Jeremiah 10:8
Jeremiah 10:8 in Multiple Translations
But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood!
But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.
But they are together brutish and foolish: the instruction of idols! it is but a stock.
But they are together like beasts and foolish: the teaching of false gods is wood.
Yet these “wise men” are completely foolish and stupid, because they think they can be taught by useless idols made of wood!
But, altogether they dote, and are foolish: for the stocke is a doctrine of vanitie.
And in one they are brutish and foolish, An instruction of vanities [is] the tree itself.
But they are together brutish and foolish, instructed by idols! It is just wood.
But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.
They shall all proved together to be senseless and foolish: the doctrine of their vanity is wood.
Those people who think that they are very wise [IRO] are stupid and foolish [DOU]. The idols that they worship are only made of wood! Those idols certainly cannot teach them anything.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 10:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 10:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בְ/אַחַ֖ת
יִבְעֲר֣וּ
וְ/יִכְסָ֑לוּ
מוּסַ֥ר
הֲבָלִ֖ים
עֵ֥ץ
הֽוּא
וּ/בְ/אַחַ֖ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Conj | Prep | Adj
יִבְעֲר֣וּ
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/יִכְסָ֑לוּ
kâçal
H3688
be stupid
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מוּסַ֥ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
הֲבָלִ֖ים
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-mp
עֵ֥ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-ms
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 10:8
וּ/בְ/אַחַ֖ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Conj | Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
יִבְעֲר֣וּ
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
וְ/יִכְסָ֑לוּ
kâçal
H3688
"be stupid"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to be foolish or stupid, often referring to a lack of sense or judgment, as seen in Proverbs 12:1. It can also imply being silly or ridiculous. The Bible uses it to describe those who ignore God's wisdom.
Definition: (Qal) to be foolish, be stupid
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: be foolish. See also: Jeremiah 10:8.
מוּסַ֥ר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
הֲבָלִ֖ים
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-mp
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
עֵ֥ץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 10:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 10:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 10:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 10:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:8
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 10:8
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 10:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:8
- Sermons on Jeremiah 10:8
Context — The Sovereignty of God
6There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power.
7Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You.
8But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood!
9Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz— the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers. 10But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 10:2 | For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 10:14 | Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them. |
| 3 | Psalms 115:8 | Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 4 | Romans 1:21–22 | For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, |
| 5 | Psalms 135:18 | Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 51:17–18 | Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment they will perish. |
| 7 | Isaiah 41:29 | See, they are all a delusion; their works amount to nothing; their images are as empty as the wind. |
| 8 | Habakkuk 2:18 | What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. |
| 9 | Isaiah 44:19 | And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” |
| 10 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
Jeremiah 10:8 Summary
[This verse, Jeremiah 10:8, is saying that people who trust in idols, or things that are not God, are being foolish and lacking in sense. This is because idols are just man-made objects and cannot provide true guidance or help, as seen in Psalm 115:4-8. Instead, we should put our trust in the one true God, who is all-powerful and all-knowing, as stated in Jeremiah 10:6-7 and Psalm 96:5. By doing so, we can have a personal relationship with Him and receive true wisdom and guidance.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for people to be 'instructed by worthless idols made of wood'?
This phrase means that people are being taught and guided by false gods that are mere creations of human hands, rather than the one true God, as seen in Jeremiah 10:8. This is similar to what the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 1:25, where people exchange the truth of God for a lie and worship created things rather than the Creator.
Why does the Bible call idols 'worthless'?
Idols are considered worthless because they are unable to provide true guidance, protection, or salvation, unlike the one true God who is all-powerful and all-knowing, as stated in Psalm 96:5. This is reinforced in Jeremiah 10:8, which highlights the foolishness of putting trust in such idols.
How does this verse relate to modern idolatry?
Although the context of Jeremiah 10:8 is ancient, the principle remains relevant today, as people can still be tempted to put their trust in things that are not God, such as wealth, status, or power, rather than the one true God, as warned against in 1 John 5:21.
What is the consequence of being 'altogether senseless and foolish'?
Being senseless and foolish, as described in Jeremiah 10:8, leads to a life of darkness and separation from God, as seen in Ephesians 4:17-18, where it is written that unbelievers live in futility and darkness, but believers are called to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'idols' in my life that I may be putting my trust in, rather than God?
- How can I practically apply the truth of Jeremiah 10:8 to my daily life and decision-making?
- What does it mean for me to 'fear' God, as mentioned in the surrounding verses, and how does that relate to my trust in Him?
- In what ways can I prioritize seeking instruction from God's Word, rather than the 'worthless idols' of the world?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 10:8
But they are altogether brutish and foolish,.... In comparison of the Lord, there is no knowledge and wisdom in them, this is a certain fact; they are verily brutish and foolish; or they are one and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 10:8
But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities. They are altogether - rather, all alike (Maurer).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:8
They are altogether brutish: the awe that the idol doth impress upon carnal men’ s minds, and thereby taking them off from a due apprehension of the essence of God, doth keep them between such hope and fear, that they become as senseless and as inapprehensive of any true worship as brutes. And foolish; not only some of them, but even all, both Jews and Gentiles: q.d. I need not stand to particularize, but take them altogether, they are become stupid idolaters, and have drank in the most gross superstitions of the Gentiles, as ,21. The stock; a synecdoche put for all sorts of idols, of what materials soever; and a metonymy of the matter, to render them contemptible, either as deluding the ignorant, or in themselves considered; they are mere vain, foolish, helpless things. Is a doctrine of vanities; the Hebrew word musar is taken for bad instruction, : q. d. It is an easy matter to prove them very fools and brutish, when they look upon a stock, a piece of wood, to be their god, which hath neither knowledge nor providence, and therefore must needs be a doctrine of vanity, when they think to be taught devotion by images, which is a teacher of lies; that saith to the dumb stone, It shall teach, ,19; like that doctrine of devils first broached by Pope Gregory, who first commended Serenus bishop of Massilia for not permitting images to be worshipped, but reproved him for throwing them out of the church, because they serve for ornaments and laymen’ s books, which since hath been received as a catholic doctrine, that images are laymen’ s books.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:8
Jeremiah 10:8 But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock [is] a doctrine of vanities.Ver. 8. But they are altogether brutish and foolish.] The wise men are, for that, when they knew there was but one only true God - as did Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato, Seneca, &c. - they "detained the truth in unrighteousness," and taught the people to worship stocks and stones. The nations are, because they yield to be taught devotion by images under what pretext soever. Considerentur hic subterfugia Papistarum. Let them regard this strategm of Popery. Pope Gregory first taught that images in churches were laymen’ s books, a doctrine of devils.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:8
(8) Altogether.—Literally, in one, probably in the sense in one word, in one fact, sc., that which follows in the next clause. The stock is a doctrine of vanities.—Better, inverting the subject and predicate, the teaching of vanities (i.e., of idols) is a word, or is a log. That is all it comes to; that one word is its condemnation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:8
Verse 8. The stock is a doctrine of vanities.] Dr. Blayney translates,-"The wood itself is a rebuker of vanities." The very tree out of which the god is hewn demonstrates the vanity and folly of the idolaters; for, can all the art of man make out of a log of wood an animate and intelligent being?
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 10:8
8. together] rather, all together, one and all. the instruction … a stock] lit. the instruction of idols is wood, i.e. “is no better than the idol itself: idolatry is destitute of moral or spiritual force,” Dr. Possibly MT. needs emendation, as the expression is a strange one.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 10:8
Brutish - Jeremiah 10:21 and foolish Theirs was the brutishness of men in a savage state, little better than mere animals: their folly that of stupidity. The stock ... - Rather, the instruction of idols is a piece of wood.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:8
8. The stock, etc. — Rather, the teaching of idols is wood. They themselves are wood, and nothing can proceed from them better than what is in them.
Sermons on Jeremiah 10:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Through the Bible - Zechariah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various visions and messages from the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of true fasting and worship that is focused on pleasing God rather t |
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God's Calling for Us to Be Shepherds by Sanjay Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being a shepherd to those around us, drawing parallels to the responsibilities and challenges faced by older siblings. It highlights the ne |
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Studies in Zechariah 09 Zechariah 10: by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the false shepherds who have misled God's people and brought upon them the anger of God. However, amidst the judgment, there is a promise that |
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Against the Heathen by St. Athanasius | Athanasius preaches against idolatry, highlighting the inconsistency and godlessness of worshipping images and false gods. He questions the rationale behind attributing divine attr |
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Princess Diana’s Funeral as Global Event: A Prophetic Comment by Art Katz | Art Katz reflects on the global response to Princess Diana's funeral, questioning the depth of the adoration and the implications of such fervent devotion. He notes that while Dian |
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Epistle 50 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about dwelling in purity and waiting for the power of God to preserve believers in that purity. He emphasizes knowing the seed of God in one another to overcome |
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Epistle 85 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of following the light of Christ to find rest and witness the new covenant, where personal teaching from man is not needed. He urges listeners |