Jeremiah 1:6

KJV

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} I, Ah {H162}, Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}! behold, I cannot {H3045} speak {H1696}: for I am a child {H5288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I said, "Oh, Adonai ELOHIM, I don't even know how to speak! I'm just a child!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”

American Standard Version

Then said I, Ah, Lord Jehovah! behold, I know not how to speak; for I am a child.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 1:6 records the prophet Jeremiah's immediate, humble, and somewhat fearful response to God's profound calling. Having just been told by the Lord that he was chosen and consecrated before birth to be a prophet to the nations, Jeremiah expresses his profound sense of inadequacy for such a monumental task, citing his youth and perceived inability to speak effectively. His protest highlights the stark contrast between human limitation and divine mandate, setting the stage for God's subsequent reassurance and empowerment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jeremiah's inaugural vision and divine commission, which spans [Jeremiah 1:4-10](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah's Call and Commission"). Immediately preceding this verse, the Lord declares His sovereign choice and pre-ordained purpose for Jeremiah's life, stating He "knew you before I formed you in the womb, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations" ([Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - God's Pre-ordained Purpose")). Jeremiah's reply in [Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Protest") is his first recorded words in the book, a direct, visceral reaction to this overwhelming divine revelation. Following his protest, God immediately dismisses his excuse and provides powerful assurance and a promise of divine enablement in [Jeremiah 1:7-10](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7-10 - God's Assurance and Commission"). This dialogue establishes the foundational dynamic of the prophetic ministry: God initiates, God empowers, and human inadequacy is no barrier to divine purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah was called to prophetic ministry during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely around 627/626 BC, during the reign of King Josiah ([Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - Time of Jeremiah's Ministry")). This was a time of significant political instability, with the Assyrian Empire in decline and the rising power of Babylon threatening the region. Spiritually, Judah was steeped in idolatry and moral corruption, despite Josiah's later reforms ([2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms")). Prophets in ancient Israel served as God's spokespersons, often delivering unpopular messages of judgment and calls to repentance to kings, priests, and the general populace. Such a role demanded immense courage, authority, and rhetorical skill. Jeremiah's self-assessment as a "child" (Hebrew: _na'ar_, implying youth and inexperience) reflects the cultural expectation that those in positions of public authority, especially religious authority, should possess maturity, wisdom, and eloquent speech. His objection is rooted in a realistic appraisal of the daunting nature of the task given his perceived lack of these qualities.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah's protest in [Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Protest") introduces several key themes that resonate throughout his book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **contrast between human inadequacy and divine calling**. Jeremiah's self-perception ("I cannot speak; for I am a child") stands in stark opposition to God's declaration of his pre-ordained destiny as a prophet to the nations. This theme underscores God's sovereign choice to use seemingly unqualified individuals to accomplish His purposes, a pattern seen with Moses ([Exodus 4:10](/exodus/4-10 "Exodus 4:10 - Moses's Inability to Speak")) and others. Secondly, it reveals the theme of **humility and fear** in the face of a divine mandate. Jeremiah's exclamation, "Ah, Lord GOD!", conveys a mix of reverence, surprise, and apprehension, acknowledging the immense weight of the prophetic office and his own perceived limitations. Finally, the verse touches upon **youth and inexperience** as a perceived barrier to ministry. Jeremiah's primary objection is his youth, feeling he lacks the maturity, wisdom, and authority typically associated with public speaking and leadership, especially in delivering messages from God to kings and nations, a challenge he would indeed face throughout his long and difficult ministry, as detailed in [Jeremiah 20](/jeremiah/20 "Jeremiah 20 - Jeremiah's Complaint and Persecution").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ah (Hebrew, _ʼăhâhh'_):** This exclamation is a primitive word expressing pain, distress, or earnest pleading. In Jeremiah's mouth, it conveys a profound sense of shock, dismay, and perhaps even a plea for reprieve upon realizing the magnitude of the divine commission. It's a raw, immediate emotional response to being confronted with a task that feels utterly overwhelming.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to arrange" or "to speak," this word encompasses the very essence of the prophetic role – to utter, declare, and communicate God's message. Jeremiah's claim "I cannot speak" is a direct assertion of his perceived inability to fulfill the core function of a prophet. It suggests a lack of eloquence, confidence, or authority required for public proclamation, especially before kings and nations.
* **child (Hebrew, _naʻar'_):** This term refers to a boy or young man, ranging from infancy to adolescence, and by implication, a servant. In this context, it signifies youth, immaturity, and a lack of the experience, gravitas, or public speaking skills typically required for a prophet. Jeremiah is not necessarily claiming to be a literal child, but rather a youth perceived as lacking the necessary maturity and standing for such a weighty and public role.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD!"**: This opening phrase captures Jeremiah's immediate and visceral reaction to God's declaration in [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - God's Pre-ordained Purpose"). The interjection "Ah" (Hebrew _ʼăhâhh_) expresses a profound sense of dismay, distress, or earnest pleading, indicating the overwhelming nature of the divine call. Addressing God as "Lord GOD" (Hebrew _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih_) acknowledges His absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness, even as Jeremiah expresses his personal inadequacy. It's a cry of respectful apprehension before the Almighty.
* **"behold, I cannot speak:"**: Jeremiah's specific objection focuses on his perceived inability to speak. This is a direct contradiction to the very essence of being a prophet, whose primary role is to be God's mouthpiece. His "cannot speak" (Hebrew _loʼ yâdaʻ dâbar_, literally "I do not know how to speak") indicates a lack of eloquence, confidence, or the necessary rhetorical skills for public proclamation, especially given the challenging messages he would be required to deliver. It is a statement of perceived incompetence for the task at hand.
* **"for I [am] a child."**: This clause provides the reason for his inability to speak. The Hebrew word _naʻar_ (child/youth) emphasizes his immaturity and lack of experience. It's not merely an age statement but a declaration of his perceived lack of the wisdom, authority, and gravitas expected of a public figure, particularly a prophet who must confront powerful leaders and a rebellious nation. He feels he lacks the necessary standing and maturity to command respect or deliver God's weighty words effectively.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 1:6 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as Jeremiah directly addresses God ("Ah, Lord GOD!"), a common feature in prophetic literature that highlights the personal and intimate nature of the divine-human encounter. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in Jeremiah's declaration, "I cannot speak." While he may genuinely feel inadequate, the statement is likely an overstatement of his actual ability, emphasizing his profound sense of unreadiness rather than a literal inability to form words. This hyperbole serves to underscore the overwhelming nature of the call from his perspective. Furthermore, the verse sets up a powerful **Contrast** between Jeremiah's self-perception of weakness and God's omnipotent choice and purpose. This tension between human limitation and divine power is a recurring motif in biblical narratives of calling. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** at play: the one chosen by God to speak His words to nations claims he cannot speak, setting the stage for God to demonstrate His power by equipping the seemingly unqualified.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah's initial reluctance and sense of inadequacy in [Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Protest") is a profound theological statement about the nature of divine calling. It underscores that God's choice is not based on human merit, eloquence, or perceived strength, but on His sovereign will and purpose. God often chooses the weak, the young, or the seemingly unqualified to demonstrate that His power is made perfect in weakness, ensuring that the glory redounds to Him alone. This pattern reassures believers that their perceived limitations are not barriers to God's plan, but rather opportunities for His divine enablement to be clearly manifested. The verse sets up the foundational truth that God equips those He calls, providing the necessary strength, words, and courage for the task He has ordained.

