Jeremiah 1:4

ยถ Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Then the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Here is the word of ADONAI that came to me:

The word of the LORD came to me, saying:

Now the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

Jeremiah 1:4 marks a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Jeremiah, signaling the formal beginning of his prophetic ministry. This concise verse immediately establishes the divine source of his message, underscoring that his words are not his own but originate from God Himself.

Context

This verse introduces the call of Jeremiah, a significant prophet in the Kingdom of Judah during a tumultuous period spanning the reigns of kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. His ministry took place in the decades leading up to and during the devastating Babylonian exile, a time of national decline, spiritual apostasy, and impending judgment. The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" is a standard prophetic formula, indicating a direct and authoritative divine revelation, similar to the calls of other great prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The primary theme is that God actively communicates with humanity. Jeremiah's message is not human philosophy or political commentary, but a direct utterance from the Almighty.
  • Prophetic Authority: The source of the word lends ultimate authority to Jeremiah's pronouncements. His prophetic ministry is divinely sanctioned, making his warnings and exhortations binding.
  • God's Initiative: This verse highlights God's sovereignty; He initiates the communication and chooses His vessel. It's not Jeremiah seeking God, but God speaking to Jeremiah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" translates the Hebrew `davar YHWH` (ื“ึฐึผื‘ึทืจ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”). The term `davar` is rich in meaning, encompassing not just a spoken word, but also a 'thing,' 'matter,' 'event,' or 'decree.' This suggests that God's word is not merely abstract sound but carries inherent power and consequence, often leading to action or fulfillment. `YHWH` is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, relational, and all-powerful nature as the source of this divine communication.

Cross-References & Connections

The concept of God's word coming to a prophet is foundational throughout the Old Testament. This divine initiation is seen in the lives of many, from Moses at the burning bush to the declaration that Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD revealed unto him, before his own calling. It underscores the truth that God's word is powerful and effective, always achieving its intended purpose.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 1:4 reminds us that God is a speaking God. While we may not receive direct audible pronouncements like Jeremiah, God continues to communicate through His inspired written Word, the Bible. This verse encourages us to cultivate an attentive ear and heart, seeking to understand and obey God's will as revealed through Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It calls us to recognize the divine authority behind biblical teachings, trusting that they are not human inventions but the very words of God, relevant and powerful for our lives today.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 3:16 (3 votes)

    ยถ And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

  • Ezekiel 1:3 (2 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.

  • Jeremiah 1:2 (0 votes)

    To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.