Old Testament
Jeremiah 16:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
No one will tear themselves in mourning to comfort them for the dead. No one will offer them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or mother.
Compare translations
Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.
What Jeremiah 16:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 16:7, God communicates a profound message about the absence of mourning for the people of Judah due to their impending judgment. The verse highlights that no one will engage in traditional mourning practices, such as tearing their clothes or offering comforting drinks to the bereaved. This reflects the severity of the situation, indicating that the people will face such devastation that even the usual expressions of grief and consolation will be absent. The lack of mourning signifies a deep spiritual and social crisis, where the community is so affected by God's judgment that they cannot even honor the dead properly. This serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting desolation that can follow. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the gravity of sin and the need for repentance before it leads to irreversible consequences.
How to apply Jeremiah 16:7 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of supporting one another in times of grief. It encourages us to be present for those who are suffering and to offer comfort, as neglecting this can lead to deeper emotional and spiritual wounds within our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 16:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 16:7
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 16:7 mean?
Jeremiah 16:7 conveys that during a time of severe judgment, the people of Judah will not engage in traditional mourning practices. This absence of mourning signifies the depth of their crisis and the impact of their disobedience to God.
What is the significance of mourning in Jeremiah 16:7?
In Jeremiah 16:7, mourning is significant because it highlights the community's loss and the absence of consolation during a time of judgment. The lack of mourning reflects a profound spiritual and social crisis, indicating that the people are overwhelmed by their circumstances.
What does the cup of consolation refer to in Jeremiah 16:7?
The cup of consolation in Jeremiah 16:7 refers to the traditional practice of offering a drink to comfort those who are grieving. Its absence emphasizes the severity of the situation, where even basic acts of kindness and support are missing.
How does Jeremiah 16:7 relate to community support?
Jeremiah 16:7 highlights the importance of community support during times of grief. The absence of mourning practices serves as a reminder that neglecting to comfort those in pain can lead to deeper emotional and spiritual wounds.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.