* [Exodus 4:10-12](/exodus/4-10 "Exodus 4:10-12 - Moses's Hesitation and God's Promise"): Moses similarly protests his inability to speak ("I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue"), to which God responds by promising to be with his mouth and teach him what to say.
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak"): Paul articulates the principle that "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty," so that no human being might boast before Him.
* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Confession of Unworthiness"): Isaiah's response to his prophetic call is a confession of unworthiness ("Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips"), highlighting a similar sense of inadequacy before the holy God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's honest expression of inadequacy in [Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Protest") offers profound encouragement and a vital lesson for believers today. In a world that often values self-confidence and outward capability, Jeremiah reminds us that God's call frequently comes to those who feel least equipped. Our perceived weaknesses, lack of experience, or feelings of fear are not disqualifiers for God's purposes, but rather the very spaces where His power can be most clearly demonstrated. This verse invites us to bring our authentic selves, including our doubts and fears, before God, trusting that His strength is perfected in our weakness. It challenges us to look beyond our own limitations and embrace the truth that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. When faced with daunting tasks, whether in ministry, personal growth, or professional life, we are called to lean not on our own understanding, but on the divine assurance that the One who calls us is faithful and will provide all that is needed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cannot speak" moments have you experienced in your life when God seemed to be calling you to something beyond your comfort zone or perceived ability?**
* **How does Jeremiah's honesty about his fear and inadequacy resonate with your own feelings when faced with a significant challenge or calling?**
* **In what ways might your perceived "childlike" qualities (e.g., inexperience, vulnerability) actually be an asset for God's purposes, allowing His strength to shine through?**
* **How can remembering God's response to Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - God's Reassurance to Jeremiah") empower you to overcome your own feelings of inadequacy?**
* **What practical steps can you take to trust God's equipping power more fully when you feel unqualified for a task He has placed before you?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jeremiah say he was a "child" (naʻar)?**

