Jeremiah 1:1

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

This opening verse of the Book of Jeremiah immediately introduces the author, establishing his identity and origins. It serves as a foundational statement, common in prophetic books, setting the stage for the divine messages that follow. Jeremiah, whose name possibly means "Yahweh exalts" or "Yahweh appoints," lived during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. His family's background as priests from Anathoth, a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, is significant. While not explicitly stated to be the high priest, it is widely speculated that Jeremiah's father, Hilkiah, could be the same Hilkiah who discovered the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign, as recorded in 2 Kings 22:8. This connection would place Jeremiah within a family deeply invested in the covenant and the spiritual state of the nation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Prophetic Commission: The phrase "The words of Jeremiah" immediately signals that the following content is not merely human opinion but a divinely inspired message delivered through a chosen vessel. This introductory verse sets the stage for Jeremiah's call to be a prophet to the nations, as further revealed in Jeremiah 1:5.
  • Identity and Background: The verse meticulously details Jeremiah's lineage and hometown. His priestly heritage from Anathoth, a small town just northeast of Jerusalem, highlights his connection to the covenant and the religious life of Israel, even as he would later challenge the corrupt religious practices of his time. This specific identification grounds the prophet in a real historical and geographical setting.
  • Historical Anchoring: By naming the prophet and his origins, the book firmly places its narrative within the historical timeline of Judah, preparing the reader for the detailed accounts of national apostasy, judgment, and eventual hope that comprise the rest of the book.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew name Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) is thought to mean "Yahweh will uplift" or "Yahweh will hurl/appoint." Both interpretations carry weight for his ministry: Yahweh would uplift him to speak difficult truths, and he would be "hurled" into challenging circumstances and often rejected. The mention of his father, Hilkiah, meaning "my portion is Yahweh," further underscores a family tradition of devotion to God. His being "of the priests" (hakkohanim) from Anathoth emphasizes his connection to the Levitical line, though his prophetic ministry would often put him at odds with the established priesthood in Jerusalem, who at times sought to silence him, as seen in Jeremiah 11:21.

Significance and Application

Jeremiah 1:1 is more than just an introduction; it's a statement of authenticity and divine appointment. It reminds us that God chooses individuals from specific backgrounds and places to carry His message, often preparing them through their heritage. For us today, this verse emphasizes the importance of understanding the messenger's context to fully grasp the message. It also highlights that God's word is rooted in real history and delivered through real people, making it relatable and impactful. Just as Jeremiah was called to speak truth to a rebellious nation, believers are called to understand and proclaim God's word in their own contexts, relying on His divine commission.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 6:60 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.