Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For this is what the LORD says about the sons and daughters born in this land and about the women who are their mothers and the men who are their fathers: New Living Translation For this is what the LORD says about the children born here in this city and about their mothers and fathers: English Standard Version For thus says the LORD concerning the sons and daughters who are born in this place, and concerning the mothers who bore them and the fathers who fathered them in this land: Berean Standard Bible For 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: King James Bible For thus saith the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land; New King James Version For thus says the LORD concerning the sons and daughters who are born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bore them and their fathers who begot them in this land: New American Standard Bible For this is what the LORD says concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and concerning their mothers who give birth to them, and their fathers who father them in this land: NASB 1995 For thus says the LORD concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bear them, and their fathers who beget them in this land: NASB 1977 For thus says the LORD concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bear them, and their fathers who beget them in this land: Legacy Standard Bible For thus says Yahweh concerning the sons and daughters born in this place and concerning their mothers who bear them and their fathers who beget them in this land: Amplified Bible For thus says the LORD concerning the sons and daughters who are born in this place, and concerning the mothers who give birth to them, and the fathers who father them in this land: Christian Standard Bible For this is what the LORD says concerning sons and daughters born in this place as well as concerning the mothers who bear them and the fathers who father them in this land: Holman Christian Standard Bible For this is what the LORD says concerning sons and daughters born in this place as well as concerning the mothers who bear them and the fathers who father them in this land: American Standard Version For thus saith Jehovah concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land: Contemporary English Version I'll tell you what's going to happen to children and their parents here. English Revised Version For thus saith the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land: GOD'S WORD® Translation This is what the LORD says about the sons and daughters born in this place and about the mothers and fathers who have children in this land: Good News Translation I will tell you what is going to happen to the children who are born here and to their parents. International Standard Version For this is what the LORD says about the sons and daughters who are born in this place, about their mothers who give birth to them, and about their fathers who father them in this land: NET Bible For I, the LORD, tell you what will happen to the children who are born here in this land and to the men and women who are their mothers and fathers. New Heart English Bible For thus says the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters who are born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bore them, and concerning their fathers who became their father in this land: Webster's Bible Translation For thus saith the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bore them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor 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: World English Bible For Yahweh says concerning the sons and concerning the daughters who are born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bore them, and concerning their fathers who became their father in this land: Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor thus said YHWH, "" Of the sons and of the daughters who are born in this place, "" And of their mothers—those bearing them, "" And of their fathers—those begetting them in this land: Young's Literal Translation For thus said Jehovah, Of the sons and of the daughters who are born in this place, And of their mothers -- those bearing them, And of their fathers -- those begetting them in this land: Smith's Literal Translation For thus said Jehovah concerning the sons, and concerning the daughters born in this place, and concerning their mothers bearing them, and concerning their fathers begetting them in this land: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor thus saith the Lord concerning the sons and daughters, that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bore them: and concerning their fathers, of whom they were born in this land: Catholic Public Domain Version For thus says the Lord concerning the sons and daughters who are conceived in this place, and concerning their mothers who give birth to them, and concerning their fathers, from whose stock they have been born in this land: New American Bible for thus says the LORD concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, the mothers who give them birth, the fathers who beget them in this land: New Revised Standard Version For thus says the LORD concerning the sons and daughters who are born in this place, and concerning the mothers who bear them and the fathers who beget them in this land: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor thus says the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bore them, and their fathers who begat them in this land; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because, thus says LORD JEHOVAH about the sons and about the daughters who are born in this place, and about their mothers who brought them forth, and about their fathers who begot them in this place: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For thus saith