Jeremiah 1:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Say {H559} not, I am a child {H5288}: for thou shalt go {H3212} to all that I shall send {H7971} thee, and whatsoever I command {H6680} thee thou shalt speak {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI said to me, "Don't say, 'I'm just a child.' "For you will go to whomever I send you, and you will speak whatever I order you.

Berean Standard Bible

But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak.

American Standard Version

But Jehovah said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for to whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go, and whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 1:7 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's call, where the Lord directly refutes Jeremiah's self-professed inadequacy as "a child." This verse powerfully asserts divine sovereignty over human limitations, declaring that Jeremiah's mission is not contingent on his perceived abilities or age, but solely on God's command and enabling power. It establishes the foundational principle that God equips those He calls, sending them precisely where He wills and empowering them to speak His exact words without deviation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 1:7 is God's immediate and forceful response to Jeremiah's protest in [Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah's Initial Protest"), where the young prophet declares, "Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child." This exchange follows God's profound revelation in [Jeremiah 1:4-5](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4-5 - God's Foreknowledge and Calling") that He knew Jeremiah before birth and consecrated him as a prophet to the nations. Thus, verse 7 serves as the divine rebuttal, dismissing Jeremiah's human excuse and firmly establishing the non-negotiable nature of God's call. It sets the tone for a ministry characterized by divine authority and human obedience, directly preceding God's promise of presence and protection in [Jeremiah 1:8](/jeremiah/1-8 "Jeremiah 1:8 - God's Promise of Presence").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's call came during the tumultuous late 7th century BCE, a period marked by the decline of Assyrian power and the rise of Babylon, with Judah caught precariously between these empires. King Josiah's reforms were underway, but spiritual apostasy remained deeply entrenched. In this context, a "child" (Hebrew: _na'ar_) would typically refer to a young person, often implying immaturity, inexperience, or a lack of standing and authority in a society that valued age and wisdom. Jeremiah's self-designation as a _na'ar_ was a culturally understandable plea of inadequacy for a task as weighty as prophesying to a nation and its kings, a role typically held by respected elders. God's response directly challenges this cultural expectation, emphasizing that divine appointment transcends human qualifications.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Commissioning and Empowerment**, underscoring that God's choice is based on His sovereign will, not human merit or perceived capability. The Lord's declaration effectively states that His call inherently includes His enabling power, a theme echoed in [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength Through Christ"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Obedience Over Excuses**, as Jeremiah's protest is swiftly dismissed, demanding immediate and complete submission to the divine mandate. This sets a precedent for the prophet's often unpopular and difficult ministry. Thirdly, it establishes the **Divine Authority of the Message**, making it clear that Jeremiah is merely a mouthpiece for God. The emphasis on "whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak" underscores the prophetic responsibility to faithfully deliver God's precise words, regardless of personal cost or popular reception, a principle central to the prophetic office seen throughout [Deuteronomy 18:18-20](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18-20 - The Prophet's Responsibility").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This word emphasizes the absolute sovereignty and self-sufficiency of the one issuing the command. It is not merely a human voice, but the eternal, covenant-keeping God who speaks, lending ultimate authority and power to His words and commission.
* **child (Hebrew, _naʻar'_):** From H5288, "a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant." Jeremiah uses this term to express his perceived youth, inexperience, and lack of authority. God's immediate dismissal of this term highlights that human age or perceived inadequacy is irrelevant when the eternal God issues a divine mandate.
* **send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)." This word denotes a divine commission with a specific purpose and destination. It implies that God is the initiator and director of the mission, and His act of "sending" inherently includes the provision and authority necessary for the task.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, "perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak." This word signifies the act of uttering words, but in a prophetic context, it carries the weight of delivering a divine message. The command "whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak" underscores the prophet's role as a faithful conduit, emphasizing that the message's content originates solely from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the LORD said unto me,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the subsequent words. The "But" signals a direct counter-argument to Jeremiah's previous protest, shifting the focus from Jeremiah's human perception to God's divine declaration. It is the sovereign _Yᵉhôvâh_ who speaks, not merely a human mentor.
* **"Say not, I [am] a child:"**: This is a direct, emphatic prohibition. God explicitly forbids Jeremiah from using his youth or perceived inexperience as an excuse. It's a powerful rejection of self-doubt and an assertion that human limitations do not nullify divine calling. God is not interested in Jeremiah's assessment of himself but in His own assessment and purpose for Jeremiah.
* **"for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee,"**: This clause provides the reason for the prohibition and the scope of Jeremiah's mission. The phrase "thou shalt go" is a divine imperative, a non-negotiable command to action. The breadth of "all that I shall send thee" implies a comprehensive and possibly challenging itinerary, indicating that Jeremiah's movements and destinations are entirely under divine orchestration. His role is to be an obedient messenger, not a chooser of his path.
* **"and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak."**: This final clause defines the content and nature of Jeremiah's prophetic message. "Whatsoever I command thee" emphasizes the divine origin and specific content of the message, leaving no room for personal interpretation, modification, or omission. "Thou shalt speak" is another divine imperative, highlighting the prophet's absolute responsibility to faithfully articulate God's exact words, regardless of their difficulty or unpopularity. Jeremiah is to be God's unadulterated mouthpiece.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 1:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Divine Imperative**, seen in God's direct commands: "Say not," "thou shalt go," and "thou shalt speak." These are not suggestions but non-negotiable decrees, emphasizing God's absolute authority over His chosen prophet. There is also a clear instance of **Reversal**, where God directly overturns Jeremiah's self-assessment. Jeremiah declares himself "a child," implying incapacity, but God's response effectively redefines this perceived weakness as irrelevant in the face of divine power. The phrase "I [am] a child" can also be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "child" stands in for the broader concept of inadequacy, inexperience, or unsuitability for a monumental task. God's immediate dismissal of this metonymy underscores that His calling transcends human-defined qualifications. The structure of the verse itself, moving from a negative command ("Say not") to positive commands ("thou shalt go," "thou shalt speak"), creates a strong rhetorical shift from human protest to divine mandate, reinforcing the unyielding nature of God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 1:7 is a foundational text concerning divine calling and human response. It unequivocally establishes God's sovereign right to choose and empower His servants, regardless of their perceived qualifications or limitations. The verse teaches that true authority in ministry flows from divine appointment and faithful obedience to God's specific commands, not from human wisdom, age, or eloquence. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God often delights in using the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the wise, demonstrating that the power is His alone. It is a powerful reminder that when God calls, He also equips, and our responsibility is to trust and obey, allowing Him to work through us for His purposes.

* [Exodus 4:10-12](/exodus/4-10 "Moses' Excuses and God's Promise")
* [Isaiah 6:8-9](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah's Willingness to Go")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "God Uses the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 1:7 offers profound encouragement and a direct challenge to every believer. It dismantles the common human tendency to disqualify ourselves from God's service based on perceived weaknesses, lack of experience, or feelings of inadequacy. Just as God dismissed Jeremiah's "child" excuse, He dismisses ours. Our age, background, education, or perceived limitations are irrelevant when the Almighty God issues a call. The critical question is not "Am I able?" but "Am I willing to go where God sends and speak what He commands?" This verse calls us to move beyond self-focused excuses and embrace a God-focused obedience, trusting that His commission inherently includes His enabling power. It challenges us to faithfully steward the message He entrusts to us, speaking His truth with courage and conviction, knowing that our effectiveness comes from His power, not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "child-like" excuses or feelings of inadequacy do I tend to offer when God seems to be calling me to a difficult task?**
* **How does God's direct command to Jeremiah challenge my understanding of obedience in my own life and service?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to "go" and "speak" for God, even when it feels uncomfortable or beyond my natural abilities?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's equipping power, rather than relying on my own perceived strengths or weaknesses?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jeremiah call himself a "child," and what does God's response signify?**

Answer: Jeremiah called himself a "child" (Hebrew: _naʻar_) in [Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah's Protest") to express his profound sense of inadequacy, youth, and inexperience for the monumental task of being a prophet to nations. In ancient Near Eastern culture, youth often implied a lack of authority and wisdom. God's response in [Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - God's Rebuttal") is a direct and emphatic dismissal of this excuse. It signifies that God's calling is not based on human qualifications or self-assessment but solely on His sovereign choice and power. God's ability to equip and empower His chosen instruments transcends any human limitation, whether age, experience, or eloquence.

**Does this verse imply that God only calls young people to ministry?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God exclusively calls young people. While Jeremiah was likely young, the core message of [Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "God's Commission") is that God's choice is independent of human age or perceived qualification. God calls individuals of all ages and backgrounds, as seen throughout Scripture. For example, Abraham was old when called to be the father of many nations ([Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1 "The Call of Abram")), and Moses was 80 when called to lead Israel out of Egypt ([Exodus 7:7](/exodus/7-7 "Moses' Age")). The point is that God looks beyond human limitations and empowers those He chooses, regardless of their stage of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 1:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah was called to be God's mouthpiece, speaking words that were not his own, but the very commands of the Lord. Jesus, however, is the ultimate Prophet, the very Word of God incarnate, who perfectly embodied this principle. He declared, "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge... for I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "Jesus' Dependence on the Father")). Furthermore, Jesus's commissioning of His disciples echoes the divine imperative given to Jeremiah. Just as God sent Jeremiah, Jesus sends His followers, empowering them with His Spirit to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission")). The disciples, like Jeremiah, were often ordinary people, yet through Christ's command and the power of the Holy Spirit, they were enabled to speak His truth and carry out His mission ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Power of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Jeremiah 1:7 foreshadows the perfect obedience of Christ and the Spirit-empowered mission of His church, demonstrating that God's call always comes with His enabling presence and authority.

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

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Ezekiel 3:27

But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Numbers 22:20

And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, [and] go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

Ezekiel 3:17

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Ezekiel 3:21

Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous [man], that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Ezekiel 2:3

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, [even] unto this very day.