Jeremiah 16:7
Jeremiah 16:7 in Multiple Translations
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.
Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.
neither shall men break bread for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.
No one will make a feast for them in sorrow, to give them comfort for the dead, or put to their lips the cup of comfort on account of their father or their mother.
No funeral receptions will be held to comfort those who mourn—not even a comforting drink is to be offered at the loss of a father or mother.
They shall not stretch out the hands for the in the mourning to comfort them for the dead, neither shall they giue them the cup of consolation to drinke for their father or for their mother.
Nor do they deal out to them for mourning, To comfort him concerning the dead, Nor cause them to drink a cup of consolations For his father and for his mother.
Men won’t break bread for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead. Men won’t give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.
Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.
And they shall not break bread among them to him that mourneth, to comfort him for the dead: neither shall they give them to drink of the cup, to comfort them for their father and mother.
No one will bring food to comfort those who are mourning, not even if it is their father or their mother who has died. No one will give them a cup of wine to cheer them up.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 16:7
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 16:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹֽא
יִפְרְס֥וּ
לָ/הֶ֛ם
עַל
אֵ֖בֶל
לְ/נַחֲמ֣/וֹ
עַל
מֵ֑ת
וְ/לֹֽא
יַשְׁק֤וּ
אוֹתָ/ם֙
כּ֣וֹס
תַּנְחוּמִ֔ים
עַל
אָבִ֖י/ו
וְ/עַל
אִמּֽ/וֹ
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִפְרְס֥וּ
pâraç
H6536
to divide
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לָ/הֶ֛ם
Prep | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֵ֖בֶל
ʼêbel
H60
mourning
N-ms
לְ/נַחֲמ֣/וֹ
nâcham
H5162
to be sorry
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֵ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יַשְׁק֤וּ
shâqâh
H8248
to water
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
אוֹתָ/ם֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
כּ֣וֹס
kôwç
H3563
cup
N-fs
תַּנְחוּמִ֔ים
tanchûwm
H8575
consolation
N-cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אָבִ֖י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
אִמּֽ/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 16:7
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.
יִפְרְס֥וּ
pâraç
H6536
"to divide"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to break or divide something into parts, like splitting wood or distributing food. It is used in various contexts, including when God divides the Red Sea in Exodus. This word is about separating or sharing things.
Definition: 1) to divide, break in two 1a) (Qal) to break, break up 1b) (Hiphil) to be divided (of hoofs) Aramaic equivalent: pe.ras (פְּרַס "to divide" H6537A)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: deal, divide, have hoofs, part, tear. See also: Leviticus 11:3; Deuteronomy 14:6; Psalms 69:32.
לָ/הֶ֛ם
""
Prep | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
אֵ֖בֶל
ʼêbel
H60
"mourning"
N-ms
Mourning refers to the act of grieving or lamenting, often for someone who has died, like the mourning of the Israelites after the death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34.
Definition: 1) mourning 1a) for the dead 1b) for rites of mourning (metaph) 1c) mourning garb 1d) period of mourning
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: mourning. See also: Genesis 27:41; Ecclesiastes 7:4; Isaiah 60:20.
לְ/נַחֲמ֣/וֹ
nâcham
H5162
"to be sorry"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
מֵ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
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.
יַשְׁק֤וּ
shâqâh
H8248
"to water"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
אוֹתָ/ם֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
כּ֣וֹס
kôwç
H3563
"cup"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word can mean a cup or a type of owl, possibly due to the owl's unique eye shape. It's often used figuratively, like in Psalm 16:5, where God is the cup that fills our lives. The KJV translates it as 'cup' or 'owl'.
Definition: cup
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cup, (small) owl. Compare H3599 (כִּיס). See also: Genesis 40:11; Proverbs 23:31; Psalms 11:6.
תַּנְחוּמִ֔ים
tanchûwm
H8575
"consolation"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means comfort or solace, like the consolation God gives to those who mourn, as seen in Isaiah 61:2. It's about finding peace in difficult times. The Bible often talks about God's comfort.
Definition: consolation(s)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: comfort, consolation. See also: Job 15:11; Psalms 94:19; Isaiah 66:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
אָבִ֖י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
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.
אִמּֽ/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 16:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 16:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 16:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 16:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:7
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 16:7
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 16:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:7
- Sermons on Jeremiah 16:7
Context — Disaster Predicted
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.
8You must not enter a house where there is feasting and sit down with them to eat and drink. 9For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to remove from this place, before your very eyes and in your days, the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 9:4 | They will not pour out wine offerings to the LORD, and their sacrifices will not please Him, but will be to them like the bread of mourners; all who eat will be defiled. For their bread will be for themselves; it will not enter the house of the LORD. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 24:17 | 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.” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 26:14 | I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while in mourning, or removed any of it while unclean, or offered any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything You commanded me. |
| 4 | Proverbs 31:6–7 | Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. |
| 5 | Job 42:11 | All his brothers and sisters and prior acquaintances came and dined with him in his house. They consoled him and comforted him over all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him. And each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. |
Jeremiah 16:7 Summary
[This verse is saying that when people die, there won't be the usual customs of mourning and comforting, like sharing food or drinks, because God is removing His peace and presence from the people (Jeremiah 16:5). It's like when someone in your family dies, and people usually bring over food to help you feel better, but in this case, God is saying that even those small comforts will be taken away, to help the people see how serious their sin is (Isaiah 1:15-17). This doesn't mean that mourning and grieving are bad, but rather that God is using this as a way to get the people's attention and call them back to Himself, just like He does in other parts of the Bible, like Matthew 5:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is God instructing the people not to offer food to comfort those who mourn the dead?
God is removing His peace, loving devotion, and compassion from the people due to their disobedience, as seen in Jeremiah 16:5, and this instruction is a consequence of that removal, highlighting the severity of their sin (Isaiah 1:15-17).
What does it mean to not offer a cup of consolation for the loss of a father or mother?
It means that even the most basic expressions of sympathy and comfort, like offering a cup of consolation, will be withheld, emphasizing the depth of God's judgment and the people's spiritual deadness (Ezekiel 24:17).
Is this verse saying that mourning and grieving are wrong?
No, mourning and grieving are natural responses to loss, but in this context, God is instructing the people to not engage in the usual customs and rituals of mourning, as a sign of His judgment and the people's spiritual condition (Matthew 5:4).
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?
This verse is part of a larger message of judgment and warning to the people of Judah, calling them to repentance and faith in God, as seen in Jeremiah 16:1-9, and emphasizing the consequences of their disobedience (Jeremiah 7:1-7).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show comfort and consolation to those who are grieving, while still being mindful of God's instructions in this verse?
- How can I balance the need to mourn and grieve with the call to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be withholding comfort or consolation from others, and how can I repent and change my behavior?
- How can I use times of mourning and loss as opportunities to point others to the hope and comfort of the Gospel?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 16:7
Neither shall men tear themselves,.... Either their flesh, or their clothes: or, "stretch out" (y); that is, their hands, and clap them together, and wring them, as persons in great distress do: or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 16:7
Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:7
Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning to comfort them for the dead: if we allow our translation here of the word odp with the word supplied, themselves, it will be hard to give a tolerable sense of these words, for then tearing is the same with the cutting themselves mentioned in the former verse, which though it might be as a passionate expression of the person’ s sorrow that did it, yet how it should comfort the friends of the deceased will be very hard to conceive. But the truth is, the word hath but two significations, and we have here given it what doth worst suit this text. It signifies to divide, and to tear, or rend. Both in kal the first conjugation, and in pihel the third conjugation, it is used to signify dividing: in the former, , where we interpret it deal; to deal, that is, divide thy bread to the hungry; which is the only text (excepting this) where it is used in this conjugation. In the ether conjugation it is so used in many texts, ,5 &c.; ; so certainly it ought to have been translated here, Neither shall men deal out bread for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead, and seemeth to hint to us a custom in use amongst them, when they had any friend that had lost his or her relations, to send them some meat or victuals, (for amongst the Hebrews all things that they ate were called bread,) and then to go and dine or sup with them, to have opportunity to speak comfortably to them. This doubtless is the sense of the words, and so it is plain enough, and this is confirmed by the next phrase. Neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother; neither shall men drink the cup of consolation for their father, &c.; as in such cases they were wont to have something to eat, so they were also wont to send bottles of wine, or other cheering liquor, to drink, that they might forget their sorrows; this is called the cup of consolation, from the end for which the sending and drinking of it was intended. God tells them that the time should come that so many should die, and so fast, and the rest should be so much upon the brink of the grave, that they should have no leisure for or heart to these ceremonies.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:7
Jeremiah 16:7 Neither shall [men] tear [themselves] for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall [men] give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.Ver. 7. Neither shall men tear themselves for them.] Or, Neither shall they deal them bread in mourning to comfort any for the dead. Compare Ezekiel 24:17. Of feasting at funerals mention is made by Herodotus, Cicero, Lucian, Pliny, Clement, and Chrysostom. See Jeremiah 16:5. Neither shall men give them the cup of consolation,] i.e., The consolatory cup, usually given at funerals to the disconsolate friends of the deceased. See on Proverbs 31:6-7.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:7
(7) Neither shall men tear themselves.—The marginal reading, “Neither shall men break bread for them,” as in Isaiah 58:7; Lamentations 4:4, gives the true meaning. We are entering upon another region of funeral customs, reminding us of some of the practices connected with the “wakes” of old English life. After the first burst of sorrow and of fasting, as the sign of sorrow (2 Samuel 1:12; 2 Samuel 3:35; 2 Samuel 12:16-17), friends came to the mourner to comfort him. A feast was prepared for them, consisting of “the bread of mourners” (Hosea 9:4; Ezekiel 24:17) and the “cup of consolation,” as for those of a heavy heart (Proverbs 31:6). It is probable that some reference to this practice was implied in our Lord’s solemn benediction of the bread and of the cup at the Last Supper. As His body had been “anointed for the burial” (Matthew 26:12), so, in giving the symbols of His death, He was, as it were, keeping with His disciples His own funeral feast. The thought of the dead lying unburied, or buried without honour, is contemplated in all its horrors.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 16:7
7. break bread for them] The same verb as in Isaiah 58:7 (“deal”). There the word for bread (leḥ ?em) stands in MT., and a very slight change here would convert “for them” (Heb. lahem) into the same word. If on the other hand we keep lahem, leḥ ?em must have dropped out after it. The reference is to the custom for mourners to fast (cp. 2 Samuel 3:35), whereupon their sympathetic friends brought them bread and wine to console them. the cup of consolation] on the principle stated Proverbs 31:6.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 16:7
Tear themselves - Better as in the margin; “break broad for them.” It was customary upon the death of a relative to fast, and for the friends and neighbors after a decent delay to come and comfort
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:7
7. Neither… tear themselves — Better, as the margin translates, break bread, fitly joined here with the cup of consolation.
Sermons on Jeremiah 16:7
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Homily 19 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of walking wisely in a world filled with evil, emphasizing the need to understand the will of the Lord and to redeem the time. He highlig |
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The Damnation Army, Its Victims and Its Sponsors by George Kulp | George Kulp passionately preaches about the irreconcilable hostility between the Church and the saloon, emphasizing the need for Christians to take a stand against the liquor traff |
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(Through the Bible) Job 1-4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job from the Bible. Job was a man who experienced extreme loss and suffering, losing his wealth, possessions, and even his child |