Jeremiah 15 16

Jeremiah 15:16 kjv

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Jeremiah 15:16 nkjv

Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

Jeremiah 15:16 niv

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.

Jeremiah 15:16 esv

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.

Jeremiah 15:16 nlt

When I discovered your words, I devoured them.
They are my joy and my heart's delight,
for I bear your name,
O LORD God of Heaven's Armies.

Jeremiah 15 verses

Jeremiah 15 16 Meaning

Jeremiah 15:16 is a profound declaration by the prophet, reflecting his initial zeal and devotion to God's revelation despite facing intense suffering. He expresses that receiving God's words was not merely intellectual apprehension but a deep, personal ingestion, leading to profound inner joy and gladness. This experience of joy stemmed from the fundamental truth that he was divinely called and identified with the very name of the sovereign and mighty Lord. It anchors his identity and purpose in God's ownership, serving as a wellspring of sustenance amidst his challenging prophetic ministry.

Jeremiah 15 16 Context

Jeremiah 15:16 is positioned within a broader section of Jeremiah's laments and God's responses, showcasing the intense spiritual and emotional struggles of the prophet. Preceding this verse, Jeremiah expresses deep anguish, complaining about his isolation and the persecution he faces (Jer 15:10). He likens himself to a man of strife, lamenting his birth and the burdens of his ministry. God then reiterates impending judgment on Judah (Jer 15:11-14). In Jer 15:15-18, Jeremiah returns to personal prayer, reflecting on his faithfulness, his suffering, and questioning God. Verse 16 serves as a foundational affirmation within this struggle, reminding God (and himself) of his initial, joyful commitment to the divine word before the full weight of its bitter consequences (the persecution and isolation, Jer 15:10) fully manifested. It shows Jeremiah's past purity of devotion as a counterpoint to his current distress, laying the groundwork for his desperate pleas in subsequent verses. The historical context is that of impending exile for Judah, where God's prophets were scorned and rejected, making Jeremiah's obedience and internalization of the message profoundly costly.

Jeremiah 15 16 Word analysis

• Thy words (דְּבָרֶיךָ - devārèykā): Refers to God's spoken or revealed message. The plural 'words' can signify the cumulative body of revelation, laws, and prophetic utterances. These are not human opinions but divine truth, conveying authority and wisdom directly from God.
• were found (נִמְצְאוּ - nimts’ū): The passive voice indicates that the words were not necessarily sought out by Jeremiah initially but were encountered or discovered. This suggests divine initiative in their revelation or Jeremiah's readiness to receive them, rather than a frantic search. It points to a grace-filled reception, a divine delivery.
• and I did eat them (וָאֹכְלֵם - vāʾōkhlēm): A powerful metaphor for internalizing, assimilating, and spiritually consuming God's word. It signifies making the word part of one's inner being, not merely hearing or reading. Eating implies digestion and absorption, providing nourishment and sustenance, much like physical food sustains the body. This act leads to an intimate union with the divine message.
• and thy word (וְדְבָרְךָ - vədāvrĕkhā): Switches to the singular "word," possibly emphasizing the singular, unifying truth or essence of God's revelation that undergirds all His individual "words." It represents the cohesive message, the complete counsel, or even a specific pronouncement central to Jeremiah's call.
• was unto me the joy (לִשְׂשׂוֹן - lśāśôn) and rejoicing (וּלְשִׂמְחַת - ūlśimḥat): These two Hebrew words convey profound and exuberant happiness. Śāśôn (joy) speaks of exultant, spiritual happiness, while Śimḥâ (rejoicing/gladness) often refers to outward expression or celebration. Together, they depict a complete and overwhelming sense of inner delight, the deep spiritual satisfaction derived from God's truth, transforming his inner disposition.
• of mine heart (לְבָבִי - ləvāvī): The "heart" in Hebrew thought is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of a person's being—encompassing intellect, will, and affections. Thus, the joy permeating his entire self, profoundly impacting his thoughts, desires, and identity.
• for I am called by thy name (כִּי־נִקְרָא שִׁמְךָ עָלַי - kî niqrāʾ shimkhā ʿālay): This clause provides the reason for the profound joy. "Called by thy name" signifies ownership, belonging, and identification. It means Jeremiah is consecrated to God, recognized as God's servant, and functions under God's authority and protection. His very identity and purpose are defined by his relationship with the Lord, confirming his prophetic call. This stands in contrast to idols or false gods who cannot name or own their followers.
• O LORD God of hosts (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי צְבָאוֹת - Yahweh ʾElohei Tsvaʾôt): A significant divine title emphasizing God's sovereignty, power, and universal dominion. Yahweh is God's covenant name, signifying His self-existence and faithfulness. Elohei Tsvaʾôt ("God of Armies/Hosts") portrays Him as the commander of heavenly armies (angels) and earthly forces, indicating His omnipotence and control over all creation. Addressing God with this name underlines Jeremiah's profound recognition of the One who called him—an all-powerful and supreme authority, thus legitimizing and intensifying the joy found in His word.

Jeremiah 15 16 Bonus section

The experience of "eating" God's words, so joyful for Jeremiah, takes on a different dimension in Revelation 10:9-10 where the scroll is sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach. This shows that while the reception of God's prophetic word is initially glorious and delightful (the sweetness), its implications, especially for those who must prophesy judgment or face opposition, can be intensely difficult and painful (the bitterness). Jeremiah's later laments certainly reflect this "bitterness" after the initial sweetness of his call. This verse also implicitly offers a polemic against the "shepherds" and prophets of Jeremiah's day who did not truly seek or speak God's words, but rather offered human comfort or self-serving lies. Jeremiah's joy in the true word starkly contrasts with the emptiness experienced by those who pursue false wisdom or idolatry. His claim of being "called by Thy name" establishes his prophetic authority as legitimate, directly from the true and living God, not from human appointment or popular acclaim.

Jeremiah 15 16 Commentary

Jeremiah 15:16 articulates the initial and fundamental posture of the prophet toward God's revelation: an intimate, joyful reception of the divine word. Before the heavy burden and public rejection of his message became overwhelming, Jeremiah experienced profound delight in internalizing God's words. This was not a passive hearing, but an active, spiritual 'eating' that infused his core being with joy. The basis for this joy was a deep personal conviction of his calling and identity, confirmed by being "called by Thy name" by the omnipotent "LORD God of hosts." This verse underscores that a true, vibrant faith is rooted in a personal encounter with and consumption of God's truth, resulting in an abiding joy even amidst life's gravest trials. It highlights that belonging to God and absorbing His word is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and happiness. For the believer, it’s a reminder that genuine joy is found in God’s revelation and one's identity in Christ, which empowers perseverance through difficulties.Examples:

• A new believer deeply engaged in Scripture studies finds immediate solace and delight.
• Someone suffering greatly remembers God's promises from His Word, finding strength and an anchor for hope.