Jeremiah 1:18 Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land--against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

◄ Jeremiah 1:18 ►

New International Version
Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land.

New Living Translation
For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land— the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah.

English Standard Version
And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

Berean Standard Bible
Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

King James Bible
For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

New King James Version
For behold, I have made you this day A fortified city and an iron pillar, And bronze walls against the whole land— Against the kings of Judah, Against its princes, Against its priests, And against the people of the land.

New American Standard Bible
Now behold, I have made you today like a fortified city and like a pillar of iron and walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, to its priests, and to the people of the land.

NASB 1995
“Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land.

NASB 1977
“Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city, and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now behold, I have given you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests, and to the people of the land.

Amplified Bible
Now behold, I have made you today like a fortified city and like an iron pillar and like bronze walls against the whole land—against the [successive] kings of Judah, against its leaders, against its priests, and against the people of the land [giving you divine strength which no hostile power can overcome].

Christian Standard Bible
Today, I am the one who has made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the population.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Today, I am the One who has made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the population.

American Standard Version
For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

Contemporary English Version
My power will make you strong like a fortress or a column of iron or a wall of bronze. You will oppose all of Judah, including its kings and leaders, its priests and people.

English Revised Version
For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Today I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall. You will be able to stand up to the whole land. You will be able to stand up to Judah's kings, its officials, its priests, and [all] the common people.

International Standard Version
"As for me, today I'm making you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.

Majority Standard Bible
Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

NET Bible
I, the LORD, hereby promise to make you as strong as a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall. You will be able to stand up against all who live in the land, including the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and all the people of the land.

New Heart English Bible
For, look, I have made you this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.

Webster's Bible Translation
For behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against her princes, against her priests, and against the people of the land.

World English Bible
For behold, I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I, behold, have given you this day for a fortified city, and for an iron pillar, and for bronze walls over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its heads, to its priests, and to the people of the land;

Young's Literal Translation
And I, lo, I have given thee this day for a fenced city, and for an iron pillar, and for brazen walls over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its heads, to its priests, and to the people of the land;

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, I gave thee this day for a fortified city and for a pillar of iron and for a wall of brass upon all the land to the kings of Judah, to her chiefs, to her priests, and to the people of the land.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For behold I have made thee this day a fortified city, and a pillar of iron, and a wall of brass, over all the land, to the kings of Juda, to the princes thereof, and to the priests, and to the people of the land.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For certainly, this day, I have made you like a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and a brass wall, over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, and to the priests, and to the people of the land.

New American Bible
For I am the one who today makes you a fortified city, A pillar of iron, a wall of bronze, against the whole land: Against Judah’s kings and princes, its priests and the people of the land.

New Revised Standard Version
And I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and the people of the land.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For, behold, I have made you this day like a fortified city and like an iron pillar and like a brass fence against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against their princes, against their priests, against their prophets, and against all the people of the land.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I, behold, I have made you today as a mighty city, and like pillars of iron, and like a wall of brass over all the Earth, over the Kings of Judea and over their Princes, and over their Priests, and over their Prophets and over all the people of the land

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Behold, I have made thee this day as a strong city, and as a brazen wall, strong against all the kings of Juda, and the princes thereof, and the people of the land.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Call of Jeremiah
…17Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land— against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. 19They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Ezekiel 3:8-9
Behold, I will make your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. / I will make your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or dismayed at their presence, even though they are a rebellious house.”

Isaiah 50:7
Because the Lord GOD helps Me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.

Matthew 10:16-18
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. / But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

Acts 7:51-52
You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. / Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—

2 Timothy 1:7-8
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. / So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Acts 18:9-10
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”

Ezekiel 2:6-7
But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. / But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.

Micah 3:8
As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

Acts 4:29-31
And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, / as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” / After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Psalm 46:1-2
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Treasury of Scripture

For, behold, I have made you this day a defended city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

I have

Jeremiah 6:27
I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way.

Jeremiah 15:20
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 50:7
For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

against

Jeremiah 21:4-14
Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city…

Jeremiah 22:1
Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,

Jeremiah 26:12-15
Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard…

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Jeremiah 1

1. The time
4. And the calling of Jeremiah
11. His prophetical visions of an almond rod and a seething pot
15. His heavy message against Judah
17. God encourages him with his promise of assistance

Berean Study Bible

Now behold
The phrase "Now behold" serves as a divine attention-getter, emphasizing the immediacy and certainty of God's action. In Hebrew, the word "behold" is often used to draw attention to something significant. It is a call to witness the unfolding of God's plan, underscoring the importance of the message that follows. This is a moment of divine revelation, where God is about to declare His empowerment of Jeremiah.

