Jeremiah 1:18

Jeremiah 1:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

King James Version KJV

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

American Standard Version ASV

For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For see, this day have I made you a walled town, and an iron pillar, and walls of brass, against all the land, against the kings of Judah, against its captains, against its priests, and against the people of the land.

Free Bible Version FBV

Look! Today I have made you like a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze to stand against the whole country—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the country.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For I, beholde, I this day haue made thee a defenced citie, and an yron pillar and walles of brasse against the whole lande, against the Kings of Iudah, and against the princes thereof, against the Priestes thereof and against the people of the lande.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I, lo, I have given thee this day for a fenced city, and for an iron pillar, and for brazen walls over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its heads, to its priests, and to the people of the land;

World English Bible WEB

For behold, I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against her princes, against her priests, and against the people of the land.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For behold I have made thee this day a fortified city, and a pillar of iron, and a wall of brass, over all the land, to the kings of Juda, to the princes thereof, and to the priests, and to the people of the land.

Translation for Translators T4T

But listen! I will cause you to be strong, like [MET] a city that has strong walls around it. You will be as strong as [MET] an iron pillar or a bronze wall. None of the kings or officials or priests will be able to defeat you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 1:18

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/אֲנִ֞י הִנֵּ֧ה נְתַתִּ֣י/ךָ הַ/יּ֗וֹם לְ/עִ֨יר מִבְצָ֜ר וּ/לְ/עַמּ֥וּד בַּרְזֶ֛ל וּ/לְ/חֹמ֥וֹת נְחֹ֖שֶׁת עַל כָּל הָ/אָ֑רֶץ לְ/מַלְכֵ֤י יְהוּדָה֙ לְ/שָׂרֶ֔י/הָ לְ/כֹהֲנֶ֖י/הָ וּ/לְ/עַ֥ם הָ/אָֽרֶץ

וַ/אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

הִנֵּ֧ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

נְתַתִּ֣י/ךָ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

הַ/יּ֗וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

לְ/עִ֨יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fs

מִבְצָ֜ר mibtsâr H4013 fortification N-ms

וּ/לְ/עַמּ֥וּד ʻammûwd H5982 pillar Conj | Prep | N-ms

בַּרְזֶ֛ל barzel H1270 iron N-ms

וּ/לְ/חֹמ֥וֹת chôwmâh H2346 wall Conj | Prep | N-fp

נְחֹ֖שֶׁת nᵉchôsheth H5178 bronze N-fs

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

לְ/מַלְכֵ֤י melek H4428 King's Prep | N-mp

יְהוּדָה֙ Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

לְ/שָׂרֶ֔י/הָ sar H8269 ruler Prep | N-mp | Suff

לְ/כֹהֲנֶ֖י/הָ kôhên H3548 priest Prep | N-mp | Suff

וּ/לְ/עַ֥ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Conj | Prep | N-ms

הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 1:18

וַ/אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

הִנֵּ֧ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

נְתַתִּ֣י/ךָ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

הַ/יּ֗וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

לְ/עִ֨יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

מִבְצָ֜ר mibtsâr H4013 "fortification" N-ms

This word describes a strong, fortified place like a castle or a fenced city, providing protection and safety. It is used in the Bible to describe secure and defended locations.

Definition: fortification, fortress, fortified city, stronghold

Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: (de-, most) fenced, fortress, (most) strong (hold). See also: Numbers 13:19; Isaiah 34:13; Psalms 89:41.

וּ/לְ/עַמּ֥וּד ʻammûwd H5982 "pillar" Conj | Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.

Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)

Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.

בַּרְזֶ֛ל barzel H1270 "iron" N-ms

Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.

Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)

Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.

וּ/לְ/חֹמ֥וֹת chôwmâh H2346 "wall" Conj | Prep | N-fp

A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.

Definition: wall

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.

נְחֹ֖שֶׁת nᵉchôsheth H5178 "bronze" N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.

Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)

Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

לְ/מַלְכֵ֤י melek H4428 "King's" Prep | N-mp

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

יְהוּדָה֙ Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

לְ/שָׂרֶ֔י/הָ sar H8269 "ruler" Prep | N-mp | Suff

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

לְ/כֹהֲנֶ֖י/הָ kôhên H3548 "priest" Prep | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

וּ/לְ/עַ֥ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Conj | Prep | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 1:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 1:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 1:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:18
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:18
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 1:18
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 1:18
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:18
Sermons on Jeremiah 1:18

Context — The Call of Jeremiah

16I will pronounce My judgments against them for all their wickedness, because they have forsaken Me, and they have burned incense to other gods and worshiped the works of their own hands. 17Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them.

18Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

19They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 50:7	Because the Lord GOD helps Me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.
2	Ezekiel 3:8–9	Behold, I will make your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. I will make your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or dismayed at their presence, even though they are a rebellious house.”
3	Jeremiah 15:20	Then I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, declares the LORD.
4	Jeremiah 6:27	“I have appointed you to examine My people like ore, so you may know and try their ways.
5	Micah 3:8–9	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. Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right,
6	Jeremiah 37:7	“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt.
7	Jeremiah 34:20–22	I will deliver into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives. Their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth. And I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives, to the army of the king of Babylon that had withdrawn from you. Behold, I am going to give the command, declares the LORD, and I will bring them back to this city. They will fight against it, capture it, and burn it down. And I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.”
8	Jeremiah 36:27–32	After the king had burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “Take another scroll and rewrite on it the very words that were on the original scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah has burned. You are to proclaim concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah that this is what the LORD says: You have burned the scroll and said, ‘Why have you written on it that the king of Babylon would surely come and destroy this land and deprive it of man and beast?’ Therefore this is what the LORD says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: He will have no one to sit on David’s throne, and his body will be thrown out and exposed to heat by day and frost by night. I will punish him and his descendants and servants for their iniquity. I will bring on them, on the residents of Jerusalem, and on the men of Judah, all the calamity about which I warned them but they did not listen.” Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and at Jeremiah’s dictation he wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.
9	Jeremiah 26:12–15	But Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard. So now, correct your ways and deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, so that He might relent of the disaster He has pronounced against you. As for me, here I am in your hands; do to me what you think is good and right. But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, upon this city, and upon its residents; for truly the LORD has sent me to speak all these words in your hearing.”
10	Jeremiah 38:2	“This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live.

Jeremiah 1:18 Summary

[In Jeremiah 1:18, God is telling Jeremiah that He has made him strong and secure, like a fortified city, to withstand the opposition he will face. This means that Jeremiah can trust God to give him the courage and strength he needs, even when faced with powerful people who disagree with him. Just like Jeremiah, we can trust that God will be with us and give us the power to stand for Him, as He promises in Matthew 28:20, 'I am with you always, to the very end of the age.']

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls?

In Jeremiah 1:18, God is saying that He has made Jeremiah strong and secure, like a fortified city, to withstand the opposition he will face, just as the Psalmist says in Psalm 46:1-3, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Why does God mention the kings, officials, priests, and people of the land?

God is emphasizing that Jeremiah will face opposition from all levels of society, but he should not be intimidated because God is with him, as He promises in Deuteronomy 31:6, to never leave or forsake him.

How can I apply this verse to my own life?

Just like Jeremiah, we can trust that God will give us the strength and courage we need to stand for Him, even in the face of opposition, as Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10-18, we are to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil.

What is the significance of God saying 'this day I have made you'?

This phrase emphasizes that God's appointment and empowerment of Jeremiah is a present reality, and he can trust in God's enabling power, as Isaiah 41:10 says, 'fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm facing opposition, and how can I trust God to give me the strength and courage I need?
In what ways can I be a 'fortified city' for God, standing strong against the pressures and temptations of the world?
How can I balance the need to be bold and speak God's truth with the need to be humble and dependent on Him?
What does it mean for me to 'stand up and tell them everything that God commands' in my own life, and how can I be faithful to do so?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city,.... Or, "as" one; so read the Targum, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions; which is inexpungible, and cannot be taken: and an iron pillar;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold; Heb. For I, lo: q.d. For my part, I will not fail to do what I have promised, to stand by thee. A defenced city, Heb. city of defence, impregnable, which the two following expressions do import; it should be supported with pillars, not of wood, but of iron, and encompassed with walls, not of stone, but of brass, noting hereby both great uprightness and also strength. Against the whole land, i.e. all its inhabitants in general, none to be spared, as he doth particularly rank them in their several degrees in the following words, intimating hereby, that though men of all degrees should set themselves against him, yet God would support him against them all, and that he would carry him through his work, though his troubles and trials would be not only great, but long, viz. passing through several kings’ reigns, therefore possibly said kings here, in the plural.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:18

