Menu

Jeremiah 10:14

Jeremiah 10:14 in Multiple Translations

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.

Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

Every man is become brutish and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his graven image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

Then every man becomes like a beast without knowledge; every gold-worker is put to shame by the image he has made: for his metal image is deceit, and there is no breath in them.

Everyone is stupid; they don't know anything. Every metalworker is embarrassed by the idols they make. For their images made of molten metal are fraudulent—they're not alive!

Euery man is a beast by his owne knowledge: euery founder is confounded by the grauen image: for his melting is but falsehood, and there is no breath therein.

Brutish is every man by knowledge, Put to shame is every refiner by a graven image, For false [is] his molten image. And there is no breath in them.

Every man has become brutish and without knowledge. Every goldsmith is disappointed by his engraved image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

Every man is become a fool for knowledge every artist is confounded in his graven idol: for what he hath cast is false, and there is no spirit in them.

People are senseless and know very little [HYP]; those who make idols are always disappointed because their idols do nothing for them. The images/statues that they make are not real gods; they are lifeless.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 10:14

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 10:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB נִבְעַ֤ר כָּל אָדָם֙ מִ/דַּ֔עַת הֹבִ֥ישׁ כָּל צוֹרֵ֖ף מִ/פָּ֑סֶל כִּ֛י שֶׁ֥קֶר נִסְכּ֖/וֹ וְ/לֹא ר֥וּחַ בָּֽ/ם
נִבְעַ֤ר bâʻar H1197 to burn V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
אָדָם֙ ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) N-ms
מִ/דַּ֔עַת daʻath H1847 knowledge Prep | N-fs
הֹבִ֥ישׁ yâbêsh H3001 to wither V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
צוֹרֵ֖ף tsâraph H6884 to refine V-Qal
מִ/פָּ֑סֶל peçel H6459 idol Prep | N-ms
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj
שֶׁ֥קֶר sheqer H8267 deception N-ms
נִסְכּ֖/וֹ neçek H5262 drink offering N-ms | Suff
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
ר֥וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs
בָּֽ/ם Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 10:14

נִבְעַ֤ר bâʻar H1197 "to burn" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
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.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אָדָם֙ 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.
מִ/דַּ֔עַת daʻath H1847 "knowledge" Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
הֹבִ֥ישׁ yâbêsh H3001 "to wither" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
צוֹרֵ֖ף tsâraph H6884 "to refine" V-Qal
To refine means to purify something, like metal, by removing impurities. In the Bible, God refines his people like silver, testing and purifying them through trials. This process makes them stronger and more faithful.
Definition: 1) to smelt, refine, test 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smelt, refine 1a2) to test 1a3) to test (and prove true) 1a4) smelter, refiner, goldsmith (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be refined 1c) (Piel) to be a refiner 1c1) refiner (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cast, (re-) fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try. See also: Judges 7:4; Isaiah 1:25; Psalms 12:7.
מִ/פָּ֑סֶל peçel H6459 "idol" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to an idol or carved image, often used to describe false gods or objects of worship. It is sometimes translated as graven image, emphasizing the act of carving or shaping the idol. This concept is seen in the Bible as a form of rebellion against God.
Definition: idol, image Also means: pe.sil (פָּסִיל "idol" H6456)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: carved (graven) image. See also: Exodus 20:4; 2 Chronicles 33:7; Psalms 97:7.
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שֶׁ֥קֶר sheqer H8267 "deception" N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
נִסְכּ֖/וֹ neçek H5262 "drink offering" N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a drink offering, where a liquid is poured out as a sacrifice to God, often in a ceremonial context, as seen in Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) drink offering, libation, molten image, something poured out 1a) drink offering 1b) molten images Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "drink offering" H5261)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cover, drink offering, molten image. See also: Genesis 35:14; Numbers 29:27; Psalms 16:4.
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.
ר֥וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
בָּֽ/ם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Jeremiah 10:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 135:16–18 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.
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 Isaiah 46:7–8 They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. Remember this and be brave; take it to heart, you transgressors!
4 Habakkuk 2:18–19 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. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.”
5 Isaiah 44:18–20 They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. 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?” He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”
6 Romans 1:22–23 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
7 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.
8 Jeremiah 10:8 But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood!
9 Isaiah 42:17 But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.
10 Isaiah 45:16 They will all be put to shame and humiliated; the makers of idols will depart together in disgrace.

Jeremiah 10:14 Summary

This verse is saying that people who make idols are foolish because they are worshiping things that have no power or life. The idols are just fake, man-made objects that can't breathe or think, unlike the living God who created the universe, as seen in Jeremiah 10:12-13. We should remember that only God is worthy of our worship, and that He is the one who gives us life and breath, as seen in Genesis 2:7. By trusting in Him, we can avoid the foolishness of idolatry and experience true spiritual life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge?

