Jeremiah 1:9

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Jeremiah 1:9 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet Jeremiah's call, signifying his divine commissioning and empowerment by the LORD. This verse immediately follows Jeremiah's initial apprehension about his youth and inability to speak effectively (see Jeremiah 1:6), showcasing God's direct intervention to equip him for his formidable task.

Context

This verse is the climax of Jeremiah's prophetic inauguration, which began with God declaring His foreknowledge and appointment of Jeremiah even before his birth (Jeremiah 1:5). After Jeremiah expressed his unworthiness, the LORD reassures him, promising His presence and protection (see Jeremiah 1:8). The act of God touching Jeremiah's mouth and placing His words within him directly addresses the prophet's perceived inadequacy, confirming that the message would be divine, not human.

Key Themes

  • Divine Commissioning and Empowerment: The physical act of the LORD touching Jeremiah's mouth symbolizes the direct, personal, and supernatural equipping of the prophet. It's a visible sign that God Himself is enabling Jeremiah to fulfill his difficult calling.
  • The Authority of the Prophetic Word: The declaration, "Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth," underscores that Jeremiah is not speaking his own opinions or wisdom, but delivering God's precise message. This ensures the message carries divine authority and truth, making Jeremiah a true mouthpiece of God.
  • God's Choice and Sovereignty: Despite Jeremiah's youth and reluctance, God sovereignly chooses and prepares him. This highlights that God's plans are not contingent on human ability but on His divine will and empowering grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "touched" (נָגַע - naga') implies a direct, intimate contact that often results in a significant change or transfer. In this context, it signifies the transfer of divine authority and the impartation of God's message directly into Jeremiah. The phrase "put my words in thy mouth" (נתתי דברי בפיך - natatti devarai b'fikha) is a powerful declaration of inspiration and divine dictation. It signifies that the words Jeremiah will speak are literally God's own, ensuring their authenticity and power. This concept is echoed in other prophetic calls, such as Isaiah 6:7, where Isaiah's lips are touched by a live coal, symbolizing cleansing and readiness to speak God's message.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 1:9 offers profound encouragement and insight for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God Equips Whom He Calls: Just as God empowered Jeremiah despite his perceived weaknesses, He equips all who are called to serve Him. Our perceived inadequacies do not hinder God's purposes.
  • The Importance of God's Word: For us, God's "words in our mouth" are primarily found in the inspired and authoritative Scriptures. Our message should be rooted in His truth, not personal opinions or cultural trends.
  • Speaking with Divine Authority: When we share the Gospel or teach biblical truth, we are, in a sense, speaking God's words. This calls for reverence, accuracy, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, trusting that God's word will accomplish its purpose (Isaiah 55:11).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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