Old Testament
Jeremiah 1:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is instructing Jeremiah to prepare himself for the difficult task ahead.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
So, gird up your loins, stand up, and speak to them everything I command you. Do not be dismayed by their faces, or I will confound you before them.
Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is instructing Jeremiah to prepare himself for the difficult task ahead. "Gird up your loins" is a metaphor for getting ready for action, suggesting that Jeremiah needs to be mentally and physically prepared. God commands him to speak boldly and truthfully to the people, delivering the messages He has given him. The warning not to be dismayed by their faces indicates that Jeremiah might face hostility or rejection, but he must remain steadfast. If he allows their reactions to intimidate him, God warns that he will be confounded or embarrassed in front of them. This verse emphasizes the importance of courage and obedience in the face of challenges, reminding Jeremiah that his strength comes from God, not from the approval of others.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 1:17 to your life
When faced with difficult conversations or tasks, we should prepare ourselves mentally and spiritually, just as Jeremiah was instructed. We must speak the truth with confidence, regardless of how others may react. Trusting in God’s strength can help us overcome our fears and fulfill our responsibilities.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 1:17 mean?
Jeremiah 1:17 means that God is telling Jeremiah to prepare himself for the tough task of delivering His messages. He must speak boldly and not be intimidated by the people's reactions.
What is the meaning of 'gird up your loins' in Jeremiah 1:17?
'Gird up your loins' is a metaphor that means to prepare oneself for action. It suggests that Jeremiah needs to be ready both mentally and physically to face the challenges ahead.
What is the main message of Jeremiah 1:17?
The main message of Jeremiah 1:17 is about the importance of courage and obedience when facing difficult tasks. God encourages Jeremiah to speak the truth without fear of rejection.
How can we apply Jeremiah 1:17 in our lives?
We can apply Jeremiah 1:17 by preparing ourselves mentally and spiritually for challenging conversations. It reminds us to speak the truth confidently and rely on God's strength rather than seeking approval from others.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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