Answer: Jeremiah's statement "I am a child" (Hebrew: _naʻar_) was not necessarily a claim of literal childhood, but rather an expression of his perceived immaturity, inexperience, and lack of authority or public speaking skills required for the weighty role of a prophet. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public figures, especially those delivering divine messages, were expected to possess maturity, wisdom, and eloquence. Jeremiah felt he lacked these qualities, believing his youth would undermine his credibility and effectiveness in confronting kings and nations with God's challenging words. It was an honest protest rooted in a realistic assessment of the daunting task ahead, as seen in [Jeremiah 1:18-19](/jeremiah/1-18 "Jeremiah 1:18-19 - God's Promise of Protection").

**Did God accept Jeremiah's excuse?**

Answer: No, God did not accept Jeremiah's excuse. Immediately following Jeremiah's protest in [Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Protest"), God firmly dismisses his objection in [Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - God's Reassurance to Jeremiah"), saying, "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." God's response highlights that His calling is based on His sovereign choice and power, not on human qualifications. He assures Jeremiah of His presence and provides the necessary empowerment, promising to put His words in Jeremiah's mouth ([Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Puts Words in Jeremiah's Mouth")).

**What does Jeremiah 1:6 teach us about God's calling?**

Answer: Jeremiah 1:6 teaches us several profound truths about God's calling. Firstly, it reveals that God's call is often sovereign and initiated by Him, not sought by us, as seen in [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - God's Pre-ordained Purpose"). Secondly, it demonstrates that feelings of inadequacy or fear are a common, human response to a divine mandate, even for great prophets. Thirdly, and most importantly, it underscores that God's choice is not dependent on our perceived abilities or lack thereof. He does not call the equipped; He equips the called. Our weaknesses become opportunities for His strength to be made perfect, as echoed in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength in Weakness"). This verse offers immense encouragement that our limitations do not disqualify us from God's purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's protest in [Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Protest")—"I cannot speak: for I am a child"—finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. While Jeremiah felt utterly inadequate for the task of speaking God's word, Jesus Christ is the **perfect Prophet**, the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He did not merely speak God's words; He *was* and *is* the definitive revelation of God, embodying perfect wisdom and authority, never claiming inadequacy but always speaking with divine power ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Taught with Authority")). Furthermore, Jeremiah's call to speak difficult truths to a rebellious nation foreshadows Christ's own ministry, where He faithfully proclaimed the kingdom of God, even to His own rejection and suffering ([Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom")). In Christ, the human frailty and inadequacy expressed by Jeremiah are perfectly overcome; where Jeremiah felt unable to speak, Christ is the **eloquent and powerful voice of God** who perfectly accomplished the Father's will. Moreover, Jeremiah's experience of God equipping the unqualified points to the new covenant reality where, through Christ, God empowers all believers with His Spirit, enabling them to fulfill their unique callings, not in their own strength but in the power of Him who strengthens them ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). Thus, Jeremiah's initial fear and God's subsequent equipping beautifully prefigure the ultimate sufficiency found in Christ for all who are called into His service.

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

Exodus 4:10

¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Exodus 4:16

And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, [even] he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

Exodus 6:12

And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who [am] of uncircumcised lips?

1 Kings 3:7

And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in.

1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

Exodus 6:30

And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I [am] of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?