The Call and Commission of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1:1-19
Jer.1.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- ירמיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חלקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בענתות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
Parallels
- Isaiah 1:1 (structural): Like Jeremiah 1:1, Isaiah 1:1 opens the prophetic book by identifying the prophet and his lineage/setting ('The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz'), serving the same introductory function.
- Amos 1:1 (structural): Amos 1:1 provides a comparable prophetic introduction ('The words of Amos...'), naming the prophet and his origin (Tekoa) similar to Jeremiah's identification of family and hometown.
- Micah 1:1 (structural): Micah 1:1 likewise begins with a formal prophetic heading ('The word of the LORD that came to Micah of Moresheth'), paralleling Jeremiah's opening formula that situates the prophet geographically and socially.
- Ezekiel 1:3 (structural): Ezekiel 1:3 introduces Ezekiel with priestly background and a prophetic-cum-exilic setting ('the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel... the priests' son'), paralleling Jeremiah's explicit note that he is 'of the priests' from Anathoth.
- Jeremiah 1:5 (thematic): Within the same book, Jeremiah 1:5 develops the theme implicit in the opening identification: Jeremiah's divine calling and preeminence ('Before I formed you I knew you'), connecting his priestly origin to his prophetic election.
Alternative generated candidates
- The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin.
- The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin.
Jer.1.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יאשיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בשלש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למלכו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 1:1 (structural): Prophetic superscription that, like Jer 1:2, situates the prophet’s oracle in the days/reigns of Judah’s kings, providing the same kind of historical frame for the message.
- Hosea 1:1 (verbal): Opens with the identical formula “the word of the LORD that came to…” (דבר־יְהוָה אֶל/אשר היה דבר־יהוה אליו), a close verbal parallel in prophetic call/superscription and historical dating.
- Micah 1:1 (verbal): Uses the same superscription language (“the word of the LORD that came to…”) and dates the call by reference to contemporary kings, paralleling Jeremiah’s dating formula.
- Zephaniah 1:1 (verbal): A prophetic superscription that explicitly names Josiah son of Amon as king of Judah, closely matching Jeremiah’s dating to Josiah’s reign and using the same formulaic language.
- 2 Chronicles 34:3-8 (thematic): Describes King Josiah’s religious reforms and discovery of the book of the law during his reign, supplying historical and religious context for Jeremiah’s call in the thirteenth year of Josiah.
Alternative generated candidates
- The word of the LORD came to him in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.
- The word of the LORD came to him in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.
Jer.1.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יהויקים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאשיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- עד: PREP
- תם: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עשתי: NUM,card,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לצדקיהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאשיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- עד: PREP
- גלות: NOUN,f,sg,const
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בחדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- החמישי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Zephaniah 1:1 (verbal): Like Jeremiah 1:3, Zephaniah's superscription opens with a regnal dating formula — 'in the days of Josiah' — situating the prophet's ministry in Josiah's reign.
- Ezekiel 1:1-2 (structural): Both introductions use precise chronological/regnal or exilic dating to locate the start of prophetic activity (Ezekiel by the year of Jehoiachin's exile; Jeremiah from Josiah through Zedekiah and the exile).
- 2 Kings 24–25 (thematic): These chapters narrate the same historical framework referenced by Jeremiah (the reigns of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem), providing the historical background for Jeremiah's dated ministry.
- 2 Kings 25:8-11 (verbal): Specifically records the capture and destruction of Jerusalem in the fifth month — the same terminal dating Jeremiah gives for the 'carrying away of Jerusalem in the fifth month.'
- Jeremiah 52:4,12-13 (verbal): Later in the same book this passage restates the fall of Jerusalem and the timing (including the fifth month), effectively repeating the historical dating found in Jeremiah 1:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it continued in the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah, king of Judah—until the exile of Jerusalem in the fifth month.
- It came also in the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah, king of Judah — until the exile of Jerusalem in the fifth month.
Jer.1.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 1 Kings 17:2 (verbal): Uses the same prophetic formula “And the word of the LORD came unto… saying,” introducing a divine message to a prophet (Elijah).
- Ezekiel 1:3 (verbal): Nearly identical introductory formula: “the word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel,” marking receipt of divine revelation for prophetic commissioning.
- Hosea 1:1 (verbal): Begins with “the word of the LORD that came unto Hosea,” another standard call formula signaling prophetic oracle.
- Zechariah 1:1 (verbal): Opens with a temporal setting followed by “the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah,” paralleling Jeremiah’s introduction as a prophetic utterance.
- Isaiah 6:8 (thematic): While not the same wording, it presents the prophetic call/commission motif—divine speech prompting a prophet’s commission and response, thematically akin to Jeremiah’s call.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
- The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Jer.1.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- בטרם: PREP
- אצרך: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- בבטן: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ידעתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ובטרם: CONJ
- תצא: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- מרחם: VERB,piel,ptc,3,m,sg
- הקדשתיך: VERB,hiphil,perf,1,_,sg
- נביא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לגוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נתתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 49:1,5 (verbal): Isaiah uses almost the same imagery—called by the LORD 'from my mother's womb' and formed in the womb for a mission to the nations—echoing Jeremiah's language of pre-birth knowledge and consecration for prophetic service.
- Psalm 139:13-16 (thematic): Speaks of God forming and knowing the psalmist in the womb and ordaining days before existence, paralleling Jeremiah's theme of divine fore-knowledge and formation prior to birth.
- Galatians 1:15 (allusion): Paul says God 'set me apart' (or 'separated me') from my mother's womb and called me by grace, reflecting the New Testament appropriation of a vocation established before birth as in Jeremiah 1:5.
- Psalm 22:10 (verbal): The phrase 'From my mother's womb you have been my God' closely parallels Jeremiah's 'before I formed you in the womb I knew you,' emphasizing divine relationship/knowledge from the womb.
- Romans 9:11 (thematic): Discusses God's election 'before the twins were born,' illustrating the theological motif of divine choice or appointment prior to birth, akin to Jeremiah's pre-birth calling to be a prophet.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you came forth from the womb I sanctified you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
- Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came forth from the womb I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
Jer.1.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אהה: INTJ
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 4:10 (verbal): Moses objects to his call with an inability-to-speak complaint ('I am not eloquent... I am slow of speech'), paralleling Jeremiah's protest 'I do not know how to speak / I am a youth.'
- Isaiah 6:5 (thematic): Isaiah responds to his commissioning with a confession of unworthiness ('Woe is me... for I am a man of unclean lips'), echoing Jeremiah's humble unwillingness and sense of inadequacy before God's call.
- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (thematic): Samuel is a boy/young servant who receives a prophetic call; the episode parallels Jeremiah's status as a youth called by God and the dynamics of a young person being commissioned to speak for the LORD.
- Ezekiel 2:3-7 (structural): Ezekiel's commissioning to a rebellious house and God's instruction to be strong and not fear (and to speak God's words) parallels the wider commissioning motif in Jeremiah 1, where God rebukes the prophet's excuse of youth and commands him to speak.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak; for I am only a youth.”
- And I said, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am a youth."
Jer.1.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- תאמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אשלחך: VERB,qal,impf,1,x,sg
- תלך: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אצוך: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- תדבר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Jeremiah 1:10 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same commissioning scene—God expands Jeremiah’s task (appointing him over nations/kingdoms), reinforcing the command to go and speak.
- Ezekiel 2:7 (cf. Ezekiel 3:4-7) (verbal): God commissions Ezekiel with almost identical language—'you shall speak my words to them' and warns that people may not heed, paralleling the prophet’s role to speak God’s message regardless of response.
- Exodus 3:10 (thematic): God’s call to Moses—'Come, I will send you to Pharaoh'—echoes the motif of divine sending and the prophet’s commission to go on God’s mission.
