Jeremiah 16:5

Jeremiah 16:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal. Do not go to mourn or show sympathy, for I have removed from this people My peace, My loving devotion, and My compassion,” declares the LORD.

King James Version KJV

For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the LORD, even lovingkindness and mercies.

American Standard Version ASV

For thus saith Jehovah, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament, neither bemoan them; for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith Jehovah, even lovingkindness and tender mercies.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For this is what the Lord has said: Do not go into the house of sorrow, do not go to make weeping or songs of grief for them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, says the Lord, even mercy and pity.

Free Bible Version FBV

This is what the Lord says: Don't enter a home where people are having a funeral meal. Don't visit them to mourn or to offer condolences, for I have taken away my peace, my trustworthy love, and my mercy from these people, declares the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For thus saith the Lord, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither goe to lament, nor be moued for the: for I haue taken my peace, from this people, saith the Lord, euen mercy and compassion.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For thus said Jehovah: Do not enter the house of a mourning-feast, Nor go to lament nor bemoan for them, For I have removed My peace from this people, An affirmation of Jehovah, The kindness and the mercies.

World English Bible WEB

For the LORD says, “Don’t enter into the house of mourning. Don’t go to lament. Don’t bemoan them, for I have taken away my peace from this people,” says the LORD, “even loving kindness and tender mercies.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the LORD, even loving-kindness and mercies.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For thus saith the Lord: Enter not into the house of feasting, neither go thou to mourn, nor to comfort them: because I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the Lord, my mercy and commiserations.

Translation for Translators T4T

This is also what Yahweh said to me: “Do not go to funerals to mourn or to show those whose relatives have died that you feel sorry for them, because I have stopped protecting them, and I have caused that things will not go well for them. I have stopped faithfully loving them and acting mercifully toward them.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 16:5

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 16:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּֽי כֹ֣ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֗ה אַל תָּבוֹא֙ בֵּ֣ית מַרְזֵ֔חַ וְ/אַל תֵּלֵ֣ךְ לִ/סְפּ֔וֹד וְ/אַל תָּנֹ֖ד לָ/הֶ֑ם כִּֽי אָסַ֨פְתִּי אֶת שְׁלוֹמִ֜/י מֵ/אֵ֨ת הָ/עָ֤ם הַ/זֶּה֙ נְאֻם יְהוָ֔ה אֶת הַ/חֶ֖סֶד וְ/אֶת הָֽ/רַחֲמִֽים

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

כֹ֣ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תָּבוֹא֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Juss-2ms

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

מַרְזֵ֔חַ marzêach H4798 mourning N-ms

וְ/אַל ʼal H408 not Conj | Part

תֵּלֵ֣ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Juss-2ms

לִ/סְפּ֔וֹד çâphad H5594 to mourn Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ/אַל ʼal H408 not Conj | Part

תָּנֹ֖ד nûwd H5110 to wander V-Qal-Juss-2ms

לָ/הֶ֑ם Prep | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

אָסַ֨פְתִּי ʼâçaph H622 to gather V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שְׁלוֹמִ֜/י shâlôwm H7965 Peace N-ms | Suff

מֵ/אֵ֨ת ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep

הָ/עָ֤ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/חֶ֖סֶד chêçêd H2617 kindness Art | N-ms

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

הָֽ/רַחֲמִֽים racham H7356 womb Art | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 16:5

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

כֹ֣ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

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.

יְהוָ֗ה 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.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תָּבוֹא֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Juss-2ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

מַרְזֵ֔חַ marzêach H4798 "mourning" N-ms

This word describes a cry of grief or lamentation, often used to express mourning. It is similar to a cry of joy, but with a sad tone, and is translated as mourning.

Definition: 1) cry, cry of joy, revelry 1a) mourning cry 1a1) perhaps, feast cry 1b) cry of revelry

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: mourning. See also: Jeremiah 16:5.

וְ/אַל ʼal H408 "not" Conj | Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תֵּלֵ֣ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Juss-2ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

לִ/סְפּ֔וֹד çâphad H5594 "to mourn" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew verb means to mourn or lament, often by tearing hair and beating breasts. It involves expressing deep sadness or grief, like wailing or lamenting. The KJV translates it as lament or mourn.

Definition: 1) to wail, lament, mourn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wail, lament 1a2) wailers (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be lamented, be bewailed

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourn(-er), wail. See also: Genesis 23:2; Jeremiah 16:4; Isaiah 32:12.

וְ/אַל ʼal H408 "not" Conj | Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תָּנֹ֖ד nûwd H5110 "to wander" V-Qal-Juss-2ms

To wander means to move aimlessly, showing grief or sympathy, and is used to describe someone who is lost or in need of comfort, like a mourner or a fugitive.

Definition: 1) to shake, waver, wander, move to and fro, flutter, show grief, have compassion on 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to move to and fro, wander (aimlessly), take flight 1a2) to flutter 1a3) to waver, wave, shake 1a4) to show grief 1a4a) to lament, condole, show sympathy 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to wander (aimlessly) 1b2) to make a wagging, wag (with the head) 1c) (Hithpolel) 1c1) to move oneself to and fro, sway, totter 1c2) to shake oneself 1c3) to bemoan oneself

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bemoan, flee, get, mourn, make to move, take pity, remove, shake, skip for joy, be sorry, vagabond, way, wandering. See also: Genesis 4:12; Jeremiah 4:1; Psalms 11:1.

לָ/הֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

אָסַ֨פְתִּי ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves

Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שְׁלוֹמִ֜/י shâlôwm H7965 "Peace" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.

Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.

מֵ/אֵ֨ת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

הָ/עָ֤ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms

This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.

Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)

Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.

יְהוָ֔ה 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.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/חֶ֖סֶד chêçêd H2617 "kindness" Art | N-ms

This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.

Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָֽ/רַחֲמִֽים racham H7356 "womb" Art | N-mp

This word refers to compassion or tender love, often describing God's feelings towards people. It can also mean the womb, symbolizing care and nurturing. The KJV translates it as compassion, mercy, or pity.

Definition: womb Another spelling of re.chem (רֶ֫חֶם "womb" H7358)

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. See also: Genesis 43:14; Psalms 106:46; Psalms 25:6.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 16:5

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Context
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Jeremiah 16:5 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 16:5
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:5
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Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:5
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Sermons on Jeremiah 16:5

Context — Disaster Predicted

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.”

5Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal. Do not go to mourn or show sympathy, for I have removed from this people My peace, My loving devotion, and My compassion,” declares the LORD.

6“Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them. 7No food will be offered to comfort those who mourn the dead; not even a cup of consolation will be given for the loss of a father or mother.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 24:16–23	“Son of man, behold, I am about to take away the desire of your eyes with a fatal blow. But you must not mourn or weep or let your tears flow. Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your lips or eat the bread of mourners.” So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And the next morning I did as I had been commanded. Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean to us?” So I answered them, “The word of the LORD came to me, saying: 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.
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	Jeremiah 15:1–4	Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go. If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’ I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy. I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem.
4	Deuteronomy 31:17	On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’
5	Revelation 6:4	Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take away peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword.
6	Jeremiah 16:6–7	“Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them. No food will be offered to comfort those who mourn the dead; not even a cup of consolation will be given for the loss of a father or mother.
7	2 Chronicles 15:5–6	In those days there was no safety for travelers, because the residents of the lands had many conflicts. Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God afflicted them with all kinds of adversity.
8	Zechariah 8:10	For before those days neither man nor beast received wages, nor was there safety from the enemy for anyone who came or went, for I had turned every man against his neighbor.

Jeremiah 16:5 Summary

In Jeremiah 16:5, God tells the people not to mourn or show sympathy because He has removed His peace, loving devotion, and compassion from them. This means that God is no longer offering them His protection and care, and they will have to face the consequences of their sin. This is similar to what is described in Romans 1:24-31, where God gives people over to their sinful desires. We can learn from this verse that God's peace and compassion are not always present in our lives, and that we must seek His forgiveness and repentance to experience His love and care, as seen in 1 John 1:9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God tell the people not to mourn or show sympathy in Jeremiah 16:5?

God tells the people not to mourn or show sympathy because He has removed His peace, loving devotion, and compassion from them, as stated in Jeremiah 16:5, and this is a result of their disobedience and sin, as seen in other passages like Deuteronomy 28:15-68.

Is God being heartless by telling people not to mourn in Jeremiah 16:5?

No, God is not being heartless, but rather, He is highlighting the severity of the people's sin and the consequences of their actions, as also seen in Ezekiel 24:16-17, where God tells Ezekiel not to mourn the death of his wife.

What does it mean that God has removed His peace, loving devotion, and compassion from the people in Jeremiah 16:5?

It means that God is no longer offering them His protection, care, and forgiveness, as He had in the past, and this is a consequence of their disobedience, as stated in Jeremiah 16:5, and is similar to what is described in Romans 1:24-31, where God gives people over to their sinful desires.

How does this verse relate to the rest of Jeremiah 16?

This verse is part of a larger section in Jeremiah 16 that describes the judgment and punishment that God will bring upon the people of Judah, as seen in Jeremiah 16:1-4, and is a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of sin, as also seen in Jeremiah 16:6-7.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can show sympathy and mourn with those who are suffering, while still trusting in God's sovereignty?
How can I balance the need to mourn and show compassion with the call to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing a lack of God's peace, loving devotion, and compassion, and how can I repent and seek His forgiveness?
How can I use this verse as a reminder to pray for those who are suffering and to seek God's mercy and compassion on their behalf, as seen in Psalm 102:17?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 16:5

For thus saith the Lord, enter not into the house of mourning,.... On account of his dead relations or neighbours; since they were taken away from the evil to come, and therefore no occasion to mourn

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 16:5

For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the LORD, even lovingkindness and mercies.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:5

Mourning, xzdj There is so great a difference in the translation of this word, that, , the very same word signifieth a banquet, and is so translated; yet is there no contradiction, for banquets are now (and probably anciently were) in the houses of mourning, as well as in the houses of those that rejoiced. It appeareth plainly by the words that follow, that the apostle was here forbidden to go to funeral feasts, or to lament and bemoan any. For (saith God) I have, that is, I will take away peace from this people. Possibly the meaning of God might be this, Do not go to comfort such as mourn for any relations dead, (for their feastings upon those occasions were upon a consolatory account; thence, , you read of a cup of consolation,) for, saith God, they have no need of it; those that die are most happy; for I will take away the peace of this people, and deprive them of all my mercy and loving-kindness which I have hitherto showed them.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:5

Jeremiah 16:5 For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the LORD, [even] lovingkindness and mercies.Ver. 5. Enter not into the house of mourning.] Or banquets, whether at burials or bridals. Of funeral banquets, see Deuteronomy 26:14. These the Greeks called περιδειπνα, the Latins Parentalia. See Jeremiah 16:7.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:5

(5) The house of mourning.—Better, mourning-feast. The word is found only here and in Amos 6:7, where it is translated “banquet.” So the Vulg. gives here domus convivii, and the LXX. the Greek word for a “drinking party.” The word literally means a “shout,” and is so far applicable to either joy or sorrow. The context seems decisive in favour of the latter meaning, but the idea of the “feast” or “social gathering” should be, at least, recognised. Not to go into the house of mirth would be a light matter as compared with abstaining even from visits of sympathy and condolence. In Ecclesiastes 7:4 the Hebrew gives a different word. My peace.—The word is used in its highest power, as including all other blessings. It is Jehovah’s peace: that which He once had given, but which He now withholds (comp. John 14:27). Men were to accept that withdrawal in silent awe, not with the conventional routine of customary sorrow.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:5

Verse 5. Enter not into the house of mourning] The public calamities are too great to permit individual losses to come into consideration.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 16:5

5. Enter not …] The prophet’s abstinence from the accustomed marks of respect to the dead and sympathy with the relatives is to be a forecast of the time when such abstinence shall become general on account of the universal prevalence of suffering and death. mourning] lit. a cry, found elsewhere only Amos 6:7 “revelry,” in which sense Du. and Co. (who strike out Jeremiah 16:8) understand it here. If so, the v. will mean, Neither rejoice with them that rejoice, nor weep with them that weep.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:5

5. House of mourning — Literally, outcry; which may be of joy, as the Vulgate actually translates in this place, or of wailing, which only harmonizes with the rest of the passage.

Sermons on Jeremiah 16:5

	Sermon	Description
	An Interlude: Zionism by Arno Clemens Gaebelein	Arno Clemens Gaebelein discusses the significant Jewish national revival towards the end of the Nineteenth Century, focusing on the revival of Jewish Nationalism and the movement t
	Perpetual Fuel to the Flames of Hell! by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks delivers a sobering sermon on the nature of hell, emphasizing that unlike earthly fire, the flames of hell do not consume but perpetually torment the damned. He illus
	Prayer, Monolog or Dialog? by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and his encounter with God at the burning bush. Moses had fled to the desert after killing an Egyptian and spent 40 years
	Power With God Exemplified in Samuel by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of Samuel's ministry as a representation of power with God, particularly in a time when the people of Israel were not aligned with God'
	Isaiah 50:4 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of listening in prayer, asserting that prayer should not be a one-sided conversation but a dialogue with God. He illustrates that the mighties
	Power With God Exemplified in Moses by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound relationship between God and Moses, illustrating how Moses' deep commitment to God's purpose exemplifies true power with God. He argues tha
	Has God Told You to Stop Praying? by David Smithers	David Smithers addresses the concern and hopelessness many Christians feel regarding the Church and the nation's desperate times, emphasizing the importance of not giving up on pra