Jeremiah 10 4

Jeremiah 10:4 kjv

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

Jeremiah 10:4 nkjv

They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple.

Jeremiah 10:4 niv

They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.

Jeremiah 10:4 esv

They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move.

Jeremiah 10:4 nlt

They decorate it with gold and silver
and then fasten it securely with hammer and nails
so it won't fall over.

Jeremiah 10 verses

Jeremiah 10 4 Meaning

The verse describes a prohibition against creating idols, likening them to trees made useful for craftsmanship, and likening the idol itself to the decorative branches or a craftsman's handiwork that breathes no life. The core message is the worthlessness and powerlessness of idols compared to the living God.

Jeremiah 10 4 Context

Jeremiah 10 is part of God's message of judgment against Judah and its surrounding nations, who had fallen into idolatry. In this chapter, Jeremiah contrasts the power and faithfulness of the true God with the impotence and futility of idols. This specific verse serves to further illustrate the inadequacy of carved images by comparing them to things that, while crafted, possess no intrinsic life or power, directly challenging the belief that idols could act as intermediaries or deities. The historical backdrop is Judah's continued engagement with Canaanite and surrounding pagan practices, which threatened their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

Jeremiah 10 4 Word Analysis

• כִּי (ki): "for," "because," introducing the reason or explanation for the preceding statement.

• בַּעֲלֶת (ba‘alet): " mistress," "owner," or in this context, referring to the capability or possession of the attributes described. It's a feminine noun.

• כָּל (kol): "all," "every."

• עֲצֵי (‘atsey): "trees" (plural of עֵץ ‘ets, tree). Here, "trees" implies wood.

• יַ֣עַר (ya‘ar): "forest," "woodland." Refers to trees in their natural state.

• וּמַעֲשֵׂה (uma‘aseh): "and the work of," "and the workmanship of."

• יְדֵי (yedei): "hands" (plural of יד yad, hand).

• אָ֔מָּן (‘aman): "craftsman," "artisan." This emphasizes the human origin of the idol.

• הוּא (hu’): "he," "it." Referring back to the idol or its maker.

• בָּהֶם (bahem): "in them," "within them," or referring to the parts of the idol.

• מַבְרוֹק (mabroq): This word is challenging. It's a hapax legomenon (a word that appears only once in Scripture). Various scholars suggest meanings related to "glittering," "gleaming," "shining," or "decoration" as if brightened or embellished. It suggests outward splendor but no inner substance.

• א֠וֹ (’o): "or."

• לֹ֣א (lo’): "not."

• תְּפַ֧לֶה (tefah): Root פלה (palah) is related to being distinguished, set apart. Here, its negation means "does not distinguish itself," "does not make itself known," or "has no effect." It conveys a lack of perceived power or ability.

• לֹ֖א (lo’): "not."

• יָֽ֧הּ (yah): This is a shortened form of the divine name "Yahweh" (יְהוָה YHWH). However, in this context, it is linked to the inability of the idol. This is a significant polemic, implying that while true worshipers invoke Yahweh, idols can neither be called upon effectively nor are they identified with His power. It could imply that these idols are things that are not even named as "Yah" or possess "Yah's" power.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "trees from the forest, and the work of the hands of a craftsman": This phrase highlights the raw material (wood from a natural source) and the human effort involved, underscoring the manufactured and un-divine nature of the idol.
  • "brightened or, not distinguish itself, not Yah": This grouping emphasizes the superficiality of idols (brightness/decoration) and their utter lack of the essence or power of God ("not distinguish itself," "not Yah").

Jeremiah 10 4 Bonus Section

The Hebrew word mabroq is particularly intriguing. Scholars debate its exact nuance, but the prevailing view is that it refers to the superficial enhancement or adornment of the idol. This highlights how idolatry often focuses on outward beauty and ritual rather than true spiritual substance. The inclusion of "Yah" is a powerful polemic. By stating idols are "not Yah," God asserts His absolute uniqueness and sufficiency, demonstrating that no crafted object can possess or be called by His covenant name. This also anticipates New Testament themes where devotion is redirected from earthly objects or figures to the triune God revealed in Jesus Christ, who is Himself the ultimate distinction of God among men.

Jeremiah 10 4 Commentary

Jeremiah 10:4 contrasts the lifeless, crafted nature of idols with the living, active God. The imagery emphasizes that idols are merely trees fashioned by human hands. They might be adorned and polished ("mabroq"), making them appear attractive, but this is superficial. They possess no power to distinguish themselves or act. Crucially, the verse states that these idols are "not Yah," meaning they are not God and do not possess His power or divine essence. This was a direct attack on polytheistic beliefs where trees, groves, or specific woods might have been venerated or incorporated into idolatrous practices. The statement "they cannot be called 'Yah'" underlines their profound inadequacy and illegality in the eyes of God; they are not His covenant name.