HolyStudy
Bible IndexRead BibleNotesChurchesMissionPrivacyTermsContact
© 2026 HolyStudy
HomeRead BibleBible NotesChurchesSign in
HolyStudy
HomeRead BibleBible NotesChurches
Sign in

Jeremiah 10

1

Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:

2

Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

3

For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

4

They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

5

They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

6

Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Lord; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.

7

Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.

8

But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.

9

Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.

10

But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

11

Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.

12

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

13

When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

14

Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

15

They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

16

The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The Lord of hosts is his name.

17

Gather up thy wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress.

18

For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find it so.

19

Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.

20

My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.

21

For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

22

Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons.

23

O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

24

O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

25

Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

← Previous ChapterNext Chapter →

Jeremiah 10

Jeremiah contrasts the true God with worthless idols fashioned by human hands, depicting idol-making as absurd craftsmanship that produces objects devoid of divine power, breath, or capacity to save, while YHWH is exalted as the maker of all things, the God who thunders and shakes creation through meteorological power. The confession of YHWH's greatness and might, coupled with the admission that peoples and nations cannot contend with the divine decree, establishes theological monotheism and YHWH's supremacy over all natural and political forces—including Babylon—rendering human resistance to judgment ultimately futile. Jeremiah acknowledges his own need to speak with YHWH rather than to YHWH in anger, recognizing that divine correction, though severe, serves purposes within the covenant relationship and should be received with submission rather than rebellion. The chapter's juxtaposition of powerless idols with the sovereign God establishes the theological absurdity of Judah's apostasy: the people have abandoned the one true power in the universe for fabrications of human creativity, a delusion that judgment is designed to cure through catastrophic disillusionment.

Jeremiah 10:15

The judgment on idols: 'They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish.' This verse (continuing verse 14) establishes that idols will be destroyed in judgment. Theologically, this verse promises that idolatry will not ultimately succeed.

Jeremiah 10:16

God's supremacy: 'He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including Israel, the tribe of his inheritance—the LORD Almighty is his name.' This verse identifies God as 'the Portion of Jacob' (Israel's divine inheritance) and establishes that He is completely unlike idols. The phrase 'the Maker of all things' reiterates God's creative supremacy. The designation 'the LORD Almighty' (YHWH Sabaoth) emphasizes God's power. Theologically, this verse establishes that Israel's God is fundamentally different from the gods of other nations: He is Creator, not creature.

Jeremiah 10:17

The command to flee: 'Gather up your belongings to leave the land, you who live under siege.' This verse marks a shift from the contrast between God and idols to a message of imminent military action: those under siege are commanded to 'gather up your belongings to leave.' The phrase 'under siege' indicates that the invasion and siege of Jerusalem are beginning. Theologically, this verse indicates that the polemic against idolatry is not merely theological but is accompanied by the imminent judgment announced throughout the book.

Jeremiah 10:18

The explanation: 'For this is what the LORD says: "At this time I will hurl out those who live in this land; I will bring distress on them so they will be caught."' This verse explains the siege: God Himself 'will hurl out those who live in this land,' 'bring distress' upon them so 'they will be caught.' The phrase 'I will hurl out' attributes the expulsion to God. Theologically, this verse establishes that the military action is God's judgment.

Jeremiah 10:19

Jeremiah's lament: 'Woe to me because of my injury! My wound is incurable! Yet I said to myself, "This is my sickness, and I must endure it."' This verse presents Jeremiah's personal response: he laments his 'injury' (wound) and acknowledges its incurability. The statement 'This is my sickness, and I must endure it' suggests acceptance of the unbearable burden. Theologically, this verse indicates the prophet's identification with the coming catastrophe: the injury and wound are his as well as the people's.

