I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

JEREMIAH 15:17KJV
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Jeremiah 15:17 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 15:17 mean?

Jeremiah 15:17 describes the prophet Jeremiah choosing not to join in with those who mocked or celebrated wrongdoing, instead sitting alone because God’s influence on him was so strong and had filled him with a deep sense of anger or distress at the situation around him. Jeremiah is explaining his isolation and emotional turmoil as a result of his calling and God’s hand upon him.

In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking to God about his experience as a prophet during a time when most people around him were turning away from God. He distances himself from the “assembly of the mockers” and explains that God’s presence in his life has set him apart, filling him with a strong reaction—often understood as righteous indignation—against the unfaithfulness he sees. Jeremiah’s words show the personal cost and loneliness that can come with faithfully following God’s call.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 15:17

  • “Assembly” (סוֹד, sôd): This word often means a close council or gathering, not just any group. Jeremiah is saying he did not join in intimate company with those who mocked, highlighting his separation from the inner circles of scoffers.
  • “Mockers” (שָׂחֵק, sâchêq): This term refers to those who ridicule or treat serious things with contempt. Jeremiah’s refusal to join them shows his refusal to take part in disrespect or irreverence toward God.
  • “Alone” (בָּדָד, bādad): This word emphasizes complete solitude or isolation. Jeremiah’s prophetic role has left him truly alone, not just physically but emotionally and socially.
  • “Indignation” (זַעַם, za‘am): This word means strong anger or wrath, often in the sense of righteous anger. Jeremiah’s feelings are not just personal frustration, but a deep, God-given sense of outrage at the sin around him.

Why Jeremiah 15:17 matters

  • Jeremiah 15:17 clarifies that Jeremiah’s isolation was not by choice or personality, but a direct result of his faithfulness to God and the message he carried.
  • The verse highlights the emotional and social cost of standing apart from a corrupt society, especially for those who take God’s calling seriously.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing Jeremiah’s honest struggle with his prophetic mission, helping readers understand the depth of his commitment and the burden he carried.

Where else these words appear

“alone” Hebrew H910 · used in 11 verses

  • Leviticus 13:46 All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be.
  • Deuteronomy 33:28 Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.
  • Jeremiah 49:31 Arise, get you up unto the wealthy nation, that dwelleth without care, saith the LORD, which have neither gates nor bars, which dwell alone.

“rejoiced” Hebrew H5937 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 1:20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
  • Psalms 96:12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
  • Jeremiah 11:15 What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.

“assembly” Hebrew H5475 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 64:2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
  • Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

“indignation” Hebrew H2195 · used in 22 verses

  • Psalms 38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.
  • Isaiah 26:20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
  • Ezekiel 22:31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.