- Isaiah 6:8-9 (allusion): Isaiah’s vision includes the sent-messenger motif ('Whom shall I send?'), and his commission to deliver a difficult message to a resistant people parallels Jeremiah’s sending and mandate to speak.
- Amos 7:14-15 (thematic): Amos protests his lack of professional prophetic pedigree, yet affirms that the LORD took him and commanded him to prophesy—paralleling Jeremiah’s 'do not say I am only a youth' and the theme of divine empowerment despite apparent inadequacy.
Alternative generated candidates
- But 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.
- But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for to all whom I send you you shall go, and whatever I command you you shall speak.
Jer.1.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תירא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- מפניהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- להצלך: PREP+VERB,qal,infc,2,m,sg
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 41:10 (verbal): Same imperative 'Fear not' coupled with God’s assurance 'I am with you' and promise of help/strength—close verbal parallel to Jeremiah’s commission.
- Joshua 1:9 (verbal): Command to be strong and not afraid because 'the LORD your God is with you wherever you go'—structurally similar commissioning language addressing a leader.
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (verbal): Exhortation not to fear or be dismayed because the LORD will go with them and will not leave or forsake them—parallels Jeremiah’s promise of God’s presence and deliverance.
- Matthew 28:20 (allusion): Jesus’ concluding promise 'I am with you always' echoes the OT assurance of divine presence given to commissioned servants like Jeremiah.
- Psalm 23:4 (thematic): 'I will fear no evil, for you are with me' expresses the same trust in God’s presence amid danger that underlies Jeremiah’s 'do not be afraid, for I am with you.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.”
- Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD."
Jer.1.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויגע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- הנה: PART
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- בפיך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 18:18 (verbal): God’s promise to place his words in a prophet’s mouth uses the same language and concept—‘I will put my words in his mouth’—as the grounding principle for prophetic authority.
- Isaiah 51:16 (verbal): Isaiah contains the nearly identical formula ‘I have put my words in your mouth,’ echoing Jeremiah’s claim that God places his words in the prophet’s mouth.
- Exodus 4:12 (thematic): God assures Moses ‘I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say,’ paralleling the theme of divine enablement and supervision of prophetic speech.
- Isaiah 6:7 (thematic): A seraph touches Isaiah’s lips to purge and authorize him for prophetic speech; the tactile consecration of the mouth parallels God’s touching Jeremiah’s mouth.
- Ezekiel 3:3 (thematic): Ezekiel is commanded to ‘eat’ the scroll and then speak God’s words to Israel—an image of internalizing and being obliged to proclaim divine words similar to Jeremiah’s reception of God’s words in his mouth.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the LORD stretched out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
- Then the LORD put forth his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
Jer.1.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- הפקדתיך: VERB,hiphil,perf,1,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הגוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- הממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- לנתוש: VERB,qal,inf
- ולנתוץ: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- ולהאביד: CONJ+VERB,hifil,inf
- ולהרוס: CONJ+VERB,hifil,inf
- לבנות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- ולנטוע: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Jeremiah 18:7-10 (verbal): Uses the same sequence of divine actions—'to pluck up and to pull down and to destroy…and to build and to plant'—framing God's sovereign judgment and restoration; a near-verbal parallel within Jeremiah.
- Isaiah 61:4 (thematic): Speaks of rebuilding ancient ruins and raising up former devastations—echoes the restoration side of Jeremiah's 'build and plant' following judgment.
- Ezekiel 36:8-12 (thematic): God promises to bring people into the land, rebuild ruined cities and plant them—similar imagery of divine action to destroy/restore and to establish and plant.
- Amos 9:14-15 (thematic): After judgment the people are promised return, rebuilding of cities and planting of vineyards—parallel theme of reversal from destruction to restoration under God's rule.
Alternative generated candidates
- See, I have set you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
- See, I have appointed you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."
Jer.1.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- מה: PRON,int
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- ירמיהו: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מקל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שקד: VERB,qal,ptcp,NA,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Amos 7:8 (verbal): God asks the prophet 'Amos, what do you see?' and Amos answers 'a plumb line'—a close verbal parallel in form (question—prophetic vision—named object).
