King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 10:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 10:16 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 10:16 · KJV


Context

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.

17

Gather up thy wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress. inhabitant: Heb. inhabitress

18

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find it so.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse celebrates Jacob's God: 'The portion of Jacob is not like them.' Jacob's 'portion' (cheleq, חֵלֶק) is his inheritance, his God—completely unlike worthless idols. 'For he is the former of all things.' yotser (יוֹצֵר, potter, former) describes God as cosmic craftsman who formed everything. Unlike human craftsmen making idols, the divine Potter formed the universe. 'And Israel is the rod of his inheritance.' The relationship is reciprocal: God is Israel's portion; Israel is God's inheritance (nachalah). 'The LORD of hosts is his name.' The divine title YHWH Tseva'oth (Lord of armies/hosts) emphasizes military sovereignty over all powers, earthly and heavenly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of God as 'portion' appears in Psalm 16:5, 73:26, 119:57, 142:5, and Lamentations 3:24. During exile, when Israel lost land, temple, and political identity, their 'portion' remained—God Himself was their inheritance when all else was stripped away. This theology of divine sufficiency sustained exilic faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for God to be our 'portion' when external supports are removed?
  2. How does the mutual inheritance—God is Israel's portion, Israel is God's inheritance—describe covenant relationship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לֹֽא1 of 14
H3808

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

כְאֵ֜לֶּה2 of 14
H428

these or those

חֵ֣לֶק3 of 14

The portion

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

יַעֲקֹ֗ב4 of 14

of Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

כִּֽי5 of 14
H3588

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

יוֹצֵ֤ר6 of 14

is not like them for he is the former

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

הַכֹּל֙7 of 14
H3605

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

ה֔וּא8 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְיִ֨שְׂרָאֵ֔ל9 of 14

of all things and Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

שֵׁ֖בֶט10 of 14

is the rod

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

נַֽחֲלָת֑וֹ11 of 14

of his inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

יְהוָ֥ה12 of 14

The LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֖וֹת13 of 14

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

שְׁמֽוֹ׃14 of 14

is his name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character


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 10:16 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 10:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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