New International VersionBut 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.
New Living TranslationThe LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.
English Standard VersionBut the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Berean Standard BibleBut the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak.
King James BibleBut 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.
New King James VersionBut the LORD said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
New American Standard BibleBut the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.
NASB 1995But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.
NASB 1977But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.
Legacy Standard BibleBut Yahweh said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.
Amplified BibleBut the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am [only] a young man,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Christian Standard BibleThen the LORD said to me: Do not say, “I am only a youth,” for you will go to everyone I send you to and speak whatever I tell you.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen the LORD said to me: Do not say, “I am only a youth,” for you will go to everyone I send you to and speak whatever I tell you.
American Standard VersionBut Jehovah said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for to whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go, and whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak.
Contemporary English Version"Don't say you're too young," the LORD answered. "If I tell you to go and speak to someone, then go! And when I tell you what to say, don't leave out a word!
English Revised VersionBut the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for to whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go, and whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBut the LORD said to me, "Don't say that you are only a boy. You will go wherever I send you. You will say whatever I command you to say.
Good News TranslationBut the LORD said to me, "Do not say that you are too young, but go to the people I send you to, and tell them everything I command you to say.
International Standard VersionThen the LORD told me, "Don't say, 'I'm only a young man,' for you will go everywhere I send you, and you will speak everything I command you.
NET BibleThe LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' But go to whomever I send you and say whatever I tell you.
New Heart English BibleBut the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am a child;' for to whoever I shall send you, you shall go, and whatever I shall command you, you shall speak.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut the LORD said to me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatever I command thee thou shalt speak. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak.
World English BibleBut Yahweh said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am a child;’ for you must go to whomever I send you, and you must say whatever I command you. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH says to me, “Do not say, I [am] a youth, for to all to whom I send you—go, and all that I command you—speak.
Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah saith unto me, 'Do not say, I am a youth, for to all to whom I send thee thou goest, and all that I command thee thou speakest.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jehovah will say to me, Thou shalt not say, I a boy; for thou shalt go to all to whom I shall send thee, and all which I shall command thee thou shalt speak. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord said to me: Say not: I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee: and whatsoever I shall command thee, thou shalt speak.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the Lord said to me: “Do not choose to say, ‘I am a boy.’ For you shall go forth to everyone to whom I will send you. And you shall speak all that I will command you.
New American BibleBut the LORD answered me, Do not say, “I am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak.
New Revised Standard VersionBut the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD said to me, Do not say, I am a child; for you shall go to all that I shall send you, and whatever I command you you shall speak.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd LORD JEHOVAH said to me: "Do not say, ‘I am a boy', because to everyone to whom I will send you, you shall go, and all that I shall command you, you shall speak OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But the LORD said unto me: Say not: I am a child; For to whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go, And whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the Lord said to me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all to whomsoever I shall send thee, and according to all the words that I shall command thee, thou shalt speak.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Call of Jeremiah… 6“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” 7But the LORDtoldme:“Do notsay,‘I amonly a child.’FortoeveryoneI send you,you must go,and allthatI command you,you must speak.8Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.…
Cross References Exodus 4:10-12“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” / And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? / Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”
Isaiah 6:5-8Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” / Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. / And with it he touched my mouth and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.” ...
Matthew 10:19-20But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Acts 7:22So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.
1 Timothy 4:12Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Exodus 3:11-12But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” / “I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”
1 Samuel 3:10Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
Luke 12:11-12When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”
Acts 4:13When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.
2 Corinthians 3:5-6Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. / And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
Matthew 28:19-20Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Acts 9:15-16“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. / I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”
1 Corinthians 2:4-5My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, / so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
Ezekiel 2:6-7But 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.
Treasury of Scripture But the LORD said to me, Say not, I am a child: for you shall go to all that I shall send you, and whatever I command you you shall speak. for thou shalt Jeremiah 1:17,18 Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them… Exodus 7:1,2 And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet… Numbers 22:20,38 And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up,and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do… Jump to Previous ChildCommandEverywhereGoestOrdersSpeakSpeakestWhateverWhatsoeverWhomsoeverYouthJump to Next ChildCommandEverywhereGoestOrdersSpeakSpeakestWhateverWhatsoeverWhomsoeverYouthJeremiah 1 1.The time4.And the calling of Jeremiah11.His prophetical visions of an almond rod and a seething pot15.His heavy message against Judah17.God encourages him with his promise of assistanceBut the LORD told me:This phrase indicates direct communication from God to Jeremiah, emphasizing the personal nature of God's call. In the Old Testament, God often spoke directly to His prophets, as seen with Moses ( Exodus 3:4) and Isaiah ( Isaiah 6:8). This divine interaction underscores the authority and authenticity of Jeremiah's prophetic mission. Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’
Jeremiah's initial response to God's call reflects his feelings of inadequacy and youthfulness. The term "child" suggests inexperience, possibly indicating Jeremiah was a young man, perhaps in his late teens or early twenties. This mirrors other biblical figures like Moses (Exodus 4:10) and Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12), who also expressed self-doubt. God's reassurance highlights that divine calling transcends human limitations. For to everyone I send you,
This phrase establishes God's sovereignty in directing Jeremiah's mission. The prophet is reminded that his task is not self-appointed but divinely ordained. This echoes the Great Commission inMatthew 28:19, where Jesus sends His disciples to all nations, emphasizing obedience to God's directive. you must go,
The imperative "must go" underscores the necessity of obedience in fulfilling God's command. This reflects the biblical theme of submission to God's will, as seen in the lives of Abraham (Genesis 12:1) and Jonah (Jonah 1:2-3). Jeremiah's willingness to go where God sends him is crucial for the success of his prophetic ministry. and all that I command you,
This phrase highlights the completeness and specificity of God's instructions to Jeremiah. The prophet is not to alter or omit any part of God's message, similar to the charge given to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:7). This underscores the importance of faithfulness in conveying God's word, a principle reiterated inRevelation 22:18-19 regarding the integrity of Scripture. you must speak.
