BibleWord.ai› Bible› Jeremiah› Chapter 1› Verse 18

Jeremiah 1:18

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 1:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.
Jeremiah 1:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith Jehovah; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.
16And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, in that they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.
17Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at them, lest I dismay thee before them.
18For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.
19And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee, saith Jehovah, to deliver thee.
← Jeremiah 1:17Jeremiah 1:19 →
← Full Chapter 1 Jeremiah Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, etc.] Or, “as” one; so read the Targum, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions; which is inexpungible, and cannot be taken: and an iron pillar; which cannot be removed out of its place: and brasen walls; which cannot be broken down. All these metaphors show the safety and security of the prophet, being surrounded by the power of God; his constancy, immovableness, and invincibleness in the work of the Lord, having such a spirit of power, fortitude, and of a sound mind, that nothing was able to move and shake him, or to deter him from the execution of his office; and that he should stand inflexible against the whole land; of Judea, and…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“defenced city, &c.--that is, I will give thee strength which no power of thine enemies shall overcome (Jer 6:27; Jer 15:20; Isa 50:7; Isa 54:17; Luk 21:15; Act 6:10). walls--plural, to express the abundant strength to be given him. DE ROSSI'S'S manuscripts read singular, "wall." people of the land--the general masses, as distinguished from the princes and priests. Probably in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah (Jer 1:2; compare Jer 3:6, "also . . . in . . . days of Josiah"). The warning not to rely as they did on Egypt (Jer 2:18), was in accordance with Josiah's policy, who took part with Assyria and Babylon against Egypt (Kg2 23:29). Jeremiah, doubtless, supported the reformation…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Metaphorically the walls and fortifications of the city represent the prophet’s power of patiently enduring the attacks of his enemies; while the iron pillar, supporting the whole weight of the roof Judges 16:29; 1 Kings 7:21), signifies that no trials or sufferings would crush his steadfast will. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Jeremiah 1". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/jeremiah-1.html. 1870. StudyLight.org © 2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“This whole land - All its inhabitants in general; intimating, that though men of all degrees should set themselves against him, yet God would support him against their all, and would carry him thro' his work, tho' his troubles would not be only great, but long; passing thro' several king's reigns. Next: Jeremiah Chapter 2”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:18 A fortified city could hold out for a long time against a siege, often until the besieging army left to deal with a crisis elsewhere in the empire.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I have: Jer 6:27, Jer 15:20; Isa 50:7; Eze 3:8, Eze 3:9; Mic 3:8, Mic 3:9; Joh 1:42 against: Jer 21:4-14, 22:1-30, Jer 26:12-15, Jer 34:3, Jer 34:20-22, Jer 36:27-32, Jer 37:7, Jer 38:2, Jer 38:18; Jer 42:22 Jeremiah 1:19”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Jeremiah 1 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification