◄ Jeremiah 15:16 ►
Verse  (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.

New Living Translation
When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.

English Standard Version
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.

Berean Standard Bible
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

New American Standard Bible
Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became a joy to me and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, LORD God of armies.

NASB 1995
Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

NASB 1977
Thy words were found and I ate them, And Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Legacy Standard Bible
Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your words became for me joy and gladness in my heart, For I have been called by Your name, O Yahweh God of hosts.

Amplified Bible
Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became a joy to me and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

Christian Standard Bible
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I bear your name, LORD God of Armies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I am called by Your name, Yahweh God of Hosts.

American Standard Version
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy words were unto me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Jehovah, God of hosts.

Contemporary English Version
When you spoke to me, I was glad to obey, because I belong to you, the LORD All-Powerful.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Your words were found, and I devoured them. Your words are my joy and my heart's delight, because I am called by your name, O LORD God of Armies.

Good News Translation
You spoke to me, and I listened to every word. I belong to you, LORD God Almighty, and so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness.

International Standard Version
Your words were found, and I consumed them. Your words were joy and my hearts delight, because I bear your name, LORD God of the Heavenly Armies.

Majority Standard Bible
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart?s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.

NET Bible
As your words came to me I drank them in, and they filled my heart with joy and happiness because I belong to you.

New Heart English Bible
Your words were found, and I ate them; and your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by your name, LORD, God of hosts.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

World English Bible
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by your name, Yahweh, God of Armies.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Your words have been found, and I eat them, "" And Your word is to me for a joy, "" And for the rejoicing of my heart, "" For Your Name is called on me, O YHWH, God of Hosts.

Young's Literal Translation
Thy words have been found, and I eat them, And Thy word is to me for a joy, And for the rejoicing of my heart, For Thy name is called on me, O Jehovah, God of Hosts.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thy words were found, and eating them; and thy word will be to me for the gladness and for the joy of my heart: for thy name was called upon me, Jehovah the God of armies.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Thy words were found, and I did eat them, and thy word was to me a joy and gladness of my heart: for thy name is called upon me, O Lord God of hosts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I discovered your words and I consumed them. And your word became to me as the gladness and joy of my heart. For your name has been invoked over me, O Lord, the God of hosts.

New American Bible
When I found your words, I devoured them; your words were my joy, the happiness of my heart, Because I bear your name, LORD, God of hosts.

New Revised Standard Version
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thy commandments have I kept and carried out, thy word was to me a delight and the joy of my heart; for I am called by thy name.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I have kept your commandments and I have done them, and your word was to me for the delight and for the joy of my heart, because your name is called upon me, LORD JEHOVAH God, The Mighty One
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; And Thy words were unto me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart; Because Thy name was called on me, O LORD God of hosts.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
consume them; and thy word shall be to me for the joy and gladness of my heart: for thy name has been called upon me, O Lord Almighty.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jeremiah's Woe
…15You understand, O LORD; remember me and attend to me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In Your patience, do not take me away. Know that I endure reproach for Your honor. 16Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts. 17I never sat with the band of revelers, nor did I celebrate with them. Because Your hand was on me, I sat alone, for You have filled me with indignation.…
Berean Standard Bible · Download


Cross References
Psalm 119:103
How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth!

Ezekiel 3:1-3
“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat what you find here. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.” / So I opened my mouth, and He fed me the scroll. / “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.

Job 23:12
I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.

Psalm 19:10
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

Matthew 4:4
But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

Psalm 119:111
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.

1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

Revelation 10:9-10
And I went to the angel and said, “Give me the small scroll.” “Take it and eat it,” he said. “It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” / So I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter.

Psalm 119:162
I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil.

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Proverbs 2:1-5
My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ...

John 15:11
I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

Psalm 40:8
I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”

1 John 1:4
We write these things so that our joy may be complete.


Treasury of Scripture

Your words were found, and I did eat them; and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by your name, O LORD God of hosts.

I did.

Ezekiel 3:1-3
Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel…

Revelation 10:9
And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

thy word.

Job 23:12
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Psalm 19:10
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psalm 119:72,97,101-103,111
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver…

I am called by thy name.

Jeremiah 14:9
Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.

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Almighty Armies Ate Bear Delight Eat Found Glad Heart Heart's Hosts Joy Making Rejoicing Word Words
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Almighty Armies Ate Bear Delight Eat Found Glad Heart Heart's Hosts Joy Making Rejoicing Word Words
Jeremiah 15
1. The utter rejection and manifold judgments of the people.
10. Jeremiah, complaining of their spite, receives a promise for himself;
12. and a threatening for them.
15. He prays;
19. and receives a gracious promise.














