King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 7:18 Mean?

Jeremiah 7:18 in the King James Version says “The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen o... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. queen: or, frame, or, workmanship of heaven

Jeremiah 7:18 · KJV


Context

16

Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.

17

Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?

18

The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. queen: or, frame, or, workmanship of heaven

19

Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?

20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A detailed description of family idolatry follows: 'The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven.' This shows systematic, multigenerational involvement in pagan worship. The 'queen of heaven' (likely Ishtar/Astarte) received cakes and offerings. The phrase 'pour out drink offerings unto other gods' indicates comprehensive apostasy—not just neglecting Yahweh but actively worshiping false gods. The participation of children, fathers, and mothers shows how thoroughly idolatry permeated family life. This illustrates covenant breaking at the most basic unit of society.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Worship of the 'queen of heaven' was widespread in the ancient Near East. Jeremiah 44:15-19 reveals that after Jerusalem's fall, Jewish refugees in Egypt continued this practice, showing its deep-rooted nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does family-based idolatry demonstrate the importance of household discipleship and worship?
  2. What modern equivalents of 'queen of heaven' worship compete for family devotion today?
  3. What is the relationship between private family practices and public covenant faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
הַבָּנִ֞ים1 of 20

The children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מְלַקְּטִ֣ים2 of 20

gather

H3950

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

עֵצִ֗ים3 of 20

wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וְהָֽאָבוֹת֙4 of 20

and the fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

מְבַעֲרִ֣ים5 of 20

kindle

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

אֶת6 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאֵ֔שׁ7 of 20

the fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְהַנָּשִׁ֖ים8 of 20

and the women

H802

a woman

לָשׁ֣וֹת9 of 20

knead

H3888

to knead

בָּצֵ֑ק10 of 20

their dough

H1217

dough (as swelling by fermentation)

לַעֲשׂ֨וֹת11 of 20

to make

H6213

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

כַּוָּנִ֜ים12 of 20

cakes

H3561

something prepared, i.e., a sacrificial wafer

לִמְלֶ֣כֶת13 of 20

to the queen

H4446

a queen

הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם14 of 20

of heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְהַסֵּ֤ךְ15 of 20

and to pour out

H5258

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

נְסָכִים֙16 of 20

drink offerings

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

לֵאלֹהִ֣ים17 of 20

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

אֲחֵרִ֔ים18 of 20

unto other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

לְמַ֖עַן19 of 20
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הַכְעִסֵֽנִי׃20 of 20

that they may provoke me to anger

H3707

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


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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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