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Jeremiah 1:8

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 1:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Be not afraid because of them; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith Jehovah.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Be not afraid because of them; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith Jehovah.
Jeremiah 1:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Before 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.
6Then said I, Ah, Lord Jehovah! behold, I know not how to speak; for I am a child.
7But Jehovah said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for to whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go, and whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak.
8Be not afraid because of them; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith Jehovah.
9Then Jehovah put forth his hand, and touched my mouth; and Jehovah said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth:
10see, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.
11Moreover the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond-tree.
← Jeremiah 1:7Jeremiah 1:9 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Be not afraid of their faces, etc.] Their stern looks, their frowning brows, and angry countenances, which would threaten him with destruction and death: for I am with thee, to deliver thee, saith the Lord; out of their hands, when in the most imminent danger. The Targum paraphrases the words thus, “my Word shall be thine help to deliver thee:” which is true of Christ, the essential Word of God.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Eze 2:6; Eze 3:9). I am with thee-- (Exo 3:12; Jos 1:5).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“not afraid: Jer 1:17; Isa 51:7, Isa 51:12; Eze 2:6, Eze 2:7, Eze 3:8, Eze 3:9; Mat 10:26; Luk 12:4, Luk 12:5; Act 4:13, Act 4:29; Eph 6:20 for I am: Jer 15:20, Jer 15:21, Jer 20:11; Exo 3:12; Deu 31:6, Deu 31:8; Jos 1:5, Jos 1:9; Isa 43:2; Mat 28:20; Act 7:9, Act 7:10, Act 18:10, Act 26:17; Co2 1:8-10; Ti2 4:17, Ti2 4:18; Heb 13:5, Heb 13:6 Jeremiah 1:9”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Just as little needs youthful bashfulness or shy unwillingness to speak before high and mighty personages stand as a hindrance in the way of his accepting God's call. The Lord will be with him, so that he needs have no fear for any man. The suffix in מפניהם refers to all to whom God sends him ( Jer 1:7). These, enraged by the threatenings of punishment which he must proclaim to them, will seek to persecute him and put him to death (cf. Jer 1:19); but God promises to rescue him from every distress and danger which the fulfilment of his duties can bring upon him. Yet God does not let the matter cease with this pledge; but, further, He consecrates him to his calling. Jeremiah 1:9”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification