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Jeremiah 11:16

Jeremiah 11:16 in Multiple Translations

The LORD once called you a flourishing olive tree, beautiful with well-formed fruit. But with a mighty roar He will set it on fire, and its branches will be consumed.

The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.

Jehovah called thy name, A green olive-tree, fair with goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.

You had been named by the Lord, A branching olive-tree, fair with beautiful fruit: with the noise of a great rushing he has put it on fire and its branches are broken.

At one time the Lord said you were a healthy olive tree, full of leaves and bearing beautiful fruit. But with a great noise he will set fire to it, destroying its branches.

The Lord called thy name, A greene oliue tree, faire, and of goodly fruite: but with noyse and great tumult he hath set fyre vpon it, and the branches of it are broken.

'An olive, green, fair, of goodly fruit,' Hath Jehovah called thy name, At the noise of a great tumult He hath kindled fire against it, And broken have been its thin branches.

The LORD called your name, “A green olive tree, beautiful with goodly fruit.” With the noise of a great roar he has kindled fire on it, and its branches are broken.

The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.

The Lord called thy name, a plentiful olive tree, fair, fruitful, and beautiful: at the noise of a word, a great fire was kindled in it and the branches thereof are burnt.

I previously said that they were like an olive tree full of green leaves with a lot of good olives on it, but now I will send their enemies to attack them furiously; it is as though I will break off their branches, and their city will be destroyed by fire.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 11:16

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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 11:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB זַ֤יִת רַֽעֲנָן֙ יְפֵ֣ה פְרִי תֹ֔אַר קָרָ֥א יְהוָ֖ה שְׁמֵ֑/ךְ לְ/ק֣וֹל הֲמוּלָּ֣ה גְדֹלָ֗ה הִצִּ֥ית אֵשׁ֙ עָלֶ֔י/הָ וְ/רָע֖וּ דָּלִיּוֹתָֽי/ו
זַ֤יִת zayith H2132 olive N-ms
רַֽעֲנָן֙ raʻănân H7488 be fresh Adj
יְפֵ֣ה yâpheh H3303 beautiful Adj
פְרִי pᵉrîy H6529 fruit N-ms
תֹ֔אַר tôʼar H8389 appearance N-ms
קָרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
שְׁמֵ֑/ךְ shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff
לְ/ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 voice Prep | N-ms
הֲמוּלָּ֣ה hămullâh H1999 tumult N-fs
גְדֹלָ֗ה gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj
הִצִּ֥ית yâtsath H3341 to kindle V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֵשׁ֙ ʼêsh H784 fire N-cs
עָלֶ֔י/הָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
וְ/רָע֖וּ râʻaʻ H7489 be evil Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
דָּלִיּוֹתָֽי/ו dâlîyâh H1808 branch N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 11:16

זַ֤יִת zayith H2132 "olive" N-ms
The Hebrew word for olive tree or olive berry, often associated with oil and light. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the olive tree is listed as one of the blessings of the Promised Land, and in Matthew 24:3, Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives.
Definition: 1) olive, olive tree 1a) olive tree 1b) olives 2) mountain facing Jerusalem on the east side
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: olive (tree, -yard), Olivet. See also: Genesis 8:11; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 52:10.
רַֽעֲנָן֙ raʻănân H7488 "be fresh" Adj
This word describes something as luxuriant or fresh, like a new and growing plant. It is used to describe a prosperous or thriving condition.
Definition: v (Palel) to be or grow luxuriant or fresh or green
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: green, flourishing. See also: Deuteronomy 12:2; Song of Solomon 1:16; Psalms 37:35.
יְפֵ֣ה yâpheh H3303 "beautiful" Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
פְרִי pᵉrîy H6529 "fruit" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the fruit that comes from the ground or from our actions. It is used in many books, including Genesis and Isaiah, to describe the results of our labor or the consequences of our choices.
Definition: 1) fruit 1a) fruit, produce (of the ground) 1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) 1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward. See also: Genesis 1:11; Proverbs 18:20; Psalms 1:3.
תֹ֔אַר tôʼar H8389 "appearance" N-ms
This word refers to someone's appearance or figure, describing their shape or form. It can also mean beautiful or comely, conveying a sense of attractiveness. The KJV translates it as beautiful or fair.
Definition: shape, form, outline, figure, appearance
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, [idiom] comely, countenance, [phrase] fair, [idiom] favoured, form, [idiom] goodly, [idiom] resemble, visage. See also: Genesis 29:17; 1 Samuel 25:3; Isaiah 52:14.
קָרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
שְׁמֵ֑/ךְ shêm H8034 "name" 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.
לְ/ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 "voice" Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
הֲמוּלָּ֣ה hămullâh H1999 "tumult" N-fs
This word describes a loud, rushing sound, like a roaring storm or a tumultuous crowd. It is used in the Bible to describe powerful and overwhelming noises.
Definition: rushing, roaring, rainstorm, roaring sound, rushing sound
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: speech, tumult. See also: Jeremiah 11:16; Ezekiel 1:24.
גְדֹלָ֗ה gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
הִצִּ֥ית yâtsath H3341 "to kindle" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To kindle means to start a fire or burn something, and can also mean to leave something desolate. It appears in various forms, including being kindled or setting something on fire.
Definition: 1) to kindle, burn, set on fire 1a) (Qal) to kindle 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be kindled 1b2) to be left desolate 1c) (Hiphil) to set on fire, kindle
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: burn (up), be desolate, set (on) fire (fire), kindle. See also: Joshua 8:8; Jeremiah 11:16; Isaiah 9:17.
אֵשׁ֙ ʼêsh H784 "fire" 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.
עָלֶ֔י/הָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וְ/רָע֖וּ râʻaʻ H7489 "be evil" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
דָּלִיּוֹתָֽי/ו dâlîyâh H1808 "branch" N-fp | Suff
A branch refers to a part of a tree, like an olive or vine. In the Bible, it symbolizes Israel. The word is used to describe something that is dangling or hanging.
Definition: 1) branch, bough 1a) of Israel (fig.) (used with olive tree, vine, cedar tree)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: branch. See also: Jeremiah 11:16; Ezekiel 19:11; Ezekiel 31:12.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 11:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Romans 11:17–24 Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut from a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into one that is cultivated, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
2 Isaiah 27:11 When its limbs are dry, they are broken off. Women come and use them for kindling; for this is a people without understanding. Therefore their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor.
3 Psalms 52:8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in the loving devotion of God forever and ever.
4 Psalms 80:16 Your vine has been cut down and burned; they perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.
5 Ezekiel 20:47–48 Say to the forest of the Negev: Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to ignite in you a fire, and it will devour all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and by it every face from south to north will be scorched. Then all people will see that I, the LORD, have kindled it; it will not be quenched.”
6 Psalms 83:2 See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads.
7 Jeremiah 21:14 I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the LORD. I will kindle a fire in your forest that will consume everything around you.’”
8 John 15:6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
9 Ezekiel 15:4–7 No, it is cast into the fire for fuel. The fire devours both ends, and the middle is charred. Can it be useful for anything? Even when it was whole, it could not be made useful. How much less can it ever be useful when the fire has consumed it and charred it! Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give up the people of Jerusalem. And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD.
10 Matthew 3:10 The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Jeremiah 11:16 Summary

Jeremiah 11:16 says that God once called His people a beautiful and fruitful olive tree, but now He will set it on fire because of their sin. This means that God is serious about judging sin, just like He says in Hebrews 10:26-31. However, God also promises to restore and renew His people one day, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34. We can learn from this verse to take God's warnings seriously and to trust in His power and love, just as we see in Psalm 29:3-9.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the flourishing olive tree represent in Jeremiah 11:16?

The flourishing olive tree represents the nation of Israel, which was once beautiful and fruitful, but has now become corrupt and deserving of judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 11:16 and Isaiah 5:1-7.

Why will God set the olive tree on fire?

God will set the olive tree on fire because of the evil deeds of the house of Israel and the house of Judah, which have provoked Him to anger, as stated in Jeremiah 11:17 and Deuteronomy 29:23-28.

Is there any hope for the olive tree to be restored?

While Jeremiah 11:16 speaks of judgment, other verses like Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Ezekiel 36:24-32 suggest that God will one day restore and renew His people, just as He promised in the New Covenant.

What can we learn from the mighty roar of God in Jeremiah 11:16?

The mighty roar of God in Jeremiah 11:16 reminds us of His power and authority, as seen in Psalm 29:3-9, and warns us to take His judgments seriously, as written in Hebrews 10:26-31.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I, like the olive tree, may have once been fruitful but now risk being set on fire due to my own sinful actions?
  2. How can I, like the prophet Jeremiah, listen to and obey God's voice, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable?
  3. In what ways can I, as a believer, be a source of spiritual nourishment and fruitfulness, like a healthy olive tree, as described in Psalm 1:1-3 and John 15:1-17?
  4. What are some idols or false gods, like Baal, that I may be unknowingly worshiping in my life, and how can I turn away from them to worship the one true God?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 11:16

The Lord called thy name a green olive tree,.... That is, compared the Jewish church and people to one, and made them as one, very prosperous and flourishing in the enjoyment of privileges, civil and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 11:16

The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken. Called thy name - made thee.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:16

That is, the Lord fixed thee when he brought thee first into Canaan, in a beautiful flourishing state and condition, so as thou wert in a capacity both to have done thyself much good, and to have brought him much glory, like a beautiful fair olive tree, fit to bear fair and goodly fruit. But thou hast so behaved thyself, that the Lord is altering the course of his providence to thee, he that planted thee is about to pluck thee up. God is about to kindle a fire which will burn thee up, and to break thy branches. There is nothing more usual in prophetical writings than to have things yet to come expressed as if past, because of the certainty of them; they being what shall as certainly be as if already done.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:16

Jeremiah 11:16 The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, [and] of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.Ver. 16. The Lord called thy name, A green olive tree.] Green all the year long, fair and fruitful; this was thy prosperous and flourishing condition, but now thy best days are over; for, With the noise of a great tumult.] Barritu militari; the battle cry of soldiers, such as soldiers make when they storm a city.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:16

(16) A green olive tree.—The parable is essentially the same, though a different symbol is chosen, as that of the vine of Isa 5:1; Jeremiah 2:21, or the fig-tree of Luk 13:6. The olive also was naturally a symbol of fertility and goodness, as in Psalms 52:8; Hosea 14:6; Zechariah 4:3; Zechariah 4:11. In the words “the Lord called thy name” we have the expression of the Divine purpose in the “calling and election” of Israel. This was what she was meant to be. Fair, and of goodly fruit.—The words point, as before, to the ideal state of Israel. She had made no effort to attain that ideal, and therefore the thunderstorm of God’s wrath fell on it. The word for “tumult” is used in Ezekiel 1:24 for the sound of an army on its march, and is probably used as combining the literal or figurative meaning.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:16

Verse 16. The Lord called thy name, A green olive tree] That is, he made thee like a green olive-fair, flourishing, and fruitful; but thou art degenerated, and God hath given the Chaldeans permission to burn thee up.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 11:16

16. Here also there are probably corruptions in MT., but R.V. gives the general sense. called thy name] acknowledged thee to be worthy of comparison with. green] spreading, luxuriant. The Hebrew word does not in itself denote colour. For the figure cp. Psalms 52:8; Hosea 14:6. tumult] lit. roaring, i.e. of the tempest.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:16

16. Green olive tree — As in Psalms 52:8; Psalms 128:3; Hosea 14:6.Tumult — Used besides only in Ezekiel 1:24. OF THE MEN OF , 18-23.

Sermons on Jeremiah 11:16

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Jeremiah 11-15 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about three men who find a genie and are granted three wishes each. The first man wishes to be back in London, the second wishes to be ba
A.W. Pink Prayer Sighs by A.W. Pink Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 36031 preaches on the concept of becoming useless, as described by the Greek word 'achreioo', meaning to make unprofitable or morally corrupt.
Arno Clemens Gaebelein The Parable of the Olive Tree by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the parable of the good and wild olive trees in Romans 11, emphasizing the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles. The parable illustrates
Art Katz Resurrection of the Dry Bones by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the predicament that Israel is facing and why the news is tightening for them. He explains that God is the au
Avi Lipkin Islamic Spiritual War #2 - Wake Up America by Avi Lipkin The video mentioned in the sermon transcripts is not described in detail, but it is implied that it highlights how the media can focus on one person while ignoring the surrounding
Art Katz The Invisible Cloud of Witnesses by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the world in the 20th century, expressing deep pessimism about mankind's ability to solve its problems. He emphasizes the need
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Ezekiel 36-39 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker urges the audience to be ready for the coming of the Lord. He encourages them to open their hearts to God and the Spirit, as God wants to pour out His S

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