Jeremiah 7:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God forbids Jeremiah from interceding for the people—judgment is now fixed.
The Context of Jeremiah 7:16
God forbids Jeremiah to pray for the nation, as judgment is now final.
What Does Jeremiah 7:16 Mean?
This is a stunning restriction on the prophet's role. Intercession—prayer on behalf of others—is a core prophetic task. Yet God now forbids it. Jeremiah is commanded not to pray for the people, not to cry out, not to plead with God on their behalf. The word 'Therefore' shows this is the consequence of their long rejection.
God's declaration 'I will not hear thee' signals a point of no return. Mercy has been exhausted. The period of potential repentance has closed. Judgment is certain, and further prayers for delay or reversal will not be heard. This is one of the harshest rejections in Scripture—the moment when divine patience ends and justice proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 7:16
What does Jeremiah 7:16 mean?
God forbids Jeremiah from interceding for the people—judgment is now fixed.
What is the context of Jeremiah 7:16?
God forbids Jeremiah to pray for the nation, as judgment is now final.