Jeremiah 10:5
Jeremiah 10:5 in Multiple Translations
Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”
They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
They are like a palm-tree, of turned work, and speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.
It is like a pillar in a garden of plants, and has no voice: it has to be lifted, for it has no power of walking. Have no fear of it; for it has no power of doing evil and it is not able to do any good.
Just like a scarecrow in a field of cucumbers, their idols can't speak. They have to be carried around because they can't walk. You don't have to be afraid of them because they can't hurt you—and they can't do you any good either.
The idoles stande vp as the palme tree, but speake not: they are borne because they cannot go feare them not, for they cannot do euill, neither can they do good.
As a palm they [are] stiff, and they speak not, They are surely borne, for they step not, Be not afraid of them, for they do no evil, Yea, also to do good is not in them.
They are like a palm tree, of turned work, and don’t speak. They must be carried, because they can’t move. Don’t be afraid of them; for they can’t do evil, neither is it in them to do good.”
They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
They are framed after the likeness of a palm tree, and shall not speak: they must be carried to be removed, because they cannot go. Therefore, fear them not, for they can neither do evil nor good.
Then the idol stands there like [SIM] a scarecrow in a field of cucumbers/melons! It cannot speak, and people must carry it, because it cannot walk. Do not be afraid of idols, because they cannot harm anyone, and they cannot do anything good to help anyone.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 10:5
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 10:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/תֹ֨מֶר
מִקְשָׁ֥ה
הֵ֨מָּה֙
וְ/לֹ֣א
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
נָשׂ֥וֹא
יִנָּשׂ֖וּא
כִּ֣י
לֹ֣א
יִצְעָ֑דוּ
אַל
תִּֽירְא֤וּ
מֵ/הֶם֙
כִּי
לֹ֣א
יָרֵ֔עוּ
וְ/גַם
הֵיטֵ֖יב
אֵ֥ין
אוֹתָֽ/ם
כְּ/תֹ֨מֶר
tômer
H8560
palm
Prep | N-ms
מִקְשָׁ֥ה
miqshâh
H4749
beating
N-fs
הֵ֨מָּה֙
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
נָשׂ֥וֹא
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Ptc
יִנָּשׂ֖וּא
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִצְעָ֑דוּ
tsâʻad
H6805
to march
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּֽירְא֤וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
מֵ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָרֵ֔עוּ
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
הֵיטֵ֖יב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Hiphil-Ptc
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
אוֹתָֽ/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 10:5
כְּ/תֹ֨מֶר
tômer
H8560
"palm"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the trunk of a palm tree, often used as a column or post in biblical times. It appears in the Bible to describe the architecture of the Temple in Ezekiel 40:16
Definition: palm tree, post, column
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: palm tree. See also: Judges 4:5; Jeremiah 10:5.
מִקְשָׁ֥ה
miqshâh
H4749
"beating"
N-fs
This term describes a rounded or molded object, often created by hammering or beating. In the Bible, it is used to describe finely decorated cultic objects made of gold or silver, as seen in KJV translations. The word emphasizes the skill and craftsmanship involved in creating such objects.
Definition: hammered work, finely decorated cultic objects of gold or silver
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: beaten (out of one piece, work), upright, whole piece. See also: Exodus 25:18; Exodus 37:17; Jeremiah 10:5.
הֵ֨מָּה֙
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
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.
וְ/לֹ֣א
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.
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
נָשׂ֥וֹא
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
יִנָּשׂ֖וּא
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
כִּ֣י
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.
לֹ֣א
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.
יִצְעָ֑דוּ
tsâʻad
H6805
"to march"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to march or step regularly, like pacing or striding. In the Bible, it can also mean to mount or hurl something. The KJV translates it as 'bring', 'go', or 'march'.
Definition: 1) to step, march, stride 1a) (Qal) to step, march 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to march
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bring, go, march (through), run over. See also: Genesis 49:22; Psalms 68:8; Proverbs 7:8.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּֽירְא֤וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מֵ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
כִּי
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.
