Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ New Living Translation This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ English Standard Version Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Berean Standard Bible This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ Berean Literal Bible Thus says YHWH: “Stand along the pathways, and see; and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is this good way,’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your⁺ souls. And they said, ‘We will not walk!’ King James Bible Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. New King James Version Thus says the LORD: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ New American Standard Bible This is what the LORD says: “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find a resting place for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ NASB 1995 Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ NASB 1977 Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Legacy Standard Bible Thus says Yahweh, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Amplified Bible Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the roads and look; ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is; then walk in it, And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ Berean Annotated Bible This is what the LORD {YHWH} says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way? Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your⁺ souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it! Christian Standard Bible This is what the LORD says: Stand by the roadways and look. Ask about the ancient paths, “Which is the way to what is good? ” Then take it and find rest for yourselves. But they protested, “We won’t! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible This is what the LORD says: Stand by the roadways and look. Ask about the ancient paths: Which is the way to what is good? Then take it and find rest for yourselves. But they protested, “We won’t!” American Standard Version Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein. Contemporary English Version The LORD said: My people, when you stood at the crossroads, I told you, "Follow the road your ancestors took, and you will find peace." But you refused. English Revised Version Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein. GOD'S WORD® Translation This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask which paths are the old, reliable paths. Ask which way leads to blessings. Live that way, and find a resting place for yourselves. But you said that you wouldn't live that way. Good News Translation The LORD said to his people, "Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths and where the best road is. Walk in it, and you will live in peace." But they said, "No, we will not!" International Standard Version This is what the LORD says: "Stand beside the roads and watch. Ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is. Walk in it and find rest for yourselves. But they said, 'We won't walk in it!' NET Bible The LORD said to his people: "You are standing at the crossroads. So consider your path. Ask where the old, reliable paths are. Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you do, you will find rest for your souls." But they said, "We will not follow it!" New Heart English Bible Thus says the LORD, "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, 'Where is the good way?' and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." But they said, "We will not walk in it." Webster's Bible Translation Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk in it, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ World English Bible Yahweh says, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThus said YHWH: “Stand by the ways and see, and ask for paths of old, "" Where [is] this—the good way? And go in it, "" And find rest for yourselves. And they say, We do not go. Berean Literal Bible Thus says YHWH: “Stand along the pathways, and see; and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is this good way,’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your⁺ souls. And they said, ‘We will not walk!’ Young's Literal Translation Thus said Jehovah: Stand ye by the ways and see, and ask for paths of old, Where is this -- the good way? and go ye in it, And find rest for yourselves. And they say, 'We do not go.' Smith's Literal Translation Thus said Jehovah, Stand ye upon the ways, and see, and ask for the beaten paths of old, where this the good way, and go ye in it, and find rest to your soul. And they will say, We will not go. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThus saith the Lord: Stand ye on the ways, and see and ask for the old paths which is the good way, and walk ye in it: and you shall find refreshment for your souls. And they said: we will not walk. Catholic Public Domain Version Thus says the Lord: “Stand above the ways, and see and ask, about the ancient paths, as to which is the good way, and then walk in it. And you will find refreshment for your souls. But they said: ‘We will not walk.’ New American Bible Thus says the LORD: Stand by the earliest roads, ask the pathways of old, “Which is the way to good?” and walk it; thus you will find rest for yourselves. But they said, “We will not walk it.” New Revised Standard Version Thus says the LORD: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, “We will not walk in it.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThus says the LORD, Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths and see where is the good way, and walk in it and find rest for your souls. But you said, We will not walk therein. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Thus says LORD JEHOVAH: “Stand on the roads and see, and ask for the paths of eternity, and see which way is beautiful. Go in it and find rest for your souls”, and they said: ‘We are not going!’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thus saith the LORD: Stand ye in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, Where is the good way, and walk therein, And ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said: 'We will not walk therein.