Jeremiah 18:1
The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
Original Language Analysis
הַדָּבָר֙
The word
H1697
הַדָּבָר֙
The word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָ֣ה
H1961
הָיָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ
which came to Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ
which came to Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
5 of 8
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
מֵאֵ֥ת
H853
מֵאֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Prophetic introduction formulas pervade the prophetic books, authenticating messages as divine rather than human. In a context where false prophets proliferated (Jer 23:9-40), such formulas were crucial for identifying authentic prophecy. The canonical prophets consistently claimed direct divine revelation, distinguishing them from priests who taught Torah and wise men who offered counsel based on tradition and observation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Scripture as God's revealed word shape your approach to reading and applying it?
- What difference does it make that biblical prophecy comes from God rather than human religious insight?
- How does Christ as the Word made flesh fulfill and complete God's prophetic revelation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This formulaic introduction "The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD" establishes divine origin and authority for the following prophecy. The Hebrew davar (דָּבָר, word) signifies not mere verbal communication but powerful, effective divine speech that accomplishes God's purposes (Isa 55:11). Prophetic oracles begin with such authentication formulas to distinguish genuine revelation from human speculation.
The prophet serves as mediator, receiving God's word and transmitting it to the people. This mediation anticipates Christ, the ultimate Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14), who perfectly reveals the Father. Unlike Jeremiah who received words periodically, Christ is the Word eternally—the complete and final revelation of God (Heb 1:1-2).
From a Reformed perspective, this verse affirms the doctrine of verbal revelation—God speaks in human language, giving propositional truth through prophets. Scripture's authority derives from divine origin, not human wisdom or religious insight. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets illuminates believers to understand God's word today (2 Pet 1:20-21, 1 Cor 2:10-14).