This phrase suggests that humanity is lacking in spiritual understanding and wisdom, as seen in Jeremiah 10:14, and is reminiscent of the foolishness described in Romans 1:22-23, where people exchange the truth of God for a lie.

Why are the goldsmiths put to shame by their idols?

The goldsmiths are put to shame because the idols they create are worthless and have no power, as stated in Jeremiah 10:14, and this is also reflected in Isaiah 44:9-20, where the futility of idol-making is highlighted.

What is meant by 'his molten images are a fraud'?

This phrase indicates that the idols created by human hands are deceitful and have no true value or spiritual significance, as seen in Jeremiah 10:14, and is similar to the warning against idolatry in Deuteronomy 4:15-18.

How does this verse relate to the concept of breath or spirit in the Bible?

The phrase 'there is no breath in them' emphasizes that idols are lifeless and lack the spiritual essence that only God can provide, as seen in Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into Adam, and in John 20:22, where Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit into the disciples.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do I prioritize the creation over the Creator, and how can I shift my focus to worshiping God alone?
  2. What are some modern-day idols that I may be unknowingly worshiping, and how can I identify and reject them?
  3. How does the fact that idols are 'a work to be mocked' impact my understanding of their power and significance?
  4. What does it mean for me to trust in the living God, who has 'breath' and 'spirit', rather than in lifeless idols?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 10:14

Every man is brutish in his knowledge,.... Or science of making an idol, whether it be of wood, or of gold, or silver, or brass; he is no better than a brute, if he thinks, when he has made it, he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 10:14

Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. Every man - every idol-maker.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:14

Every man is brutish in his knowledge: some limit it to the makers of these idols, that can employ their arts and wits to no better purpose than to frame such stocks into gods; this suits the next expression. Men are bewitched and besotted by these things, so as to see no more into their folly than if they were brutes; and the reason that it hath taken such root may be, because of men’ s so much admiring the art of carving and painting, or rather through their ignorance: q.d. It is for want of knowledge and understanding that men are thus brutish, . Every founder is confounded by the graven image; either it shall turn to his reproach; or rather, he shall see his folly, and shall be ashamed of it when he shall discover it, that ever he should make such a thing, and trust in it, and expose it to be adored by others. His molten image is falsehood; it is not that which it pretends to be, but a deceitful thing, a lie; they turn the truth of God into a lie, . There is no breath in them; they have nothing of life in them; nay, that very vegetative life that once was in their stocks is now lost; much less are they spirits sent down from heaven.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:14

Jeremiah 10:14 Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them.Ver. 14. Every man is brutish in his knowledge.] Or, Every man is become more brutish than to know. That was therefore a hyperbolical praise given by Philostratus to Apollonius, Non doctus sed natus sapiens, that he was not taught, but born a wise man. See Job 11:12 Romans 1:22. Every man is become brutish for want of knowledge (so the words may be rendered), the heathen idol makers especially; Brutescit homo prae scientia, so Vatablus. Every man is brutish, in comparison of knowledge, viz., of God’ s knowledge, while he goeth about to search into the causes of rain, lightning, wind, &c., which God only understandeth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:14

(14) Brutish in his knowledge.—Literally, from knowing, i.e., too brutish to know, or, as some take it, brutish without knowledge, overwhelmed and astounded, so that the power of knowing fails. Every founder.—The smelter, or worker in molten metal.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:14

Verse 14. Every man is brutish] נבער nibar, is a boor, acts as a brute, who may suppose that a stock of a tree, formed like a man, may be an intellectual being; and therefore shuns the form as though it had life. See Isaiah 44:10-11. Of which verses, by the way, Dr. Blayney gives the following version to correct that of Bishop Lowth: - Isaiah 44:10. Who hath formed a god? Or set up a graven image that profiteth not? Isaiah 44:11. Behold, all that are connected with it shall be ashamed, And the artificers, they above all men! They shall assemble all of them; they shall stand forth; They shall fear; they shall be ashamed at the same time. "That is, while they stand before the image they have set up, and worship it with a religious dread, the glaring absurdity of their conduct shall lead to their shame and disgrace." With due deference to this learned man, I think this interpretation too refined.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 10:14

14. is become brutish and is without knowledge] or, as mg. is too brutish to know. MT. is open to either rendering, that of R.V. text being preferable. is put to shame] by the contrast between Jehovah’s power over the forces of nature and the impotency of the idol.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 10:14

In his knowledge - Rather, “without knowledge; i. e., on comparing his powerless idols with the terrific grandeur of a tropical thunderstorm the man who can still worship them instead of the Creator is destitute of knowledge.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:14

14. Every man is brutish — In the presence of such exhibitions of God only the brutish and besotted can find satisfaction in idols.

Sermons on Jeremiah 10:14

SermonDescription
St. Athanasius 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
Art Katz 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
George Fox 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
George Fox 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
Chuck Smith 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
Chuck Smith 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
Chuck Smith 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

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate