Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Now the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,
Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Now the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
Now the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
The word of the Lord came unto me - Then I first felt the inspiring influence of the Divine Spirit, not only revealing to me the subjects which he would have me to declare to the people, but also the words which I should use in these declarations.
This history of Jeremiah's call to his office formed a part of his first address to the people. He claimed to act by an external authority, and to speak not his own words but those of Yahweh; and this even when resisting the divine call (see Jeremiah 15:13; Jeremiah 20:7, Jeremiah 20:14-18).
1:4 Then - When he was first called to his office.