Jeremiah 1:6 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Then I said, 'Oh, Lord God! Look, I can't speak publicly like this, I'm just a young person!'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Jeremiah is telling God he feels too young and inexperienced to be a prophet and speak God's messages to the people.

📚 Historical Context

In the historical context, Jeremiah was a young prophet from a priestly family in Anathoth, living in Judah during the late 7th century BC under the reign of King Josiah, a time of religious reform and looming threats from the Babylonian empire. God had just called him to speak His words to the nation, warning of judgment for their unfaithfulness. In this verse, Jeremiah responds with hesitation, claiming he is too young and unskilled in speech to fulfill such a role.

Explore Similar Verses

Psalms 40:9

I have proclaimed what is right and good to the large gathering of people. Look, I have not held back from speaking, O LORD, you know this is true.

Proverbs 31:8

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and defend all those who are helpless and facing ruin.

Mark 8:32

Jesus said this stuff right out in the open, no hiding it. But Peter pulled him aside and started telling him he was wrong about all this.

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📚 Historical Context

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