Jeremiah 16:2

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 16:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters, in this place.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters, in this place.
Jeremiah 16:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters, in this place.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou shall not take thee a wife, etc.] Not because it was unlawful; for it was lawful for prophets to marry, and they did; but because it was not advisable, on account of the calamities and distresses which were coming upon the nation; which would be more bearable by him alone, than if he had a wife, which would increase his care, concern, and sorrow. Neither shall thou have sons nor daughters in this place; in Anathoth, says Kimchi; but it is most likely that Jerusalem in particular is meant, though the whole land of Judea in general may be designed; and though nothing is more desirable than to have children to build up the family, and bear and continue a man’s name for futurity, yet in…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“As marriage was obligatory upon the Jews, the prohibition of it to Jeremiah was a sign that the impending calamity was so great as to override all ordinary duties. Jeremiah was unmarried, but the force of the sign lay in its being an exception to the ordinary practice of the prophets. In this place - The whole of Judaea. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Gen 19:14; Mat 24:19; Luk 21:23, Luk 23:29; Co1 7:26, Co1 7:27 Jeremiah 16:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification