Jeremiah 1:5
What does Jeremiah 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Jeremiah 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Jeremiah 1:5 means
Jeremiah 1:5 speaks to God’s sovereign plan and intimate knowledge of individuals even before their birth. The verse emphasizes that God’s relationship with Jeremiah began before conception, highlighting divine foreknowledge and predestination. The phrase "formed you in the belly" uses the imagery of pottery or craftsmanship, suggesting God meticulously shaped Jeremiah. "Knew you" implies a deep, personal, and intentional relationship, not just awareness. "Sanctified you" means God set Jeremiah apart for a special purpose, dedicating him to a holy task. Finally, "appointed you a prophet to the nations" clearly defines Jeremiah's lifelong mission, demonstrating God's specific calling and commissioning for his servant.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Before you were formed in the body of your mother I had knowledge of you, and before your birth I made you holy; I have given you the work of being a prophet to the nations.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Before I form thee in the belly, I have known thee; and before thou comest forth from the womb I have separated thee, a prophet to nations I have made thee.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Before I formed thee in the bowels of thy mother, I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and made thee a prophet unto the nations.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I hallowed thee, I appointed thee a prophet unto the nations.
Context
Jeremiah 1:5 is God’s direct address to Jeremiah, occurring early in the book amidst his call narrative. Prior to this verse, the chapter introduces Jeremiah, identifies the timing of his prophetic ministry, and establishes God as the one initiating the prophetic commission. Immediately following this verse, Jeremiah expresses his unworthiness and youthfulness, highlighting his initial reluctance to undertake such a daunting task. This verse serves as the foundation for Jeremiah’s prophetic authority and mission, assuring him of divine backing and purpose even before he voices his objections, setting the stage for the dramatic dialogue that ensues in the rest of the chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 139:16
Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance; And in thy book they were all written, Eventhe days that were ordainedfor me, When as yet there was none of them.
- Jeremiah 25:15
For thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, unto me: Take this cup of the wine of wrath at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
- Isaiah 49:5
And now saith Jehovah that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered unto him (for I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God is become my strength);
- Jeremiah 50:34
Their Redeemer is strong; Jehovah of hosts is his name: he will thoroughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.
- Luke 1:15
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
- Isaiah 49:1
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye peoples, from far: Jehovah hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name:
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