Jeremiah 1:19

KJV

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall fight {H3898} against thee; but they shall not prevail {H3201} against thee; for I am with thee, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, to deliver {H5337} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you," says ADONAI, "to rescue you."

Berean Standard Bible

They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee, saith Jehovah, to deliver thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 1:19 serves as a profound divine assurance to the newly commissioned prophet Jeremiah, declaring God's unwavering presence and protective power in the face of inevitable and formidable opposition. Despite the intense conflict Jeremiah would encounter from kings, officials, priests, and the people of Judah due to his unpopular prophetic messages, the Lord promises that his adversaries will ultimately fail to overcome him, for God Himself stands as his deliverer and steadfast companion. This verse encapsulates the core theme of divine faithfulness amidst human rebellion and prophetic suffering, guaranteeing the prophet's ultimate success in fulfilling his divinely appointed mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 1:19 powerfully concludes the initial call narrative of Jeremiah, following a series of divine pronouncements that establish his prophetic identity and mission. The preceding verses detail the Lord's pre-natal calling of Jeremiah, emphasizing his divine appointment before birth ([Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Divine Calling")), his initial reluctance, and God's empowering touch, which places divine words in his mouth ([Jeremiah 1:6-9](/jeremiah/1-6-9 "Jeremiah 1:6-9 - Jeremiah's Hesitation and Commissioning")). This is followed by the symbolic visions of the almond tree and boiling pot, which signify God's watchful readiness to perform His word and the impending judgment from the North ([Jeremiah 1:11-16](/jeremiah/1-11-16 "Jeremiah 1:11-16 - Visions of the Almond Tree and Boiling Pot")). Immediately before verse 19, the Lord commands Jeremiah to prepare for his arduous task, assuring him that he will be made a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the entire land, including kings, princes, priests, and the people ([Jeremiah 1:17-18](/jeremiah/1-17-18 "Jeremiah 1:17-18 - Jeremiah as a Fortified City and Iron Pillar")). Thus, verse 19 functions as the ultimate divine guarantee of protection, enabling Jeremiah to fulfill the daunting task laid out in the preceding verses, despite the certainty of widespread antagonism and the specific opposition outlined in [Jeremiah 1:18](/jeremiah/1-18 "Jeremiah 1:18 - Jeremiah as a Fortified City").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry spanned a turbulent and morally corrupt period in Judah's history, from the reign of Josiah (c. 627 BC) through the Babylonian exile (after 586 BC). This era was marked by profound political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of powerful empires like Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon. Judah had largely abandoned its covenant with Yahweh, engaging in rampant idolatry, social injustice, and syncretistic worship practices. Jeremiah was called to deliver unpopular messages of impending judgment, a call to sincere repentance, and stark warnings of exile—messages that directly challenged the entrenched religious and political establishment. The "they" in this verse refers to the various factions within Judah's society—kings, princes, priests, and the people—who would fiercely resist Jeremiah's pronouncements because they disrupted their comfortable spiritual complacency, challenged their false sense of security, and undermined their political alliances. Prophets who delivered such challenging, unpopular messages often faced severe persecution, imprisonment, and even death, making God's promise of protection in [Jeremiah 1:19](/jeremiah/1-19 "Jeremiah 1:19 - God's Promise of Protection") not merely comforting but absolutely essential for Jeremiah's survival and the successful execution of his mission in a hostile environment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 1:19 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central among these is **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, emphasizing that God's power far surpasses any human opposition, ensuring His plans will be accomplished regardless of resistance. This promise of ultimate victory underscores God's control over historical events and human actions, even those intended to thwart His will, as seen in the unfolding judgments and restorations throughout the book of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah"). Another crucial theme is **Divine Presence and Faithfulness**, encapsulated in the declaration "I am with thee, saith the LORD." This echoes promises given to other biblical figures like Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Presence with Moses")), Joshua upon assuming leadership ([Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Promise to Joshua")), and Jacob at Bethel ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "Genesis 28:15 - God's Promise to Jacob")), signifying God's personal, active, and steadfast commitment to His chosen servants. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Prophetic Conflict and Persecution**, acknowledging that faithful proclamation of God's truth often invites hostility. Jeremiah's entire ministry is a testament to this, as he faced rejection, imprisonment, and suffering, as detailed in passages like [Jeremiah 20:1-2](/jeremiah/20-1-2 "Jeremiah 20:1-2 - Pashhur Strikes Jeremiah"). Yet, the divine assurance of protection ensures that despite the suffering, the prophet's mission will not be ultimately thwarted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fight (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** From H3898, meaning "to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle (as destruction); devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring)." This word conveys the intense, destructive, and all-consuming nature of the opposition Jeremiah would face. It suggests not merely a disagreement but an active, aggressive warfare aimed at destroying him or his message. The implication is that the adversaries intend to "devour" or "consume" Jeremiah, highlighting the severity of the spiritual and physical conflict he would endure.
* **prevail (Hebrew, _yâkôl'_):** From H3201, meaning "to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might); be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer." This word denotes the capacity or ability to overcome, succeed, or endure. The divine promise "they shall not prevail" means that Jeremiah's adversaries will utterly lack the power or ability to overcome him, to succeed in their destructive aims, or to thwart God's purpose through him. It speaks to the ultimate futility and impotence of their efforts when pitted against divine backing.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, "from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה." This is the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. The use of "Yᵉhôvâh" here underscores that the promise of protection and deliverance comes from the ultimate, sovereign, and unchanging God who is bound by His covenant to His people and His prophets. It is His very being and immutable character that guarantee the absolute certainty and reliability of the promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall fight against thee":** This clause explicitly states the inevitable reality of the conflict Jeremiah will face. "They" refers to the various powerful segments of Judah's society—kings, princes, priests, and the people—who would oppose his prophetic message. The verb "fight" (lâcham) indicates a direct, aggressive, and sustained antagonism, implying not just verbal disagreement but active resistance, persecution, and even attempts on his life, as evidenced throughout his ministry.
* **"but they shall not prevail against thee":** This is the divine counter-declaration, directly confronting the anticipated opposition with an absolute assurance. Despite the intensity of the "fight," the adversaries will utterly lack the power or ability (yâkôl) to overcome Jeremiah, to silence his message, or to thwart God's ultimate purpose through him. This is a promise of ultimate invincibility for the mission, not necessarily immunity from suffering, but assurance of its fulfillment.
* **"for I [am] with thee":** This is the foundational reason and ultimate guarantee for Jeremiah's invincibility. The divine presence ("I am with thee") is the singular source of his strength, protection, and endurance. This phrase emphasizes God's personal, active, and steadfast commitment to Jeremiah. It's not merely a passive presence but an active, empowering, and defending one, ensuring that Jeremiah is never truly alone in his daunting and dangerous task.
* **"saith the LORD":** This authoritative declaration (nᵉʼum, an oracle) confirms the divine origin and absolute certainty of the promise. It is Yahweh (Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant-keeping, self-existent, and sovereign God, who speaks, lending His full authority and immutable character to the assurance. This phrase authenticates the preceding promise as a direct, undeniable word from God, leaving no room for doubt regarding its truth or reliability.
* **"to deliver thee":** This final phrase specifies the purpose and guaranteed outcome of God's presence. God is with Jeremiah not just to comfort him, but actively "to deliver" (nâtsal) him—to snatch him away from harm, to rescue him from his enemies' ultimate destructive intent, and to preserve him for the successful fulfillment of his prophetic mission. This promise guarantees that, despite all opposition, Jeremiah will be preserved to accomplish God's will and declare His word.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 1:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine assurance and prophetic empowerment. The most prominent is **Divine Promise**, where God directly declares His future actions and their certain outcome, providing an unbreakable guarantee to Jeremiah. This promise is underscored by **Assurance**, a strong declaration of certainty ("they shall not prevail... for I am with thee") that instills confidence in the prophet. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the intense "fighting" of the adversaries and their ultimate inability to "prevail," highlighting the vast disparity between human malice and divine power. The phrase "I am with thee" functions as a powerful **Motif** that recurs throughout Scripture, signifying God's personal, active, and steadfast presence with His chosen servants in times of trial and mission. The entire verse also embodies **Hyperbole** in its implied magnitude of opposition ("they shall fight against thee") met with an even greater, absolute divine power that renders their efforts futile, emphasizing the overwhelming superiority of God's might over any earthly or spiritual foe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 1:19 stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology concerning divine protection and the unwavering faithfulness of God to His called servants. It articulates the profound truth that God's presence is not merely a comfort but an active, empowering, and defending force that ensures the accomplishment of His sovereign purposes. This promise transcends Jeremiah's specific context, revealing a universal principle: when God calls, He also equips, sustains, and protects, ensuring that His will shall be accomplished despite human or demonic opposition. The ultimate victory over evil and the successful completion of God's mission are not dependent on human strength or cunning, but on the sovereign power and unwavering commitment of the Lord. This theological truth provides immense encouragement for believers facing spiritual warfare or opposition in their service to God, reminding them that their ultimate security and success rest solely in God's "being with" them.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Presence and Strength")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus's Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 1:19 offers a profound wellspring of encouragement for contemporary believers navigating a world often hostile to faith and truth. It reminds us that God's call to ministry, witness, or simply living a Christ-like life rarely occurs without encountering resistance. Just as Jeremiah faced formidable opposition from those who rejected God's truth, so too might we encounter criticism, ridicule, marginalization, or even persecution for standing firm in our convictions and proclaiming the Gospel. However, this verse provides the unwavering assurance that our ultimate victory is guaranteed not by our own strength, wisdom, or cleverness, but by the immutable presence and omnipotent power of the Almighty God. When we feel overwhelmed by the challenges, the attacks, or the sheer magnitude of the task before us, we can cling to the promise, "I am with you, saith the LORD, to deliver you." This divine assurance empowers us to speak truth boldly, to serve faithfully, and to endure patiently, knowing that no adversary can ultimately thwart God's purpose for our lives or His kingdom. Our mission, like Jeremiah's, is secured by divine backing, enabling us to persevere with courage and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "fights" or oppositions do you currently face in your walk of faith or ministry?**
* **How does the promise "I am with thee" practically strengthen you when facing these challenges?**
* **In what ways does God's promise "they shall not prevail against thee" shift your perspective on the power of your adversaries?**
* **How can you more fully trust in God's promise "to deliver thee" in your daily life, even when circumstances seem dire?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" fighting against Jeremiah in this verse?**

