Jeremiah 1:17

KJV

Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou therefore gird up {H247} thy loins {H4975}, and arise {H6965}, and speak {H1696} unto them all that I command {H6680} thee: be not dismayed {H2865} at their faces {H6440}, lest I confound {H2865} thee before {H6440} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But you, dress for action; stand up and tell them everything I order you to say. When you confront them, don't break down; or I will break you down in front of them!

Berean Standard Bible

Get 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.

American Standard Version

Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at them, lest I dismay thee before them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 1:17 marks a critical juncture in the prophet Jeremiah's call, where the Lord issues a resolute command for him to prepare for action, courageously deliver the divine message without compromise, and resist intimidation from his audience. This verse underscores God's expectation of unwavering obedience and faithfulness from His chosen messenger, warning of severe divine consequences should Jeremiah succumb to fear and fail to proclaim the full counsel of God to a rebellious nation. It is a powerful mandate for prophetic boldness in the face of formidable opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 1:17 immediately follows God's powerful commissioning of Jeremiah, where the prophet initially expresses his youthful inadequacy and inability to speak (`/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Hesitation"`). In response, God assures Jeremiah of His divine presence and empowering hand, promising to put His words in Jeremiah's mouth and grant him authority over nations and kingdoms (`/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - God's Assurance"` and `/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God's Words in Jeremiah's Mouth"`). Verse 17, therefore, is not merely a command but a direct application of the preceding divine empowerment, instructing Jeremiah on the *manner* in which he is to execute his now-confirmed prophetic office. It serves as a transition from the divine assurance to the practical, demanding reality of his ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah was called to prophesy during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BC). This era was characterized by widespread idolatry, social injustice, and political instability, as Judah navigated the shifting powers of Assyria, Egypt, and the rising Babylonian Empire. The people, including kings, priests, and false prophets, were largely resistant to God's warnings, clinging to a false sense of security in the Jerusalem Temple (`/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple"`). Culturally, the act of "girding up the loins" was a common idiom for preparing for strenuous activity, reflecting the practical need to tuck up long garments for freedom of movement. The "faces" of those Jeremiah would confront represented the intimidating presence and authority of the powerful figures and the collective defiance of the populace, making the command to "be not dismayed" a direct challenge to the human tendency to fear man more than God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the **divine initiative and sovereignty** in calling and commissioning a prophet, emphasizing that Jeremiah's authority and message originate solely from God (`/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - God's Foreknowledge and Call"`). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **prophetic obedience and faithfulness**, demanding that Jeremiah deliver God's unfiltered word regardless of personal cost or popular reception. This sets the stage for Jeremiah's often lonely and persecuted ministry, earning him the title "the weeping prophet" (`/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Lament"`). Thirdly, the verse introduces the critical theme of **courage in the face of opposition**, a recurring motif as Jeremiah confronts kings, priests, and the people with messages of judgment and calls to repentance. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine judgment and accountability**, not only for the rebellious nation but also for the prophet himself, emphasizing the serious consequences of failing to fulfill one's divine commission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gird up (Hebrew, _ʼâzar'_):** H247, a primitive root meaning "to belt" or "bind about." In this context, combined with "loins," it forms the idiom "gird up thy loins." This refers to the ancient practice of tucking up long, flowing robes into a belt to prepare for physical exertion, travel, or battle. It signifies readiness, mental alertness, diligence, and a call to immediate, unhindered action. Jeremiah is commanded to cast off any spiritual or emotional lethargy and prepare for the demanding task ahead.
* **Dismayed (Hebrew, _châthath'_):** H2865, a primitive root meaning "to prostrate," "break down," or "terrify." It describes a state of being shattered, broken, or utterly terrified, leading to an inability to act or speak. The warning "be not dismayed" is a direct command against succumbing to fear or intimidation that would incapacitate Jeremiah. The same root is used in the causative form for "confound" later in the verse, highlighting the direct consequence: if Jeremiah allows himself to be terrified, God will cause him to be terrified or disgraced.
* **Faces (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** H6440, a plural noun meaning "the face" (as the part that turns). This word is used in a vast array of applications, both literal and figurative. Here, "at their faces" (Hebrew, `mipnêhem`) refers to the intimidating presence, countenances, or authoritative demeanor of the people Jeremiah is sent to confront, particularly the powerful and influential figures who would oppose his message. It encapsulates the human opposition and the fear of man that Jeremiah must overcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou therefore gird up thy loins,"**: This is a direct, emphatic command to Jeremiah to prepare himself for strenuous and unhindered action. It implies a shedding of any hesitation or reluctance that might impede his divine mission, calling for mental and spiritual readiness.
* **"and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee:"**: This clause specifies the nature of Jeremiah's readiness: to "arise" (indicating immediate action from a posture of rest or hesitation) and to "speak." The crucial qualification "all that I command thee" emphasizes the prophet's role as a faithful mouthpiece for God, strictly forbidden from altering, diluting, or withholding any part of the divine message, regardless of its unpopularity.
* **"be not dismayed at their faces,"**: This is a stern warning against the fear of man. Jeremiah is explicitly commanded not to allow the intimidating presence, authority, or hostile reactions of his audience to cause him to shrink back, be terrified, or become incapacitated. It addresses the natural human tendency to seek approval or avoid conflict.
* **"lest I confound thee before them."**: This final clause reveals the severe consequence of disobedience driven by fear. If Jeremiah fails to obey God's command not to be dismayed, God Himself will cause Jeremiah to be "confounded" or disgraced in the very presence of those he fears. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His expectation of unwavering faithfulness from His servants, indicating that failure to obey out of fear of man will result in divine judgment and public humiliation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 1:17 is rich with **Imperative Mood**, seen in the rapid succession of commands: "gird up," "arise," "speak," and "be not dismayed." This series of direct orders emphasizes the urgency and non-negotiable nature of God's commission to Jeremiah. The phrase "**gird up thy loins**" is a powerful **idiom** or **metonymy**, where a physical action (tucking up robes) represents a spiritual and mental state of readiness, diligence, and courage. There is a strong **Antithesis** or **Contrast** established between Jeremiah's potential fear of human "faces" and the ultimate consequence of divine "confounding." The verse also employs **Synecdoche** by using "faces" to represent the entire intimidating presence and opposition of the people, highlighting the visual and psychological impact of their resistance. The repetition of the root `châthath` for "dismayed" and "confound" creates a **pun** or **wordplay**, powerfully linking the cause (Jeremiah's fear leading to being dismayed) with the effect (God causing him to be confounded), emphasizing the direct and ironic consequence of his potential disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 1:17 profoundly articulates the demanding nature of prophetic ministry and, by extension, any calling to faithfully proclaim God's truth. It reveals that true obedience is not merely doing what God commands, but doing it with the right disposition—courageously, without fear of human opposition. The warning of divine "confounding" underscores God's absolute sovereignty over the success or failure of His servants' endeavors, making it clear that His honor and the integrity of His message are paramount. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding the spiritual battle against the fear of man and the necessity of divine empowerment for faithful witness.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man is a Snare")
* [Ezekiel 2:6](/ezekiel/2-6 "Ezekiel 2:6 - Ezekiel's Call to Fearlessness")
* [Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John's Boldness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 1:17 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a timeless call to courage and faithfulness in our own spheres of influence. We are all called to be witnesses to God's truth, whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities. The "loins" we must gird up are our minds and spirits, preparing ourselves through prayer, study of God's Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to stand firm. The "faces" that might dismay us are the myriad forms of opposition we encounter: societal pressure to conform, the fear of ridicule or rejection, professional consequences, or even the subtle discouragement from those who misunderstand our convictions. This verse reminds us that our primary allegiance is to God, not to human opinion or approval. To compromise or remain silent out of fear is to risk God's displeasure and to forfeit the divine empowerment necessary for our calling. We are to speak "all that I command thee," meaning we must faithfully represent God's character and truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging. Our faithfulness is not measured by human success or acceptance, but by our unwavering obedience to the divine mandate, trusting that God Himself will vindicate His word and His servants.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "loins" do you need to "gird up" in your life to be more ready for God's call?**
* **What "faces" or sources of intimidation currently cause you to shrink back from speaking or living God's truth?**
* **How does the warning "lest I confound thee" motivate you to overcome the fear of man?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to dilute or withhold "all that I command thee" from God's word?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "gird up thy loins" in a modern context?**

