Jeremiah 1:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not afraid {H3372} of their faces {H6440}: for I am with thee to deliver {H5337} thee, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you, says ADONAI, to rescue you."

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

Be not afraid because of them; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 1:8 serves as a foundational declaration of divine assurance and empowerment at the outset of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. Following God's sovereign call and commissioning, this verse directly addresses the prophet's anticipated fears and the formidable opposition he would face from his own people. It encapsulates God's unwavering promise of His personal presence and active deliverance, providing the ultimate ground for courage and faith, thereby enabling Jeremiah to fulfill his challenging and often unpopular mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the narrative of Jeremiah's call, detailed in [Jeremiah 1](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah 1 - The Call of Jeremiah"). Immediately preceding it, God has revealed His pre-ordained knowledge of Jeremiah, His consecration of him from the womb, and His appointment of him as a "prophet to the nations" ([Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - God's Foreknowledge of Jeremiah")). Jeremiah's initial response is one of humble protest, citing his youth and inability to speak effectively ([Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Protest")). God then directly counters this by touching Jeremiah's mouth and putting His words into him, effectively empowering and commissioning him ([Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Touches Jeremiah's Mouth")). Jeremiah 1:8 thus acts as a direct divine imperative and promise, a crucial reassurance given the immense and dangerous task that God has just laid out for him—to "pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant" ([Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Commission")). It anticipates the opposition from "the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land" mentioned later in the chapter ([Jeremiah 1:18](/jeremiah/1-18 "Jeremiah 1:18 - Jeremiah's Opponents")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's ministry spanned a tumultuous period in Judah's history, roughly from 627/626 BC to after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, covering the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. This was a time of significant spiritual apostasy, widespread idolatry, social injustice, and political instability as Judah was caught between the rising powers of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon. Prophets like Jeremiah were often tasked with delivering unpopular messages of repentance and impending judgment, which frequently led to persecution, imprisonment, and even attempts on their lives. The "faces" mentioned in the verse would represent the authority, power, and intimidating presence of kings, princes, priests, and the general populace who would resist God's word and Jeremiah's message. Culturally, challenging established religious and political powers was extremely dangerous, making God's explicit command "Be not afraid" and His promise of deliverance all the more vital for Jeremiah's survival and effectiveness.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 1:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Commission and Empowerment**, demonstrating that God not only calls individuals to service but also equips and enables them for the task, regardless of their perceived inadequacies. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Enduring Presence**, encapsulated in the covenantal phrase "I am with thee." This divine presence is the ultimate source of strength and courage, countering the natural human tendency towards fear in the face of adversity. This promise echoes throughout scripture, from Moses ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Promise to Moses")) to Joshua ([Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Command to Joshua")) and beyond. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Protection and Deliverance**. God's presence is not passive; it is active and redemptive, ensuring that His servant will be rescued from harm and opposition, enabling the successful fulfillment of the divine mission. This theme is crucial in a book where the prophet faces immense suffering yet ultimately perseveres by God's grace. Finally, the verse directly confronts the theme of **Fear vs. Faith**, urging a radical trust in God's power and faithfulness over any human intimidation or circumstance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, meaning "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." In this context, it is an imperative command to cease being terrified or intimidated. The root implies a deep, visceral dread, which God directly addresses and forbids in relation to human opposition. While _yârêʼ_ can also mean to revere God, here it is clearly used in the sense of human fear that paralyzes or prevents obedience.
* **faces (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, plural of an unused noun, meaning "the face (as the part that turns)." While literally "faces," in this context, it functions as a metonymy for the presence, appearance, authority, or intimidating demeanor of the people Jeremiah would confront. It signifies the direct, personal opposition and the sheer force of hostile human presence that could cause fear.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** From H5337, a primitive root meaning "to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense; to rescue, rid, save." Here, it signifies God's active intervention to rescue Jeremiah from danger, difficulty, or the power of his adversaries. It implies a powerful, decisive act of liberation, ensuring that Jeremiah will not be overcome by those who oppose him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not afraid of their faces:"** This is a direct, emphatic divine imperative. The command "Be not afraid" (אל־תירא) is a common biblical reassurance given by God to His chosen servants in the face of daunting tasks. The object of this fear, "their faces," points to the intimidating presence, authority, and opposition of the people Jeremiah is sent to confront, including kings, officials, priests, and the general populace who would reject his message. It is a call to courage grounded not in Jeremiah's own bravery, but in a divine injunction.
* **"for I [am] with thee to deliver thee,"** This clause provides the foundational reason and assurance for the command not to fear. The phrase "I am with thee" (כי אתך אני) is a profound statement of God's personal, active, and covenantal presence. It signifies His protective, empowering, and sustaining presence with Jeremiah. The purpose of this divine presence is explicitly stated: "to deliver thee." This promise of deliverance (לְהַצִּילֶךָ) means God will actively rescue, protect, and preserve Jeremiah from the dangers and opposition he will face, ensuring that he fulfills his mission.
* **"saith the LORD."** This concluding phrase (נְאֻם יְהוָה) is a solemn declaration of divine authority and certainty. "Saith the LORD" (from H5002 _nᵉʼum_ and H3068 _Yᵉhôvâh_) emphasizes that this is not merely a human encouragement but an infallible oracle from the self-existent, eternal God (Yahweh), the covenant-keeping God of Israel. This stamp of divine authority guarantees the truth and reliability of the preceding promise.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 1:8 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative** ("Be not afraid"), a direct command from God that underscores the urgency and necessity of courage. This is immediately followed by **Divine Assurance**, where God provides the ultimate reason for obedience: His unwavering presence and promise of deliverance. The phrase "their faces" functions as a **Metonymy**, where a part (faces) stands for the whole (the intimidating presence, authority, and opposition of the people). This vividly portrays the direct confrontation Jeremiah would experience. Furthermore, the declaration "I am with thee" is a form of **Covenantal Language**, echoing similar promises made to patriarchs and leaders throughout Israel's history, reinforcing God's faithfulness to His chosen ones. The entire verse is framed as an **Oracle**, marked by "saith the LORD," lending it absolute divine authority and irrefutable truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 1:8 is a powerful articulation of God's sovereignty over human fear and His unwavering commitment to those He calls. It establishes a fundamental theological principle: God's call always comes with His enabling presence and protective power. This verse resonates with the broader biblical truth that divine commission is never without divine provision. Just as God called Jeremiah to speak truth to power in a hostile environment, He continues to call His people to difficult tasks, always promising His presence and protection. The prophet's initial fear is a natural human response, but God's command to "Be not afraid" redirects his focus from the magnitude of the task and the strength of his adversaries to the omnipotence and faithfulness of the LORD Himself. This promise of "deliverance" does not imply an absence of suffering or opposition, but rather ultimate preservation and success in fulfilling God's purpose, even through trials.
* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [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 - Jesus' Promise of Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 1:8 speaks profoundly to every believer who feels called to serve God, particularly when that service involves facing opposition or speaking unpopular truths. It reminds us that our natural human fears and feelings of inadequacy are anticipated by God. Just as He did with Jeremiah, God does not diminish the difficulty of the task or the reality of opposition, but He provides the ultimate antidote to fear: His unfailing, active, and delivering presence. This verse challenges us to shift our gaze from the "faces" of human intimidation, societal pressure, or personal weakness to the majestic "face" of the Almighty God who promises, "I am with thee to deliver thee." Our courage is not self-generated but is a byproduct of trusting in His presence and power. When we are called to stand for righteousness, share the Gospel, or endure trials for His name's sake, this verse empowers us to move forward not in our own strength, but in the certainty that the LORD Himself is our shield and deliverer, ensuring that His purposes for us will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "faces" or sources of intimidation do you currently encounter in your life or ministry that cause you fear?**
* **How does the promise "I am with thee to deliver thee" specifically address those fears?**
* **In what practical ways can you lean more fully on God's promised presence and deliverance when facing difficult situations?**
* **How might acknowledging God's command "Be not afraid" change your approach to challenges or opportunities for service?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "fear" is God addressing in Jeremiah 1:8?**

