Jeremiah 1:9

KJV

Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the LORD {H3068} put forth {H7971} his hand {H3027}, and touched {H5060} my mouth {H6310}. And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Behold, I have put {H5414} my words {H1697} in thy mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI put out his hand and touched my mouth, and ADONAI said to me, "There! I have put my words in your mouth.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.

American Standard Version

Then Jehovah put forth his hand, and touched my mouth; and Jehovah said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 1:9 marks the climactic moment of the prophet Jeremiah's divine commissioning, where the LORD directly intervenes to equip him for his formidable task. Following Jeremiah's expression of inadequacy, God physically touches his mouth and declares the impartation of His own words, signifying a supernatural endowment of authority and the divine origin of the message Jeremiah is to proclaim. This act transforms Jeremiah into God's authoritative mouthpiece, overcoming his perceived limitations and establishing the absolute truth and power of the prophetic word he is called to deliver to a rebellious nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 1:9 serves as the definitive act of empowerment within Jeremiah's prophetic call narrative, which unfolds across the opening verses of the book. The chapter begins with God's sovereign declaration of Jeremiah's pre-natal election and appointment as a prophet to the nations ([Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - God's Foreknowledge and Appointment of Jeremiah")). Jeremiah, in response, expresses profound apprehension and a sense of inadequacy, citing his youth and inability to speak effectively ([Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Protest and Hesitation")). The LORD immediately counters this protest with a powerful reassurance, commanding Jeremiah not to be afraid and promising His divine presence and deliverance ([Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - God's Command and Promise to Jeremiah") and [Jeremiah 1:8](/jeremiah/1-8 "Jeremiah 1:8 - God's Promise of Presence and Deliverance")). Verse 9, therefore, is not merely a verbal assurance but a tangible, physical manifestation of God's promise to equip. It is the moment where God directly addresses Jeremiah's specific concern about speaking, transforming his mouth into the conduit for divine revelation and validating the authority of his future pronouncements. The subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Commission to Uproot and Build")) then outline the scope and nature of this divinely empowered ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry began in the late 7th century BCE, during the reign of King Josiah (c. 627 BCE), and continued through the reigns of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, culminating in the Babylonian exile. This was a period of immense political instability, moral decay, and widespread idolatry in Judah. Despite Josiah's reforms, the nation was deeply entrenched in covenant unfaithfulness, mirroring the apostasy of previous generations. In this context, prophets served as God's primary means of communication, calling the people back to covenant fidelity, pronouncing judgment, and offering hope. The cultural understanding of a prophet was someone who spoke "thus says the LORD," acting as a direct emissary. The physical act of God touching Jeremiah's mouth would have resonated deeply within this cultural framework, signifying a direct, supernatural impartation of divine authority and message. It was a visible and tangible sign, akin to a king placing his signet ring on a messenger, authenticating the message as originating from the highest authority. This act would have underscored the gravity and divine origin of Jeremiah's pronouncements to a people who desperately needed to hear a clear, unadulterated word from God amidst their syncretistic practices and political turmoil.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 1:9 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes that permeate the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Commissioning and Empowerment**, where God actively and supernaturally equips His chosen servant for an arduous task. This is not merely a verbal appointment but a tangible act of divine enablement, directly addressing Jeremiah's perceived inadequacy and ensuring his fitness for ministry. Closely related is the theme of **The Authority of the Prophetic Word**. By placing "My words" directly into Jeremiah's mouth, the verse unequivocally establishes that Jeremiah is not speaking his own opinions, wisdom, or political views, but delivering the very utterances of God. This divine dictation imbues Jeremiah's message with absolute truth and irrefutable authority, making him a true mouthpiece for the Almighty, a concept echoed in the call of other prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 6:6-7](/isaiah/6-6 "Isaiah 6:6-7 - Isaiah's Cleansing and Commissioning")). Finally, the verse underscores **God's Sovereignty and Unwavering Purpose**. Despite Jeremiah's youth and initial reluctance, God's plan for him is immutable. God's choice and subsequent empowerment demonstrate that His purposes are not contingent on human ability or willingness alone, but on His divine will and the empowering grace He bestows upon those He calls, ensuring that His word will accomplish its intended purpose ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal." The use of YHWH here emphasizes that it is the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel who is initiating this prophetic call and directly empowering Jeremiah. This is not a generic deity but the specific God who has a relationship with His people and is now speaking through His chosen prophet. His eternal nature underscores the unchanging truth and power of the words He imparts.
* **touched (Hebrew, _nâgaʻ'_):** From H5060, this primitive root means "properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose)." It implies direct, intimate contact, often resulting in a significant change, transfer, or even a violent impact. In this context, the touch is not merely symbolic but an active, transformative act. It signifies the direct impartation of divine power and the transfer of God's message and authority directly into Jeremiah, enabling him to speak what he previously felt incapable of. This physical contact underscores the reality and tangibility of God's intervention.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term is derived from "to speak" and carries a broad semantic range, encompassing "a word," "a matter," "a thing," "an affair," "a decree," or "a report." In this context, "my words" refers to the specific divine utterances, messages, and pronouncements that Jeremiah is commissioned to deliver. It emphasizes that the content of Jeremiah's prophecy is not his own human opinion or wisdom but originates entirely from God. The comprehensive nature of _dâbâr_ suggests that these are not just individual words, but the entire divine message, encompassing all aspects of God's will, judgment, and promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth."**: This phrase describes a direct, physical, and symbolic action by God. The "hand" of the LORD often represents His power, intervention, and authority. The act of "touching" Jeremiah's "mouth" is a visible and tangible sign that God is personally intervening to enable Jeremiah for his prophetic task. It directly addresses Jeremiah's earlier protest about his inability to speak ([Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Hesitation")). This divine touch signifies both a cleansing and an empowering, preparing Jeremiah's lips to speak God's pure message, much like the coal touched Isaiah's lips ([Isaiah 6:7](/isaiah/6-7 "Isaiah 6:7 - Isaiah's Cleansing and Commissioning")). It is the moment of supernatural enablement.
* **"And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth."**: This is the verbal declaration that explains the meaning and purpose of the preceding physical act. The phrase "Behold" (Hebrew: _hinnēh_) draws immediate attention to the profound significance of the statement. God explicitly states that He has "put" (Hebrew: _nâthan_, to give, place, assign) His "words" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_, divine utterances) directly into Jeremiah's "mouth." This confirms that Jeremiah will be a true mouthpiece for God, speaking not his own thoughts or opinions, but the precise, authoritative message of the Almighty. It signifies divine inspiration and dictation, ensuring the absolute truth and power of Jeremiah's prophetic pronouncements. This declaration is a divine guarantee of the authenticity and efficacy of Jeremiah's future ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 1:9 is rich with **Symbolism**. The "hand" of the LORD symbolizes divine power, authority, and direct intervention, while the act of "touching" Jeremiah's "mouth" symbolizes the direct impartation of divine authority and the supernatural enablement for speech. The "mouth" itself is symbolic of the instrument of prophetic utterance, and the "words" placed within it symbolize the divine message itself, pure and unadulterated. The phrase "put my words in thy mouth" also functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for divine inspiration and dictation, illustrating the intimate connection between God's message and the prophet's delivery. It conveys that Jeremiah's speech will be an extension of God's own voice, not merely human wisdom. Furthermore, the description of God's hand and mouth is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human physical characteristics to God to make His actions comprehensible to human understanding, emphasizing His personal and active involvement in Jeremiah's call.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 1:9 stands as a pivotal statement on the nature of prophetic ministry and divine communication. It underscores the profound truth that true prophecy is not a human endeavor but a divine impartation. God's direct touch and explicit declaration signify that the prophet is merely a conduit, a vessel through whom the Almighty speaks. This ensures the message's authority, infallibility, and power, as it originates from the Creator Himself. Theologically, it highlights God's sovereign initiative in choosing and equipping His servants, overcoming human limitations with divine enablement. It also establishes the foundational principle that God's word, once spoken, carries inherent power to accomplish its purpose, whether for judgment or restoration. This divine commissioning is a testament to God's commitment to communicate His will to humanity, even when humanity is rebellious.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses")
* [Isaiah 51:16](/isaiah/51-16 "God Puts His Words in His Servant's Mouth")
* [Ezekiel 3:1-3](/ezekiel/3-1 "Ezekiel Eats the Scroll")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 1:9 offers profound encouragement and a vital challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's call is always accompanied by His equipping. Just as Jeremiah felt inadequate and young, we often feel ill-equipped for the tasks God places before us, whether in ministry, witness, or daily life. Yet, this verse assures us that our perceived weaknesses do not hinder God's purposes; rather, they highlight His power to work through us. The divine touch on Jeremiah's mouth symbolizes that when God calls us to speak His truth, He empowers our voices, whether through direct proclamation, teaching, or simply living out His word. For us, God's "words in our mouth" are primarily found in the inspired and authoritative Scriptures. Our message must be rooted in His truth, not personal opinions or cultural trends. This calls for diligent study of the Bible, prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit for understanding, and courageous proclamation of its message, trusting that God's word will accomplish its purpose through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel inadequate or ill-equipped, and how might Jeremiah 1:9 encourage you to trust God's empowering presence?**
* **How does the idea of God "putting His words in your mouth" influence your approach to sharing your faith or speaking truth in challenging situations?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that the "words in your mouth" are truly God's words, rooted in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit?**
* **How does recognizing the divine authority behind God's word (as seen in Jeremiah's commissioning) impact your reverence for and obedience to the Bible?**

