Keraia
Jeremiah 10

Jeremiah 10:4

The Sovereignty of God · Jeremiah 10:1–16
Read Jeremiah 10

Translations

Modern
They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter.
Traditional
They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
Literal
They decorate it with silver and with gold, they fasten it with nails and with hammers so that it will not totter.
Latin
…argento et auro decoravit illud: clavis et malleis compegit, ut non dissolvatur:

Original

Hebrew
English
They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter.

Notes

Jeremiah 10:4

The carved image had no beauty or value by itself. People had to add gold and silver to make it impressive (see Jeremiah 10:9). Similarly, the image could not stand on its own. It needed to be secured to a foundation with a hammer and nails.

Jeremiah 10:1–16

This poetic passage criticizes idol worship and affirms the unity and majesty of the one true God. It is not a logical discussion of divinity in nature or a detailed statement about God's attributes. Instead, it is a poem about the foolishness of worshiping idols that the worshipers have made. It includes strong affirmations of faith that clearly declare who God is.

Jeremiah 10:1–25

This poetic passage has three parts:

  1. A contrast between the Lord and pagan idols (Jeremiah 10:1–16)

  2. A reflection on the destruction awaiting idol worshipers (Jeremiah 10:17–18, 19–22)

  3. A prayer asking God to act with restraint in the coming judgment and to ensure the pagan nations do not go unpunished (Jeremiah 10:23–25).

Theme notes and profiles

Jeremiah God’s Uniqueness

Events

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (Old Testament) Body Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah (Person)

Topics

Celebrating Christmas Christmas Trees Hammer: General Scriptures Concerning Idolatry: Folly of Nail: (Or, Peg)) Questioning God