Answer: "They" refers to the various powerful groups and individuals within Judah who would oppose Jeremiah's prophetic message. This included the kings, princes, priests, and the people of the land, as explicitly mentioned in [Jeremiah 1:18](/jeremiah/1-18 "Jeremiah 1:18 - Jeremiah as a Fortified City"). Jeremiah was called to deliver unpopular messages of judgment, repentance, and impending exile, which directly challenged the political and religious status quo, leading to intense resistance and persecution from those who refused to hear God's truth and preferred their own ways.

**How does this verse relate to God's presence with His people throughout the Bible?**

Answer: Jeremiah 1:19 beautifully encapsulates the recurring biblical theme of God's personal and active presence with His chosen servants. The phrase "I am with thee" is a foundational divine promise found throughout Scripture, given to leaders like Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Presence with Moses")), Joshua upon assuming leadership ([Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "God's Promise to Joshua")), and even Jacob at Bethel ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "Genesis 28:15 - God's Promise to Jacob")). It signifies God's unwavering faithfulness, His protective power, and His empowering Spirit, assuring His people that they are never alone in their divinely appointed tasks or trials. This promise is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel")), and continually realized through the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Helper, the Spirit of Truth")).

**Does this promise guarantee physical safety or an easy life for believers?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 1:19 promises ultimate deliverance and that adversaries "shall not prevail," it does not guarantee an absence of suffering, persecution, or even physical harm. Jeremiah himself endured immense hardship, including imprisonment ([Jeremiah 37:15](/jeremiah/37-15 "Jeremiah 37:15 - Jeremiah Imprisoned")), public humiliation ([Jeremiah 20:2](/jeremiah/20-2 "Jeremiah 20:2 - Pashhur Strikes Jeremiah")), and threats against his life. The promise means that the enemies will not succeed in thwarting God's ultimate purpose for His servant or His message. For believers today, it means that no opposition, no matter how fierce, can ultimately separate us from God's love or prevent His divine plan from unfolding in and through our lives ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")). Our ultimate security is spiritual and eternal, ensuring that our mission for Christ will not be ultimately defeated, even if our earthly journey involves trials and tribulations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 1:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah was called to speak God's unpopular word to a rebellious people and faced intense opposition, so too did Jesus confront the spiritual and political powers of His day with the uncompromising truth of God's kingdom. From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus endured the "fight" of temptation in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus")), the unbelief of His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")), and the relentless hostility of religious leaders ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Persecution of Jesus")). Yet, the divine promise "they shall not prevail against thee" was supremely true for Him. Though His enemies conspired against Him and ultimately crucified Him, they did not "prevail." His death was not a defeat but the very means of God's deliverance and the establishment of His new covenant, culminating in His glorious resurrection ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")), which demonstrated the complete futility of all human and demonic opposition to God's redemptive plan. The promise "I am with thee" is perfectly embodied in Christ, Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel")), and extended to His followers through the indwelling Holy Spirit, assuring us that even in a hostile world, the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). Through Christ, believers share in this divine invincibility, empowered to stand firm and fulfill their calling because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world ([1 John 4:4](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He That is in You")).

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

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Jeremiah 1:8

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

Jeremiah 20:11

But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

Psalms 129:2

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.

Jeremiah 29:25

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that [are] at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,

Jeremiah 29:32

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD.

Jeremiah 26:11

Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man [is] worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears.