King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 10:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 10:11 in the King James Version says “Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the eart...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 10:11 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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. true: Heb. God of truth everlasting: Heb. king of eternity

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. multitude: or, noise with: or, for

Read Jeremiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse provides a statement in Aramaic (the international language of that era): '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.' The Aramaic switch may be for proclamation to foreign nations or to make the point memorable in the language of exile. The criterion distinguishes true from false gods: did they create? Gods that 'have not made' (la avadu) heaven and earth possess no ultimacy. Their fate: 'perish' (yevadu) from the realm they did not create. Temporal, created 'gods' will be destroyed; only the Creator endures.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse's Aramaic language is unique in Jeremiah (though common in Daniel and Ezra). Aramaic was the diplomatic and commercial lingua franca of the Neo-Babylonian and Persian empires. The verse may have been a confessional formula Jews could recite when confronted with pagan worship. Its message is clear in any language: non-creator gods face destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might this verse's message be given in Aramaic, the international language of the empire?
  2. How does the criterion of creation distinguish the true God from all pretenders?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּדְנָה֙1 of 15

“Thus”

H1836

this

תֵּאמְר֣וּן2 of 15

“shall ye say”

H560

to speak, to command

לְה֔וֹם3 of 15
H0
אֱלָ֣הַיָּ֔א4 of 15

“unto them The gods”

H426

god

דִּֽי5 of 15
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

שְׁמַיָּ֖א6 of 15

“heavens”

H8065

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְאַרְקָ֖א7 of 15

“and the earth”

H778

the earth

לָ֣א8 of 15

“that have not”

H3809

no, not

עֲבַ֑דוּ9 of 15

“made”

H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

יֵאבַ֧דוּ10 of 15

“even they shall perish”

H7

to perish

מֵֽאַרְעָ֛א11 of 15

“from the earth”

H772

the earth; by implication (figuratively) low

וּמִן12 of 15
H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

תְּח֥וֹת13 of 15

“and from under”

H8460

beneath

שְׁמַיָּ֖א14 of 15

“heavens”

H8065

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

אֵֽלֶּה׃15 of 15

“these”

H429

these or those

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 10:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 10:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 96:5Isaiah 2:18Zechariah 13:2Jeremiah 51:18Jeremiah 10:15Zephaniah 2:11

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