Jer 1:6 | NETfull | STEP | I answered, “Oh, Lord God , I really do not know how to speak well enough for that, for I am too young.”

Jeremiah 1:6

6 I answered, “Oh, Lord God, ^{▼▼ Heb “Lord Yahweh.”} ^{▼▼ The translation follows the ancient Jewish tradition of substituting the Hebrew word for “God” for the proper name Yahweh in this compound name. See the study note on v. 2 for the substitution of “Lord” in a similar kind of situation.} I really ^{▼▼ Heb “Behold, I do not know how to speak.” The particle הִנֵּה (hinneh, commonly rendered “behold”) often introduces a speech and calls special attention to a specific word or the statement as a whole (see IBHS 675–78 #40.2.1).} do not know how to speak well enough for that, ^{▼▼ The words “well enough for that” are implicit and are supplied in the translation for clarity. Jeremiah is not claiming an absolute inability to speak.} for I am too young.” ^{▼▼ Heb “I am a boy/youth.” The Hebrew word can refer to an infant (Exod 2:6), a young boy (1 Sam 2:11), a teenager (Gen 21:12), or a young man (2 Sam 18:5). The translation is deliberately ambiguous since it is unclear how old Jeremiah was when he was called to begin prophesying.}