King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 10:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 10:14 in the King James Version says “Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehoo...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. brutish in his knowledge: or, more brutish than to know”

Jeremiah 10:14 · KJV

Context

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

14

Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. brutish in his knowledge: or, more brutish than to know

15

They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

16

The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.

Read Jeremiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse returns to idol critique: 'Every man is brutish in his knowledge.' The Hebrew nivr (נִבְעַר) indicates stupidity, senselessness; 'knowledge' (da'ath) suggests that supposed wisdom produces foolishness when directed toward idols. 'Every founder is confounded by the graven image.' The Hebrew tsaraph (צָרָף, metalworker, refiner) should know best that his product is mere metal—yet he worships it. 'Confounded' (hovish, הֹבִישׁ) means shamed, disappointed when expectations fail. 'For his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.' sheqer (שֶׁקֶר, falsehood, lie) exposes idols as deceptive non-entities. 'No breath' (ruach) confirms their lifelessness—they cannot animate themselves or respond to worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The irony intensifies: metalworkers who shape idols know the manufacturing process yet somehow believe their products possess divine power. This self-deception parallels Isaiah 44's extended satire. Archaeological evidence shows that ancient craftsmen sometimes signed or marked their idol work—they knew they made them, yet participated in their worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can those who manufacture idols with their hands simultaneously believe they possess divine power?
  2. What contemporary parallels exist to this self-deception about human-made objects of devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
נִבְעַ֤ר1 of 14

“is brutish”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

כָּל2 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אָדָם֙3 of 14

“Every man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

מִדַּ֔עַת4 of 14

“in his knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

הֹבִ֥ישׁ5 of 14

“is confounded”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

כָּל6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צוֹרֵ֖ף7 of 14

“every founder”

H6884

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)

מִפָּ֑סֶל8 of 14

“by the graven image”

H6459

an idol

כִּ֛י9 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֶׁ֥קֶר10 of 14

“is falsehood”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

נִסְכּ֖וֹ11 of 14

“for his molten image”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

וְלֹא12 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

ר֥וּחַ13 of 14

“and there is no breath”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

בָּֽם׃14 of 14
H0

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 10:14 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 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 135:16-18Psalms 115:4-8Isaiah 46:7-8Habakkuk 2:18-19Isaiah 44:18-20Romans 1:22-23

Test Your Knowledge

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