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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 7:16 As for you, do not pray for these people, do not offer a plea or petition on their behalf, and do not beg Me, for I will not listen to you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/7-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/24_Jer_07_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 7:16 - Judah's Idolatry Persists" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As for you, do not pray for these people, do not offer a plea or petition on their behalf, and do not beg Me, for I will not listen to you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/7-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/7-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/7-15.htm" title="Jeremiah 7:15">◄</a> Jeremiah 7:16 <a href="/jeremiah/7-17.htm" title="Jeremiah 7:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/jeremiah/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/7.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you. <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, and don’t beg me to help them, for I will not listen to you. <a href="/esv/jeremiah/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> “As for you, do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you. <a href="/bsb/jeremiah/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> As for you, do not pray for these people, do not offer a plea or petition on their behalf, and do not beg Me, for I will not listen to you. <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/7.htm">King James Bible</a> Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee. <a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/7.htm">New King James Version</a> “Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you. <a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “As for you, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not plead with Me; for I am not listening to you. <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220As for you, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with Me; for I do not hear you. <a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “As for you, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with Me; for I do not hear you. <a href="/lsb/jeremiah/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “As for you, do not pray for this people and do not lift up a cry of lamentation or prayer for them and do not intercede with Me, for I am not hearing you. <a href="/amp/jeremiah/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Therefore, do not pray for this people [of Judah] or lift up a cry or entreaty for them or make intercession to Me, for I do not hear you. <a href="/csb/jeremiah/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “As for you, do not pray for these people. Do not offer a cry or a prayer on their behalf, and do not beg me, for I will not listen to you. <a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220As for you, do not pray for these people. Do not offer a cry or a prayer on their behalf, and do not beg Me, for I will not listen to you. <a href="/asv/jeremiah/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear thee. <a href="/cev/jeremiah/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jeremiah, don't pray for these people! I, the LORD, would refuse to listen. <a href="/erv/jeremiah/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee. <a href="/gwt/jeremiah/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Jeremiah, don't pray for these people. Don't cry or pray for them. Don't plead with me, because I will not listen to you. <a href="/gnt/jeremiah/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> The LORD said, "Jeremiah, do not pray for these people. Do not cry or pray on their behalf; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you. <a href="/isv/jeremiah/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> "As for you, don't pray on behalf of this people, don't cry or offer a petition for them, and don't plead with me, for I won't listen to you. <a href="/net/jeremiah/7.htm">NET Bible</a> Then the LORD said, "As for you, Jeremiah, do not pray for these people! Do not cry out to me or petition me on their behalf! Do not plead with me to save them, because I will not listen to you. <a href="/nheb/jeremiah/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore do not pray for this people, neither lift up a cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear you. <a href="/wbt/jeremiah/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/jeremiah/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> As for you, do not pray for these people, do not offer a plea or petition on their behalf, and do not beg Me, for I will not listen to you. <a href="/web/jeremiah/7.htm">World English Bible</a> “Therefore don’t pray for this people. Don’t lift up a cry or prayer for them or make intercession to me; for I will not hear you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And you do not pray for this people, "" Nor lift up crying and prayer for them, "" Nor intercede with Me, for I do not hear you. <a href="/ylt/jeremiah/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And thou dost not pray for this people, Nor lift up for them crying and prayer, Nor intercede with Me, for I hear thee not. <a href="/slt/jeremiah/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And thou shalt not pray for this people, and thou shalt not lift up a wailing and prayer for them, and thou shalt not entreat upon me: for I hear thee not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/jeremiah/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Therefore, do not thou pray for this people, nor take to thee praise and supplication for them: and do not withstand me: for I will not hear thee. <a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, you should not pray for this people, nor take up praise and supplication on their behalf. And you should not stand in opposition to me. For then I will not heed you. <a href="/nabre/jeremiah/7.htm">New American Bible</a> You, now, must not intercede for this people! Do not raise a cry or prayer in their behalf! Do not press me, for I will not listen to you! <a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> As for you, do not pray for this people, do not raise a cry or prayer on their behalf, and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore do not pray for this people, neither supplicate for them nor make intercession to me; for I will not hear you. <a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And you shall not pray for this people, and you shall not inquire for them and you shall not beg of me, because I will not listen to you<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/jeremiah/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to Me; for I will not hear thee. <a href="/sep/jeremiah/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Therefore pray not thou for this people, and intercede not for them to be pitied, yea, pray not, and approach me not for them: for I will not hearken unto thee. <a href="/parallel/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=2230" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/7.htm">Judah's Idolatry Persists</a> 16<a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">As for you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6419.htm" title="6419: tiṯ·pal·lêl (V-Hitpael-Imperf-2ms) -- To intervene, interpose. A primitive root; to judge; by extension, to intercede, pray.">pray</a> <a href="/hebrew/1157.htm" title="1157: bə·‘aḏ- (Prep) -- From ad with prepositional prefix; in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">these</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: tiś·śā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">offer</a> <a