Jeremiah 10:20

The destruction of the dwelling: 'My tent is destroyed and all my ropes are snapped. My children are gone from me and are no more; no one is left now to pitch my tent or to set up my shelter.' This verse continues Jeremiah's lament: his 'tent is destroyed,' his 'children are gone.' The imagery suggests that all that made life stable and continuous (tent, shelter, family) has been eliminated. Theologically, this verse indicates that the prophet experiences not merely external judgment but the complete dissolution of his personal life and security.

Jeremiah 10:21

The shepherds' failure: 'The shepherds are senseless and have not inquired of the LORD; so they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered.' This verse criticizes the 'shepherds' (leaders, probably including kings and priests) for being 'senseless' and failing to 'inquire of the LORD.' The consequence is that 'they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered.' The image of scattered flocks suggests the people (the flock) displaced by invasion. Theologically, this verse indicates that failed leadership is responsible for the people's scattering.

Jeremiah 10:22

The sound of the foe: 'Listen! The report is coming—a great commotion from the land of the north! It will make the towns of Judah desolate, a haunt for jackals.' This verse announces the report of approaching invasion: a 'great commotion from the land of the north' will 'make the towns of Judah desolate.' The phrase 'haunt for jackals' echoes earlier descriptions of devastated, depopulated land. Theologically, this verse indicates that the invasion is not imminent but has begun; reports of the advancing foe have reached Judah.

Jeremiah 10:23

Human powerlessness: 'I know, O LORD, that people's lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.' This verse affirms that human life and destiny are not within human control ('not for them to direct their steps'). The phrase 'I know, O LORD' suggests acknowledgment of this reality. Theologically, this verse establishes the recognition that human beings are subject to forces beyond their control.

Jeremiah 10:24

The plea for divine justice: 'Correct me, LORD, but only in due measure—not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing.' This verse pleads with God for correction 'in due measure,' asking that God not execute the full force of His anger, which would 'reduce me to nothing.' The plea suggests that even the prophet (who knows God's justice is warranted) seeks mitigation of the harshness. Theologically, this verse indicates the prophet's struggle: he acknowledges that punishment is just, yet pleads for mercy.

Jeremiah 10:25

The prayer for judgment on enemies: 'Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the peoples who do not call on your name. For they have devoured Jacob; they have consumed him completely and destroyed his homeland.' This verse calls for God's judgment on foreign nations ('nations that do not acknowledge you...peoples who do not call on your name') who have attacked Israel ('devoured Jacob...consumed him completely'). Theologically, this verse indicates that though Judah deserves judgment, her enemies also deserve judgment from God.

Jeremiah 10:13

The signs of God's power: 'When he speaks, the waters of the earth roar; he makes the clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.' This verse (repeating language from verse 9) describes the signs of God's power in natural phenomena. Theologically, this verse indicates that anyone observing nature should recognize God's power.

Jeremiah 10:14

The return to idols' worthlessness: 'Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he has made are a fraud; they have no breath in them.' This verse (repeating language from verse 10) reiterates the foolishness and worthlessness of idols. Theologically, the repetition emphasizes the point.

Jeremiah 10:1

The contrast established: 'Hear what the LORD says to you, people of Israel. This is what the LORD says: "Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them."' This verse opens with a call to hear and then warns against adopting the ways of foreign nations or fearing astral omens. The phrase 'do not learn the ways of the nations' sets up a contrast between Israel's covenant identity and foreign practice. The phrase 'signs in the heavens' refers to omens derived from heavenly bodies, suggesting that neighboring nations practice astrology and divination. Theologically, this verse begins a chapter emphasizing the contrast between the living God of Israel and the idols of foreign nations.

Jeremiah 10:2

The contrast continued: 'For the practices of the nations are worthless; someone cuts a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.' This verse describes the manufacture of idols: wood is cut from a forest, shaped by a craftsman, adorned with precious metals, and secured with nails and fasteners. The detailed description emphasizes the artificiality and human manufacture of idols. The word 'worthless' (hevel, vapor, emptiness) indicates the idols' fundamental invalidity. Theologically, this verse emphasizes that idols are human constructs lacking any inherent power or reality.