The command to speak emphasizes the active role of the prophet as God's mouthpiece. Jeremiah's duty is to proclaim God's message, regardless of personal fear or opposition, akin to the apostle Paul's boldness inActs 18:9-10. This reflects the prophetic responsibility to deliver God's truth, foreshadowing Christ as the ultimate Word of God (John 1:1). Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his reluctance due to his youth and inexperience. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who calls and commissions Jeremiah for a prophetic mission. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was the primary audience of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. 4. Prophetic CallingThe event where God calls Jeremiah to be His prophet, despite Jeremiah's initial hesitations. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in CallingGod chooses whom He wills, regardless of human limitations or self-perceived inadequacies. Obedience Overcomes InadequacyOur perceived weaknesses do not hinder God's plans; obedience is key. Youth is Not a BarrierGod can use anyone, regardless of age, to fulfill His purposes. Divine EmpowermentWhen God calls, He also equips and empowers for the task. Faithful ProclamationWe are called to speak God's truth, regardless of our personal feelings of inadequacy. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 1:7?
2.How does Jeremiah 1:7 challenge our excuses for not serving God today?
3.What does "you must go to everyone I send you" imply about obedience?
4.How can Jeremiah 1:7 inspire confidence in God's calling for our lives?
5.Connect Jeremiah 1:7 with Moses' reluctance in Exodus 4:10-12. What similarities exist?
6.How can we apply "do not say, 'I am only a child'" today?
7.How does Jeremiah 1:7 challenge the idea of age as a limitation in serving God?
8.What does Jeremiah 1:7 reveal about God's authority in appointing leaders?
9.How does Jeremiah 1:7 address feelings of inadequacy in fulfilling God's calling?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 1?
11.Why should anyone despise your youth?
12.What is Topheth in the Bible?
13.What were fertility cults in the Bible?
14.Why should anyone despise your youth?What Does Jeremiah 1:7 Mean But the LORD told me• Jeremiah’s authority begins with God’s personal word, the same source that empowered Moses (Exodus 3:4) and Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10). • Because the speaker is the Lord, the message carries unbreakable certainty—“the word of the LORD remains forever” (1 Peter 1:25). • God’s voice overrides every human limitation, echoingIsaiah 55:11 where His word always accomplishes its purpose.
Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’• God forbids Jeremiah’s excuse; divine calling cancels self-doubt. • He similarly reassured other hesitant servants—Gideon felt weak (Judges 6:15-16) and Moses slow of speech (Exodus 4:10-12). • Youth is no barrier; Paul later writes, “Let no one despise your youth” (1 Timothy 4:12). • The pattern runs through Scripture: God chose the shepherd boy David (1 Samuel 16:11-13) and the young Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1:4, 17).
For to everyone I send you, you must go• The authority of the Sender defines the mission, as with Abraham who “went as the LORD had told him” (Genesis 12:4). • “Send” implies backing and presence; God soon adds, “I am with you” (Jeremiah 1:8), parallelingMatthew 28:19-20. • The mandate is unconditional; Jonah’s story (Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-3) warns against resisting a divine commission. • Obedience brings courage—“The righteous are as bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1).
and all that I command you, you must speak• Jeremiah is to relay the full message, just as Ezekiel ate the scroll “written on the front and back” (Ezekiel 2:8–3:3). • Selective obedience is sin; Saul learned this when he spared Amalek’s king (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • Paul followed the same standard: “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). • Delivering every word may provoke opposition, yet God promises, “They will fight against you but will not prevail” (Jeremiah 1:19).
summaryJeremiah 1:7 reveals a pattern for every servant of God: the Lord speaks with absolute authority, cancels our excuses, assigns specific people and places, and requires us to proclaim His entire message. Because the call is His, we can obey with confidence that His presence and power go with us. (7) The Lord said unto me.--The misgiving, which was not reluctance, is met by words of encouragement. God gave the work; He would also give the power. Verse 7. - Thou shalt go, etc. Thoughts of self are altogether out of place in one who has received a Divine commission. Jeremiah's duty is simple obedience. In put-suing this path he cannot but be safe (ver. 8).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But the LORDיְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeltoldוַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayme:אֵלַ֔י(’ê·lay)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to“Do notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notsay,תֹּאמַ֖ר(tō·mar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘I [am]אָנֹ֑כִי(’ā·nō·ḵî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Ionly a child.’נַ֣עַר(na·‘ar)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288:A boy, lad, youth, retainerForכִּ֠י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctiontoעַֽל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsteveryoneכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyI send you,אֶֽשְׁלָחֲךָ֙(’eš·lā·ḥă·ḵā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outyou must go,תֵּלֵ֔ךְ(tê·lêḵ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkand allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythatאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatI command you,אֲצַוְּךָ֖(’ă·ṣaw·wə·ḵā)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, orderyou must speak.תְּדַבֵּֽר׃(tə·ḏab·bêr)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdue
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 1:7 But Yahweh said to me Don't say (Jer.) |
