King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 1:8 Mean?

Jeremiah 1:8 in the King James Version says “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.”

Jeremiah 1:8 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

6

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

7

But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

8

Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

9

Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

10

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Read Jeremiah 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's reassurance 'Be not afraid of their faces' addresses the prophet's real concern—not lack of eloquence but fear of human opposition. The Hebrew phrase 'be not afraid' (al-tira, אַל־תִּירָא) is emphatic prohibition—a command, not suggestion. 'Their faces' (mippeneihem, מִפְּנֵיהֶם) refers to hostile expressions, threatening presence, or intimidating authority—the human opposition Jeremiah would face from kings, priests, princes, and people. The reason given for courage is foundational: 'for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.' The promise 'I am with thee' (itti anokhi, אִתְּךָ אָנֹכִי) echoes God's assurance to Moses (Exodus 3:12), Joshua (Joshua 1:5), and later to New Testament believers (Matthew 28:20). This divine presence isn't abstract comfort but active protection—'to deliver thee' (lehatsilekha, לְהַצִּילֶךָ) promises rescue from danger. The phrase 'saith the LORD' (neum-YHWH, נְאֻם־יְהוָה) is the prophetic authentication formula—this isn't human optimism but divine oath. Jeremiah's subsequent ministry validated this promise: though he suffered persecution, imprisonment, and attempts on his life, he survived when many died, outlasting all his opponents and seeing prophecy fulfilled.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah faced extraordinary opposition throughout his ministry—more than perhaps any other prophet. His own family plotted against him (Jeremiah 12:6), hometown attempted murder (Jeremiah 11:21), priests beat and imprisoned him (Jeremiah 20:1-2), false prophets opposed him publicly (Jeremiah 28), officials threw him in a muddy cistern to die (Jeremiah 38:6), and the remnant ignored his counsel and dragged him to Egypt (Jeremiah 43). Yet he survived it all, protected by God's promise. Several times, officials or foreign powers specifically spared him (Babylonian command to treat him well, Jeremiah 39:11-12; Ebed-melech rescuing him, Jeremiah 38:7-13). This pattern of divine protection despite human hostility demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promise. The principle extends to all believers—God promises to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and to complete the work He begins (Philippians 1:6), though He doesn't promise absence of suffering (John 16:33).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'faces'—human authorities, hostile groups, or intimidating circumstances—tempt you toward fear rather than faithful obedience to God's calling?
  2. How does the promise of God's presence and deliverance enable courage to speak truth that provokes opposition rather than seeking approval?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אַל1 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָ֖א2 of 9

“Be not afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם3 of 9

“of their faces”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כִּֽי4 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִתְּךָ֥5 of 9
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֲנִ֛י6 of 9
H589

i

לְהַצִּלֶ֖ךָ7 of 9

“for I am with thee to deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

נְאֻם8 of 9

“thee saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃9 of 9

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 1:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 1:5Joshua 1:9Luke 12:4-5Deuteronomy 31:6Isaiah 51:7Jeremiah 15:20-21

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