Jeremiah 20:9 kjv
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
Jeremiah 20:9 nkjv
Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.
Jeremiah 20:9 niv
But if I say, "I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
Jeremiah 20:9 esv
If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
Jeremiah 20:9 nlt
But if I say I'll never mention the LORD
or speak in his name,
his word burns in my heart like a fire.
It's like a fire in my bones!
I am worn out trying to hold it in!
I can't do it!
Jeremiah 20 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah 1:4-10 | The LORD's call and commission to Jeremiah. | God's command to prophesy |
| Jeremiah 1:17-19 | God strengthens Jeremiah against opposition. | Protection in adversity |
| Jeremiah 6:11 | God's word is a fire against his people. | Word as consuming fire |
| Jeremiah 15:10 | Jeremiah laments his calling and the people's curses. | Prophetic burden and pain |
| Jeremiah 17:18 | Jeremiah prays for God to repay his persecutors. | Judgment on enemies |
| Jeremiah 18:18 | Jeremiah's enemies plot against him. | Persecution of the prophet |
| Jeremiah 20:7 | Jeremiah laments being persuaded and deceived. | Feeling lured by God |
| Jeremiah 20:10 | Jeremiah hears the slanders against him. | Plots of the wicked |
| Psalm 31:13 | David speaks of slanders and fear. | Attacks of enemies |
| Psalm 119:89 | God's word is enduring and true. | Enduring nature of God's word |
| Psalm 119:105 | God's word is a lamp to his feet. | Guidance of God's word |
| Isaiah 40:7-8 | The grass withers, but God's word stands. | Transience of human words |
| Isaiah 55:11 | God's word does not return empty. | Effectiveness of God's word |
| Ezekiel 3:3 | Ezekiel eats the scroll and it is sweet and bitter. | Experience of the divine word |
| Ezekiel 2:4-5 | God declares the people are rebellious. | Nature of the audience |
| Amos 3:8 | The lion has roared; who will not fear? | Inevitability of prophecy |
| Romans 1:16 | The gospel is the power of God for salvation. | Power of God's message |
| 1 Corinthians 9:16 | Paul proclaims the gospel despite compulsion. | Compulsion to preach |
| Galatians 1:15-16 | Paul's calling to preach the gospel. | Divine calling |
| 1 Peter 4:12-13 | Rejoicing in suffering for Christ. | Suffering for faith |
Jeremiah 20 verses
Jeremiah 20 9 Meaning
This verse expresses Jeremiah's internal struggle. While the LORD's word is like a burning fire within him, compelling him to speak, he is also weary and mocked by others for his prophetic pronouncements. He feels trapped between divine compulsion and human persecution, finding no rest.
Jeremiah 20 9 Context
Jeremiah 20 finds Jeremiah in a severe crisis of faith and emotional distress. He has just been released from prison after being beaten and put in stocks by Pashhur the priest, who prophesied falsely against him. This experience, coupled with the continuous rejection and ridicule he faces from his own people, leads him to cry out in anguish. Verse 9 reflects his inner turmoil following this severe mistreatment and the constant opposition to his God-given message.
Jeremiah 20 9 Word Analysis
And I said: This introduces Jeremiah's internal soliloquy, a personal reflection.
If I say: This denotes a hypothetical situation, expressing his reluctance and exhaustion.
I will not: A strong statement of resolve against speaking further.
Remember him: This refers to ceasing to speak about or acknowledge the LORD.
Or speak: This explicitly states the action he resolves not to do – prophesy.
Nay: An emphatic denial of his previous intention, indicating a shift.
But was: A conjunction indicating a transition, showing what happened instead.
In mine heart: The source of the compelled action is internal, deep within him.
As a burning fire: A powerful simile.
Shut up: This implies being confined or restrained.
And I was: Denotes the state he found himself in as a result.
Weary: Expresses his deep fatigue and exasperation.
And could not: Indicates an inability to restrain himself from speaking.
Words-group analysis:
- "If I say, I will not remember him, or speak any more in his name": This phrase captures Jeremiah's desire to retreat from his calling due to suffering, a temptation to silence God's word within him.
- "But it was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones": This powerful imagery illustrates the irresistible, internal pressure of God's message, a divine force he cannot contain.
- "And I was weary and could not": This succinctly conveys his emotional exhaustion and the overwhelming nature of the compulsion, which overrides his weariness and personal will.
Jeremiah 20 9 Bonus Section
The burning fire within Jeremiah mirrors the internal experience of many believers called to ministry or to share their faith. It speaks to the conviction that God's truth, once internalized, demands expression. The tension between the desire for personal peace and the divine command to proclaim truth is a recurring theme in Christian service, highlighting the cost of obedience. Jeremiah's lament also echoes the sentiments of those who feel unheard or ridiculed for their faith in a hostile environment.
Jeremiah 20 9 Commentary
Jeremiah is not just delivering messages; he is experiencing them intensely. The word of God, meant for the people, becomes a consuming force within him. This "burning fire" symbolizes the inescapable, authoritative, and passionate nature of God's communication. It’s a fire that purifies but also causes pain when resisted or when its message is rejected. Despite his deep weariness from the constant persecution and ridicule ("I was weary and could not"), Jeremiah finds himself unable to remain silent. The divine compulsion is stronger than his desire for rest or his pain from mockery. This verse reveals the prophet's agony: being unable to suppress the divine imperative to speak, even when the cost is immense personal suffering. He is a prisoner of the message he carries.