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.

JEREMIAH 16:9KJV
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Jeremiah 16:9 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 16:9 mean?

Jeremiah 16:9 describes how God will put an end to all joyful celebrations in Jerusalem during the lifetime of the people hearing this message. The verse says that the sounds of happiness, weddings, and feasting will disappear from the city as a sign of coming judgment.

The prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah, delivering a message from the LORD (God of Israel) about the consequences of their unfaithfulness. The verse paints a vivid picture: everyday joys—like laughter, gladness, and wedding festivities—will be silenced. This warning is meant to show just how complete and devastating the coming loss will be for the community.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 16:9

  • "cease" (שָׁבַת, shavat): This word means to stop or bring to an end. Here, it stresses that God Himself will actively remove joy from the city, not just let it fade away naturally.
  • "voice" (קוֹל, qol): Repeated several times, this word means sound or voice. The repetition highlights how all forms of joyful noise—laughter, celebration, and marriage—will be silenced.
  • "mirth" (שָׂשׂוֹן, sason) and "gladness" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah): Both words refer to happiness, but "sason" often points to outward rejoicing, while "simchah" can mean both inner and public joy. Their pairing shows that all types of happiness will be taken away.
  • "bridegroom" (חָתָן, chatan) and "bride" (כַּלָּה, kallah): Naming both the bridegroom and bride makes the loss personal and communal, as weddings were central to community life.

Why Jeremiah 16:9 matters

  • Jeremiah 16:9 makes clear that the coming judgment will touch every part of daily life, not just religious or political aspects, but even the most joyful family events.
  • The verse emphasizes that this loss will happen "in your eyes, and in your days," meaning the people hearing Jeremiah's words would witness this sorrow themselves, not just future generations.
  • By mentioning the silencing of weddings, Jeremiah 16:9 connects to a wider biblical theme where the end of joyful sounds signals deep crisis or exile, helping readers understand the seriousness of what is being foretold.

Where else these words appear

“bridegroom” Hebrew H2860 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:
  • 1 Samuel 18:18 And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
  • Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

“mirth” 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 15:16 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.

“bride” Hebrew H3618 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 11:31 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
  • Ruth 2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
  • Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

“cease” Hebrew H7673 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
  • Jeremiah 48:35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.