Jeremiah 1:18

Verse

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.

American Standard Version (1901)

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

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899

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.

Free Bible Version

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

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.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

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.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Behold! Today I have made you 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.

Noah Webster Bible

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.

World English Bible

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.

Young's Literal Translation

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;

Context

The Call of Jeremiah

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.

Summary

In Jeremiah 1:18, God assures the prophet Jeremiah of His protection and guidance as he fulfills his calling to speak on behalf of God. Despite facing opposition and challenges, Jeremiah is encouraged to stand firm and not be afraid, for God promises to deliver him from any adversity. This verse underscores the importance of trusting in God's strength and sovereignty, knowing that He will equip His servants to carry out His will. Jeremiah's obedience and faithfulness are rewarded with God's unwavering support and provision, demonstrating the faithfulness of God to those who serve Him wholeheartedly.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

defenced city, &c.--that is, I will give thee strength which no power of thine enemies shall overcome (Jer 6:27; Jer 15:20; Isa 50:7; Isa 54:17; Luk 21:15; Act 6:10). walls--plural, to express the abundant strength to be given him. DE ROSSI'S'S manuscripts read singular, "wall." people of the land--the general masses, as distinguished from the princes and priests. Probably in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah (Jer 1:2; compare Jer 3:6, "also . . . in . . . days of Josiah"). The warning not to rely as they did on Egypt (Jer 2:18), was in accordance with Josiah's policy, who took part with Assyria and Babylon against Egypt (Kg2 23:29). Jeremiah, doubtless, supported the reformation begun by Josiah, in the previous year (the twelfth of his reign), and fully carried out in the eighteenth. Next: Jeremiah Chapter 2