### FAQ
**Was Jeremiah literally unable to speak, or was his protest more about a lack of confidence?**

Answer: Jeremiah's protest in [Jeremiah 1:6](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6 - Jeremiah's Protest") ("I am a child; and I cannot speak") is generally understood not as a literal speech impediment, but as an expression of profound humility, a sense of inadequacy, and a lack of confidence in his own ability to fulfill such a weighty prophetic office. He felt too young and inexperienced to confront a nation and deliver God's severe messages. God's response in [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Equips Jeremiah") directly addresses this perceived inability, demonstrating that the power and authority of the message would come from God, not from Jeremiah's natural eloquence or age.

**Does God still "touch" people's mouths or "put His words" in them today?**

Answer: While the specific physical act described in [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Equips Jeremiah") was unique to Jeremiah's prophetic commissioning, the underlying principle of divine empowerment for speaking God's truth remains active. Today, God primarily "puts His words" in believers' mouths through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who illuminates and applies the inspired written Word of God (the Bible). When believers faithfully study Scripture, pray for wisdom, and rely on the Spirit, God enables them to speak His truth with clarity, conviction, and authority, whether in teaching, evangelism, or personal witness. This is a spiritual, not typically a physical, impartation, empowering believers to be His witnesses ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Holy Spirit Empowers Witnesses")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 1:9 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah was a prophet through whom God spoke, Jesus is 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")). Unlike Jeremiah, who had God's words put into his mouth, Jesus inherently *is* God's word, the perfect and complete revelation of the Father. He did not merely speak for God; He was God speaking. Jesus perfectly fulfilled the role of the prophet promised in [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - The Prophet Like Moses"), speaking only what the Father commanded Him ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). His words carried inherent divine authority, not derived from an external touch, but from His very being as God ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). The divine commissioning of Jeremiah foreshadows the ultimate prophet, Jesus, who is the final and full expression of God's communication to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Through Him, God has spoken His definitive word, culminating in the gospel message of salvation and redemption.

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

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Exodus 4:11

And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

Exodus 4:12

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Luke 12:12

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Isaiah 51:16

And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou [art] my people.

Isaiah 50:4

¶ The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

Matthew 10:19

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.