Jeremiah 20:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah curses the messenger to suffer destruction like Sodom and Gomorrah, hearing cries of calamity.
The Context of Jeremiah 20:16
Jeremiah's curse expands, invoking the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah upon the messenger.
What Does Jeremiah 20:16 Mean?
The curse invokes the fate of 'cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not'—clearly referencing Sodom and Gomorrah, the archetypal cities destroyed for their wickedness. This is a catastrophic comparison. Jeremiah is not wishing mere hardship but total, unrelenting destruction on the one who announced his birth. The imagery of hearing cries of distress morning and night emphasizes a life lived in chaos and trauma.
The connection between announcing Jeremiah's birth and deserving Sodom's fate may seem extreme, yet it captures the psychological reality of profound suffering. In his darkest moment, Jeremiah cannot distinguish between gradations of human responsibility—all are cursed. This is the speech of a man in desperate anguish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 20:16
What does Jeremiah 20:16 mean?
Jeremiah curses the messenger to suffer destruction like Sodom and Gomorrah, hearing cries of calamity.
What is the context of Jeremiah 20:16?
Jeremiah's curse expands, invoking the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah upon the messenger.