Jeremiah 1:6 kjv

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

Jeremiah 1:6 nkjv

Then said I: "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth."

Jeremiah 1:6 niv

"Alas, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am too young."

Jeremiah 1:6 esv

Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth."

Jeremiah 1:6 nlt

"O Sovereign LORD," I said, "I can't speak for you! I'm too young!"

Jeremiah 1 verses

Jeremiah 1 6 Meaning

Jeremiah responds to God's formidable prophetic calling with a deep sense of inadequacy, acknowledging his perceived youthful inexperience and inability to articulate divine messages effectively. This verse captures his profound humility and initial reluctance in the face of an overwhelming and critical assignment to confront nations.

Jeremiah 1 6 Context

Jeremiah 1 introduces the prophet and his divine commission from the Lord. Verses 4-5 detail God's pre-ordination of Jeremiah even before his birth, appointing him as a prophet "to the nations." Verse 6 is Jeremiah’s immediate and visceral human response to this overwhelming divine revelation. It embodies a common motif in prophetic call narratives where the called individual initially expresses their unworthiness or inadequacy for the monumental task ahead. Historically, Jeremiah was called during the critical final decades of Judah, a period of spiritual decline and impending Babylonian exile and destruction of Jerusalem. The enormity of speaking God's judgments and warnings to a rebellious people, even kings and foreign powers, profoundly highlighted Jeremiah's perceived lack of fitness for such a confrontational role at a young age.

Jeremiah 1 6 Word Analysis

• "Then said I": This phrase marks Jeremiah’s direct, immediate, and personal articulation of his initial feelings and doubts after God's declarative call in the preceding verses.

• "Ah": (Hebrew: אֲהָהּ, ahâh) This is an exclamation conveying distress, dismay, or resignation. It's a lament or a cry expressing profound shock and feeling overwhelmed by the weight of God's calling and his own perceived unsuitability, rather than a defiant refusal.

• "Lord GOD": (Hebrew: אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, Adonai Yahweh) Jeremiah addresses God using both Adonai, signifying absolute mastership and sovereignty, and Yahweh, God's personal covenant name. This reverential form acknowledges God's supreme authority and intimate relationship with His people, even as Jeremiah voices his inadequacy before Him.

• "behold": (Hebrew: הִנֵּה, hinneh) An emphatic interjection meaning "look," "see," or "truly." Here, it introduces Jeremiah's presentation of his case or the perceived "obvious truth" of his unfitness to God, drawing attention to his supposed limitations.

• "I cannot speak": (Hebrew: לֹא יוֹדֵעַ דַּבֵּר, lo' yōḏēa' dabbēr, meaning literally "I do not know how to speak") This expresses a perceived lack of the necessary skills for a prophet: eloquence, persuasive power, boldness in public address, or authority. It implies a lack of rhetorical capability or a sense of inadequacy in public performance rather than a physical speech impediment.

• "for I am a child": (Hebrew: כִּי נַעַר אָנֹכִי, kî naʿar 'ānōḵî) Na'ar (נַעַר) signifies a youth, a lad, or a young man. It indicates not a literal infant but someone immature, inexperienced, lacking the wisdom, gravitas, or social standing generally expected of a public figure or a prophet in ancient Israel. Jeremiah perceives himself as too young and unqualified for such a weighty and public prophetic ministry to nations and kings.

• "Ah, Lord GOD! behold,": This opening segment highlights the abruptness and emotional intensity of Jeremiah's reaction. He instantly brings his perceived inadequacy before the majestic presence of the sovereign God who has just issued an overwhelming commission.

• "I cannot speak: for I I am a child": This concise pairing states Jeremiah's perceived two-fold inability: lack of speaking skill and lack of life experience/maturity. It succinctly expresses his deeply rooted sense of self-doubt and unfitness for the divine mandate, believing his youth intrinsically disqualifies him from such a demanding public role.

Jeremiah 1 6 Bonus section

Jeremiah's assertion "I cannot speak" (not a physical impediment like Moses' "slow of speech" but a perceived lack of rhetorical skill or presence) likely reflects the cultural expectation for prophets to possess gravitas and powerful eloquence, qualities associated with age and experience. Furthermore, his declaration "I am a child" (na'ar) would not just imply literal age but also a perceived lack of the societal standing, authority, and influence typically granted to public figures who would engage with kings and nations. Jeremiah felt he possessed neither the innate talent nor the acquired status for such a profound task. The Lord’s immediate response in Jeremiah 1:7-10 directly addresses these precise concerns, promising His presence, the precise words to speak, and authority over kingdoms, thereby underscoring that the true empowerment and authority come solely from God, entirely bypassing human limitations.

Jeremiah 1 6 Commentary

Jeremiah's plea in verse 6 is a quintessential example of human humility and self-perceived inadequacy colliding with divine call. It’s not an act of defiance, but an honest and somewhat overwhelmed protest. Like many chosen by God throughout Scripture (e.g., Moses, Isaiah), Jeremiah highlights his human weaknesses—specifically a perceived lack of speaking ability and the immaturity associated with his youth (na'ar). However, God’s call is sovereign, founded not on human capabilities or preferred qualifications, but on His perfect choice and pre-ordained purpose. This serves as a vital truth for believers: God often chooses the unlikely to demonstrate His power. His assignments come with His enablement; His strength is made perfect in weakness. He never calls without also equipping, affirming, "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" (Jer 1:7). The power rests with the Sender, not the speaker.

• Example: A new believer hesitant to share their faith, feeling they lack knowledge or eloquence. Jeremiah's response shows such humility is natural.
• Example: Someone declining an opportunity for ministry or service in the church, thinking they are "too young" or "not skilled enough."