King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 16:20 Mean?

Jeremiah 16:20 in the King James Version says “Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?”

Jeremiah 16:20 · KJV

Context

18

And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.

19

O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.

20

Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?

21

Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The LORD. The LORD: or, JEHOVAH

Read Jeremiah 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This rhetorical question highlights the absurdity of idolatry: 'Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?' The Hebrew verb 'make' (asah, עָשָׂה) emphasizes human manufacture—these 'gods' are human artifacts, not divine beings. The phrase 'unto himself' (lo, לוֹ) underscores the self-serving nature of idolatry—people create deities that conform to their desires rather than submitting to the true God who created them. The concluding phrase 'they are no gods' (lo elohim hemah, לֹא אֱלֹהִים הֵמָּה) is emphatic—literally 'not gods they.' This exposes idolatry's fundamental contradiction: the creature cannot create the Creator; humanity cannot manufacture deity. The verse echoes Isaiah 44:9-20, which mocks idol-makers who use wood for both fire and gods. This principle applies beyond carved images to any human construct—ideology, philosophy, political system, or even religious tradition—that we elevate to ultimate authority in place of God's revealed truth. Paul later develops this in Romans 1:22-25, showing how humanity exchanges God's truth for self-made lies, worshiping creation rather than Creator.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse occurs in Jeremiah's prophecy of exile and eventual restoration (chapter 16). The immediate context addresses God's judgment on Judah's idolatry—the very sin this verse exposes. Despite centuries of prophetic warning, Judah persisted in syncretism, blending Yahweh worship with Canaanite Baal worship and other pagan practices. Archaeological excavations in Judah have uncovered numerous figurines and cultic objects from this period, confirming widespread idolatry even among those who formally worshiped at Jerusalem's temple. The irony is profound: Israel had witnessed Egypt's impotent gods at the Exodus, seen Canaanite deities fail to protect their worshipers, observed Assyria's gods unable to save Samaria—yet still manufactured their own false gods. The exile to Babylon would finally cure Israel of this particular sin; post-exilic Judaism never returned to idol worship. Early Christians faced similar temptations in the Roman Empire, where civic religion demanded honoring the emperor and various deities. The apologists used arguments like Jeremiah's—ridiculing the notion that manufactured objects could possess divinity.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do modern people manufacture "gods unto themselves"—ideologies, success, comfort, political movements—that function as ultimate authorities in place of the true God?
  2. How does recognizing that we cannot create God (but only respond to His self-revelation) protect us from making Christianity into a religion of our own preferences?
  3. What practical tests can help us discern whether we are worshiping the God of Scripture or a god of our own imagining?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הֲיַעֲשֶׂה1 of 7

“make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לּ֥וֹ2 of 7
H0
אָדָ֖ם3 of 7

“Shall a man”

H120

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

אֱלֹהִֽים׃4 of 7

“gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְהֵ֖מָּה5 of 7
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לֹ֥א6 of 7
H3808

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

אֱלֹהִֽים׃7 of 7

“gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 16:20 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 16:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 37:19Psalms 115:4-8Galatians 4:8Hosea 8:4-6Acts 19:26Psalms 135:14-18

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