Jeremiah 1:10

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

See {H7200}, I have this day {H3117} set {H6485} thee over the nations {H1471} and over the kingdoms {H4467}, to root out {H5428}, and to pull down {H5422}, and to destroy {H6}, and to throw down {H2040}, to build {H1129}, and to plant {H5193}.

Today I have placed you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and to tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant."

See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.”

see, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.

Commentary

Context of Jeremiah 1:10

Jeremiah 1:10 is a pivotal verse in the prophetic book of Jeremiah, marking the divine commission of the young prophet. Following God's declaration that He knew Jeremiah before his birth and consecrated him as a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5), this verse outlines the immense scope and dual nature of Jeremiah's ministry. He was called during a turbulent period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The nation was steeped in idolatry and moral corruption, necessitating a powerful prophetic voice.

Meaning and Key Themes

This verse reveals God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. When God says, "See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms," He is conferring a profound spiritual authority upon Jeremiah, not a political one. Jeremiah's words, as God's mouthpiece, would have far-reaching consequences for both Judah and surrounding empires.

The core of the verse lies in the six powerful verbs, presented in two contrasting sets:

  • Destructive Actions: "to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down." These verbs signify the negative, judgmental aspect of Jeremiah's message. He was to prophesy against the sin, idolatry, and rebellion of Judah and other nations, foretelling their downfall, destruction, and removal from their land. This was a necessary precursor to any true restoration.
  • Constructive Actions: "to build, and to plant." These verbs represent the positive, restorative aspect of his ministry. While much of Jeremiah's prophecy is doom-laden, it consistently offers hope for future repentance, renewal, and the eventual re-establishment of God's people in their land. God's ultimate purpose, even through judgment, is always redemptive. This promise of restoration is echoed later in the book, such as in Jeremiah 31:28.

The sequence of these actions is crucial: destruction precedes construction. Sin must be addressed and removed before true spiritual and national rebuilding can occur.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verbs used here are strong and evocative. The phrase "to root out" (Hebrew: linetosh) often refers to tearing up a plant, emphasizing complete removal. "To pull down" (lintots) suggests demolishing structures. "To destroy" (l'ha'abid) implies utter ruin, and "to throw down" (l'haros) means to break into pieces. These four verbs paint a vivid picture of divine judgment. Conversely, "to build" (livnot) and "to plant" (lintoa') are terms associated with growth, establishment, and new beginnings, highlighting God's ultimate desire for restoration and flourishing.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 1:10 reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and peoples. His plan involves both judgment for sin and restoration for those who turn to Him. For believers today, this verse can encourage us in several ways:

  • Speaking Truth: Like Jeremiah, we are called to speak God's truth, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. This may involve confronting sin in our own lives, communities, or even in the broader culture.
  • Hope in God's Plan: Even in times of difficulty or apparent destruction, God's ultimate purpose is to "build and to plant." We can trust that His long-term plan is for good and for the establishment of His kingdom.
  • Understanding Spiritual Authority: While we are not prophets in the same sense as Jeremiah, believers are given spiritual authority through Christ to impact the world for good, through prayer, witness, and living out God's principles. This authority is derived from God, who "removes kings and sets up kings" (Daniel 2:21).
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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

  • Jeremiah 31:28 (32 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that] like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:4 (24 votes)

    (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

  • 2 Corinthians 10:5 (24 votes)

    Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

  • Isaiah 44:26 (20 votes)

    That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:

  • Isaiah 44:28 (20 votes)

    That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

  • Jeremiah 24:6 (14 votes)

    For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull [them] down; and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up.

  • Ezekiel 36:36 (14 votes)

    Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined [places, and] plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken [it], and I will do [it].