the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bore them, and concerning their fathers that begot them in this land: Brenton Septuagint Translation For thus saith the Lord concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that have born them, and concerning their fathers that have begotten them in this land; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Disaster Predicted…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 Deuteronomy 28:18 The fruit of your womb will be cursed, as well as the produce of your land, the calves of your herds, and the lambs of your flocks. Hosea 9:11-14 Ephraim’s glory will fly away like a bird, with no birth, no pregnancy, and no conception. / Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them! / I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a meadow. But Ephraim will bring out his children for slaughter. ... Ezekiel 24:21-23 Tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I am about to desecrate My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and the delight of your soul. And the sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.’ / Then you will do as I have done: You will not cover your lips or eat the bread of mourners. / Your turbans will remain on your heads and your sandals on your feet. You will not mourn or weep, but you will waste away because of your sins, and you will groan among yourselves. Isaiah 13:16 Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be ravished. Lamentations 2:21 Both young and old lie together in the dust of the streets. My young men and maidens have fallen by the sword. You have slain them in the day of Your anger; You have slaughtered them without compassion. 1 Samuel 2:33-34 And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, I will cause your eyes to fail and your heart to grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. / And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day. 2 Kings 21:12-15 this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah that the news will reverberate in the ears of all who hear it. / I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab, and I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes out a bowl—wiping it and turning it upside down. / So I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hands of their enemies. And they will become plunder and spoil to all their enemies, ... Amos 9:10 All the sinners among My people will die by the sword—all those who say, ‘Disaster will never draw near or confront us.’” Zephaniah 1:17 I will bring such distress on mankind that they will walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their flesh like dung. Matthew 24:19 How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! 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. Mark 13:17 How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! Revelation 2:23 Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Matthew 23:37-38 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! / Look, your house is left to you desolate. Luke 19:44 They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.” Treasury of Scripture For thus said the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bore them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land; no reference Jump to Previous Bare Bear Bearing Begat Beget Begetting Begot Birth Bore Born Daughters Fathers Life Mothers WomenJump to Next Bare Bear Bearing Begat Beget Begetting Begot Birth Bore Born Daughters Fathers Life Mothers WomenJeremiah 16 1. The prophet, under the types of abstaining from marriage, 8. from houses of mourning and feasting, foreshows the utter ruin of the Jews; 10. because they were worse than their fathers. 14. Their return from captivity shall be stranger than their deliverance out of Egypt. 16. God will doubly recompense their idolatry. For this is what the LORD says This phrase introduces a direct message from God, emphasizing divine authority. In the prophetic tradition, such declarations underscore the seriousness and certainty of the message. The phrase is common in prophetic literature, indicating that the following words are not merely human opinion but a divine decree. concerning the sons and daughters born in this place and the mothers who bore them and the fathers who fathered them in this land Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah. 2. Jeremiah The prophet chosen by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often concerning judgment and restoration. 3. Sons and Daughters The children born in the land of Judah, representing future generations. 4. Mothers and Fathers The parents in Judah, symbolizing the current generation responsible for the upbringing of their children. 5. The Land (Judah) The southern kingdom of Israel, which is facing impending judgment due to its disobedience and idolatry. Teaching Points The Seriousness of SinThe passage highlights the severe consequences of sin, not just for individuals but for entire families and future generations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living in obedience to God. Generational Impact Our actions and spiritual state can have profound effects on our children and future generations. It is crucial to instill godly values and a love for God in our families. God's Sovereignty and Justice God is just and sovereign, and His judgments are righteous. Understanding His character helps us trust in His plans, even when they involve discipline. Call to Repentance The warnings in Jeremiah serve as a call to repentance. We must examine our lives, turn away from sin, and seek God's forgiveness and guidance. Hope in Restoration While the passage speaks of judgment, the broader context of Jeremiah includes promises of restoration. God's discipline is meant to bring His people back to Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 16:3?2. How does Jeremiah 16:3 reflect God's judgment on disobedient generations? 3. What does Jeremiah 16:3 reveal about God's sovereignty over life and death? 4. How can Jeremiah 16:3 guide us in understanding consequences of sin today? 5. In what ways does Jeremiah 16:3 connect with God's warnings in Deuteronomy? 6. How should Jeremiah 16:3 influence our approach to raising children in faith? 7. Why does Jeremiah 16:3 predict suffering for children born in that time? 8. How does Jeremiah 16:3 reflect God's judgment on Israel? 9. What historical events align with the prophecy in Jeremiah 16:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 16? 11. Jeremiah 16:2 forbids Jeremiah from marrying or having children—how does this reconcile with earlier Biblical commands to “be fruitful and multiply”? 12. Would Jesus inherit David's throne? Yes, per Luke 1:32. No, as a descendant of cursed Jehoiakim (Matthew 1:11, 1 Chronicles 3:16, Jeremiah 36:30). 13. Jeremiah 7:30-31: How does the practice of child sacrifice in this passage reconcile with the lack of supporting historical records outside the Bible? 14. How can 2 Chronicles 28:3 claim child sacrifice occurred without any clear archeological evidence? What Does Jeremiah 16:3 Mean For this is what the LORD says• These words announce divine authority; the message originates with the covenant-keeping God, just as in Jeremiah 1:9 where He puts His words in the prophet’s mouth. • Similar prophetic openings—“declares the LORD”—reinforce that the coming warning is not Jeremiah’s opinion but God’s settled decree (Isaiah 1:2; Amos 3:8). • Because the Speaker is the LORD, His word is certain, requiring the same sober attention Israel once gave at Sinai (Exodus 19:7-8). concerning the sons and daughters • Judgment will touch the youngest generation, underscoring that sin’s consequences spread beyond the original offenders (Exodus 20:5; Numbers 14:33). • God’s concern for children is evident throughout Scripture—He blesses them (Psalm 127:3) yet also disciplines when a nation’s rebellion leaves them vulnerable (Hosea 4:6). • The inclusion of “sons and daughters” personalizes the coming calamity; real families, not abstract statistics, will be affected (Lamentations 2:19-20). born in this place • “This place” specifies Judah, especially Jerusalem (Jeremiah 7:2; 32:36). The very city that housed the temple will witness devastation. • Location matters: privilege brings responsibility (Luke 12:48). Birth within the covenant land never guaranteed immunity from judgment if the covenant was despised (Micah 3:11-12). • Earlier prophets had warned the same soil would yield “thorns and thistles” of judgment if Israel persisted in idolatry (Deuteronomy 29:23-25). and the mothers who bore them • Mothers are highlighted to show the heartbreak awaiting families; even the natural protectors will be unable to shield their children (Isaiah 49:15; Lamentations 4:10). • Maternal grief echoes the sorrow Rachel experienced, “weeping for her children” (Jeremiah 31:15), a sorrow revived during later catastrophes. • The verse reminds us that sin’s fallout fractures the tenderest bonds of life, just as prophesied in Deuteronomy 28:56-57. and the fathers who fathered them in this land • Fathers, responsible to teach God’s law (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), are included because they failed in spiritual leadership, permitting idolatry to flourish (Jeremiah 7:18). • Patriarchal headship could not shield the family when those heads rejected the LORD’s headship (1 Samuel 2:27-34). • The phrase “in this land” repeats the setting, reinforcing that covenant privileges can turn into covenant penalties when God’s long-suffering is ignored (Jeremiah 11:3-5). summary Jeremiah 16:3 introduces a severe oracle: the LORD Himself solemnly addresses every layer of the family—children, mothers, fathers—rooted in the very land once promised for blessing. By naming each group, God underscores that the coming judgment is comprehensive and deserved, cutting across generational lines because of persistent national rebellion. The verse serves as a sober reminder that proximity to holy things offers no refuge when hearts remain unrepentant; only obedience secures blessing, while disobedience invites the righteous discipline of the covenant-keeping God. Hebrew Forכִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction this is what כֹ֣ה ׀ (ḵōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say concerning עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against sons הַבָּנִים֙ (hab·bā·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1121: A son and daughters הַבָּנ֔וֹת (hab·bā·nō·wṯ) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 1323: A daughter born in this הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that place, בַּמָּק֣וֹם (bam·mā·qō·wm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition and וְעַֽל־ (wə·‘al-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the mothers אִמֹּתָ֞ם (’im·mō·ṯām) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 517: A mother, ) who bore them, הַיִּלּוֹדִ֖ים (hay·yil·lō·w·ḏîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage and the fathers אֲבוֹתָ֛ם (’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father who fathered הַיֹּלְד֣וֹת (hay·yō·lə·ḏō·wṯ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage them in this הַזֹּֽאת׃ (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, land: בָּאָ֥רֶץ (bā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land Links Jeremiah 16:3 NIVJeremiah 16:3 NLT Jeremiah 16:3 ESV Jeremiah 16:3 NASB Jeremiah 16:3 KJV Jeremiah 16:3 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 16:3 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 16:3 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 16:3 French Bible Jeremiah 16:3 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 16:3 For thus says Yahweh concerning the sons (Jer.) |