Jeremiah 16:2

2 “You must not marry and have sons or daughters in this place.”

Jeremiah 16:2 in Other Translations

KJV
2 Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters in this place.
ESV
2 "You shall not take a wife, nor shall you have sons or daughters in this place.
NLT
2 “Do not get married or have children in this place.
MSG
2 "Jeremiah, don't get married. Don't raise a family here.
CSB
2 "You must not marry or 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 Then the word of the LORD came to me:
2 “You must not marry and have sons or daughters in this place.”
3 For this is what the LORD says about the sons and daughters born in this land and about the women who are their mothers and the men who are their fathers:
4 “They will die of deadly diseases. They will not be mourned or buried but will be like dung lying on the ground. They will perish by sword and famine, and their dead bodies will become food for the birds and the wild animals.”
5 For 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the LORD says: “Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal; do not go to mourn or show sympathy, because I have withdrawn my blessing, my love and my pity from this people,” declares the LORD.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 7:26-27
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