Jeremiah 18 5

Jeremiah 18:5 kjv

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Jeremiah 18:5 nkjv

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying:

Jeremiah 18:5 niv

Then the word of the LORD came to me.

Jeremiah 18:5 esv

Then the word of the LORD came to me:

Jeremiah 18:5 nlt

Then the LORD gave me this message:

Jeremiah 18 verses

Jeremiah 18 5 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial introductory phrase, signaling a direct and authoritative divine communication to the prophet Jeremiah. It indicates that the subsequent message is not Jeremiah's own thoughts or interpretation but originates directly from Yahweh, the sovereign Lord. It underscores the divine authority and authenticity of the prophetic message that follows, establishing its ultimate source and demanding the hearer's attention.

Jeremiah 18 5 Context

Jeremiah chapter 18 is part of a larger section (chapters 18-20) focusing on God's sovereignty over nations and His righteous judgment. Chapter 18:1-4 describes Jeremiah being sent to a potter's house to observe the potter at work, reshaping clay. This physical act serves as a profound object lesson for the nation of Judah. Verse 5 acts as the direct divine interpretation of that visual parable. Following this introductory statement, God reveals His principle of national judgment and repentance, likening His interaction with nations to the potter's freedom over the clay. This context emphasizes God's right and power to deal with nations according to their response to His will.

Jeremiah 18 5 Word analysis

• Then (וַיְהִי - Vayehi): Literally "And it was" or "And it came to pass." This word is a common narrative conjunction in Hebrew, often marking a temporal progression or the commencement of a new event or declaration. Here, it transitions from Jeremiah's physical experience at the potter's house (vv. 1-4) to the direct divine interpretation of that experience, signaling a crucial shift to explicit revelation.
• the word (דְבַר - devar): Refers to a divine utterance, message, or command. It implies authority, substance, and power. Unlike human words which can be empty, God's word is active and effective (Isa 55:10-11), having creative, judicial, and life-giving force. It is not mere speech but an action-producing reality.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה - Yahweh): The personal, covenantal name of God. This specifies the ultimate source of the "word" as the sovereign and faithful God of Israel. Attributing the word to Yahweh stamps it with absolute divine authority and unchallengeable truth, distinguishing it from human opinions or false prophecies.
• came (אֵלַי - elay, inherent in the phrase "דְבַר יְהוָה אֵלַי" meaning "word of the Lord to me"): Denotes a divine initiative. The word is not sought out or conjured by Jeremiah; it actively comes to him. This emphasizes God's sovereign choice in revealing Himself and His will. It is a gift of revelation, not a product of human endeavor.
• to me (אֵלַי - elay): Explicitly identifies Jeremiah as the recipient of the divine word. This personal designation highlights his role as the chosen prophet, a specific vessel through whom God communicates His message to His people. It validates Jeremiah's prophetic authority and distinguishes him as God's spokesperson.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - lemor): This is a standard Hebrew idiom introducing direct speech. It indicates that what follows is a verbatim report or a faithful representation of the divine message, precisely as God conveyed it to Jeremiah. It prepares the listener/reader for a direct divine pronouncement, underscoring the authenticity of the ensuing prophecy.

• "Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying": This entire phrase constitutes a classic prophetic formula frequently found throughout prophetic books. It is a declarative statement asserting direct divine revelation. Its consistent use in Scripture authenticates the prophet's message as originating from God Himself. This formula sets the stage for the communication of divine will and establishes an unshakeable foundation of authority for the ensuing message. It also served to differentiate true prophets, who spoke what God gave them, from false prophets who spoke from their own hearts.

Jeremiah 18 5 Bonus section

The repetitive use of this exact or similar phrase "the word of the Lord came to [prophet's name]" throughout the Old Testament serves several vital functions beyond mere introduction. It establishes the prophetic office's legitimacy, asserts the divine authority of the entire prophetic book, and distinguishes genuine prophecy from human conjecture or the deceptive messages of false prophets. In the Ancient Near East, where divination and various forms of seeking supernatural knowledge were prevalent, this phrase firmly positioned the prophets of Israel as unique conduits for the one true God, speaking His revealed will rather than employing pagan techniques or personal fabrications.

Jeremiah 18 5 Commentary

Jeremiah 18:5 is a foundational statement affirming the divine origin of the subsequent message. It signals a direct transition from observation to divine interpretation, where the potter's lesson becomes explicitly Yahweh's teaching for Judah. This formula, "Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying," authenticates Jeremiah as a true prophet, ensuring his audience that the forthcoming words are not his own thoughts or wisdom but the infallible utterance of the sovereign God. It sets the stage for a critical theological exposition, rooted in God's absolute right to mold, remold, or even break nations, as He deems fit, based on their faithfulness.