1. The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the kohanim who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin.
2. The word of Adonai came to him during the days of King Josiah of Judah, son of Amon, in the thirteenth year of his reign.
3. It continued during the days of King Jehoiakim of Judah, son of Josiah, until the end of the eleventh year of King Zedekiah of Judah, son of Josiah—until the exile from Jerusalem in the fifth month.
4. The word of Adonai came to me, saying:
5. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I set you apart— I appointed you prophet to the nations.”
6. Then I said, “Alas, Adonai Elohim! Look, I don’t know how to speak! For I’m still a boy!”
7. But Adonai answered me, “Do not say ‘I’m only a boy!’ For to everyone I send you, you will go, and all I command you, you will speak.
8. Do not be afraid of them! For I am with you to deliver you.” It is a declaration of Adonai.
9. Then Adonai stretched out His hand and touched my mouth and Adonai said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
10. See, today I have appointed you over nations and over kingdoms: to uproot and to tear down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”