more in His name,' And it hath been in my heart As a burning fire shut up in my bones, And I have been weary of containing, And I am not able.
If I say that I will not make mention of him, or speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones. I am weary with holding it in. I can’t.
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay .
Then I said: I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name: and there came in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was wearied, not being able to bear it.
But if I would say, ‘I will never mention Yahweh or say anything about him, [MTY]’ it would be as though your message would burn in my inner being like [SIM] a fire; it would be like a fire in my bones. Sometimes I try to remain silent and not proclaim your messages, but I am not able to do that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 20:9
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 20:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמַרְתִּ֣י
לֹֽא
אֶזְכְּרֶ֗/נּוּ
וְ/לֹֽא
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
עוֹד֙
בִּ/שְׁמ֔/וֹ
וְ/הָיָ֤ה
בְ/לִבִּ/י֙
כְּ/אֵ֣שׁ
בֹּעֶ֔רֶת
עָצֻ֖ר
בְּ/עַצְמֹתָ֑/י
וְ/נִלְאֵ֥יתִי
כַּֽלְכֵ֖ל
וְ/לֹ֥א
אוּכָֽל
וְ/אָמַרְתִּ֣י
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶזְכְּרֶ֗/נּוּ
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
בִּ/שְׁמ֔/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/הָיָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בְ/לִבִּ/י֙
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כְּ/אֵ֣שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
בֹּעֶ֔רֶת
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Qal
עָצֻ֖ר
ʻâtsâr
H6113
to restrain
V-Qal-Inf-c
בְּ/עַצְמֹתָ֑/י
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
Prep | N-fp | Suff
וְ/נִלְאֵ֥יתִי
lâʼâh
H3811
be weary
Conj | V-Niphal-1cs
כַּֽלְכֵ֖ל
kûwl
H3557
to sustain
V-l-Inf-a
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אוּכָֽל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 20:9
וְ/אָמַרְתִּ֣י
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
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.
אֶזְכְּרֶ֗/נּוּ
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
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.
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
בִּ/שְׁמ֔/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
וְ/הָיָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-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.
בְ/לִבִּ/י֙
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
כְּ/אֵ֣שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
בֹּעֶ֔רֶת
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Qal
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
עָצֻ֖ר
ʻâtsâr
H6113
"to restrain"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to restrain or hold back, often used in the context of controlling one's actions or emotions. In the book of Psalms, it describes God's power to restrain evil. The word can also mean to assemble or rule over something.
Definition: 1) to restrain, retain, close up, shut, withhold, refrain, stay, detain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to restrain, halt, stop 1a2) to retain 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained, be stayed, be under restraint
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able, close up, detain, fast, keep (self close, still), prevail, recover, refrain, [idiom] reign, restrain, retain, shut (up), slack, stay, stop, withhold (self). See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Chronicles 12:1; Psalms 106:30.
בְּ/עַצְמֹתָ֑/י
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
וְ/נִלְאֵ֥יתִי
lâʼâh
H3811
"be weary"
Conj | V-Niphal-1cs
Means to be or make weary, disgusted, or tired, like in Psalm 6:8 where David is weary of crying. It can also mean to be impatient or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be weary, be impatient, be grieved, be offended 1a) (Qal) to be weary, be impatient 1b) (Niphal) to be tired of something, weary oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to weary, make weary, exhaust
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: faint, grieve, lothe, (be, make) weary (selves). See also: Genesis 19:11; Isaiah 16:12; Psalms 68:10.
כַּֽלְכֵ֖ל
kûwl
H3557
"to sustain"
V-l-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.
Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.
וְ/לֹ֥א
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.
אוּכָֽל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 20:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 20:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 20:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 20:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:9
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 20:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:9
- Sermons on Jeremiah 20:9
Context — Jeremiah’s Complaint
7You have deceived me, O LORD, and I was deceived. You have overcome me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me.
8For whenever I speak, I cry out; I proclaim violence and destruction. For the word of the LORD has become to me a reproach and derision all day long.
9If 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.
10For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” 11But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 39:3 | My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue: |
| 2 | Job 32:18–20 | For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond. |
| 3 | Acts 4:20 | For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 9:16–17 | Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 3:14 | So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. |
| 6 | Acts 17:16 | While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 6:11 | But I am full of the LORD’s wrath; I am tired of holding it back. “Pour it out on the children in the street, and on the young men gathered together. For both husband and wife will be captured, the old and the very old alike. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 5:13–15 | If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again. |
| 9 | Luke 9:62 | Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” |
| 10 | John 1:2–3 | He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. |
Jeremiah 20:9 Summary
[Jeremiah 20:9 means that when God gives us a message to share, it can feel like a burning fire inside us that we can't ignore. This is similar to what the apostles experienced in Acts 2:3, where they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with boldness. We might feel like we can't keep it inside and have to tell others, even if it's hard or scary. As it says in Psalm 51:12-13, when we have a genuine encounter with God, we'll have a strong desire to share His message with others and teach them about His ways.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a 'fire burning in my heart' as Jeremiah describes in Jeremiah 20:9?
This phrase suggests a deep, inner passion and conviction to share God's message, much like the apostles in Acts 2:3 who were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with boldness, or like the prophet Ezekiel who was told to eat the scroll with God's words in Ezekiel 3:3, indicating a strong desire to proclaim God's truth.
Why did Jeremiah feel like he couldn't prevail if he didn't speak God's message?
Jeremiah felt an overwhelming urge to share God's message because he was called by God to be a prophet, as seen in Jeremiah 1:5, and the message had become a part of him, making it impossible to keep inside, similar to the feeling of joy and compulsion to share the gospel that the disciples experienced in Acts 4:20.
Is it normal for believers to feel like they can't keep God's message inside?
