CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 1:6 "Ah, Lord GOD," I said, "I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/1-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/24_Jer_01_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 1:6 - The Call of Jeremiah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Ah, Lord GOD, I said, I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/1-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/1-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm" title="Jeremiah 1:5">◄</a> Jeremiah 1:6 <a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm" title="Jeremiah 1:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Alas, Sovereign LORD,&#8221 I said, &#8220I do not know how to speak; I am too young.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I <i>am</i> a child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then said I: “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I <i>am</i> a youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I said, “Oh, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then I said, &#8220Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then I said, “Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then I said, “Alas, Lord Yahweh! Behold, I do not know how to speak Because I am a youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, For I am [only] a young man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I protested, “Oh no, Lord GOD! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I protested, &#8220Oh no, Lord GOD! Look, I don&#8217t know how to speak since I am only a youth.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then said I, Ah, Lord Jehovah! behold, I know not how to speak; for I am a child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I replied, "I'm not a good speaker, LORD, and I'm too young." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I, Jeremiah, said, "Almighty LORD, I do not know how to speak. I am only a boy!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I answered, "Sovereign LORD, I don't know how to speak; I am too young." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I replied, "Ah, LORD God! Look, I don't know how to speak, because I'm only a young man."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Ah, Lord GOD,? I said, ?I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I answered, "Oh, Lord GOD, I really do not know how to speak well enough for that, for I am too young."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD. Look, I do not know how to speak; for I am a child."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then I said, “Ah, Lord Yahweh! Behold, I don’t know how to speak; for I am a child.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I say, “Aah! Lord YHWH! Behold, I have not known—to speak, for I [am] a youth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I say, 'Ah, Lord Jehovah! lo, I have not known -- to speak, for I am a youth.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And saying, Ah, Lord Jehovah, behold I knew not to speak: for I a boy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I said: Ah, ah, ah, Lord God: behold, I cannot speak, for I am a child. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I said: “Alas, alas, alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am a boy.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said, “I do not know how to speak. I am too young!” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then I said, I beseech thee, O LORD God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am but a child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I said: "I beg you LORD JEHOVAH God, behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a boy!"<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then said I: 'Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak; for I am a child.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I said, O Lord, thou that art supreme Lord, behold, I know not <i>how</i> to speak, for I am a child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=46" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/1.htm">The Call of Jeremiah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/162.htm" title="162: ’ă·hāh (Interjection) -- Alas! Apparently a primitive word expressing pain exclamatorily; Oh!">“Ah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3069.htm" title="3069: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- YHWH. A variation of Yhovah.">GOD,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wā·’ō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">I said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“I surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bēr (V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">how to speak,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I am</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: na·‘ar (N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">only a child!”</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>But 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5-8</a></span><br />Then 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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15</a></span><br />“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7</a></span><br />And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-1.htm">Isaiah 49:1-5</a></span><br />Listen to Me, O islands; pay attention, O distant peoples: The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me. / He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver. / He said to Me, “You are My Servant, Israel, in whom I will display My glory.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Acts 7:22</a></span><br />So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1-4</a></span><br />When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. / For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. / I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5-6</a></span><br />Not 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-11.htm">Exodus 3:11</a></span><br />But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/1-2.htm">Jonah 1:2-3</a></span><br />“Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me.” / Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a></span><br />But 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18</a></span><br />“How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Acts 4:13</a></span><br />When 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">1 Timothy 4:12</a></span><br />Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Isaiah 50:4</a></span><br />The 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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.</p><p class="hdg">Ah, Lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/4-10.htm">Jeremiah 4:10</a></b></br> Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/14-13.htm">Jeremiah 14:13</a></b></br> Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/32-17.htm">Jeremiah 32:17</a></b></br> Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, <i>and</i> there is nothing too hard for thee:</p><p class="hdg">I cannot</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/4-10.htm">Ezekiel 4:10-16</a></b></br> And thy meat which thou shalt eat <i>shall be</i> by weight, twenty shekels a day: from time to time shalt thou eat it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/6-12.htm">Ezekiel 6:12</a></b></br> He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a></b></br> Then said I, Woe <i>is</i> me! for I am undone; because I <i>am</i> a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.</p><p class="hdg">for I am</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7-9</a></b></br> And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I <i>am but</i> a little child: I know not <i>how</i> to go out or come in… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/38-3.htm">Ah</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-16.htm">Alas</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-13.htm">Child</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-1.htm">Power</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-15.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-1.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-1.htm">Words</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-20.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/4-10.htm">Ah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-10.htm">Alas</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Child</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Power</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-9.htm">Words</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/1-1.htm">The time</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/1-4.htm">And the calling of Jeremiah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/1-11.htm">His prophetical visions of an almond rod and a seething pot</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/1-15.htm">His heavy message against Judah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/1-17.htm">God encourages him with his promise of assistance</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/jeremiah/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Ah, Lord GOD,”</b><br>This phrase reflects a deep sense of reverence and awe. The use of "Ah" indicates an emotional response, often associated with lament or hesitation. "Lord GOD" translates to "Adonai Yahweh," emphasizing God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel. This invocation is significant as it shows Jeremiah's recognition of God's authority and his own unworthiness, a common theme among prophets (e.g., Moses in <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10</a>).