King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 10:20 Mean?

Jeremiah 10:20 in the King James Version says “My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.”

Jeremiah 10:20 · KJV

Context

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.

19

Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.

20

My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.

21

For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

22

Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons.

Read Jeremiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse extends the lament: 'My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken.' The Hebrew ohel (אֹהֶל, tent) uses nomadic imagery for dwelling place—Jerusalem or the entire nation portrayed as a destroyed tent. 'Cords broken' indicates the tent collapsing, protection removed. 'My children are gone forth of me, and they are not.' Exile has removed the next generation—absence produces desolation. 'There is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.' The tent cannot be re-erected; no one remains to restore the community. Complete devastation—dwelling destroyed, children absent, no hope of rebuilding.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tent imagery appears throughout Israel's history (Numbers 24:5, 2 Samuel 7:2). The tabernacle (mishkan) was Israel's original portable sanctuary. Using this imagery for Jerusalem's destruction connects back to wilderness origins while lamenting present collapse. The exile did scatter the population, removing the manpower needed to maintain community structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does tent imagery connect destruction to Israel's earlier nomadic identity and tabernacle worship?
  2. What does the absence of anyone to 'stretch forth the tent' suggest about complete social collapse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אָהֳלִ֔י1 of 14

“My tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

שֻׁדָּ֔ד2 of 14

“is spoiled”

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

וְכָל3 of 14
H3605

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

מֵיתָרַ֖י4 of 14

“and all my cords”

H4340

a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)

נִתָּ֑קוּ5 of 14

“are broken”

H5423

to tear off

בָּנַ֤י6 of 14

“my children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְצָאֻ֙נִי֙7 of 14

“are gone forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְאֵינָ֔ם8 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֵין9 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

נֹטֶ֥ה10 of 14

“of me and they are not there is none to stretch forth”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

עוֹד֙11 of 14
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אָהֳלִ֔י12 of 14

“My tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וּמֵקִ֖ים13 of 14

“any more and to set up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְרִיעוֹתָֽי׃14 of 14

“my curtains”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

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 10:20 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 10:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 4:20Jeremiah 31:15Isaiah 54:2Isaiah 49:20-22Lamentations 1:5Proverbs 12:7

Test Your Knowledge

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