Jeremiah 10 12

Jeremiah 10:12 kjv

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.

Jeremiah 10:12 nkjv

He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.

Jeremiah 10:12 niv

But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.

Jeremiah 10:12 esv

It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.

Jeremiah 10:12 nlt

But the LORD made the earth by his power,
and he preserves it by his wisdom.
With his own understanding
he stretched out the heavens.

Jeremiah 10 verses

Jeremiah 10 12 Meaning

Jeremiah 10:12 declares God's incomparable power in creation and sovereignty. It highlights the futility of idols by contrasting them with the living God who skillfully fashioned the entire universe.

Jeremiah 10 12 Context

Jeremiah 10:1-16 is a polemic against idolatry, particularly directed at the false practices of the surrounding nations which Israel was being tempted to adopt. This chapter contrasts the true Creator God with the lifeless, man-made idols of the Gentiles. The prophet aims to expose the utter powerlessness and absurdity of relying on idols when the God of Israel is the sovereign Lord over all creation.

Jeremiah 10 12 Word Analysis

• He (עָשָׂה - asah): Made, did, accomplished, fashioned. Refers to the active work of creation.
• the earth (אֶרֶץ - erets): Land, ground, earth, country. Encompasses the physical planet.
• by His (בְּכֹחַ - bekoach): With, by strength, power, ability. Emphasizes the source of God's creative force.
• power (עָשָׂה - asah): strength, might, force, ability. Denotes inherent divine strength.
• He has established (נָטָה - natah): Spread out, pitched, extended, inclined. Used in reference to stretching out the heavens or setting up the world.
• the world (תֵּבֵל - tevel): World, the earth, dry land, inhabitant. Refers to the habitable world, the cosmos.
• by His (בְּחָכְמַת - bechokmat): With, by, through wisdom. Points to the intelligent design and order in creation.
• wisdom (חָכְמָה - chochmah): Wisdom, skill, shrewdness. Highlights God's profound intelligence and planning.
• and by His understanding (וּבִתְבוּנָתוֹ - uvtunato): And by His intelligence, discretion, discernment. Reinforces the purposeful and ordered nature of creation.
• stretched out (פָּרַשׂ - paras): Spread out, stretched out, expanded. A visual of God's deliberate act in expanding the heavens.
• the heavens (שָׁמַיִם - shamayim): Heavens, sky. The expanse above.

Words-Group Analysis

• "He has made the earth by his power": This phrase emphasizes God's inherent might as the primary force behind the physical creation. His power is not borrowed but intrinsic.
• "he has set up the world by his wisdom": This highlights the intentionality and intelligent design of the cosmos. The world is not a random accident but a creation structured by divine knowledge and foresight.
• "and by his understanding has stretched out the heavens": This further elaborates on God's comprehensive wisdom and deep comprehension, demonstrated in the vast expanse and intricate order of the heavens. It conveys the immensity and precision of God's work.

Jeremiah 10 12 Bonus Section

The Hebrew words for "power" (koach) and "wisdom" (chochmah) are crucial. Koach implies inherent strength, ability, and capacity. Chochmah denotes practical wisdom, skill, and intelligence in execution. This verse posits that God's creative work is a seamless blend of immense power and perfect wisdom, indicating that creation is both robust and meticulously designed. The imagery of "stretching out the heavens" is echoed in scientific observations of an expanding universe, though the Bible attributes this vastness to God's deliberate action. The understanding and wisdom of God are presented as the underlying principles of the cosmos. This attributes to God the intellect and purpose behind the creation, not merely brute force.

Jeremiah 10 12 Commentary

Jeremiah 10:12 is a profound assertion of monotheism. It declares the singular Creator God as the source of all existence and order. The verse's purpose is to underscore the incomparable power and wisdom of Yahweh, thereby exposing the utter absurdity and impotence of the idols that were so prevalent among the surrounding nations. The idols are described later in the chapter as having "mouths, but they cannot speak; eyes, but they cannot see; ears, but they cannot hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths" (Jer 10:14). In stark contrast, the true God not only speaks His word but actively formed everything by His might and understanding. This theme of God as the sole Creator is a foundational element throughout Scripture, connecting the Old and New Testaments. The power and wisdom displayed in creation are not mere demonstrations but reflect His eternal nature and His purposeful engagement with humanity.

• Practical Application: When facing overwhelming circumstances, remembering that the God who stretched out the heavens and established the world possesses unlimited power and perfect wisdom can bring peace and trust.
• Contrast with Idols: The verse challenges us to evaluate where our trust truly lies. Are we relying on powerless, man-made structures or systems, or on the omnipotent Creator who sustains all things?