Jeremiah 1:5 Explained

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." — Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)

Said to one man, about one job, and the next thing he does is refuse it.

Read it in context: The Book of Jeremiah. Also gathered under verses about identity.

Jeremiah 1:5 in context

What does Jeremiah 1:5 mean?

Three verbs before birth: knew, sanctified, ordained. 'Knew' is relational rather than informational — the Hebrew is the word used for intimate acquaintance. 'Sanctified' means set apart for a purpose. The verse is specific to Jeremiah and to prophecy, which is worth saying plainly; but the pattern it shows — a purpose that precedes the person — is why it has been read far beyond him.

What is the context of Jeremiah 1:5?

God's opening words to Jeremiah, who is young and who answers that he cannot speak. The call is to a forty-year ministry that will be ignored, and the man who receives it will spend much of the book wishing he had not.

How do I pray Jeremiah 1:5?

Pray it when your usefulness feels like something you have to earn or maintain. The three verbs are all in the past tense and all belong to God, which leaves nothing for you to secure. And note the sequel: Jeremiah objected, and the objection did not cancel the call.

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