King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 25:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 25:6 in the King James Version says “And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

Jeremiah 25:6 · KJV


Context

4

And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.

5

They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:

6

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

7

Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.

8

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt. The phrase ʾaḥărê ʾĕlōhîm ʾăḥērîm (אַחֲרֵי אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, after other gods) describes spiritual adultery—pursuing foreign deities rather than remaining faithful to Yahweh. The verbs lĕʿāḇĕḏām (לְעָבְדָם, to serve) and lĕhishtaḥăwōṯ lāhem (לְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֹת לָהֶם, to worship/bow down to them) indicate comprehensive devotion—both practical service and religious worship directed toward false gods.

The phrase maʿăśê yĕḏêḵem (מַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵיכֶם, works of your hands) refers to idols—human-crafted objects elevated to divine status. This is ultimate folly: worshiping what we ourselves made. Isaiah mocked this absurdity—using half a tree for firewood and bowing to the other half as god (Isaiah 44:9-20). The promise 'I will do you no hurt' reveals God's desire: He takes no pleasure in punishing His people but judges only when persistent rebellion leaves no alternative. As Paul wrote, 'God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself' (2 Corinthians 5:19)—His heart seeks restoration, not destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological discoveries reveal the extent of Judah's idolatry. Excavations have uncovered figurines of Asherah (Canaanite fertility goddess), inscriptions invoking 'Yahweh and his Asherah' (syncretism), and evidence of child sacrifice to Molech in the Valley of Hinnom. Manasseh's reign (697-642 BC) entrenched pagan worship in the temple itself (2 Kings 21:1-18). Though Josiah attempted reform, the people's hearts remained unchanged. They participated in idolatry not from ignorance but deliberate choice, preferring tangible idols to the invisible Yahweh.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'works of our hands' might we be tempted to worship today—things we create or control rather than the Creator?
  2. How does idolatry 'provoke God to anger,' and what does this reveal about the exclusive nature of true worship?
  3. In what ways does God's statement 'I will do you no hurt' reveal His heart toward His people, and how should this shape our understanding of divine judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאַל1 of 16
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּלְכ֗וּ2 of 16
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵי֙3 of 16

not after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֱלֹהִ֣ים4 of 16

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

אֲחֵרִ֔ים5 of 16

other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

לְעָבְדָ֖ם6 of 16

to serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

וּלְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֣ת7 of 16

them and to worship

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לָהֶ֑ם8 of 16
H0
וְלֹֽא9 of 16
H3808

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

תַכְעִ֤יסוּ10 of 16

them and provoke me not to anger

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

אוֹתִי֙11 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה12 of 16

with the works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יְדֵיכֶ֔ם13 of 16

of your hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְלֹ֥א14 of 16
H3808

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

אָרַ֖ע15 of 16

and I will do you no hurt

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

לָכֶֽם׃16 of 16
H0

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 25:6 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 25:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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