Jeremiah 16:2

2 "Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters in this place."

Jeremiah 16:2 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 16:2

Thou shall not take thee a wife
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 times of public calamity these do but add to the affliction.

Jeremiah 16:2 In-Context

1 The word of the LORD came also unto me, saying,
2 "Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters in this place."
3 For thus saith the LORD concerning the sons and concerning the daughters who are born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bore them, and concerning their fathers who begot them in this land:
4 "They shall die of grievous deaths; they shall not be lamented, neither shall they be buried, but they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth. And they shall be consumed by the sword and by famine, and their carcasses shall be meat for the fowls of heaven and for the beasts of the earth."
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.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.