What is the meaning of Jeremiah 1:6?

Ah, Lord GOD

“Ah, Lord GOD,” (Jeremiah 1:6) erupts from Jeremiah’s heart the moment he hears his call.

• It is a spontaneous cry of reverence that places God’s sovereignty first, much like Isaiah’s “Woe to me” in Isaiah 6:5 and Moses’ “O Lord, please send someone else” in Exodus 4:13.

• By addressing the Lord as GOD (Adonai YHWH), Jeremiah confesses that the One speaking is both Master and Covenant-Keeper—there is no question about who is in charge (Psalm 115:3).

• Acknowledging God’s rule is the starting point of every genuine calling; without it, any ministry rests on human wisdom rather than divine authority (Proverbs 3:5–6).

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I said

Jeremiah records his own reply, emphasizing personal accountability: he cannot hide behind his parents, priestly lineage, or culture.

• Scripture often highlights a deliberate, verbal response when God speaks—Samuel answers, “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10), while Isaiah volunteers, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

• True obedience involves speaking back to God in honest dialogue, not silent avoidance (Psalm 62:8).

• By writing “I said,” Jeremiah models transparency; he lets readers see both his fear and faith (2 Corinthians 4:2).

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I surely do not know how to speak

Jeremiah protests his inability: public proclamation feels impossible.

• Moses expressed the same concern—“I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10); Paul arrived in Corinth “in weakness and fear” (1 Corinthians 2:3–4). God regularly chooses unlikely messengers so the power is clearly His (2 Corinthians 3:5–6).

• Jeremiah’s phrase “surely do not know” shows conscious limitation, yet it also invites divine enablement; the Lord later promises, “I have put My words in your mouth” (Jeremiah 1:9).

• Feeling unqualified is not failure but an opening for grace; when we confess insufficiency, God supplies what is lacking (Philippians 4:13).

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for I am only a child!

The prophet underscores his youth—probably a teenager.

• Culturally, elders held authority; a “child” had no standing (Job 32:4–7). Yet God delights in overturning human expectations: He called David while tending sheep (1 Samuel 16:11–13) and told Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth” (1 Timothy 4:12).

• Jeremiah’s age magnifies God’s power—if the message is heard, it cannot be because of the messenger’s maturity (Zechariah 4:6).

• God’s response in Jeremiah 1:7 (“Do not say, ‘I am only a child’…”) reveals that excuses rooted in age do not deter His plans; obedience does (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

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summary

Jeremiah 1:6 captures a transparent moment where a young man, overwhelmed by divine calling, confesses both reverence and inadequacy. His cry teaches that:

• Recognition of God’s absolute lordship comes first.

• Honest dialogue with God invites His enabling grace.

• Human weakness—whether lack of skill or youthful inexperience—highlights, rather than hinders, God’s strength.

When God calls, He equips, and our limitations become the very stage on which His power is displayed.