King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 18:3 Mean?
“Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. wheels: or, frames, or, seats”
Context
1
The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2
Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.
3
Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. wheels: or, frames, or, seats
4
And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. of clay: or, was marred, as clay in the hand of the potter made it: Heb. returned and made, etc
5
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **He wrought a work on the wheels.**—Literally, *the two wheels. *The nature of the work is described more graphically in Ecclus. xxxviii. 29, 30. The potter sat moving one horizontal wheel with his feet, while a smaller one was used, as it revolved, to fashion the shape of the vessel he was making with his hands. The image had been already used of God’s creative work in Isaiah 29:16; Isaiah 45:9; Isaiah 64:8.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). 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 18:3 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 18:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge