Jeremiah 1:1

KJV

¶ The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that [were] in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:

KJV (with Strong's)

The words {H1697} of Jeremiah {H3414} the son {H1121} of Hilkiah {H2518}, of the priests {H3548} that were in Anathoth {H6068} in the land {H776} of Benjamin {H1144}:

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the words of Yirmeyahu the son of Hilkiyahu, one of the cohanim living in 'Anatot, in the territory of Binyamin.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests in Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin.

American Standard Version

The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 1:1 serves as the foundational introduction to the prophetic book, meticulously identifying the prophet Jeremiah as the son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. This verse immediately establishes the divine origin of the messages contained within the book, signaling that the ensuing prophecies are not merely human words but divinely inspired declarations delivered through a chosen vessel. It grounds the prophet in a specific historical, geographical, and familial context, setting the stage for his tumultuous ministry to Judah during a period of profound national decline and impending exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** As the inaugural verse of the Book of Jeremiah, this statement functions as a critical superscription, a common feature in prophetic literature (cf. [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - Superscription") or [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - Superscription")). It immediately establishes the authority and authenticity of the subsequent prophecies by identifying the human agent through whom God's word is delivered. This introductory formula prepares the reader for a divinely inspired narrative, emphasizing that the "words of Jeremiah" are, in essence, the words of Yahweh. It sets the tone for a book characterized by direct divine address, prophetic pronouncements, and a deep engagement with the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's ministry spanned a highly volatile period in Judah's history, from the reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BCE) through the reigns of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, culminating in the Babylonian exile (586 BCE). This era was marked by political instability, religious apostasy, and the looming threat of powerful empires like Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon. Jeremiah's identity as a priest from Anathoth, a Levitical city designated for priests in the territory of Benjamin ([Joshua 21:18](/joshua/21-18 "Joshua 21:18 - Anathoth as a Levitical City")), is significant. While not serving in the Jerusalem temple, his priestly lineage connected him to the covenant and the spiritual heritage of Israel. This background would have given him a unique perspective on the nation's spiritual decline and the corruption within the priesthood itself, which he often confronted.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Authority and Prophetic Commission**, signaling that the following content is not merely human opinion but a divinely inspired message delivered through a chosen vessel. This sets the stage for Jeremiah's call to be a prophet to the nations, as further revealed in [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Divine Calling"). Secondly, the meticulous detailing of Jeremiah's lineage and hometown highlights the theme of **Identity and Background**, grounding the prophet in a real historical and geographical setting, emphasizing that God chooses specific individuals from particular contexts to deliver His message. Finally, by naming the prophet and his origins, the book firmly establishes its **Historical Anchoring**, preparing the reader for the detailed accounts of national apostasy, judgment, and eventual hope that comprise the rest of the book, demonstrating God's active involvement in human history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term, often translated "word," carries a much broader semantic range in Hebrew. From the root meaning "to speak," _dâbâr_ can refer not only to spoken utterances but also to matters, affairs, things, deeds, or events. In the context of "The words of Jeremiah," it implies that the content of the book encompasses not just prophecies and divine pronouncements, but also the historical accounts of Jeremiah's actions, experiences, and the unfolding events that constituted his prophetic ministry. It signifies a comprehensive record of God's communication and its impact.
* **Jeremiah (Hebrew, _Yirmᵉyâh'_):** Derived from the Hebrew root _rûm_ ("to rise" or "to exalt") and the divine name _Yah_ (a shortened form of Yahweh), the name _Yirmᵉyâh_ most likely means "Yahweh will rise" or "Yahweh will exalt." This name is profoundly prophetic of Jeremiah's ministry. Despite facing immense opposition, rejection, and suffering, Yahweh would indeed "raise him up" as a steadfast prophet to deliver difficult truths, and ultimately, Yahweh's word would "rise" victorious over the rebellion of Judah.
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** This term refers to one officiating in sacred rites, a priest. Jeremiah's lineage "of the priests" signifies his birth into a family dedicated to the service of Yahweh, specifically from the Levitical city of Anathoth. This background, while not necessarily indicating active temple service in Jerusalem, provided him with an intimate understanding of the covenant, the Law, and the religious traditions of Israel. It also ironically placed him in a position to critique the very religious establishment from which he originated, highlighting the corruption that had infiltrated the priesthood and the people's worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the human author and the source of the prophetic message. It establishes Jeremiah's personal identity and lineage, lending credibility and historical grounding to the book. The use of "words" (_dâbâr_) suggests a comprehensive account, including both spoken prophecies and the events surrounding them.
* **"of the priests that [were] in Anathoth":** This clause specifies Jeremiah's family background and geographical origin. Being "of the priests" indicates his Levitical heritage, connecting him to the sacred traditions and covenant responsibilities of Israel. Anathoth, a priestly city, further solidifies this connection, though it was a relatively small and often overlooked town compared to Jerusalem.
* **"in the land of Benjamin":** This final geographical marker places Anathoth within the tribal territory of Benjamin, just a few miles northeast of Jerusalem. This detail not only provides precise location but also subtly connects Jeremiah to the history of this tribe, which had a complex relationship with Judah and Jerusalem, and was historically significant (e.g., the tribe of Saul, the first king).

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 1:1 primarily employs **Superscription**, a common literary device in ancient Near Eastern texts and prophetic books. This opening statement functions as a formal title or heading, immediately identifying the author, the nature of the content ("the words of"), and the historical context. It serves to authenticate the message by grounding it in a specific, verifiable human agent and his background. The meticulous detail in naming Jeremiah, his father Hilkiah, his priestly lineage, and his hometown of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, is a form of **Attestation** or **Verification**, providing a robust historical and genealogical anchor for the divine revelation that follows. This precision lends an air of authority and reliability to the entire book, signaling to the reader that the subsequent prophecies are not anonymous or mythical but rooted in real time and space, delivered by a known individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 1:1 is a theological statement in itself, emphasizing the principle of divine revelation through human agents. It underscores God's method of communicating His will and warnings through chosen individuals, even those from seemingly humble or specific backgrounds. The prophet's identity, rooted in a priestly family from a small town, highlights that God's instruments are not necessarily chosen for their worldly prominence but for His sovereign purpose. This verse sets the stage for the recurring theme of God's active engagement with His people, holding them accountable to the covenant and revealing His plans for judgment and restoration. It reminds us that God's word is not abstract but enters into human history through specific people and events.

* [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - Superscription to Hosea")
* [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - Superscription to Isaiah")
* [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Call")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 1:1, though a simple introduction, carries profound implications for our understanding of God's communication with humanity and our own callings. It reminds us that God often chooses ordinary individuals from specific contexts to carry extraordinary messages. Jeremiah's priestly heritage, while not leading to temple service, prepared him to understand the spiritual state of his nation deeply. For us, this suggests that our own backgrounds, gifts, and experiences, no matter how seemingly mundane, can be divinely purposed for God's work. It challenges us to consider how our unique identities and circumstances might equip us to speak truth into our own generation, just as Jeremiah was called to speak to a rebellious Judah. Understanding the messenger's context enriches our grasp of the message, urging us to engage with Scripture not just as timeless truths but as living words spoken into real historical situations, inviting us to discern how God's word applies to our contemporary realities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jeremiah's background as a priest from Anathoth shape your perception of his prophetic ministry?**
* **In what ways might your own background or experiences be a unique preparation for the calling God has placed on your life?**
* **How does the historical grounding of prophecy, as seen in this verse, affirm the reliability and relevance of God's word for today?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jeremiah's family background and hometown so meticulously detailed in the first verse?**

Answer: The meticulous detailing of Jeremiah's family background ("son of Hilkiah, of the priests") and hometown ("Anathoth in the land of Benjamin") serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it establishes the **authenticity and authority** of the prophetic message. In ancient Near Eastern literature, such superscriptions were common to identify the source and validate the content. Secondly, it provides **historical grounding**, firmly placing the prophet and his message within a specific time and place, demonstrating that God's revelation is not abstract but intersects with human history. Thirdly, Jeremiah's priestly lineage from Anathoth, a Levitical city, highlights his connection to Israel's covenant traditions and the Law, even as he would later critique the corrupt religious establishment. This background suggests a deep understanding of the spiritual state of the nation, preparing him for his challenging ministry. It also foreshadows the opposition he would face from his own people in Anathoth, as mentioned in [Jeremiah 11:21](/jeremiah/11-21 "Jeremiah 11:21 - Threats from Anathoth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 1:1 primarily introduces the prophet, it subtly points towards Christ in its emphasis on God's chosen messenger and the nature of divine "words." Just as Jeremiah was divinely appointed and set apart from birth to speak God's truth to a rebellious people ([Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Consecration")), so too was Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, uniquely chosen and sent by the Father. He is not merely a messenger but the very "Word" made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")), the full and final revelation of God to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in His Son")). Jeremiah's ministry, characterized by suffering and rejection for speaking God's unpopular truth, foreshadows the life of Christ, who was "despised and rejected by mankind" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), yet faithfully delivered the Father's message, even unto death. The "words of Jeremiah" pointed to the coming judgment and eventual restoration, but in Christ, these words find their ultimate fulfillment in the new covenant, where God's promises are fully realized and His Spirit is poured out on all who believe ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"); [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 6:60

And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families [were] thirteen cities.

Jeremiah 32:7

Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that [is] in Anathoth: for the right of redemption [is] thine to buy [it].

Jeremiah 32:9

And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that [was] in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, [even] seventeen shekels of silver.

2 Chronicles 36:21

To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

Jeremiah 11:21

Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:

Ezekiel 1:3

The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

Amos 1:1

¶ The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.