href="/hebrew/7440.htm" title="7440: rin·nāh (N-fs) -- A ringing cry. From ranan; properly, a creaking, i.e. Shout.">a plea</a> <a href="/hebrew/8605.htm" title="8605: ū·ṯə·p̄il·lāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Prayer. From palal; intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn.">or petition</a> <a href="/hebrew/1157.htm" title="1157: ḇa·‘ă·ḏām (Prep:: 3mp) -- From ad with prepositional prefix; in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc.">on their behalf,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">and do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6293.htm" title="6293: tip̄·ga‘- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To meet, encounter, reach. A primitive root; to impinge, by accident or violence, or by importunity.">beg</a> <a href="/hebrew/bî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">Me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ê·nen·nî (Adv:: 1cs) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šō·mê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">listen</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯāḵ (DirObjM:: 2ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">to you.</a> 17Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_john/5-16.htm">1 John 5:16</a> If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin. <a href="/ezekiel/14-14.htm">Ezekiel 14:14</a> then even if these three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were in it, their righteousness could deliver only themselves, declares the Lord GOD. <a href="/ezekiel/14-20.htm">Ezekiel 14:20</a> then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. Their righteousness could deliver only themselves. <a href="/1_samuel/15-35.htm">1 Samuel 15:35</a> And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel. <a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a> Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” <a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a> When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a> My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. <a href="/amos/5-21.htm">Amos 5:21-23</a> “I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. <a href="/matthew/12-31.htm">Matthew 12:31-32</a> Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. / Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come. <a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! <a href="/john/17-9.htm">John 17:9</a> I ask on their behalf. I do not ask on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those You have given Me; for they are Yours. <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Romans 11:7-10</a> What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, / as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” / And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them. ... <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:11-12</a> For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness. <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26-27</a> If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, / but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. <a href="/proverbs/1-28.htm">Proverbs 1:28</a> Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore pray not you for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear you.pray.<a href="/jeremiah/11-14.htm">Jeremiah 11:14</a> Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.<a href="/jeremiah/14-11.htm">Jeremiah 14:11,12</a> Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good… <a href="/jeremiah/15-1.htm">Jeremiah 15:1</a> Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.I will.<a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18</a> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.<a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a> And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.<a href="/micah/3-4.htm">Micah 3:4</a> Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/4-31.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-8.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-13.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-16.htm">Intercede</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-12.htm">Intercession</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-1.htm">Jeremiah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-16.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-9.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/psalms/70-1.htm">Petition</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-7.htm">Plea</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-4.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-21.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-24.htm">Request</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/8-19.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-12.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-10.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-11.htm">Intercede</a> <a href="/jeremiah/27-18.htm">Intercession</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-1.htm">Jeremiah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-18.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-12.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-14.htm">Petition</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-14.htm">Plea</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-14.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-14.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-25.htm">Request</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 7</div>1. <a href="/jeremiah/7-1.htm">Jeremiah is sent to call to true repentance, to prevent the Jews' captivity.</a> 8. <a href="/jeremiah/7-8.htm">He rejects their vain confidence,</a> 12. <a href="/jeremiah/7-12.htm">by the example of Shiloh.</a> 17. <a href="/jeremiah/7-17.htm">He threatens them for their idolatry.</a> 21. <a href="/jeremiah/7-21.htm">He rejects the sacrifices of the disobedient.</a> 29. <a href="/jeremiah/7-29.htm">He exhorts to mourn for their abominations in Tophet;</a> 32. <a href="/jeremiah/7-32.htm">and the judgments for the same.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Jeremiah, as a prophet, often served as an intermediary between God and the people of Judah. This direct address underscores the gravity of the message and the unique role Jeremiah plays in delivering God's word.do not pray for these people God instructs Jeremiah not to intercede for the people of Judah. This is significant because intercessory prayer was a common practice among prophets. The command suggests that the people's sins have reached a point where divine judgment is inevitable. This reflects a broader biblical theme where persistent disobedience leads to a withdrawal of divine favor, as seen in other instances like <a href="/1_samuel/15-35.htm">1 Samuel 15:35</a>, where God regrets making Saul king.do not offer a plea or petition on their behalf The repetition of the command emphasizes the seriousness of the situation. Pleas and petitions were forms of supplication that prophets and priests would make to seek God's mercy. The prohibition indicates that the people's actions have severed their relationship with God to such an extent that even the prophet's intercession is unwelcome.and do not beg Me This further intensifies the prohibition against intercession. Begging implies a deep, earnest appeal, often made in desperation. The use of this term highlights the finality of God's decision regarding the people's fate. It reflects a moment where divine patience has been exhausted, similar to the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus.for I will not listen to you God's refusal to listen signifies a judicial hardening, where the opportunity for repentance has passed. This echoes other biblical instances where God chooses not to hear prayers due to persistent sin, such as in <a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a>. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will come upon Judah, leading to the Babylonian exile.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a> A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by deep personal struggle and opposition from his own people. 2. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The southern kingdom of Israel, which had fallen into idolatry and disobedience to God. The people of Judah were the primary audience of Jeremiah's prophecies. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> The central place of worship in Jerusalem, which had become a symbol of false security for the people who believed that God's presence there would protect them despite their sins. 4. <a href="/topical/i/idolatry.htm">Idolatry</a> The worship of false gods and idols, which was rampant in Judah and a primary reason for God's impending judgment. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god's_judgment.htm">God's Judgment</a> The divine response to the persistent sin and rebellion of Judah, which included the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_limits_of_intercession.htm">The Limits of Intercession</a> While intercessory prayer is powerful, there are times when God may instruct us to refrain from praying for certain outcomes, especially when His judgment is set due to persistent sin. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_idolatry.htm">The Consequences of Idolatry</a> Idolatry leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God. We must examine our lives for modern-day idols that may hinder our relationship with Him. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_genuine_repentance.htm">The Importance of Genuine Repentance</a> God desires a heart that is truly repentant. Rituals and religious practices are empty without a sincere turning away from sin. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_justice.htm">Understanding God's Justice</a> God's refusal to hear prayers in this context highlights His justice. It serves as a reminder that God is holy and cannot tolerate sin indefinitely. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_prophet.htm">The Role of the Prophet</a> Jeremiah's role was to deliver God's message, even when it was difficult. We are called to speak truth in love, even when it is unpopular or challenging.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 7</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_prayer_meeting.htm">What defines a prayer meeting?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_123's_mercy_align_with_ot_judgment.htm">How can Psalm 123's insistence on divine mercy be reconciled with other Old Testament texts where God enacts harsh judgment in similar circumstances?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_easily_destroy_his_nation.htm">Lamentations 2:3 – Why would the Almighty break His own chosen nation’s defenses with apparent ease, and does history corroborate this level of destruction? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_forbid_prayer_in_jeremiah_11_14.htm">Jeremiah 11:14: Why would God forbid prayer for the people when other passages emphasize intercession and mercy? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) Pray not thou.--The words imply that a prayer of intercession, like that which Moses had offered of old (<a href="/exodus/32-10.htm" title="Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of you a great nation.">Exodus 32:10</a>), was rising up in the heart of the prophet. He is told that he must check it. Judgment must have its way. The discipline must be left to do its work. A like impulse met by a like repression is found in <a href="/jeremiah/11-14.htm" title="Therefore pray not you for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry to me for their trouble.">Jeremiah 11:14</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/14-11.htm" title="Then said the LORD to me, Pray not for this people for their good.">Jeremiah 14:11</a>. It is obvious that the utterance of the conflict between his human affections and the Divine will made the sentence which he pronounced more terrible than ever.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 16-20. - The hypocrisy of the worship of Jehovah proved; its punishment. Verse 16. - Pray not thou for this people. Abraham prayed for Sodom (<a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Genesis 18:23-32</a>); Moses and Samuel for Israel (<a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Exodus 32:11-14</a>; <a href="/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11</a>; <a href="/numbers/14-13.htm">Numbers 14:13-20</a>; <a href="/psalms/106-23.htm">Psalm 106:23</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/7-9.htm">1 Samuel 7:9, 10</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">1 Samuel 12:17, 18, 23</a>); and Jeremiah would fain perform the same pious duty to his people. We have a specimen of his intercession in <a href="/jeremiah/14-19.htm">Jeremiah 14:19-22</a> (comp. <a href="/jeremiah/18-20.htm">Jeremiah 18:20</a>), followed immediately by a rejection of his prayer, parallel in thought to the present passage. Verbal parallels are <a href="/jeremiah/11-14.htm">Jeremiah 11:14</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/14-11.htm">Jeremiah 14:11</a>. Cry; i.e. cry for help (see on Jeremiah 14:12); parallel with "prayer," as <a href="/jeremiah/11-14.htm">Jeremiah 11:14</a>; <a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">Psalm 17:1</a> 61:1. <a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>As for you, וְאַתָּ֞ה (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not pray תִּתְפַּלֵּ֣ל ׀ (tiṯ·pal·lêl) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6419.htm">Strong's 6419: </a> To judge, to intercede, pray for בְּעַד־ (bə·‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1157.htm">Strong's 1157: </a> In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for these הַזֶּ֗ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that people. הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Do not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not offer תִּשָּׂ֧א (tiś·śā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take a plea רִנָּ֥ה (rin·nāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7440.htm">Strong's 7440: </a> A creaking, shout or petition וּתְפִלָּ֖ה (ū·ṯə·p̄il·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8605.htm">Strong's 8605: </a> Intercession, supplication, a hymn on their behalf, בַעֲדָ֛ם (ḇa·‘ă·ḏām) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1157.htm">Strong's 1157: </a> In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for and do not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not beg Me, תִּפְגַּע־ (tip̄·ga‘-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6293.htm">Strong's 6293: </a> To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity for כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I will not אֵינֶ֥נִּי (’ê·nen·nî) Adverb | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle listen שֹׁמֵ֖עַ (šō·mê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently to you. אֹתָֽךְ׃ (’ō·ṯāḵ) Direct object marker | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-16.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 7:16 Therefore don't you pray for this people (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/7-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 7:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 7:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/7-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 7:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 7:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>