Yes, when we have a genuine encounter with God and His Word, it's common to feel a strong desire to share it with others, as seen in Psalm 51:12-13 where David asks God to restore to him the joy of salvation and make him willing to obey Him, so that he can teach others about God's ways.
How can we balance the desire to share God's message with the potential costs or risks, as Jeremiah faced?
We should remember that following God's call to share His message may come with challenges, but God promises to be with us and give us the strength we need, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 and Jeremiah 20:11, where God is described as a fearsome warrior who is with us and will help us overcome our persecutors.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when you felt like you had to share God's message with someone, but were afraid or hesitant to do so?
- How do you think Jeremiah felt when he said that God's message had become a 'fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones'?
- What are some ways that you can share God's message with others in your daily life, even if it's just in small conversations or actions?
- How can you balance your desire to share God's message with the potential risks or costs, and what promises from God's Word can you hold onto for strength and courage?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 20:9
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name,.... Not that he publicly said this before his enemies, or privately to his friends, but he said it in his heart; he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 20:9
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:9
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name: this daily scorn and reproach which the prophet saw himself exposed unto, for preaching against the sin and wickedness of the people, was a sore temptation upon him to lay down his employment as a prophet. He did not speak this openly, but he spoke it in his heart, he had (as he confesseth) many such thoughts in his breast. But he saith he was not able to do what he thought to do, he found in his heart a constraint to go on, that when a revelation came at any time from God unto him, it was like a fire in his bones, which he must quench by uttering what God had revealed to him.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:9
Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But [his word] was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not [stay].Ver. 9. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name,] i.e., I will give over preaching. This, said Latimer in a like case, was a naughty, a very naughty, resolution. But his word was in my heart as a burning fire.] Ex sensu malae conscientiae propter illud propositum. And here was the work of the Spirit against that carnal resolution of his. God’ s people cannot do the things that they would, saith the apostle. As they cannot do the good they would, because of the flesh, so neither the evil that they would, because of the Spirit. There is a continual conflict, and as it were the company of two opposite armies. True grace will as little be hid as fire: quis enim celaverit ignem?
And I was weary with forbearing, and could not stay.] Jeremiah’ s service among the Jews was something like that of Mantius Torquatus among the Romans, who gave it over, saying, Neither can I bear their manners, nor they my government. He began to think, with that painful patriarch, that rest was good; and with the olive, vine, and fig tree in Jotham’ s parable, that it was best to enjoy a beloved privacy. He was ready to say, Bene qui latuit bene vixit; and Bene qui tacuit bene dixit, &c. But this could not hold with him, he saw well; for as the motion of the heart and lungs is ever beating, and it is a pain to restrain it, to hold the breath, so here, “ Strangulat inclusus dolor atque exaestuat intus: Cogitur et vires multiplicare suas. ” - Ovid., Trist. Ex humano motu et metu hoc in mentem incidit. - A Lapide; Pisc. Quoque magis tegitur, tanto magis aestuat ignis. - Ovid. Hanc legem ex hoc loco dat concionatori ne defatigetur nec ullo tempore sileat, sive sit qui auscultet, sive non. - Chrysost, de Lazaro.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:9
(9) Then I said . . .—The sense of a hopeless work, destined to fail, weighed on the prophet’s soul, and he would fain have withdrawn from it; but it (the words in italics, though they do not spoil the sense, are hardly needed) burnt like fire within him, and would not be restrained. I could not stay.—Better, I prevailed not. Here again the interpolated word is needless, and in part spoils the emphasis. The “I could” is the same word as the “prevailed” of Jeremiah 20:7. God had prevailed against him, compelled him to undertake a work against his will, but he could not prevail against God. Like so much of Jeremiah’s language this also came from the hymns of Israel (Psalms 39:3).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:9
Verse 9. I wilt not make mention of him] I will renounce the prophetic office, and return to my house. As a burning fire shut up in my bones] He felt stings of conscience for the hasty and disobedient resolution he had formed; he felt ashamed of his own weakness, that did not confide in the promise and strength of God; and God's word was in him as a strongly raging fire, and he was obliged to deliver it, in order to get rid of the tortures which he felt from suppressing the solemn message which God had given. It is as dangerous to refuse to go when called, as it is to run without a call. On this subject, See Clarke on Jeremiah 1:6.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 20:9
9. make mention] rather, think thereon, i.e. on “the word.” I am weary with forbearing] rather, as in Jeremiah 6:11, “weary with holding in.”
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:9
9. I will not, etc. — Because his word had been apparently fruitless of good, and brought only sorrow to himself. Shut up in my bones — A vivid phrase for a restless and resistless inward moving.
Sermons on Jeremiah 20:9
| Sermon | Description | |
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Fire in My Bones by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal journey of facing challenges and doubts in his ministry. He talks about how he was exposed to enemies and felt forsaken by God. He |
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Ecumenical Movement by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being conscious of Christ's presence in our lives. He encourages the congregation to become Christ-conscious and church-lo |
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The Touch of God - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a man of prayer and brokenness. He shares his own journey of spiritual laziness and how he had to make a decision to |
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Knowing the Heart of God by Billy Humphrey | This sermon emphasizes the importance of speaking words that are infused with life and a prophetic edge, which can only come from intimacy with God. It contrasts empty Christian rh |
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The Prophetic Word by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of the film industry and commercialization on society. He emphasizes how the pursuit of money and profit has corrupted th |
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Is Not Your Word a Fire? by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the need for fire in preaching and ministry, highlighting the importance of God's anointing and power to bring transformation. It addresses the longing for g |
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Spurgeon a New Biography #1 by C.H. Spurgeon | The video is a sermon transcript about the calling and passion of a preacher. It emphasizes that when someone is truly called by the Holy Ghost to preach, they cannot help but do s |