I have made you
This phrase indicates God's sovereign action and purpose. The Hebrew verb used here conveys a completed action, signifying that God has already equipped Jeremiah for his prophetic mission. It reflects the divine initiative and authority in appointing Jeremiah, emphasizing that his strength and ability come from God alone.

today
The use of "today" highlights the immediacy and present reality of God's empowerment. It signifies that Jeremiah's commissioning is not a future promise but a present reality. This immediacy underscores the urgency of Jeremiah's mission and the pressing need for his prophetic voice in the current context of Judah's spiritual and moral decline.

a fortified city
The metaphor of "a fortified city" suggests strength, protection, and resilience. In ancient times, fortified cities were bastions of defense against enemy attacks. By likening Jeremiah to such a city, God assures him of divine protection and the ability to withstand opposition. This imagery conveys the idea that Jeremiah, though alone, will be unassailable because of God's presence with him.

an iron pillar
The "iron pillar" symbolizes unyielding strength and stability. Iron, being a strong and durable metal, represents the enduring nature of Jeremiah's mission and character. This metaphor suggests that Jeremiah will stand firm in the face of adversity, unbending and resolute, supported by divine strength.

and bronze walls
"Bronze walls" further emphasize the theme of protection and resilience. Bronze, known for its durability and resistance, suggests that Jeremiah will be impervious to the attacks and criticisms of his opponents. This imagery reassures Jeremiah that he will be safeguarded by God, enabling him to fulfill his prophetic duties without fear.

against the whole land
This phrase indicates the scope of Jeremiah's opposition. His message will challenge the entire nation, including its political, religious, and social structures. The comprehensive nature of this opposition highlights the widespread corruption and rebellion in Judah, necessitating a strong prophetic voice.

against the kings of Judah
The mention of "kings of Judah" points to the political leadership that Jeremiah will confront. The kings, as representatives of national authority, are often depicted in the Bible as leading the people either towards or away from God. Jeremiah's mission includes calling these leaders to account for their actions and urging them to return to covenant faithfulness.

its officials
"Officials" refers to the administrative and governmental leaders in Judah. These individuals, responsible for the execution of justice and governance, are also targets of Jeremiah's prophetic message. Their corruption and failure to uphold God's laws contribute to the nation's moral decay.

its priests
The "priests" represent the religious leadership, who are supposed to guide the people in worship and adherence to God's commandments. Jeremiah's confrontation with the priests underscores the spiritual apostasy prevalent in Judah, as the religious leaders have strayed from their sacred duties.

and the people of the land
This phrase encompasses the general populace of Judah. The inclusion of "the people of the land" indicates that Jeremiah's message is not only for the leaders but also for every individual. It highlights the collective responsibility of the nation in turning away from God and the need for widespread repentance and reform.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18) I have made thee . . . a defenced city . . .--Images of strength are heaped one upon another. The prophet is represented as attacked by kings, princes, priests, and people, as the cities of Judah are by the invading armies. But the issue is different. They fall: he will hold out. The iron pillar is that which, rising in the centre of an Eastern house or temple (as, e.g., in Judges 16:25; 1Kings 7:21), supports the flat roof, and enables it to be used as a terrace or platform on which men may meet. The "brasen walls" probably refer to the practice of fastening plates of copper over the brick or stonework of a fortification.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. - Brasen walls. The plural is used instead of a collective term for the whole circle of fortifications. In the parallel passage (Jeremiah 15:20) the singular occurs; the same alternation of plural and singular as in 2 Kings 25:10; 1 Kings 3:1. The combination of figures strikingly expresses the invincibility of one whose strength is in his God. The kings of Judah. Why the plural? Most reply, Because Jeremiah would have to do with successive sovereigns. But this meaning would have been just as well conveyed by the singular: "the king of Judah," without any name being added - would moan the king who from time to time happened to be reigning. "Kings of Judah" in Jeremiah seems to have a special meaning, and to include all the members of the royal family, who formed a numerous and powerful class (see on Jeremiah 17:20).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Now behold,
הִנֵּ֧ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

this day
הַיּ֗וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

I
וַאֲנִ֞י (wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

have made
נְתַתִּ֣יךָ (nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

you a fortified
מִבְצָ֜ר (miḇ·ṣār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4013: A fortification, castle, fortified city, a defender

city,
לְעִ֨יר (lə·‘îr)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

an iron
בַּרְזֶ֛ל (bar·zel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1270: Iron, an iron implement

pillar,
וּלְעַמּ֥וּד (ū·lə·‘am·mūḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5982: A column, a stand, platform

and bronze
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת (nə·ḥō·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5178: Copper, something made of that metal, coin, a fetter, base

walls
וּלְחֹמ֥וֹת (ū·lə·ḥō·mō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the whole
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

land—
הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

against the kings
לְמַלְכֵ֤י (lə·mal·ḵê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Judah,
יְהוּדָה֙ (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

its officials,
לְשָׂרֶ֔יהָ (lə·śā·re·hā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

its priests,
לְכֹהֲנֶ֖יהָ (lə·ḵō·hă·ne·hā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

and the people
וּלְעַ֥ם (ū·lə·‘am)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

of the land.
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 1:18 For behold I have made you this (Jer.)