King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 10:4 Mean?
“They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.”
Context
2
Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
3
For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. customs: Heb. statutes, or, ordinances are vanity
4
They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
5
They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
6
Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary9. Abraham, the father of the Jews, taken from the remote Ur of the Chaldees. Others take it of Israel, called out of Egypt (De 4:37; Ho 11:1).
**from the chief men--**literally, "the elbows"; so the joints; hence the root which joins the tree to the earth; figuratively, those of ancient and noble stock. But the parallel clause "ends of the earth" favors Gesenius, who translates, "the extremities of the earth"; so Jerome.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
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 10:4 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 10:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge