Jeremiah 20:9
New International Version
But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

New Living Translation
But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!

English Standard Version
If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.

Berean Standard Bible
If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.

King James Bible
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

New King James Version
Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

New American Standard Bible
But if I say, “I will not remember Him Nor speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am tired of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.

NASB 1995
But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.

NASB 1977
But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.

Legacy Standard Bible
But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot prevail.

Amplified Bible
If I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak His name anymore,” Then my heart becomes a burning fire Shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in; I cannot endure it [nor contain it any longer].

Christian Standard Bible
I say, “I won’t mention him or speak any longer in his name.” But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones. I become tired of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If I say, “I won’t mention Him or speak any longer in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones. I become tired of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.

American Standard Version
And if I say, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I cannot contain.

Contemporary English Version
Sometimes I tell myself not to think about you, LORD, or even mention your name. But your message burns in my heart and bones, and I cannot keep silent.

English Revised Version
And if I say, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, then there is in mine heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I cannot contain.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I think to myself, "I can forget the LORD and no longer speak his name." But [his word] is inside me like a burning fire shut up in my bones. I wear myself out holding it in, but I can't do it any longer.

Good News Translation
But when I say, "I will forget the LORD and no longer speak in his name," then your message is like a fire burning deep within me. I try my best to hold it in, but can no longer keep it back.

International Standard Version
When I say, "I won't remember the LORD , nor will I speak in his name anymore, then there is this burning fire in my heart. It is bound up in my bones, I grow weary of trying to hold it in, and I cannot do it!

Majority Standard Bible
If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.

NET Bible
Sometimes I think, "I will make no mention of his message. I will not speak as his messenger any more." But then his message becomes like a fire locked up inside of me, burning in my heart and soul. I grow weary of trying to hold it in; I cannot contain it.

New Heart English Bible
If I say, "I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name," then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I can't contain it.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

World English Bible
If I say that I will not make mention of him, or speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones. I am weary with holding it in. I can’t.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I said, “I do not mention Him, "" Nor do I speak anymore in His Name,” "" And it has been in my heart "" As a burning fire shut up in my bones, "" And I have been weary of containing, "" And I am not able.

Young's Literal Translation
And I said, 'I do not mention Him, Nor do I speak any more in His name,' And it hath been in my heart As a burning fire shut up in my bones, And I have been weary of containing, And I am not able.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I said, I will not bring him to remembrance, and I will no more speak in his name. And it was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was wearied to endure, and I shall not be able.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then I said: I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name: and there came in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was wearied, not being able to bear it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then I said: I will not call him to mind, nor will I speak any longer in his name. And my heart became like a raging fire, enclosed within my bones. And I became weary of continuing to bear it.

New American Bible
I say I will not mention him, I will no longer speak in his name. But then it is as if fire is burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding back, I cannot!

New Revised Standard Version
If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word became in my heart like a burning fire kindling in my bones; and I sought to be patient, but I could not endure it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I said, “I shall not call him to mind and I shall not speak again in his name!” And he was in my heart as a fire that burns, and he kindled in my bones, and I begged to endure it, and I could not
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And if I say: 'I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak any more in His name', Then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire Shut up in my bones, And I weary myself to hold it in, But cannot.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then I said, I will by no means name the name of the Lord, and I will no more at all speak in his name. But it was a burning fire flaming in my bones, and I am utterly weakened on all sides, and cannot bear up.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jeremiah's Complaint
8For whenever I speak, I cry out; I proclaim violence and destruction. For the word of the LORD has become to me a reproach and derision all day long. 9If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail. 10For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”…

Cross References
Acts 4:20
For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

1 Corinthians 9:16
Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

Amos 3:8
The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?

Psalm 39:3
My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:

Job 32:18-20
For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. / Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. / I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.

Acts 18:5
And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

Luke 24:32
They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Matthew 10:27
What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.

Ezekiel 3:14
So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me.

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

2 Corinthians 5:14
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.

Micah 3:8
As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

Isaiah 49:2
He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver.

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.


Treasury of Scripture

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

I will.

1 Kings 19:3,4
And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there…

John 1:2,3
The same was in the beginning with God…

John 4:2,3
(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) …

was in.

Jeremiah 6:11
Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days.

Job 32:18-20
For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me…

Psalm 39:3
My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,

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Able Anymore Bones Burning Contain Containing Fire Forbearing Heart Hold Holding Mention Mind Remember Shut Speak Tired Wearied Weary Word
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Able Anymore Bones Burning Contain Containing Fire Forbearing Heart Hold Holding Mention Mind Remember Shut Speak Tired Wearied Weary Word
Jeremiah 20
1. Pashur, smiting Jeremiah, receives a new name, and a fearful doom.
7. Jeremiah complains of contempt;
10. of treachery;
14. and of his birth.














