Jeremiah 10:5 kjv
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.
Jeremiah 10:5 nkjv
They are upright, like a palm tree, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, For they cannot do evil, Nor can they do any good."
Jeremiah 10:5 niv
Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, 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."
Jeremiah 10:5 esv
Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good."
Jeremiah 10:5 nlt
Their gods are like
helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field!
They cannot speak,
and they need to be carried because they cannot walk.
Do not be afraid of such gods,
for they can neither harm you nor do you any good."
Jeremiah 10 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah 10:5 | they cannot do either evil or good | emphasizes inability of idols |
| Isaiah 44:12 | The blacksmith..., and puts it in the fire... The carpenter..., and spreads it out | idol creation description |
| Isaiah 44:13 | he casts it in the furnace | idol making process |
| Isaiah 44:14 | He cuts down cedars... | material for idols |
| Isaiah 44:15 | he makes a god, his idol | identifying the idol |
| Isaiah 44:16 | he burns half of it in the fire | futility of idol worship |
| Isaiah 44:17 | the rest he makes into a god, his idol | repetition of idol making |
| Isaiah 44:17 | he bows himself before it and worships it | act of worship |
| Isaiah 44:17 | he prays to it and says, “Save me, for you are my god.” | plea to an idol |
| Isaiah 45:20 | They carry about their wooden idols and pray to a god that cannot save them. | impotence of idols |
| Psalm 115:4 | Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. | origin of idols |
| Psalm 115:5 | They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see; | description of idols |
| Psalm 115:6 | They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell; | sensory organs but useless |
| Psalm 115:7 | They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk... | physical abilities but inert |
| Psalm 135:15 | The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. | commonality of idols |
| Psalm 135:16 | They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see; | lack of sensory perception |
| Psalm 135:17 | They have ears, but cannot hear; they have no breath in their mouths. | lack of hearing and breath |
| Jeremiah 10:14 | Everyone is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. | artisans shamed by their work |
| Jeremiah 10:8 | they are altogether dull and foolish | character of idol worshippers |
| Deuteronomy 4:28 | and there you will serve gods made by human hands, of wood and stone... | served false gods |
| 1 Corinthians 10:19 | Do I imply that idols are real, or that what is sacrificed to idols is real? | validity of idols debated |
| 1 John 5:21 | Little children, keep yourselves from idols. | warning against idolatry |
| Isaiah 2:8 | Their land is filled with idols; they bow down to the work of their hands... | prevalence of idolatry |
Jeremiah 10 verses
Jeremiah 10 5 Meaning
The verse describes idols as something inanimate and powerless, unable to do evil or good. This emphasizes their utter inadequacy as objects of worship when compared to the living God.
Jeremiah 10 5 Context
Jeremiah 10:1-16 serves as a polemic against the idolatry practiced by surrounding nations and even adopted by some Israelites. The prophet contrasts the power and sovereignty of the Lord with the futility of man-made idols. This chapter appears during a time when Judah was facing the threat of Babylonian conquest, partly due to their unfaithfulness and turning to foreign gods. Verse 5 specifically highlights the inability of these idols to influence events, either for good or ill, underscoring their impotence as divine beings. The message is a strong call to remember and trust in the true God alone.
Jeremiah 10 5 Word Analysis
כֵּן (ken): Thus; so.
- Significance: Introduces the characteristic or manner of the idols.
יִצְעוּ (yitzu): To do evil. (Root: עוּעַ - ‘ua, to harm, injure, do evil)
- Significance: Represents active malevolence or negative action.
וְגַם־ (vegam): And also; moreover.
- Significance: Connects the previous idea with the following one, emphasizing completeness.
לֹא־ (lo): Not.
- Significance: Absolute negation of ability.
יֵיטִיבוּ (yeitivu): To do good. (Root: טוּב - tuv, to be good, do good)
- Significance: Represents positive action, benefit, or favor.
Words Group Analysis:
- "כֵּן יִצְעוּ וְגַם־ לֹא יֵיטִיבוּ" (ken yitzu vegam lo yeitivu): This phrase encapsulates the total lack of agency and power in idols. They are incapable of performing any action that would alter circumstances for the better or for the worse. This highlights their inanimate nature.
Jeremiah 10 5 Bonus Section
The construction and worship of idols often involved elaborate rituals and artistic skill, which could imbue the idols with a perceived sense of power or sacredness in the eyes of the worshiper. However, the prophetic critique consistently strips away this perceived aura, exposing the raw material and human artifice behind them. The text is not just stating a fact about idols but is actively demythologizing them in the minds of the people. This verse's message is foundational to monotheism: the divine is utterly distinct from and superior to the material creation, especially man-made imitations of life. The inability of idols to "do evil or good" underscores that they are neither divine agents of destruction nor benevolent providers, making them entirely unworthy of worship.
Jeremiah 10 5 Commentary
Jeremiah 10:5 starkly contrasts the pagan deities with the living God. Idols, being crafted by human hands from wood and metal, are inert. They possess no will, no power, and no consciousness. Unlike the Lord, who actively intervenes in history, loves, judges, and blesses, these statues can neither inflict harm nor bestow blessings. This reality is intended to shock the people into recognizing the utter folly of their devotion to lifeless objects. Worshiping what one can control and create reveals a misunderstanding of true divine power, which is absolute and sovereign. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that our trust must be placed in the One who is truly in control of all things, not in objects that are utterly dependent on human effort and lack any intrinsic ability.
- Practical Application: When facing difficult situations, it's important to discern where our trust is placed. Are we leaning on our own abilities, possessions, or perceived sources of power (which can be likened to idols), or are we putting our faith in the God who is truly capable of both justice and mercy?