The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
What does Jeremiah 18:1 mean?
While Jeremiah looks upon the potter's work, God darts into his mind two great truths. God has authority, and power, to form and fashion kingdoms and nations as he pleases.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Jeremiah 18:1-5 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Jeremiah 18:1
The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, In the first prophecy of the series Jeremiah 18 , the fate of Jerusalem was still undetermined; a long line of kings might yet reign there in splendor, and the city be inhabited forever. This was possible only so long as it was still undecided whether Josiah's efforts would end in a national reformation or not, and before Jehoiakim threw the weight of the kingly office into the opposite balance. In the present prophecy mercy is still offered to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but they reject it Jeremiah 18:11-12 .
Key words
- Jeremiah
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The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, In the first prophecy of the series Jeremiah 18 , the fate of Jerusalem was still undetermined; a long line of kings might yet reign there in splendor, and the city be inhabited forever.
- LORD
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The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, In the first prophecy of the series Jeremiah 18 , the fate of Jerusalem was still undetermined; a long line of kings might yet reign there in splendor, and the city be inhabited forever.
- saying
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The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, In the first prophecy of the series Jeremiah 18 , the fate of Jerusalem was still undetermined; a long line of kings might yet reign there in splendor, and the city be inhabited forever.
Context in Jeremiah 18
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Jeremiah 18 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as conflict with kings, priests, and prophets. Jeremiah combines fierce warning, autobiographical anguish, symbolic action, the promise of a new covenant, and the trauma of Jerusalem’s fall. Read this chapter with the wider themes of judgment, tears, and new covenant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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A collection of passages on hope under pressure, future inheritance, resurrection expectation, and confidence in God’s final faithfulness.
Bible verses about suffering and trials
Key passages on grief, endurance, lament, divine mystery, and the Christian claim that suffering is neither final nor meaningless.
Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.
Passages on the nature of truth, honesty, deception, the word of God as truth, and Jesus' claim to be the truth.
Glossary
- Jeremiah Person
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Raised up or appointed by Jehovah. (1. ) A Gadite who joined David in the wilderness ( 1 Chr. 12:10 ). (2. ) A Gadite warrior ( 1 Chr. 12:13 ). (3. ) A Benjamite slinger who joined David at Ziklag ( 1 Chr. 12:4 ).