Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

JEREMIAH 15:16KJV
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Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 15:16 mean?

Jeremiah 15:16 describes how Jeremiah found God’s words and eagerly took them in, comparing this to eating. God’s message brought Jeremiah deep joy and delight in his heart, because he belonged to God and was called by God’s name.

Jeremiah is speaking to God during a difficult time, expressing how meaningful God’s words are to him personally. Even though Jeremiah faces rejection and hardship as a prophet, he finds real happiness and purpose in receiving and holding onto God’s message, knowing he is chosen by the LORD God of hosts.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 15:16

  • "Eat" (אָכַל, akhal): Jeremiah says he "ate" God’s words, a Hebrew way of describing taking something in deeply, not just hearing it but making it part of himself.
  • "Joy" (שָׂשׂוֹן, sason) and "rejoicing" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah): Both words highlight not just happiness, but a sense of celebration and gladness that comes from within, showing how God’s word truly lifted Jeremiah’s spirit.
  • "Called" (קָרָא, qara) and "name" (שֵׁם, shem): Being "called by God’s name" means Jeremiah is identified with God, carrying a sense of belonging and purpose.

Why Jeremiah 15:16 matters

  • Jeremiah 15:16 shows that even in times of trouble, God’s words can bring real joy and strength to someone who listens and takes them to heart.
  • The verse clears up the idea that following God is only about duty or hardship; for Jeremiah, God’s message was a source of deep happiness, not just obligation.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing Jeremiah’s personal relationship with God, setting the stage for his honest struggles and prayers in the chapters that follow.

Where else these words appear

“joy” Hebrew H8342 · used in 22 verses

  • Esther 8:16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
  • Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
  • Jeremiah 16:9 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.

“rejoicing” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.