Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 16:3

"For thus saith Jehovah concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land:" — Jeremiah 16:3 (ASV)

The times were such that for the present distress it was wise for all to abstain from marriage (1 Corinthians 7:26; Matthew 24:19).