Jeremiah 1:4
Jeremiah 1:4 in Multiple Translations
The word of the LORD came to me, saying:
Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Now the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,
Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
The Lord came and told me,
Then the worde of the Lord came vnto me, saying,
And there is a word of Jehovah unto me, saying,
Now the LORD’s word came to me, saying,
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
One day Yahweh gave me this message:
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 1:4
BAB
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 1:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֥י
דְבַר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֵלַ֥/י
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֵלַ֥/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 1:4
וַ/יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֵלַ֥/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 1:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 1:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 1:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 1:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 1:4
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 1:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4
- Sermons on Jeremiah 1:4
Context — The Call of Jeremiah
2The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah,
3and through the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, until the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.
4The word of the LORD came to me, saying:
5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 6“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 3:16 | At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying, |
| 2 | Ezekiel 1:3 | the word of the LORD came directly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Kebar. And there the LORD’s hand was upon him. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 1:2 | The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, |
Jeremiah 1:4 Summary
[The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, which means God was speaking directly to him, as seen in Jeremiah 1:4. This is similar to how God spoke to other prophets in the Bible, such as Isaiah and Ezekiel. God still speaks to people today through His Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit, as described in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and John 16:13-14. By reading and meditating on the Bible, we can hear God's voice and receive guidance for our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the word of the Lord to come to someone?
This phrase indicates that God is speaking directly to the person, as seen in Jeremiah 1:4, and it is a call to prophetic ministry, similar to what is described in Isaiah 6:1-13 and Ezekiel 1:1-3.
How does God communicate with people today?
While the exact method may vary, God still communicates with people through His Word, the Bible, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and through the Holy Spirit, as described in John 16:13-14.
What is the significance of the phrase 'The word of the Lord came to me' in Jeremiah 1:4?
This phrase marks the beginning of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry and emphasizes the divine origin of his message, similar to what is seen in Jeremiah 1:2 and Ezekiel 1:3.
How can we know if God is speaking to us?
We can know if God is speaking to us by reading and meditating on His Word, the Bible, as seen in Psalm 119:105, and by being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, as described in Romans 8:14.
Reflection Questions
- What would it be like to have the word of the Lord come to me, and how would I respond?
- How can I be more attentive to the voice of God in my life, and what are some ways He might be speaking to me?
- What are some ways I can prepare myself to receive a word from the Lord, and what are some potential obstacles to hearing His voice?
- How can I distinguish between my own thoughts and the voice of God, and what role does the Bible play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 1:4
Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying. Not in the days of Jehoiakim, but in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah, Jeremiah 1:2. The Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions read, "unto him".
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 1:4
Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Unto me - other manuscript read 'to him' [ 'eelaayw (H413)], but the English version probably represents the true Hebrew text [ 'eelay (H413)], "unto
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4
Then, i. e. when he was first called to his office; or, The Lord then began to speak unto me. Me; a change of the person, a thing very usual with the prophets.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4
Jeremiah 1:4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,Ver. 4. Then the word of the Lord came unto me.] The Lord is said to come to Baalam, Abimelech, Laban, &c.; but he never concredited his word to any but to his holy prophets, of whom it is said, as here, "The word of the Lord came to them."
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4
(4) The word of the Lord came unto me.—The words imply obviously a revelation, the introduction of a new element into the human consciousness. In many cases such a revelation implied also the spiritual tension of an ecstatic or trance-like state, a dream, or an open vision. It almost presupposed a previous training, outward or inward, a mind vexed by hot thoughts and mourning over the sins of the people. Here there is no mention of dream or vision, and we must assume, therefore, a distinct consciousness that the voice which he heard in his inmost soul was from Jehovah. For the thought of pre-natal calling, see Isaiah 49:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4
Verse 4. The word of the Lord came unto me] Then I first felt the inspiring influence of the Divine Spirit, not only revealing to me the subjects which he would have me to declare to the people, but also the words which I should use in these declarations.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 1:4
4–19. Jeremiah’s call The passage will fall into four sections. (i) Jeremiah 1:4-10. The prophet’s call and its nature. (ii) Jeremiah 1:11-12. The symbol of the almond tree, shewing that Jehovah is wakeful to perform his word. (iii) Jeremiah 1:13-16. That of the caldron, indicating a threatened invasion of Judah. (iv) Jeremiah 1:17-19. Words of encouragement.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 1:4
This history of Jeremiah’s call to his office formed a part of his first address to the people.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4
’S WITH THE OFFICE, Jeremiah 1:4-19.4. The word of the Lord came — It was an objective revelation, as is plainly intimated in most cases of prophetic inspiration.
Sermons on Jeremiah 1:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Desperation Revelation Resignation by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares anecdotes from his childhood, including a story about being chased by monkeys and baboons. He then transitions to discussing the impact of John W |
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The Thorn in the Flesh by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Jeremiah and how God called him to be a prophet. The preacher emphasizes that God knew Jeremiah even before he was formed in t |
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Vocational Fellowship - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being in line with God's purpose. He uses the story of Hosea and his unfaithful wife as an example of how God sovereignly w |
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Vocational Fellowship - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the disintegration, division, confusion, and paralysis that can occur within the church. He relates this to the state of Israel during the tim |
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The Call of God to Preach and Its Consequences by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares powerful stories of individuals who were called by God and willingly gave their lives to reach souls. He emphasizes the importance of not becomin |
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The Eternal Spirit Resisting/grieving/quenching by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the desires of the flesh. He references the book of Jeremiah and emphasizes that |
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Tears Before the Altar by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the struggles and trials that people in America are currently facing. He compares the difficulties of life to the challenges that ducklings |