Old Testament
Jeremiah 1:4
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, the prophet Jeremiah recounts a pivotal moment in his life when he received a direct message from God.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah recounts a pivotal moment in his life when he received a direct message from God. This signifies the importance of divine communication in the lives of prophets and believers. The phrase 'the word of the LORD' indicates that God is initiating a relationship with Jeremiah, calling him to a specific purpose. This moment marks the beginning of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, highlighting that God chooses individuals to convey His messages to the people. It emphasizes the idea that God is actively involved in human affairs and that He speaks to those He has chosen. This verse sets the stage for the challenges and responsibilities that Jeremiah will face as a prophet, illustrating the weight of the calling he has received from God. It serves as a reminder that God has a plan for each person and that He communicates His will in various ways, urging individuals to listen and respond to His call.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 1:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to be attentive to God's voice in our lives. Just as Jeremiah received a calling, we too may have a purpose that God wants us to fulfill. We should seek to understand and respond to His guidance, being open to His direction in our daily lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 1:4 mean?
Jeremiah 1:4 describes a moment when God speaks directly to Jeremiah, marking the start of his prophetic mission. This verse highlights the significance of divine communication and God's active role in guiding individuals.
What is the significance of 'the word of the LORD' in Jeremiah 1:4?
'The word of the LORD' signifies God's direct communication with Jeremiah, indicating that God is initiating a relationship and calling him to fulfill a specific purpose as a prophet.
How does Jeremiah 1:4 relate to divine calling?
Jeremiah 1:4 illustrates the concept of divine calling by showing how God chooses individuals, like Jeremiah, to convey His messages, highlighting the personal nature of God's communication.
What can we learn from Jeremiah 1:4?
From Jeremiah 1:4, we learn the importance of being attentive to God's voice and recognizing that He may have a specific purpose for each of us, urging us to respond to His guidance.

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.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.