Jeremiah 1:18 For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.Ver. 18. For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city,] i.e., Impregnable, inexpugnable, the bulwark of truth, as one said of Basil, such as could not be battered. And of Ambrose Stilico the earl said, that he was the walls of Italy. Peter and John are called pillars; Athanasius the Church’ s champion, “ Ille velut pelagi rupes immota resistis. ” - Virg. Against the kings of Judah, against the princes, &c.] There was a general defection of all sorts; and Jeremiah was to declaim against them all, and proclaim their utter destruction in case they repented not. Well might Luther say, for he had the sad experience of it, Praedicare nihil aliud est quam totius mundi furorem in se derivare, To preach is nothing else but to derive upon a man’ s self the rage of all the world. He met with some even at Wittenberg, where he lived, who were so wicked and uncounsellable, that the four elements could not endure them. So did good Jeremiah, &c. τηςαληθειαςπροβολον. Ut iam quatuor elementa ferre nequeant.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:18

(18) I have made thee . . . a defenced city . . .—Images of strength are heaped one upon another. The prophet is represented as attacked by kings, princes, priests, and people, as the cities of Judah are by the invading armies. But the issue is different. They fall: he will hold out. The iron pillar is that which, rising in the centre of an Eastern house or temple (as, e.g., in Judges 16:25; 1 Kings 7:21), supports the flat roof, and enables it to be used as a terrace or platform on which men may meet. The “brasen walls” probably refer to the practice of fastening plates of copper over the brick or stonework of a fortification.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:18

Verse 18. I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and, brazen walls] Though thou shalt be exposed to persecutions and various indignities, they shall not prevail against thee. To their attacks thou shalt be as an impregnable city; as unshaken as an iron pillar; and as imperishable as a wall of brass. None, therefore, can have less cause to apprehend danger than thou hast. The issue proved the truth of this promise: he outlived all their insults; and saw Jerusalem destroyed, and his enemies, and the enemies of his Lord, carried into captivity. Instead of חמות chomoth, walls, many MSS. and editions read חמת chomath, a wall, which corresponds with the singular nouns preceding.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 1:18

18. a defenced city, and an iron pillar; and brasen walls] Jeremiah was to be fortified by divine strength against the attacks which he would have to confront throughout his prophetic life. The assaults would be severe, and hence the force of the figures under which he is described. Jeremiah would need a pre-eminent degree of strength. Cp. Ezekiel 3:9. The words “and an iron pillar” are probably to be omitted (with LXX), as inconsistent with the idea of a siege. If we retain them, we may explain the sentence as expressing in the strongest manner what is impregnable and cannot be overthrown. against the kings of judah] Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 1:18

Metaphorically the walls and fortifications of the city represent the prophet’s power of patiently enduring the attacks of his enemies; while the iron pillar, supporting the whole weight of the roof

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:18

17, 18. Gird up thy loins — Fasten up the outer garment with the girdle, so as to be ready for vigorous exertion. Thus was Jeremiah to address himself to his great and urgent work.

Sermons on Jeremiah 1:18

	Sermon	Description
	God's People Will Never Be Ashamed by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity. It highlights the need to commit to God's promises, believe in His ability to work mirac
	God's People Will Never Be Ashamed in the Time of Calamity by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity, highlighting the need to commit to God's promises and believe in His ability to work mir
	Secret Food by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of "food" that Jesus refers to in the Bible. He explains that Jesus' food is to do the will of God and to finish His work. The spe
	A Call to Repentance by Charles Stanley	Charles Stanley emphasizes the importance of true repentance, which involves recognizing, agreeing, and committing to turning away from sin and walking in godliness. Whether new be
	To Whom Shall We Liken Him? by Martin Knapp	Martin Knapp preaches about the remarkable similarities between Mr. Weber and various biblical figures, highlighting his evangelistic zeal, family's conversion, deliverance mission
	All That Matters Is God's Presence by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of seeking God's presence in our lives, illustrating how it transformed the lives of biblical figures like Abraham, Joshua, Gideon, and
	The Northern Iron and the Steel by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches on the use of figures in illustrating the gospel, emphasizing their ability to shed light on truths and make a lasting impression. He delves into the literal