Answer: In ancient times, people wore long robes that needed to be tucked up into a belt (girded) to allow for freedom of movement during work, travel, or battle. In a modern context, "gird up thy loins" means to prepare yourself mentally, spiritually, and emotionally for a challenging task. It implies shedding anything that hinders you, becoming alert, resolute, and ready for action. It's a call to diligence, focus, and courage in facing what God has commanded, rather than being complacent or hesitant.

**Why would God "confound" His own prophet if he was "dismayed"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "dismayed" (`châthath`) and "confound" (`châthath` in the causative form) comes from the same root, meaning "to break down" or "terrify." God's warning is a severe consequence for disobedience rooted in fear. If Jeremiah allowed himself to be terrified by the people (`dismayed at their faces`), God would, in turn, cause him to be broken, disgraced, or defeated (`confounded`) in their presence. This isn't arbitrary punishment but a divine act of holding His servant accountable for faithfulness. It underscores that God's message and His honor are paramount, and He will not tolerate a prophet who compromises His word out of human fear. It's a reminder that true authority and success in ministry come from God alone, not from human approval.

**How can I overcome the fear of man when sharing my faith or standing for biblical truth?**

Answer: Overcoming the fear of man, a common struggle (`/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man is a Snare"`), requires a greater fear of God and a deep trust in His sovereignty. Firstly, cultivate a robust understanding of God's character and His commands, knowing that His word is true and powerful. Secondly, remember that God has promised His presence and empowerment to those He calls (`/jeremiah/1-8 "Jeremiah 1:8 - God's Promise to Jeremiah"`). Thirdly, focus on obedience to God rather than on the outcome or human reaction, as the results are ultimately in His hands. Finally, seek strength through prayer and community, remembering that you are not alone in your stand (`/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength in Christ"`).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 1:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ, the quintessential prophet (`/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses"`). While Jeremiah was commanded to "gird up his loins" for a challenging ministry, Jesus perfectly embodied this readiness, setting His face like a flint toward Jerusalem and the cross (`/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem"`). He was the faithful Prophet who spoke "all that I command thee," delivering the Father's message with absolute truth and authority, never diluting or compromising it for human approval (`/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks What the Father Commands"`). Unlike Jeremiah, who struggled with being "dismayed at their faces," Jesus perfectly resisted the intimidation of religious leaders, political powers, and the fickle crowds, even to the point of death on the cross (`/matthew/26-67 "Matthew 26:67 - Jesus Endures Mockery"`). He was never "confounded" but rather triumphed over all opposition, ultimately being exalted by God (`/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalts Jesus"`). His perfect obedience and fearless proclamation, culminating in His atoning sacrifice, demonstrate the ultimate fulfillment of God's call to prophetic faithfulness, providing both the model and the power for His followers to "gird up their loins" and speak His truth without dismay.

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

Jeremiah 1:7

But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Jeremiah 1:8

Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

1 Kings 18:46

And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

Ezekiel 3:14

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.

Ezekiel 3:18

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

1 Peter 1:13

¶ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Exodus 7:2

Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.