If I say
This phrase introduces a hypothetical scenario, reflecting Jeremiah's internal struggle. The Hebrew root here is "אָמַר" (amar), which means to say or declare. It indicates a conscious decision or thought process. Jeremiah is contemplating the possibility of silence, a significant consideration given his role as a prophet. This reflects the human tendency to retreat from difficult tasks, especially when faced with persecution or hardship.

I will not mention Him
The word "mention" comes from the Hebrew "זָכַר" (zakar), meaning to remember or call to mind. Jeremiah is considering not bringing God to mind publicly, a drastic step for a prophet whose life is dedicated to proclaiming God's word. This highlights the intense pressure and opposition Jeremiah faced, making him consider withholding his prophetic duties.

or speak any more in His name
To "speak" in Hebrew is "דָּבַר" (dabar), which means to declare or converse. Speaking "in His name" signifies acting with God's authority. Jeremiah is contemplating ceasing to act as God's spokesperson. This phrase underscores the weight of prophetic responsibility and the personal cost of delivering God's messages, especially when they are unwelcome.

His message becomes a fire
The imagery of "fire" is powerful, symbolizing passion, purification, and divine presence. The Hebrew word "אֵשׁ" (esh) is often associated with God's holiness and judgment. Jeremiah experiences God's word as an uncontainable force within him, illustrating the compelling nature of divine truth that cannot be suppressed.

burning in my heart
The "heart" in Hebrew, "לֵב" (lev), represents the inner being, including mind, will, and emotions. The burning signifies an intense, consuming passion that affects Jeremiah's entire being. This reflects the transformative power of God's word, which deeply impacts those who receive it.

shut up in my bones
"Bones" in Hebrew, "עֶצֶם" (etsem), often symbolize strength and essence. The phrase suggests an internalized, inescapable presence of God's word. It conveys the idea that the divine message is integral to Jeremiah's very structure, emphasizing the prophet's inability to separate himself from his calling.

I become weary of holding it in
The word "weary" comes from the Hebrew "לָאָה" (la'ah), meaning to be exhausted or tired. Jeremiah's struggle to contain God's word leads to fatigue, highlighting the unsustainable nature of resisting divine compulsion. This weariness underscores the relentless drive of God's message to be proclaimed.

and I cannot prevail
The phrase "cannot prevail" indicates an inability to succeed in suppressing the message. The Hebrew "יָכֹל" (yakol) means to be able or to prevail. Jeremiah acknowledges his defeat in trying to resist God's call, illustrating the overpowering nature of divine purpose. This surrender to God's will is a testament to the irresistible force of His word, which ultimately triumphs over human reluctance.

(9) Then I said . . .--The sense of a hopeless work, destined to fail, weighed on the prophet's soul, and he would fain have withdrawn from it; but it (the words in italics, though they do not spoil the sense, are hardly needed) burnt like fire within him, and would not be restrained.

I could not stay.--Better, I prevailed not. Here again the interpolated word is needless, and in part spoils the emphasis. The "I could" is the same word as the "prevailed" of Jeremiah 20:7. God had prevailed against him, compelled him to undertake a work against his will, but he could not prevail against God. Like so much of Jeremiah's language this also came from the hymns of Israel (Psalm 39:3).

Verse 9. - Then I said, etc.; rather, And when I say, I will not make mention of him, etc., then it becometh (i.e. I am conscious of a feeling) in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I weary myself to hold it in, but cannot. The prophet has repeatedly been tempted to withdraw from the painful duty, but his other and higher self (comp. 'Old Self and New Self' in the 'Lyra Apostolica') overpowers these lower bayings for peace and quiet. The fire of the Divine wrath against sin burns so fiercely within him that he cannot help resuming his work.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If I say,
וְאָמַרְתִּ֣י (wə·’ā·mar·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I will not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

mention Him
אֶזְכְּרֶ֗נּוּ (’ez·kə·ren·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

or speak
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר (’ă·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

any more
עוֹד֙ (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

in His name,”
בִּשְׁמ֔וֹ (biš·mōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

[His message] becomes
וְהָיָ֤ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a fire
כְּאֵ֣שׁ (kə·’êš)
Preposition-k | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

burning
בֹּעֶ֔רֶת (bō·‘e·reṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 1197: To kindle, consume, to be, brutish

in my heart,
בְלִבִּי֙ (ḇə·lib·bî)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

shut up
עָצֻ֖ר (‘ā·ṣur)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 6113: To inclose, to hold back, to maintain, rule, assemble

in my bones,
בְּעַצְמֹתָ֑י (bə·‘aṣ·mō·ṯāy)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6106: A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame

and I become weary
וְנִלְאֵ֥יתִי (wə·nil·’ê·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3811: To tire, to be, disgusted

of holding it in,
כַּֽלְכֵ֖ל (kal·ḵêl)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain

and I cannot
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

prevail.
אוּכָֽל׃ (’ū·ḵāl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 20:9 If I say I will not make (Jer.)
Jeremiah 20:8
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