<p><b>“I said,”</b><br>Jeremiah's response is personal and direct, indicating a dialogue with God. This interaction highlights the personal nature of God's call to His prophets. It also reflects the biblical pattern of God initiating communication and the human response, seen in figures like Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a>) and Gideon (<a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15</a>).<p><b>“I surely do not know how to speak,”</b><br>Jeremiah expresses his inadequacy, similar to Moses' reluctance due to his speech impediment (<a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10</a>). This reflects a common biblical theme where God chooses those who feel unqualified, emphasizing that divine strength is made perfect in human weakness (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>). It underscores the idea that God equips those He calls.<p><b>“for I am only a child!”</b><br>The term "child" suggests youth and inexperience. Jeremiah was likely a young man, possibly in his late teens or early twenties, when called to be a prophet. This highlights the cultural context where age was associated with wisdom and authority, making Jeremiah's task daunting. It also prefigures the New Testament teaching that God often uses the humble and lowly to accomplish His purposes (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a>). Jeremiah's youthfulness can be seen as a type of Christ, who also began His ministry at a young age and was often underestimated due to His age (<a href="/luke/2-46.htm">Luke 2:46-47</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a></b><br>A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his reluctance and feelings of inadequacy at the time of his calling.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who calls Jeremiah to be a prophet despite his youth and inexperience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its disobedience and idolatry.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah's_calling.htm">Jeremiah's Calling</a></b><br>The event where God commissions Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations, despite Jeremiah's initial hesitance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_call_transcends_human_limitations.htm">God's Call Transcends Human Limitations</a></b><br>God often calls individuals who feel inadequate, emphasizing that His strength is made perfect in weakness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/y/youth_is_not_a_barrier_to_god's_work.htm">Youth is Not a Barrier to God's Work</a></b><br>Jeremiah's age did not disqualify him from God's service. Young believers should be encouraged to step into their callings with confidence in God's empowerment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_god's_strength.htm">Reliance on God's Strength</a></b><br>Like Jeremiah, believers should rely on God's strength and wisdom rather than their own abilities when called to serve.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_overcomes_fear.htm">Obedience Overcomes Fear</a></b><br>Despite initial fear or reluctance, obedience to God's call leads to fulfillment of His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_equips_the_called.htm">God Equips the Called</a></b><br>God provides the necessary tools and words to those He calls, as seen in His assurance to Jeremiah.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_jeremiah's_youth_fit_tradition.htm">Jeremiah 1:6–7 – How could Jeremiah’s youth and inexperience align with earlier Israelite traditions regarding prophets? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_in_jeremiah's_life.htm">What are the key events in Jeremiah's life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/effects_of_teen_pregnancy.htm">What are the effects of teen pregnancy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_jeremiah_in_egypt_and_judah.htm">How can we reconcile Jeremiah’s presence in Egypt with traditions that he remained in Judah (Jer 43:6–7)? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Ah, Lord God!</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">Alas, O Lord Jehovah! </span>as answering to the Hebrew Adonai Jehovah.<p><span class= "bld">I cannot speak.</span>--In the same sense as the "I am not eloquent" of Moses (<a href="/exodus/4-10.htm" title="And Moses said to the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since you have spoken to your servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.">Exodus 4:10</a>), literally, "a man of words," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>have no gifts of utterance.<p><span class= "bld">I am a child.</span>--Later Jewish writers fix the age of fourteen as that up to which the term rendered "child" might be used. With Jeremiah it was probably more indefinite, and in the intense consciousness of his own weakness he would naturally use a word below the actual standard of his age; and there is accordingly nothing against assuming any age within the third hebdomad of life. In <a href="/genesis/34-19.htm" title="And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honorable than all the house of his father.">Genesis 34:19</a> it is used of a young man old enough for marriage. The words are memorable as striking a note common to the lives of many prophets; common, also, we may add, to most men as they feel themselves called to any great work. So Moses draws back: "I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue" (<a href="/exodus/4-10.htm" title="And Moses said to the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since you have spoken to your servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.">Exodus 4:10</a>). So Isaiah cries, "Woe is me! for . . . I am a man of unclean lips" (<a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm" title="Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the middle of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.">Isaiah 6:5</a>); and Peter, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord" (<a href="/luke/5-8.htm" title="When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.">Luke 5:8</a>). Something of the same shrinking is implied in St. Paul's command to Timothy (<a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm" title="Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.">1Timothy 4:12</a>). In tracing the whole course of Jeremiah's work, we must never forget the divine constraint by which he entered on them. A necessity was laid upon him, as afterwards on St. Paul (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm" title="For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid on me; yes, woe is to me, if I preach not the gospel!">1Corinthians 9:16</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Ah, Lord God</span>! rather, Alas, O <span class="accented">Lord Jehovah!</span> It is a cry of alarm and pain, and recurs in <a href="/jeremiah/4-10.htm">Jeremiah 4:10</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/14-13.htm">Jeremiah 14:13</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/32-17.htm">Jeremiah 32:17</a>. <span class="cmt_word">I am a child</span>. I am too young to support such an office. The word rendered "child" is used elsewhere of youths nearly grown up (comp. <a href="/genesis/34-19.htm">Genesis 34:19</a>; <a href="/genesis/41-12.htm">Genesis 41:12</a>; <a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Ah,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲהָהּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·hāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_162.htm">Strong's 162: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alas!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">GOD,”</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהֹוִ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֹמַ֗ר</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’ō·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I surely</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדַ֖עְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">how to speak,</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּבֵּ֑ר‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(dab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I [am]</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹֽכִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">only a child!”</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֖עַר</span> <span class="translit">(na·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 1:6 Then said I Ah Lord Yahweh! (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 1:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 1:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 1:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 1:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>