Jeremiah 18:1

KJV

¶ The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} which came to Jeremiah {H3414} from the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

This word came to Yirmeyahu from ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:

American Standard Version

The word which came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 18:1 functions as a pivotal introductory statement, unequivocally declaring the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message that follows. It establishes that the subsequent prophecy is not merely the human insight or opinion of Jeremiah, but a direct, unmediated communication from the sovereign LORD Himself, thereby imbuing the forthcoming revelation with absolute truth and imperative significance for the people of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 18:1 acts as a formal superscription, signaling the commencement of a new, distinct prophetic oracle within the broader book of Jeremiah. It immediately precedes the well-known narrative of the potter's house in [Jeremiah 18:2-10](/jeremiah/18-2 "Jeremiah 18:2-10 - The Potter and the Clay"), where the LORD instructs Jeremiah to go to the potter's house to observe a profound object lesson. This lesson, unfolding in the subsequent verses, powerfully illustrates God's sovereign right and dynamic ability to shape and reshape nations and individuals, much like a potter molds clay. The introductory formula of verse 1 thus sets the stage for a message deeply concerned with divine prerogative, human responsibility, and the potential for repentance to alter the course of judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during one of the most tumultuous periods in Judah's history, spanning from approximately 627 BC to after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. This era was marked by the waning power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and the ascendance of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which would ultimately lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. Jeremiah was called to deliver God's uncompromising message to a people deeply entrenched in idolatry, social injustice, and a false sense of security based on the Temple's presence. His prophetic warnings of impending judgment, though often met with fierce opposition and personal suffering, were rooted in God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for Judah's repentance. The formula "The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD" was a common and culturally understood declaration, immediately conveying to the ancient Israelite audience that the subsequent message carried divine authority and was therefore binding.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse highlights several foundational themes central to the book of Jeremiah and indeed to all prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Revelation and Authority**, asserting that the message is not of human origin but directly from the LORD, thereby establishing its absolute truth and imperative nature. This divine initiative is paramount, as seen in other prophetic calls, such as [Isaiah's commission](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8 - Isaiah's Call and Commission") or [Ezekiel's vision](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Call"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Prophetic Commission**, showcasing Jeremiah's role as a divinely appointed messenger, a conduit through whom God communicates His will to His people. His faithfulness in delivering this word, despite personal cost, is a recurring motif. Finally, the verse signals **Preparation for a New Message**, indicating a distinct and significant divine pronouncement. It often introduces a specific vision, parable, or pronouncement that carries profound implications for Israel's covenant relationship with God and their future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) is far more expansive than a simple utterance. It encompasses not only spoken words but also matters, affairs, things, events, and decrees. In a theological context, _dâbâr_ often carries the weight of God's active, effective will—what God speaks, He brings to pass. It signifies a dynamic, powerful communication that shapes reality, rather than merely describing it.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This (H3068) is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It derives from the Hebrew verb "to be" (H1961, _hâyâh_), signifying God as the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging One. The use of _Yᵉhôvâh_ here emphasizes God's personal relationship with His people, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His sovereign authority as the one who actively intervenes in human history. It is the name that reveals God's character and His redemptive purposes.
* **Saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This verb (H559) is a primitive root meaning "to say," but used with great latitude. In this context, it denotes the direct and explicit nature of God's communication to Jeremiah. It implies a clear, articulate pronouncement, underscoring that the message is not a vague impression but a distinct, verbalized instruction or revelation from God, intended to be heard and understood by the prophet and, through him, by the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the subject as a divine communication, not a human thought or observation. It signals that what follows is a revelation, a message originating from outside Jeremiah himself, carrying inherent authority and significance.
* **"which came to Jeremiah":** This clause emphasizes the divine initiative in revelation. The "word" is not sought by Jeremiah but actively "comes" to him, highlighting his role as a recipient and chosen vessel. It underscores the personal and direct nature of God's interaction with His prophet, commissioning him as His mouthpiece.
* **"from the LORD, saying,":** This final segment identifies the ultimate source of the message as _Yᵉhôvâh_, the covenant God of Israel. The addition of "saying" further specifies that this "word" is an articulate, verbal pronouncement, a direct command or declaration, rather than a mere impression. It confirms the authenticity and divine authority of the entire oracle that Jeremiah is about to deliver.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 18:1, while seemingly simple, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Formulaic Language**, common in prophetic literature (e.g., "Thus says the LORD," or "The word of the LORD came to..."). This formula immediately establishes **Divine Authority** and authenticity, signaling to the audience that the message is not human opinion but a direct oracle from God. The phrase "the word which came" also subtly employs **Personification**, as the "word" is depicted as an active entity that "comes" to the prophet, suggesting its dynamic and purposeful nature. This opening verse also creates **Anticipation**, preparing the reader for a significant and weighty message to follow, thereby enhancing the impact of the subsequent narrative of the potter's house.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 18:1 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine revelation. It affirms that God is not a silent or distant deity but one who actively engages with His creation, particularly humanity, through direct communication. This verse reminds us that the Bible, as the written Word of God, is fundamentally a record of this divine initiative, where God's "word" continues to "come" to us, offering truth, guidance, and insight into His character and will. The authority of Scripture, therefore, rests squarely on its divine origin, echoing the prophet's experience. It underscores that God's communication is purposeful, always aiming to draw His people into deeper relationship, call them to repentance, or reveal His sovereign plans.

* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and Profitable")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Jeremiah 18:1 provides a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance and authority of God's Word. Just as Jeremiah was called to listen intently to the LORD's voice, we too are invited to approach the Scriptures with reverence, recognizing that within its pages, the living God continues to speak. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility and attentiveness, to discern not merely human words but the very _dâbâr_ of God—His active, purposeful, and transformative communication. It encourages us to trust in the truthfulness and efficacy of what God has spoken, allowing His Word to shape our understanding of reality, guide our decisions, and transform our hearts, just as it was intended to guide and transform ancient Judah. Our response to God's revealed word, whether in ancient times or today, remains a pivotal aspect of our faith journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of Scripture (as highlighted in Jeremiah 18:1) impact your approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what ways do you believe God's "word" is actively "coming" to you in your life today, and how are you responding to it?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper attentiveness to God's voice through His Word?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD" so significant?**

Answer: This phrase is highly significant because it serves as an authoritative superscription, immediately establishing the divine origin and infallible nature of the message that follows. It distinguishes the prophecy as a direct revelation from God (_Yᵉhôvâh_) rather than Jeremiah's own thoughts or political analysis. This formula, common in prophetic books, underscores the **divine authority** of the message and the **prophet's role as a mere conduit**. It ensures that the audience understands that they are hearing the very voice of God, as emphasized in passages like [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy Not of Human Origin").

**Does "the word" (dâbâr) only refer to spoken words?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word _dâbâr_ (H1697) is much richer than a simple spoken utterance. While it certainly includes spoken words, its semantic range extends to "matter," "thing," "event," "affair," or "decree." In a theological context, especially when referring to God's _dâbâr_, it often implies an active, dynamic, and effective communication that carries the power to bring about what it declares. For instance, in [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks and Creation Happens"), God's "word" brings light into existence, demonstrating its inherent power and efficacy. Therefore, when the "word of the LORD" comes, it signifies a potent divine action or revelation, not just mere information.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 18:1 speaks of God's word coming to a prophet in the Old Testament, it finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the incarnate "Word" of God, the ultimate _dâbâr_ made flesh. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Eternal Word") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") further clarifies, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Thus, the divine communication that came to Jeremiah in spoken form culminates in the very presence of God's Son. Jesus is not merely a messenger of God's word, but He *is* the living, active, and perfect revelation of God Himself. All the prophetic words of the Old Testament ultimately point to Him, and in Him, God has spoken His final and most complete word to humanity, as attested in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son"). Therefore, to receive the "word of the LORD" today is to receive Christ and His gospel, which is the power of God for salvation ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")).

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.