Jeremiah 20:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah determines to stop prophesying, but God's word burns so intensely within him that he cannot remain silent.
The Context of Jeremiah 20:9
Jeremiah reveals the internal struggle that prevents him from abandoning his prophetic role despite the suffering it brings.
What Does Jeremiah 20:9 Mean?
The prophet reaches a breaking point. He resolves to abandon his calling, to stop invoking God's name, to cease the painful work that brings only mockery. Silence seems the only way to escape the suffering. Yet he discovers he cannot sustain this silence. God's word is not external obligation but internal fire—it consumes him and demands utterance.
This verse captures the tension between the prophet's will and God's compulsion. Jeremiah does not speak from ambition or pride but from an inescapable inner pressure. Forbearance—holding back—becomes physically impossible. The word of God, once received, must be spoken, regardless of cost.
Jeremiah 20:9 in the Original Language
kavah (כָּוָה), 'burning fire' — an intense, consuming fire, emphasizing the uncontrollable nature of the divine word within him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 20:9
What does Jeremiah 20:9 mean?
Jeremiah determines to stop prophesying, but God's word burns so intensely within him that he cannot remain silent.
What is the context of Jeremiah 20:9?
Jeremiah reveals the internal struggle that prevents him from abandoning his prophetic role despite the suffering it brings.