Berean Study Bible
Your words were found
The phrase "Your words were found" suggests a discovery or revelation of divine truth. In the Hebrew context, the word for "found" (מָצָא, matsa) implies an active seeking and a subsequent discovery. This reflects the idea that God's words are not hidden but are available to those who earnestly seek them. Historically, this can be seen in the context of the rediscovery of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign (2 Kings 22), which brought about a revival. Spiritually, it emphasizes the importance of seeking God's Word as a treasure, aligning with Proverbs 2:4-5, where wisdom is sought as silver and hidden treasures.

and I ate them
The metaphor of eating God's words signifies internalizing and assimilating them into one's life. In Hebrew culture, eating is often associated with taking in and making something a part of oneself. This imagery is powerful, suggesting that Jeremiah did not merely read or hear God's words; he consumed them, allowing them to nourish and sustain him spiritually. This act of "eating" the Word is akin to the Christian practice of meditating on Scripture, allowing it to transform one's mind and heart (Psalm 1:2).

Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight
The transformation of God's words into "joy" and "heart’s delight" highlights the profound impact of divine truth on the believer's life. The Hebrew word for "joy" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah) conveys a sense of gladness and exultation. This joy is not superficial but deeply rooted in the heart, indicating a profound and lasting satisfaction. Historically, this reflects the joy experienced by the Israelites when they understood the Law (Nehemiah 8:12). For Christians, it underscores the joy found in the Gospel, as the truth of God's love and salvation brings deep and abiding joy (John 15:11).

for I bear Your name
Bearing God's name signifies a close relationship and identification with Him. In ancient times, a name represented one's character and authority. To bear God's name means to be His representative, carrying His authority and reflecting His character. This is a high calling and responsibility, as seen in the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:27, where God's name is placed upon the Israelites. For Christians, this is echoed in being called "Christians," bearing the name of Christ and living as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20).

O LORD God of Hosts
The title "LORD God of Hosts" (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Elohei Tzevaot) emphasizes God's sovereignty and power. "LORD" (Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, denoting His eternal and unchanging nature. "God of Hosts" refers to His command over the heavenly armies, highlighting His supreme authority and might. This title reassures believers of God's ability to protect and deliver, as He is the ultimate ruler of all creation. Historically, this would have been a source of comfort and strength for Jeremiah, who faced opposition and persecution. For Christians, it is a reminder of God's omnipotence and faithfulness, encouraging trust and reliance on Him in all circumstances.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(16) Thy words were found . . .--The words go back to the mission of Jeremiah 1, and paint, with a wonderful power, the beginning of a prophet's work, the new-born intensity of joy in the sense of communion with the Eternal. The soul feeds on the words that come to it (see the same figure in a bolder form in Ezekiel 2:8; Ezekiel 3:1-3; Revelation 10:9). They are "sweeter than honey and the honeycomb" (Psalm 19:10). They are incorporated with its life, are "the rejoicing of its heart." He is called by the Name of "the Lord God of hosts," or, more literally, that Name is called upon him. As the witness of his special consecration, he becomes, like other prophets, "a man of God" (1Kings 13:1; 2Kings 7:2; 1Timothy 6:11). . . .
Pulpit Commentary
Verse 16. - Thy words were found. Jeremiah here describes his first reception of a Divine revelation. Truth is like "treasure hid in a field;" he alone who seeks it with an unprejudiced mind can "find" it. But there are some things which no "searching" of the intellect can "find" (Job 11:7; Job 37:23; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Ecclesiastes 8:17); yet by a special revelation they may be "found" by God's "spokesmen," or prophets. This is the train of thought which underlies Jeremiah's expression here. The "words," or revelations, of Jehovah are regarded as having an objective existence in the ideal world of which God is the light, and as "descending" from thence (comp. Isaiah 9:8) into the consciousness of the prophet. So Ezekiel 3:1, "Eat that thou findest." I did eat them; I assimilated them, as it were (comp. Ezekiel 2:8; Ezekiel 3:3). I am called by thy name; literally, thy name hath been (or, had been) called upon me; i.e. I have (or, had) been specially dedicated to thy service. The phrase is often used of Israel (see on Jeremiah 14:9), and, as here applied, intimates that a faithful prophet was, as it were, the embodied ideal of an Israelite.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Your words
דְבָרֶ֙יךָ֙ (ḏə·ḇā·re·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

were found,
נִמְצְא֤וּ (nim·ṣə·’ū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

and I ate them.
וָאֹ֣כְלֵ֔ם (wā·’ō·ḵə·lêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 398: To eat

Your words
דְבָֽרְךָ֙ (ḏə·ḇā·rə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

became
וַיְהִ֤י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a delight
לְשָׂשׂ֖וֹן (lə·śā·śō·wn)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8342: Cheerfulness, welcome

to me
לִ֔י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

and my heart’s
לְבָבִ֑י (lə·ḇā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

delight,
וּלְשִׂמְחַ֣ת (ū·lə·śim·ḥaṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I bear
נִקְרָ֤א (niq·rā)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

Your name,
שִׁמְךָ֙ (šim·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

O LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

God
אֱלֹהֵ֥י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Hosts.
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found and I ate (Jer.)
Jeremiah 15:15
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