King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 18:4 Mean?

“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”

Context

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,

6

O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Of clay.**—The reading in the margin, which gives “as clay,” must be regarded as a clerical error, originating, probably, in the desire to bring the text into conformity with Jeremiah 18:6, that in the text of the Authorised Version being confirmed by many MSS. and Versions. **He made it again.**—Literally, and more vividly, *he returned and made. *As we read, we have to remember that what is narrated in a few words implied a long train of thoughts. The prophet went by the impulse which he knew to be from God to the “field” in the valley of Hinnom; he stood and gazed, and then as he watched he was led to see in the potter’s work a parable of the world’s history: God as the great artificer, men and nations as the vessels which He makes for honourable or dishonourable uses (2Timothy 2:20; Romans 9:21).

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 18:4 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 18:4

Romans 9:20-23
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Jeremiah 18:6
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Isaiah 45:9
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Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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