What does Jeremiah 1:7 mean?

"¶ 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." - Jeremiah 1:7

"¶ 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." - Jeremiah 1:7

The verse Jeremiah 1:7 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "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." This verse is part of the larger context of God's call to Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations.

In this verse, Jeremiah expresses doubt and a lack of confidence in his ability to fulfill the task that God has called him to. He protests that he is too young and inexperienced to be a prophet. However, God responds to Jeremiah's hesitation by telling him not to say that he is a child, for God will empower him to go wherever God sends him and speak whatever God commands him to speak.

This verse speaks to the theme of God's calling and empowerment of individuals to fulfill His purposes. It also addresses the human tendency to doubt oneself and underestimate one's abilities. God's response to Jeremiah's insecurity is a reminder that God does not call the equipped, but rather equips the called. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, as God consistently calls ordinary, flawed individuals to carry out His extraordinary plans.

The context of this verse is important to consider in understanding its significance. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet is called to speak God's message of judgment and restoration to the people of Judah. This message is not an easy one, as it involves confronting the people with their sins and warning of the consequences if they do not repent. Jeremiah faces opposition, rejection, and persecution for delivering this message. In light of this context, God's reassurance to Jeremiah takes on added significance, as it is a reminder that God will enable him to fulfill his daunting task.

Symbolism can also be found in this verse. The idea of being a "child" carries both literal and metaphorical meanings. In a literal sense, Jeremiah may have been young in age, but the symbolism of being a "child" goes beyond mere youth. It can represent a lack of experience, wisdom, or authority. In God's response, the symbolism of being a child is countered by the assurance of God's authority and empowerment. This serves as a reminder that God is the one who ultimately confers authority and enables His chosen servants to carry out His will.

This verse is not only relevant to the specific calling of Jeremiah but also has broader applications for believers today. It serves as a reminder that God calls and equips each person for a specific purpose in His kingdom. It encourages trust in God's ability to empower and enable us to fulfill the tasks He sets before us, regardless of our feelings of inadequacy or inexperience. It also challenges us to not underestimate the potential impact of our obedience to God's call.

In conclusion, Jeremiah 1:7 from the King James Version of the Bible is a powerful reminder of God's ability to empower and equip His chosen servants. It speaks to the theme of God's calling and the human tendency to doubt oneself. In the context of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, this verse is a reassurance to him as he faces the daunting task of speaking God's message to a rebellious people. Its symbolism of being a "child" and God's response serves as a broader encouragement to all believers to trust in God's empowerment for fulfilling His purposes in their lives.

Have questions about Jeremiah 1:7?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Jeremiah 1:7 Artwork

Jeremiah 1:7 - "¶ 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."

Jeremiah 1:7 - "¶ 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."

Jeremiah 1:7-8 - "But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD."

Jeremiah 1:7-8 - "But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD."

"¶ 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." - Jeremiah 1:7

"¶ 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." - Jeremiah 1:7

"But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD." - Jeremiah 1:7-8

"But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD." - Jeremiah 1:7-8

Jeremiah 7:1 - "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"

Jeremiah 7:1 - "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"

"The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying," - Jeremiah 7:1

"The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying," - Jeremiah 7:1

Jeremiah 42:7 - "¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah."

Jeremiah 42:7 - "¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah."

Jeremiah 26:7 - "So the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD."

Jeremiah 26:7 - "So the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD."

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah 7:7 - "Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever."

Jeremiah 7:7 - "Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever."

Jeremiah 42:7 And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 42:7 And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 42:7 And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 42:7 And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 1:1 - "The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:"

Jeremiah 1:1 - "The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:"

Jeremiah 17:7 - "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."

Jeremiah 17:7 - "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."

Jeremiah 7:8 - "¶ Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit."

Jeremiah 7:8 - "¶ Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit."

Jeremiah 38:7 - "¶ Now when Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;"

Jeremiah 38:7 - "¶ Now when Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;"

Jeremiah 7:17 - "¶ Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?"

Jeremiah 7:17 - "¶ Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?"

Jeremiah 46:7 - "Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?"

Jeremiah 46:7 - "Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?"

Jeremiah 14:1 - "The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth."

Jeremiah 14:1 - "The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth."

Jeremiah 30:1 - "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"

Jeremiah 30:1 - "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"

Jeremiah 11:1 - "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"

Jeremiah 11:1 - "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"

Jeremiah 18:1 - "The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"

Jeremiah 18:1 - "The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"

"¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah." - Jeremiah 42:7

"¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah." - Jeremiah 42:7

Jeremiah 33:7 - "And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first."

Jeremiah 33:7 - "And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first."

Jeremiah 46:1 - "The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;"

Jeremiah 46:1 - "The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;"

Jeremiah 43:7 - "So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes."

Jeremiah 43:7 - "So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes."

Jeremiah 7:4 - "Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these."

Jeremiah 7:4 - "Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these."