Answer: God is addressing the natural human fear of intimidation, opposition, and potential harm that Jeremiah would face from the powerful and hostile people he was sent to confront. This is not a reverential fear of God, but a paralyzing dread of human adversaries that could prevent Jeremiah from fulfilling his prophetic calling. The command "Be not afraid" is an imperative to overcome this human-centered fear by trusting in God's superior power and presence.

**Does "to deliver thee" mean Jeremiah would never suffer or face hardship?**

Answer: No, "to deliver thee" does not promise an absence of suffering or hardship. In fact, the book of Jeremiah vividly records the prophet's immense suffering, including imprisonment, public scorn, and even attempts on his life ([Jeremiah 20:2](/jeremiah/20-2 "Jeremiah 20:2 - Jeremiah Put in Stocks"), [Jeremiah 37:15](/jeremiah/37-15 "Jeremiah 37:15 - Jeremiah Imprisoned")). Rather, "to deliver thee" signifies God's ultimate preservation of Jeremiah's life for the completion of his mission and His rescue from being utterly consumed or defeated by his enemies. It guarantees that despite the trials, God's purpose for Jeremiah would be fulfilled, and he would not be ultimately overcome.

**How does this verse apply to believers today who are not prophets?**

Answer: Jeremiah 1:8 applies powerfully to all believers. While we may not be called to the specific office of a prophet like Jeremiah, every Christian is called to live faithfully, speak truth, and bear witness to Christ in a world that often opposes biblical values. We too face "faces"—whether it's social pressure, professional challenges, spiritual attacks, or personal insecurities. This verse assures us that when God calls us to any task, big or small, He promises His personal presence ("I am with thee") and His active power to deliver us through or out of our difficulties, enabling us to fulfill His will for our lives. This promise is a universal source of courage for all who walk by faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 1:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah was called to deliver God's word to a rebellious nation, Jesus *is* the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the supreme Prophet who perfectly embodied God's message and mission. Just as God promised Jeremiah His presence and deliverance, Jesus, in His earthly ministry, lived in perfect communion with the Father, constantly affirming, "I am not alone, for the Father is with me" ([John 16:32](/john/16-32 "John 16:32 - Jesus Not Alone")). He faced the ultimate "faces" of opposition—from religious authorities, political powers, and even the forces of darkness—yet He did not fear, trusting in His Father's will and power. His deliverance was not from suffering, but through it, culminating in His resurrection, which is the ultimate act of divine deliverance over sin and death ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Raised for Our Justification")). Furthermore, the promise "I am with thee to deliver thee" extends to all who are in Christ. Before His ascension, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission, coupled with the profound assurance, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christ's presence empowers believers to face any "faces" of fear or opposition, knowing that He will deliver them, not necessarily from trials, but through them, for His glory and their ultimate salvation ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")). Thus, Jeremiah's experience foreshadows the perfect courage and ultimate victory found in Christ, who is our ever-present Deliverer.

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 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

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.

Isaiah 51:7

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart [is] my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

Jeremiah 15:20

And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I [am] with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 15:21

And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.

Luke 12:4

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Luke 12:5

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.