Jeremiah 16:20
Jeremiah 16:20 in Multiple Translations
Can man make gods for himself? Such are not gods!”
Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?
Shall a man make unto himself gods, which yet are no gods?
Will a man make for himself gods which are no gods?
How can people make gods for themselves? These aren't gods!”
Shall a man make gods vnto himselfe, and they are no gods?
Doth man make for himself gods, And they — no gods?
Should a man make to himself gods which yet are no gods?”
Shall a man make gods to himself, and they are no gods?
Shall a man make gods unto himself, and there are no gods?
No one can [RHQ] make their own gods; the gods that they make are only idols; they are not real gods.’ ”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 16:20
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 16:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/יַעֲשֶׂה
לּ֥/וֹ
אָדָ֖ם
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וְ/הֵ֖מָּה
לֹ֥א
אֱלֹהִֽים
הֲ/יַעֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לּ֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וְ/הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
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 16:20
הֲ/יַעֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לּ֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 16:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 16:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 16:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 16:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:20
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 16:20
- Sermons on Jeremiah 16:20
Context — God Will Restore Israel
18And I will first repay them double their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land with the carcasses of their detestable idols, and they have filled My inheritance with their abominations.”
19O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.
20Can man make gods for himself? Such are not gods!”
21“Therefore behold, I will inform them, and this time I will make them know My power and My might; then they will know that My name is the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 37:19 | They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. |
| 2 | Psalms 115:4–8 | Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 3 | Galatians 4:8 | Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. |
| 4 | Acts 19:26 | And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. |
| 5 | Psalms 135:14–18 | For the LORD will vindicate His people and will have compassion on His servants. The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 6 | Hosea 8:4–6 | They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction. He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? For this thing is from Israel— a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria. |
| 7 | Isaiah 36:19 | Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? |
| 8 | Jeremiah 2:11 | Has a nation ever changed its gods, though they are no gods at all? Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols. |
| 9 | Galatians 1:8 | But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! |
Jeremiah 16:20 Summary
Jeremiah 16:20 is a reminder that humans cannot create their own gods, and that such idols are worthless and powerless, as seen in Isaiah 44:9-20. This verse emphasizes the importance of worshiping the one true God, who is our strength and refuge, as stated in Psalms 46:1 and Jeremiah 16:19. By recognizing the emptiness of idols and the power of the true God, we can turn away from idolatry and toward a deeper relationship with Him, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves what idols we may be creating in our own lives and how we can surrender them to the one true God, as commanded in 1 Corinthians 10:14 and 1 John 5:21.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jeremiah 16:20 mean by 'make gods for himself'?
This phrase refers to the act of creating or worshiping idols, which is a form of idolatry condemned in the Bible, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:7 and Isaiah 44:9-20. Such idols are not true gods, but rather worthless objects made by human hands.
Why does the verse say 'Such are not gods'?
This statement emphasizes that the idols created by humans are not genuine deities, but rather mere objects without power or authority, as also stated in Psalms 115:4-8 and Isaiah 41:23-24. They are unable to provide true help or salvation.
Is this verse relevant to people today?
Yes, Jeremiah 16:20 remains relevant today, as people still create and worship their own 'gods' in the form of money, fame, power, or other idols, as warned against in 1 Timothy 6:10 and 1 John 5:21. This verse serves as a reminder to worship the one true God, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 6:13-15.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Jeremiah 16:20 is part of a larger section where God is condemning the idolatry of His people, as seen in Jeremiah 16:18-19, and promising to make them know His power and might, as stated in Jeremiah 16:21. This verse fits into the context of God's judgment and restoration, as seen in Jeremiah 16:14-15 and Jeremiah 16:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day idols that people create and worship, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
- How does the concept of 'making gods for myself' relate to my own desires and priorities, and what does this reveal about my heart?
- What does it mean to truly worship the one true God, and how can I cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, as seen in Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Matthew 22:37-38?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of Jeremiah 16:20 to my daily life, and how can I share this truth with others, as commanded in Matthew 28:18-20?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 16:20
Shall a man make gods unto himself,.... Can a man make his own gods? a poor, weak, mortal man? can he make gods of gold, silver, brass, wood, or stone? can he put deity into them?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 16:20
Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods? Shall a man make gods unto himself - indignant protest of Jeremiah against idols. And they are no gods - (Jeremiah 2:11; Isaiah 37:19; Galatians 4:8).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:20
It is doubtful whether these be to be understood as the words of God, showing the unreasonableness of the sin of idolatry, or, as others make them, the continued speech of the Gentiles, who after their conversion should see the unreasonableness of worshipping the works of their own hands. Whoso owneth a God owneth an infinite Being, a First Cause, and Mover, and Creator of all things. Now can any be so sottishly stupid as to think that a finite being should give a being to an infinite Being; that he who is a creature should make his Creator, that he should be a cause to the First Cause? (things which are all contradictions to the common sense of men). A man is no god himself; how can he communicate a divine nature, which himself hath not, to another?
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:20
Jeremiah 16:20 Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they [are] no gods?Ver. 20. Should a man make gods to himself?] Nonne res haec stupore digna? Is not this a strange sottishness? The Gentiles here see it, and yet the Papists will not.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 16:20
Verse 20. Shall a man make gods unto himself?] Can any be so silly, and so preposterously absurd? Yes, fallen man is capable of any thing that is base, mean, vile, and wicked, till influenced and converted by the grace of Christ.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 16:20
9–21. Du. rejects all these vv. Co. omits 9–13, suspects the genuineness of 14, 15 both here and in Jeremiah 23:7 f., and rejects 16, as well as portions of 17–21. Gi. retains of the whole series only Jeremiah 16:19, while admitting (Metrik) that 20, 21 may be genuine. Schmidt denies the genuineness of 14–21. There is thus a considerable consensus of authorities against the passage, but their arguments do not appear conclusive except as to 14, 15. See further in individual notes. According to Gi. (Metrik) metre is doubtful or non-existent, except in 7, 8, 19–21.
Sermons on Jeremiah 16:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Do Men Make Their Own Gods? by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of idolatry, emphasizing that while men may create their own gods, these are not true gods. He warns that modern idolatry manifests not in physica |
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Broken Cisterns by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping the true and living God, highlighting the dangers of seeking fulfillment in broken cisterns, which represent false beliefs and i |
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The Worship of False Gods by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the concept of worship and the nature of false gods that people create, such as the pursuit of recognition, pleasure, money, and sex. It emphasizes the impo |
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Man Made God's by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tragic truth that many people are caught up in idol worship, specifically idols made of silver and gold. He references the book of Deuter |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo |
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Unreached Peoples: The Drokpa People of the Himalayas by Paul Hattaway | This sermon delves into the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Drogpa people, who live in a fruitful yet isolated area, practicing ancient customs and idol worship. Despite the |
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The Attributes of God - Part 3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the existence of God and our accountability to Him. He argues that if evolution were true and there was no God, |