Jeremiah 10:3

The idols' powerlessness: 'Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good.' This verse compares idols to scarecrows: they cannot speak, cannot walk, and must be carried like children. The rhetorical instruction 'Do not fear them' implies that people irrationally fear objects that are fundamentally powerless. The phrase 'they can do no harm nor can they do any good' establishes complete powerlessness. Theologically, this verse articulates Jeremiah's critique of idolatry: people worship objects that are less powerful than humans themselves.

Jeremiah 10:4

The repetition of powerlessness: 'No one is like you, LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.' This verse shifts to direct address to God, acknowledging His uniqueness and power in contrast to the idols just described. Theologically, this verse sets up the contrast: God is utterly unlike idols, possessing actual power and reality.

Jeremiah 10:5

The contrast clarified: 'Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.' This verse addresses God as 'King of the nations,' expecting fear and reverence appropriate to His rank and power. The phrase 'This is your due' indicates that the worship and fear offered to God are what He deserves. The assertion that 'there is no one like you' among all nations' leaders establishes God's supremacy. Theologically, this verse articulates that God alone is worthy of the fear and worship that people mistakenly direct toward powerless idols.

Jeremiah 10:6

God's superiority: 'All of them are senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols. Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz, worked by the craftsman and fashioned by the goldsmith. Blue and purple clothes are the work of skilled workers.' This verse describes in detail the craftsmanship applied to idols: they are adorned with metals from distant lands (Tarshish and Uphaz), dressed in fine fabrics ('blue and purple clothes'), the work of skilled artisans. Yet despite the craftsmanship and expense, they remain 'senseless and foolish.' Theologically, this verse indicates that expensive production and skilled manufacture do not give idols life or power; they remain fundamentally empty.

Jeremiah 10:7

The uniqueness of God: 'But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath.' This verse establishes God's characteristics: He is 'the true God' (in contrast to false gods), 'the living God' (in contrast to dead idols), 'the eternal King' (in contrast to temporary human rulers). The statement 'When he is angry, the earth trembles' indicates God's power manifests in creation's response. Theologically, this verse articulates the fundamental contrast: God alone is true, alive, eternal, and powerful.

Jeremiah 10:8

The unreasonableness of idolatry: 'Tell them this: "These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens." But the LORD made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.' This verse contrasts false gods (who did not create and will perish) with the true God (who created and sustains all things). The phrase 'will perish from the earth and from under the heavens' suggests that idols will be destroyed. The description of God's creative work establishes His power and wisdom. Theologically, this verse articulates a fundamental principle: only the Creator is worthy of worship; the created (including carved idols) cannot receive worship.

Jeremiah 10:9

The permanence of God: 'When he speaks, the waters of the earth roar; he makes the clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.' This verse describes God's power over natural phenomena: His voice causes waters to roar, He commands clouds and rain, He controls lightning and wind. The phrase 'from his storehouses' suggests that God possesses and controls the forces of nature. Theologically, this verse indicates that God's power is demonstrated daily through creation's operations.

Jeremiah 10:10

The folly of human craftsmen: 'Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he has made are a fraud; they have no breath in them. They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish.' This verse criticizes those who make idols: they are 'senseless and without knowledge,' and they are 'shamed' by the worthless objects they create. The phrase 'they have no breath in them' indicates that idols lack life or spirit. Theologically, this verse indicates that idolatry represents a fundamental intellectual failure: the maker is foolish, and the product is worthless.

Jeremiah 10:11

The judgment on idols: 'Tell them this: "These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens."' This verse (sometimes noted as appearing in Aramaic in the original) reiterates that false gods will perish. Theologically, this verse emphasizes that idolatry is not merely foolish but ultimately futile: the gods people trust in will be destroyed.

Jeremiah 10:12

God's power in creation: 'But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.' This verse (repeating language from verse 8) emphasizes God's power, wisdom, and understanding as demonstrated in creation. Theologically, this verse presents God's creative power as the basis for worship.