- Zechariah 4:2 (verbal): The angel asks Zechariah 'What do you see?' and Zechariah replies 'a lampstand'—same vision‑question formula as in Jeremiah 1:11.
- Jeremiah 1:12 (verbal): Immediate follow‑up to v.11: the Hebrew wordplay links 'almond' (shaqed) with 'watching'—God's reply 'I am watching' ties the vision's object to divine vigilance over his word.
- Isaiah 6:1-8 (thematic): Isaiah's theophanic vision and prophetic commission parallels Jeremiah's call‑vision pattern: encounter with God, a striking vision, and commissioning for prophetic ministry.
- 1 Samuel 3:4-10 (thematic): Samuel's call—repeated divine addressing and the young prophet's response—parallels the vocational/commissioning dynamics present in Jeremiah's vision and call.
Alternative generated candidates
- The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “I see a rod of an almond tree.”
- And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Jeremiah, what do you see?" And I said, "A rod of an almond tree."
Jer.1.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- היטבת: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,sg
- לראות: VERB,qal,inf
- כי: CONJ
- שקד: VERB,qal,ptcp,NA,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- על: PREP
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- לעשתו: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 55:11 (verbal): God's word goes out and accomplishes the purpose for which he sends it — like Jeremiah 1:12's claim that the LORD watches over his word to perform it.
- Ezekiel 12:25 (verbal): Uses closely similar language about the LORD speaking and the word he speaks being performed; echoes the assurance that God's words will be fulfilled.
- Numbers 23:19 (thematic): Affirms God's faithfulness and reliability — he does not lie or say and not do — paralleling Jeremiah's emphasis that God will see to his word's fulfillment.
- Psalm 33:11 (thematic): Declares that the counsel/plan of the LORD stands forever, reflecting the same theme that God's purposes and words will be accomplished.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.”
- Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well; for I am watching over my word to perform it."
Jer.1.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- שנית: ADV
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- מה: PRON,int
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- סיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפוח: ADJ,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- ופניו: NOUN,pl,abs+3,m,sg
- מפני: PREP
- צפונה: ADV
Parallels
- Jeremiah 1:11 (verbal): The same prophetic interrogation formula, “What do you see?” appears moments earlier; Jeremiah’s first vision (the almond rod) and this second vision form a paired structural/visual sequence.
- Jeremiah 1:14 (structural): Immediate continuation of 1:13—explicitly interprets the boiling pot image as calamity coming from the north; the two verses form a single prophetic oracle.
- Jeremiah 4:6 (thematic): Uses the recurring prophetic motif of disaster coming “from the north” against Judah, reinforcing the geographic-symbolic meaning found in 1:13–14.
- Jeremiah 25:9 (thematic): God declares he will ‘send for all the families of the north’ as instruments of judgment—another explicit statement that invaders from the north bring divine punishment.
- Ezekiel 38:15 (thematic): Ezekiel’s prophecy about an invading force ‘from the north’ recalls the common prophetic trope of northern aggression as the means of eschatological/ divine judgment, paralleling Jeremiah’s image.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the word of the LORD came to me a second time, saying, “What do you see?” I said, “I see a boiling pot; its face is toward the north.”
- And the word of the LORD came to me a second time, saying, "What do you see?" And I said, "A seething pot — its mouth turned toward the north."
Jer.1.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מצפון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תפתח: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Jeremiah 1:15 (structural): Immediate continuation of 1:14; expands the announcement that God will summon the kingdoms from the north to bring calamity on the land (same prophetic oracle and direction).
- Jeremiah 6:22 (verbal): Uses almost the same formula — “Behold, a people cometh from the north…” — depicting an invading power from the north as God’s instrument of judgment on Judah.
- Ezekiel 38:15 (thematic): Ezekiel’s account of Gog’s advance ‘out of the far north’ echoes the prophetic motif of a hostile force coming from the north to attack the land of Israel.
- Habakkuk 1:6–7 (thematic): God raises a foreign, swift, warlike nation to punish a people — a parallel theme of God bringing calamity through a northern/invading power as judgment on the nations.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said to me, “Out of the north disaster shall be let loose upon all the inhabitants of the land.
- Then the LORD said to me, "Out of the north disaster shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.
Jer.1.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לכל: PREP
- משפחות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- צפונה: ADV
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ובאו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- ונתנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כסאו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שערי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- חומתיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- סביב: ADV
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Isaiah 10:5-6 (thematic): God raises up a foreign power from the north (the Assyrian) as an instrument of judgment against the nations—parallel motif of calling northern kingdoms to come against Judah/Jerusalem.
- Habakkuk 1:5-6 (thematic): God announces he will rouse a nation from the north (the Chaldeans/Babylonians) to execute his purpose—similar declaration that northern forces will be summoned to punish Israel.
- Jeremiah 6:22-26 (verbal): Same prophetic corpus depicts invading forces coming from the north against Jerusalem with military imagery; reinforces Jeremiah’s prediction of northern armies besieging the city.
- Ezekiel 38:15-16 (allusion): Ezekiel describes hostile powers coming from the remote north to come upon Israel—echoes the motif of a northern invasion directed at Jerusalem/land of Israel.
- 2 Chronicles 36:17-19 (structural): Historic account of Babylonian forces coming against Jerusalem, besieging the city and deporting its people—serves as the historical fulfillment/context for Jeremiah’s prophecy about northern invaders.
Alternative generated candidates
- For behold, I am calling all the families of the kingdoms of the north, says the LORD; and they shall come, and each shall set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all her walls round about, and against all the cities of Judah.
- For behold, I am calling all the families of the kingdoms of the north, says the LORD; and they shall come, and every one shall set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all her walls round about, and against all the cities of Judah.
Jer.1.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ודברתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- משפטי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- רעתם: NOUN,f,sg,suff-3mp
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עזבוני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl,suff_1cs
- ויקטרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- וישתחוו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- למעשי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,const
- ידיהם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 32:21 (verbal): God accuses Israel of provoking him with what is no god—language of abandonment/jealousy parallels Jeremiah's charge that they 'forsook me' and worshiped other gods.
- Ezekiel 8:16-18 (thematic): Ezekiel depicts worshipers burning incense to images/astrolabes within the sanctuary and God pronounces judgment—parallels the motif of incense to other gods and divine retribution.
- Amos 5:25-27 (allusion): Amos condemns Israel for carrying sacrifices for other gods and foretells punishment/exile along with their idols—echoes Jeremiah's link between idolatrous worship and coming judgment.
- 2 Kings 17:15 (thematic): Narrates Israel's forsaking of the LORD and serving other gods, provoking God's anger and resulting in exile—historical parallel to Jeremiah's indictment and promised judgments.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will pronounce my judgments upon them for all their evil, because they have forsaken me, burned incense to other gods, and bowed down to the work of their own hands.”
- I will pronounce my judgments upon them for all their evil, because they have forsaken me and have burned incense to other gods and have worshiped the works of their own hands.
Jer.1.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תאזר: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- מתניך: NOUN,f,pl,poss:2,m
- וקמת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ודברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- אצוך: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- אל: NEG
- תחת: PREP
- מפניהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- פן: CONJ
- אחתך: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exod.4.12 (verbal): God assures the prophet that He will provide words and enable the mouth — parallels Jeremiah’s commission to arise and speak all that God commands.
- Ezek.2.6-7 (verbal): Divine commissioning of a prophet with the injunction not to fear or be dismayed before the people and to speak God’s words — closely parallels Jeremiah’s warning and mandate.
- Jer.1.9 (structural): Immediate context in Jeremiah: God touches Jeremiah’s mouth and puts His words in it, supplying the ability to speak what he has been commanded — complement to the command to rise and speak.
- Isa.50.7 (thematic): The servant’s steadfastness before opposition — 'I was not dismayed' resonates with Jeremiah’s charge to not be terrified before hostile audiences while proclaiming God’s message.
- Matt.10.19-20 (thematic): Jesus’ instruction to disciples not to worry about what to say because the Spirit will speak through them echoes the promise and command that prophets should speak God’s words without fear.
Alternative generated candidates
- But you, gird up your loins; rise and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, lest I put you to shame before them.
- But you, gird up your loins; arise and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, lest I make you dismayed before them.
Jer.1.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- הנה: PART
- נתתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg+PRON,2,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מבצר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולעמוד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברזל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולחמות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- נחשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- למלכי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- לשריה: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- לכהניה: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- ולעם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezekiel 3:8-9 (verbal): God promises to make the prophet's forehead hard like flint/stone so he will be impervious to opposition—parallel language to Jeremiah's 'iron pillar' and 'brasen walls' making the prophet resistant to the land's rulers and people.
- Isaiah 50:7 (verbal): The phrase 'set my face like flint' expresses firmness and resolve in the face of opposition, echoing Jeremiah's imagery of being made firm and fortified against hostile leaders and populace.
- Zechariah 2:4-5 (thematic): God as protector of the city—'I will be a wall of fire round about'—resonates with Jeremiah's depiction of the prophet as a fortified city and defensive bulwark for the land.
- Joshua 1:5-9 (thematic): God's commissioning of Joshua with commands to be strong and the assurance 'I will not fail thee nor forsake thee' parallels the commissioning tone and divine promise of protection and presence behind Jeremiah's role as a steadfast bulwark.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now behold, I have made you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.
- And I behold — I have made you this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land: to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests, and to the people of the land.
Jer.1.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ונלחמו: WAW+VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- יוכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להצילך: VERB,hifil,inf+2ms,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Jeremiah 1:8 (verbal): Almost identical wording and promise: God tells Jeremiah not to fear because 'I am with you to deliver you' — same divine assurance of presence and rescue.
- Joshua 1:5-9 (thematic): God's commissioning of Joshua includes the promise 'I will be with you' and that no one will stand against him — parallels the guarantee that enemies will not overcome the prophet because of God's presence.
- Isaiah 41:10 (verbal): God reassures Israel 'Fear not, for I am with you' and promises help and strengthening — a similar formula of divine presence as the basis for deliverance and protection.
- Matthew 28:20 (allusion): Jesus' closing promise 'I am with you always' echoes the Old Testament motif of God's abiding presence with his servants, applied here to the mission context and assurance against opposition.
- Hebrews 13:5 (thematic): The admonition 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' reflects the same theological theme: God's enduring presence ensures believers are not ultimately overcome by foes.
Alternative generated candidates
- They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you to save you, declares the LORD.”
- They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you.
The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin.
The word of the LORD came to him in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. And it came to pass in the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah—unto the end of the eleven years of Zedekiah son of Josiah, king of Judah—until the exile of Jerusalem in the fifth month.
The word of the LORD came to me, saying:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came forth from the womb I consecrated you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak; for I am only a youth.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all whom I send you you shall go, and whatever I command you you shall speak.”
“Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.”
Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.”
“See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to overthrow and to destroy, to build and to plant.”
Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” I said, “I see a rod of an almond tree.” And the LORD said to me, “You have seen well; for I am watching over my word to perform it.”
Then the word of the LORD came to me a second time, saying, “What do you see?” I said, “I see a boiling pot; its mouth is turned from the north.” And the LORD said to me, “Out of the north disaster shall be poured out upon all the inhabitants of the land.”
“For behold, I am calling all the clans of the kingdoms of the north, says the LORD; and they shall come, and each shall set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all her walls round about, and against all the cities of Judah.”
“I will pronounce my judgments upon them for all their wickedness, because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods and have bowed down to the works of their hands.”
“But you, gird up your loins; arise, and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, lest I dismay you before them.”
“And behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall against the whole land—to the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and the people of the land.”
“They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.”