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths of the Lord; and see what is the good way, and walk in it, and ye shall find purification for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jerusalem's Final Warning…15Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse,” says the LORD. 16This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ 17I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’… Cross References This is what the LORD says: 2 Samuel 12:7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. Isaiah 1:10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! Ezekiel 2:4 They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ “Stand at the crossroads and look. Deuteronomy 30:15-19 See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, as well as death and disaster. / For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and increase, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. / But if your heart turns away and you do not listen, but are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, … Proverbs 4:26 Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. Ask for the ancient paths: Job 8:8-10 Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers. / For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow. / Will they not teach you and tell you, and speak from their understanding? Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you. Isaiah 51:1-2 “Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn. / Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him. ‘Where is the good way?’ Psalm 25:4-5 Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. / Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. Proverbs 2:20 So you will follow in the ways of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous. Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Then walk in it, Deuteronomy 5:33 You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Isaiah 30:21 And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” Psalm 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Treasury of Scripture Thus said the LORD, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Stand. Jeremiah 18:15 Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up; Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. Song of Solomon 1:7,8 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? … and walk. Jeremiah 7:23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD. Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. ye shall. Isaiah 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. Matthew 11:28,29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… We will. Jeremiah 2:25 Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go. Jeremiah 18:12 And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart. Jeremiah 22:21 I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice. Jump to Previous Ancient Crossroads Find Good Paths Rest Roads Search Souls Stand Therein Walk Way Ways YourselvesJump to Next Ancient Crossroads Find Good Paths Rest Roads Search Souls Stand Therein Walk Way Ways YourselvesJeremiah 6 1. The enemies sent against Judah,4. encourage themselves. 6. God sets them on work because of their sins. 9. The prophet laments the judgments of God because of their sins. 18. He proclaims God's wrath. 26. He calls the people to mourn for the judgment on their sins. This is what the LORD says: This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the message. The LORD, Yahweh, is the covenant God of Israel, whose words carry ultimate authority and truth. This introduction is common in prophetic literature, underscoring that the message is not from the prophet's own mind but from God Himself. Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by calls for repentance and return to God. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent disobedience and idolatry. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who is calling His people back to faithfulness and obedience through the prophet Jeremiah. 4. Crossroads A metaphorical place of decision, representing a point where the people of Judah must choose between continuing in their disobedience or returning to the ways of God. 5. Ancient Paths Symbolic of the tried and true ways of living according to God's commandments and the covenant established with their forefathers. Teaching Points The Importance of Seeking God's GuidanceAt life's crossroads, we are called to seek God's wisdom and direction. This involves prayer, studying Scripture, and being attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading. The Value of Tradition and Scripture The "ancient paths" represent the enduring truths found in God's Word. We are encouraged to value and adhere to biblical teachings that have stood the test of time. The Consequences of Disobedience Judah's refusal to walk in God's ways serves as a warning. Disobedience leads to unrest and separation from God, while obedience brings peace and fulfillment. Finding Rest in God True rest for our souls is found in aligning our lives with God's will. This rest is not merely physical but spiritual, offering peace amidst life's challenges. The Call to Action God calls us not only to recognize the right path but to actively walk in it. Our faith is demonstrated through our actions and choices. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 6:16?2. How can we apply "ask for the ancient paths" in today's society? 3. What does "find rest for your souls" mean in a modern context? 4. How does Jeremiah 6:16 connect with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 11:28-30? 5. Why is seeking "the good way" important for personal spiritual growth? 6. How can we identify "the ancient paths" in our daily decision-making? 7. What does Jeremiah 6:16 mean by "ancient paths" in a modern context? 8. How can Jeremiah 6:16 guide personal decision-making today? 9. Why do some people resist the "good way" mentioned in Jeremiah 6:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 6? 11. How does Jeremiah 6:16’s call for following the “ancient paths” align or conflict with similar instructions elsewhere in Scripture, such as Deuteronomy’s repeated emphasis on covenant law? 12. What are the ancient paths mentioned in the Bible? 13. What is the Old Path (Ang Dating Daan)? 14. What are the ancient paths mentioned in the Bible? What Does Jeremiah 6:16 Mean This is what the LORD says- The opening reminds us that we are hearing the voice of the covenant-keeping God, not mere human opinion (2 Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 55:11). - Because it is the LORD speaking, the command carries divine authority and the promise that follows is utterly reliable (Numbers 23:19). Stand at the crossroads and look - A “crossroads” pictures a moment of decision. God calls His people to pause and evaluate their direction (Deuteronomy 30:15-16). - “Look” invites deliberate observation. We are not to drift, but to assess our path in the light of God’s truth (Psalm 119:59). - Practical application: • Take stock of habits, relationships, and priorities. • Compare them with what God has revealed. Ask for the ancient paths: “Where is the good way?” - “Ancient paths” points to the time-tested ways God established from the beginning—His commands, promises, and moral order (Psalm 25:4-5; Jude v. 3). - The “good way” is singular, highlighting that God’s standard is clear, not subjective (Proverbs 14:12; John 14:6). - Asking implies humility and teachability. We seek God’s direction, not our own invention (James 1:5). - Practical application: • Consult Scripture before culture. • Learn from faithful saints who walked before us (Hebrews 12:1). Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls - Knowledge must turn into obedience. “Walk” means steady, ongoing practice (James 1:22). - Promise: “you will find rest for your souls.” True rest—peace with God and settled assurance—flows from aligning life with His will (Matthew 11:28-29; Psalm 23:1-3). - The sequence matters: obedience precedes rest (Isaiah 48:17-18). But they said, “We will not walk in it!” - Judah’s response exposes willful rebellion despite clear revelation (Jeremiah 5:3). - Consequence: rejecting God’s path leads to unrest and judgment (Jeremiah 6:19; Romans 1:21-24). - Warning: hearing truth without submitting to it hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:15). summary Jeremiah 6:16 presents a divine invitation: pause, examine where you are, seek the tried-and-true road of God’s Word, and commit to travel it. Obedience brings soul-deep rest. Refusal brings ruin. Each day remains a crossroads; the ancient path still stands open. Choose it, walk it, and enjoy the promised peace of God. (16) Stand ye in the ways.--In the prophet's mind the people were as a traveller who has taken a self-chosen path, and finds that it leads him to a place of peril. Is it not well that they should stop and ask where the old paths (literally, the eternal paths; the words going, as in Jeremiah 18:15, beyond the mere antiquity of the nation's life) were, on which their fathers had travelled safely. Of these old paths they were to choose that which was most distinctly "the good way," the way of righteousness, and therefore of peace and health also. The call, however, was in vain. The people chose to travel still in the broad way that led them to destruction.Verses 16-21. - Without hearty repentance, there is no hope of escape. But hitherto Judah has rejected all admonitions. What availeth mere ceremonial punctuality? Verse 16. - Stand ye in the ways; literally, station yourselves on (or, by) roads, i.e. at the meeting-point of different roads. There (as the following words state) the Jews are to make inquiry as to the old paths. Antiquity gives a presumption of rightness; the ancients were nearer to the days when God spoke with man; they had the guidance of God's two mighty "shepherds" (Isaiah 63:11); they knew, far better than we, who "are but of yesterday, and know nothing" (Job 8:9), the way of happiness. For though there are many pretended "ways," there is but "one way" (Jeremiah 32:39) which has Jehovah's blessing (Psalm 25:8, 9).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew This is whatכֹּ֣ה (kōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the LORD יְהוָ֡ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says: אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Stand עִמְדוּ֩ (‘im·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations at עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the crossroads דְּרָכִ֨ים (də·rā·ḵîm) Noun - common plural Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action and look. וּרְא֜וּ (ū·rə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7200: To see Ask וְשַׁאֲל֣וּ ׀ (wə·ša·’ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand for the ancient עוֹלָ֗ם (‘ō·w·lām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always paths: לִנְתִב֣וֹת (lin·ṯi·ḇō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 5410: Path, pathway Where אֵי־ (’ê-) Interrogative Strong's 335: Where?, how? [is] the good הַטּוֹב֙ (haṭ·ṭō·wḇ) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good way? דֶ֤רֶךְ (ḏe·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action Then walk וּלְכוּ־ (ū·lə·ḵū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk in it בָ֔הּ (ḇāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's Hebrew and find וּמִצְא֥וּ (ū·miṣ·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present rest מַרְגּ֖וֹעַ (mar·gō·w·a‘) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4771: A resting place for your souls. לְנַפְשְׁכֶ֑ם (lə·nap̄·šə·ḵem) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion But they said, וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘We will not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no walk in it!’ נֵלֵֽךְ׃ (nê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk Links Jeremiah 6:16 NIVJeremiah 6:16 NLT Jeremiah 6:16 ESV Jeremiah 6:16 NASB Jeremiah 6:16 KJV Jeremiah 6:16 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 6:16 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 6:16 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 6:16 French Bible Jeremiah 6:16 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says Yahweh Stand you (Jer.) |
    |