Old Testament
Jeremiah 3:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah about a future time when the people of Israel will experience significant growth and prosperity in their land.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
When that day comes and you have grown and multiplied in the land," says the LORD, "no one will talk about the ark of the covenant of the LORD anymore. It won't cross anyone's mind. No one will remember it or visit it, and no one will make another one.
And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah about a future time when the people of Israel will experience significant growth and prosperity in their land. The mention of the ark of the covenant, a sacred symbol of God's presence and covenant with His people, indicates that in this new era, the focus will shift away from physical symbols of faith. Instead, the relationship between God and His people will be so strong that they will no longer need to rely on the ark as a reminder of His presence. This signifies a deeper, more intimate connection with God, where His presence is felt in their lives without the need for physical reminders. The verse emphasizes a transformative time in Israel's history, where spiritual fulfillment will surpass the need for traditional religious artifacts. Explore related gods.
Key themes
Related topics
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How to apply Jeremiah 3:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to focus on our personal relationship with God rather than relying solely on rituals or symbols. It reminds us that true faith is about experiencing God's presence in our daily lives, fostering spiritual growth and connection with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 3:16 mean?
Jeremiah 3:16 speaks of a future time when the people of Israel will grow and prosper, indicating that their relationship with God will be so strong that they will no longer need the ark of the covenant as a reminder of His presence.
What is the significance of the ark of the covenant in Jeremiah 3:16?
In this verse, the ark of the covenant represents a physical symbol of God's presence. Its mention highlights a future where the people will have a direct and intimate relationship with God, making the ark unnecessary.
How does Jeremiah 3:16 relate to spiritual growth?
Jeremiah 3:16 emphasizes that true spiritual growth comes from a deep connection with God rather than reliance on rituals or symbols, suggesting that faith is about experiencing God's presence in everyday life.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 3:16?
Key themes in Jeremiah 3:16 include divine promise, spiritual growth, transformation, God's presence, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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