King James Version
Jeremiah 10:23 in the King James Version says “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
Jeremiah 10:23 · KJV
For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.
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.
O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. bring: Heb. diminish me
Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“I know”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“that the way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“is not in himself it is not in man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“that walketh”
H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
“to direct”
H3559properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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.
Jeremiah 10:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Jeremiah 10:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge