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◄ Jeremiah 1:18►

New International Version
Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land.

New Living Translation
For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land— the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah.

English Standard Version
And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

Berean Standard Bible
Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

King James Bible
For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

New King James Version
For behold, I have made you this day A fortified city and an iron pillar, And bronze walls against the whole land— Against the kings of Judah, Against its princes, Against its priests, And against the people of the land.

New American Standard Bible
Now behold, I have made you today like a fortified city and like a pillar of iron and walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, to its priests, and to the people of the land.

NASB 1995
“Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land.

NASB 1977
“Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city, and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now behold, I have given you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests, and to the people of the land.

Amplified Bible
Now behold, I have made you today like a fortified city and like an iron pillar and like bronze walls against the whole land—against the [successive] kings of Judah, against its leaders, against its priests, and against the people of the land [giving you divine strength which no hostile power can overcome].

Christian Standard Bible
Today, I am the one who has made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the population.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Today, I am the One who has made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the population.

American Standard Version
For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

Contemporary English Version
My power will make you strong like a fortress or a column of iron or a wall of bronze. You will oppose all of Judah, including its kings and leaders, its priests and people.

English Revised Version
For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Today I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall. You will be able to stand up to the whole land. You will be able to stand up to Judah's kings, its officials, its priests, and [all] the common people.

International Standard Version
"As for me, today I'm making you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.

NET Bible
I, the LORD, hereby promise to make you as strong as a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall. You will be able to stand up against all who live in the land, including the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and all the people of the land.

New Heart English Bible
For, look, I have made you this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.

Webster's Bible Translation
For behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against her princes, against her priests, and against the people of the land.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

World English Bible
For behold, I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I, behold, have given you this day for a fortified city, and for an iron pillar, and for bronze walls over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its heads, to its priests, and to the people of the land;

Young's Literal Translation
And I, lo, I have given thee this day for a fenced city, and for an iron pillar, and for brazen walls over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its heads, to its priests, and to the people of the land;

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, I gave thee this day for a fortified city and for a pillar of iron and for a wall of brass upon all the land to the kings of Judah, to her chiefs, to her priests, and to the people of the land.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For behold I have made thee this day a fortified city, and a pillar of iron, and a wall of brass, over all the land, to the kings of Juda, to the princes thereof, and to the priests, and to the people of the land.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For certainly, this day, I have made you like a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and a brass wall, over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, and to the priests, and to the people of the land.

New American Bible
For I am the one who today makes you a fortified city, A pillar of iron, a wall of bronze, against the whole land: Against Judah’s kings and princes, its priests and the people of the land.

New Revised Standard Version
And I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and the people of the land.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For, behold, I have made you this day like a fortified city and like an iron pillar and like a brass fence against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against their princes, against their priests, against their prophets, and against all the people of the land.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I, behold, I have made you today as a mighty city, and like pillars of iron, and like a wall of brass over all the Earth, over the Kings of Judea and over their Princes, and over their Priests, and over their Prophets and over all the people of the land

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Behold, I have made thee this day as a strong city, and as a brazen wall, strongagainst all the kings of Juda, and the princes thereof, and the people of the land.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Call of Jeremiah
…17Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them.18Now behold,this day I have made you like a fortified city,an iron pillar,and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah,its officials,its priests,and the people of the land.19They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Ezekiel 3:8-9
Behold, I will make your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. / I will make your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or dismayed at their presence, even though they are a rebellious house.”

Isaiah 50:7
Because the Lord GOD helps Me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.

Matthew 10:16-18
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. / But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

Acts 7:51-52
You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. / Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—

2 Timothy 1:7-8
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. / So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Acts 18:9-10
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”

Ezekiel 2:6-7
But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. / But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.

Micah 3:8
As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

Acts 4:29-31
And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, / as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” / After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Psalm 46:1-2
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Treasury of Scripture

For, behold, I have made you this day a defended city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

I have

Jeremiah 6:27
I have set theefor a towerand a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way.

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 Iam with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 50:7
For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

against

Jeremiah 21:4-14
Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war thatare in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, andagainst the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city…

Jeremiah 22:1
Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,

Jeremiah 26:12-15
Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard…

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Jeremiah 1

1.The time
4.And the calling of Jeremiah
11.His prophetical visions of an almond rod and a seething pot
15.His heavy message against Judah
17.God encourages him with his promise of assistance

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city
Jeremiah is being assured of divine protection and strength. The imagery of a "fortified city" suggests impenetrability and resilience. In ancient times, fortified cities were centers of security and defense, often surrounded by thick walls and strong gates. This metaphor indicates that Jeremiah will be protected against opposition. The concept of God making someone like a fortified city is reminiscent of God's promises of protection to other prophets and leaders, such as Moses and Joshua, emphasizing divine empowerment.

an iron pillar
The "iron pillar" symbolizes strength and stability. Iron was a valuable and strong metal in ancient times, often used for tools and weapons. This imagery suggests that Jeremiah will be unyielding and steadfast in his mission. The use of iron also implies durability and the ability to withstand pressure, reflecting the prophet's role in delivering God's message despite opposition. This can be connected to the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith (Ephesians 6:13-14).

and bronze walls
Bronze, like iron, was a symbol of strength and endurance. Bronze walls would be resistant to attack and decay, indicating that Jeremiah's prophetic ministry would be enduring and resilient. In the ancient Near East, bronze was used for making strong and durable items, including armor and shields. This metaphor reinforces the idea that Jeremiah will be protected and his message will endure. The imagery of bronze can also be seen in the description of the heavenly beings inEzekiel 1:7, symbolizing divine strength and glory.

against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land
Jeremiah's mission is comprehensive, facing opposition from all levels of society. The "kings of Judah" refers to the political leadership, while "its officials" and "its priests" indicate the administrative and religious authorities. "The people of the land" encompasses the general populace. This highlights the widespread resistance Jeremiah would encounter, as his messages often called for repentance and warned of impending judgment. The opposition from these groups underscores the societal corruption and spiritual decline of Judah at the time. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of prophets facing resistance, as seen in the ministries of Elijah, Isaiah, and even Jesus Christ, who faced opposition from religious and political leaders.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance and faithfulness amidst opposition.

2.Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its disobedience and idolatry.

3.Kings of Judah
The ruling monarchs during Jeremiah's time, often resistant to his prophetic messages.

4.Officials and Priests
The leaders and religious figures in Judah who were often corrupt and opposed Jeremiah's warnings.

5.People of the Land
The general populace of Judah, who were also resistant to Jeremiah's message and God's call to repentance.

Teaching Points

Divine Empowerment
God equips those He calls with the strength and resilience needed to fulfill their mission. Just as Jeremiah was made like a fortified city, believers today are empowered by the Holy Spirit to stand firm in their faith.

Facing Opposition
Expect resistance when standing for God's truth. Jeremiah faced opposition from all levels of society, yet he remained steadfast. Believers should be prepared to encounter and withstand challenges.

God's Protection
The imagery of a fortified city, iron pillar, and bronze walls signifies God's protection. Trust in God's safeguarding presence, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Faithfulness in Ministry
Jeremiah's example teaches the importance of faithfulness in delivering God's message, regardless of the audience's response. Believers are called to be faithful messengers of the Gospel.

Courage in Calling
Embrace the courage that comes from knowing God is with you. Jeremiah's courage was rooted in God's promise to be with him, a promise that extends to all believers.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 1:18?

2.How does Jeremiah 1:18 inspire you to stand firm in your faith today?

3.What does "fortified city" symbolize for believers facing opposition in today's world?

4.How can Jeremiah's calling in 1:18 relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28?

5.In what ways can you be a "bronze wall" in your community?

6.How does God's promise of protection in Jeremiah 1:18 encourage your daily walk?

7.How does Jeremiah 1:18 illustrate God's protection and strength for believers today?

8.What historical context supports the imagery used in Jeremiah 1:18?

9.How does Jeremiah 1:18 challenge modern views on divine authority and human resilience?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 1?

11.What events define Hezekiah's reign as king?

12.What is Bethel's significance in the Bible?

13.In Judges 18:2, how can the Danites' sudden relocation from the south to the distant north be reconciled with known settlement patterns or historical records?

14.Where is the archaeological evidence to substantiate the extensive tributes of gold, silver, and bronze mentioned in 1 Chronicles 18:7-11?

What Does Jeremiah 1:18 Mean

Now behold

“Now behold” (Jeremiah 1:18) signals a divine spotlight. God captures Jeremiah’s attention, much as He did with Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2–4) or Isaiah in the temple vision (Isaiah 6:1). The command to “behold” reminds us that revelation is never abstract; it is something to be seen, received, and acted on in real time (Revelation 4:1).

• God is the One speaking—so Jeremiah’s security rests on His authority rather than personal courage (Numbers 23:19).

• The prophet is invited to look beyond his youth and weakness (Jeremiah 1:6–7) to the sufficiency of the God who calls (2 Corinthians 3:5).

This day

The promise is immediate: “this day” roots Jeremiah’s commissioning in the present moment. God often attaches His call to a specific “day,” underscoring urgency and accountability (2 Corinthians 6:2;Psalm 95:7–8).

• Obedience begins the very day God speaks; delayed obedience quickly becomes disobedience (James 4:17).

• The phrase also assures Jeremiah that everything needed for the assignment is supplied instantly—he lacks nothing (Philippians 4:19).

I have made you like a fortified city

The Lord declares, “I have made you like a fortified city.” Ancient fortified cities—Jerusalem, Lachish, Megiddo—were virtually impregnable when their gates were shut (2 Samuel 22:2).

• Security: walls imply protection from assault (Psalm 46:1).

• Endurance: cities outlast prolonged sieges; Jeremiah is promised longevity in ministry (Jeremiah 15:20).

• Visibility: a city on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14); Jeremiah’s life and message will stand in plain sight.

An iron pillar

Iron pillars were load-bearing columns in palaces or temples, resisting rot and fire. By calling Jeremiah an iron pillar, God stresses inner sturdiness (Isaiah 50:7).

• Unbending resolve when confronted by false prophets (Jeremiah 28:15–17).

• Capacity to bear weighty truth (Acts 20:27).

• God Himself forges the pillar; Jeremiah’s firmness is not self-manufactured (Ephesians 6:10).

Bronze walls

Bronze, tougher than iron in corrosion resistance, pictures durability under scorching conditions (Daniel 3:27).

• The prophet will withstand “the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).

• Bronze in Scripture often associates with judgment (Numbers 21:8–9); Jeremiah’s message of impending judgment will be as unyielding as the walls symbolizing it.

• Like Paul, he must outlast repeated opposition—stonings, imprisonments, ridicule (2 Corinthians 11:23–27).

Against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land

God lists every social stratum:

• Kings (e.g., Jehoiakim, Zedekiah) would burn or shred Jeremiah’s scroll yet fail to silence him (Jeremiah 36:22–32; 38:6–13).

• Officials (princes) would counsel treachery, but God would preserve His messenger (Jeremiah 26:10–16).

• Priests—keepers of worship—would resent exposure of their corruption (Jeremiah 20:1–2), echoing later hostility toward Christ from the religious elite (Mark 11:18).

• People of the land would shout “death to you” (Jeremiah 26:8), reflecting the universal resistance every truth-teller eventually faces (John 15:18–19;2 Timothy 3:12).

Opposition from “the whole land” magnifies God’s protection: if everyone stands against Jeremiah, everyone must ultimately contend with the God who built the fortifications around him (Psalm 118:6).

summary

Jeremiah 1:18 is God’s personal security guarantee to His newly appointed prophet. On the very day of his call, Jeremiah receives supernatural fortification—city-walls, iron, bronze—so he can proclaim unwelcome truth to every rank of society. The assurance is two-fold: resistance is inevitable, but so is preservation. By trusting the One who fashions and sustains the fortress, every believer sent to speak hard truth can stand firm, unafraid, and unashamed (Romans 1:16).

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18)I have made thee . . . a defenced city . . .--Images of strength are heaped one upon another. The prophet is represented as attacked by kings, princes, priests, and people, as the cities of Judah are by the invading armies. But the issue is different. They fall: he will hold out. The iron pillar is that which, rising in the centre of an Eastern house or temple (as,e.g.,inJudges 16:25;1Kings 7:21), supports the flat roof, and enables it to be used as a terrace or platform on which men may meet. The "brasen walls" probably refer to the practice of fastening plates of copper over the brick or stonework of a fortification.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. -Brasen walls. The plural is used instead of a collective term for the whole circle of fortifications. In the parallel passage (Jeremiah 15:20) the singular occurs; the same alternation of plural and singular as in2 Kings 25:10;1 Kings 3:1. The combination of figures strikingly expresses the invincibility of one whose strength is in his God.The kings of Judah. Why the plural? Most reply, Because Jeremiah would have to do with successive sovereigns. But this meaning would have been just as well conveyed by the singular: "the king of Judah," without any name being added - would moan the king who from time to time happened to be reigning. "Kings of Judah" in Jeremiah seems to have a special meaning, and to include all the members of the royal family, who formed a numerous and powerful class (see on Jeremiah 17:20).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Now behold,
הִנֵּ֧ה(hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!

this day
הַיּ֗וֹם(hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A day

I
וַאֲנִ֞י(wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:I

have made
נְתַתִּ֣יךָ(nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, set

you a fortified
מִבְצָ֜ר(miḇ·ṣār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4013:A fortification, castle, fortified city, a defender

city,
לְעִ֨יר(lə·‘îr)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892:Excitement

an iron
בַּרְזֶ֛ל(bar·zel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1270:Iron, an iron implement

pillar,
וּלְעַמּ֥וּד(ū·lə·‘am·mūḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5982:A column, a stand, platform

and bronze
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת(nə·ḥō·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5178:Copper, something made of that metal, coin, a fetter, base

walls
וּלְחֹמ֥וֹת(ū·lə·ḥō·mō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 2346:A wall of protection

against
עַל־(‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

the whole
כָּל־(kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

land—
הָאָ֑רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land

against the kings
לְמַלְכֵ֤י(lə·mal·ḵê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428:A king

of Judah,
יְהוּדָה֙(yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

its officials,
לְשָׂרֶ֔יהָ(lə·śā·re·hā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8269:Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

its priests,
לְכֹהֲנֶ֖יהָ(lə·ḵō·hă·ne·hā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3548:Priest

and the people
וּלְעַ֥ם(ū·lə·‘am)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

of the land.
הָאָֽרֶץ׃(hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land

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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 1:18 For behold I have made you this (Jer.)