לֹ֣א
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.
יָרֵ֔עוּ
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
הֵיטֵ֖יב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אוֹתָֽ/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 10:5
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Context — The Sovereignty of God
3For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman.
4They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter.
5Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 46:7 | 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. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 12:2 | You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. |
| 3 | Isaiah 41:23–24 | Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable. |
| 4 | Psalms 115:5–8 | 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. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 2:19 | 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.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 46:1 | Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Their idols weigh down beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome, a load to the weary animal. |
| 7 | Revelation 13:14–15 | Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived. The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed. |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 8:4 | So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. |
| 10 | Isaiah 45:20 | Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry idols of wood and pray to a god that cannot save. |
Jeremiah 10:5 Summary
[Jeremiah 10:5 teaches us that idols are completely powerless and cannot do anything to help or harm us, unlike the one true God who is all-powerful and majestic, as seen in Jeremiah 10:6-7 and also in Psalms 115:3. This means we should not waste our time or energy worshiping or fearing things that are not truly alive or capable. Instead, we should focus on building a relationship with the living God who loves us and wants to guide us, as described in Jeremiah 29:11-14 and John 3:16. By trusting in God and rejecting idolatry, we can experience true freedom and joy, as promised in Galatians 5:1 and Psalms 16:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of comparing idols to scarecrows in a cucumber patch in Jeremiah 10:5?
This comparison emphasizes the lifelessness and powerlessness of idols, highlighting their inability to speak or move on their own, much like scarecrows that are stationary and unresponsive, as seen in Jeremiah 10:5 and also in Psalms 115:5-7 where it is written that idols have mouths but cannot speak.
Why does the verse say that the idols must be carried because they cannot walk?
This statement underscores the idols' complete lack of autonomy and ability to act, relying entirely on human intervention to be moved or positioned, which contrasts with the living God who is capable of action and movement, as described in Isaiah 40:3-5 and Jeremiah 10:5.
What is the main message that Jeremiah 10:5 conveys about fearing idols?
The main message is that we should not fear idols because they are incapable of doing any harm or good, as stated in Jeremiah 10:5, and instead, we should fear and reverence the one true God who is all-powerful and majestic, as expressed in Jeremiah 10:6-7 and also in Proverbs 1:7.
How does Jeremiah 10:5 relate to the overall theme of the chapter?
Jeremiah 10:5 fits into the chapter's theme of condemning idolatry and affirming the sovereignty of the one true God, emphasizing the foolishness of trusting in lifeless idols rather than the living God, as seen in Jeremiah 10:3-16 and supported by other scriptures like Isaiah 44:9-20 and Romans 1:21-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day idols that I may be unknowingly worshiping, and how can I apply the truth of Jeremiah 10:5 to my life?
- In what ways do I sometimes attribute power or ability to things that are not truly alive or capable, and how can I shift my focus to the one true God?
- How can I use Jeremiah 10:5 to share the Gospel with someone who is caught up in idolatry or false worship?
- What would my life look like if I truly believed and acted on the fact that idols are powerless and only God is worthy of fear and reverence?
- How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God and a greater awareness of His power and majesty in my daily life, as described in Jeremiah 10:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 10:5
They are upright as the palm tree,.... Being nailed to a post, or fastened to a pillar, or set upon a pedestal, and so stand erect without bending any way; and are like a palm tree, which is noted
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 10:5
They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:5
They are upright as the palm tree; the nature of which is to grow upright and tall, without any branchings, till it comes to the top, thereby possibly representing majesty. But speak not; looking as if they were about to speak, standing in a speaking posture; but have not a word to utter, being only dumb stocks, wooden gods. They must needs be borne, because they cannot go; they move no further or faster than you lift them, either when you go to set them up, or upon any occasion of removal, as stiff as stakes, being indeed but sticks. Be not afraid of them; they can do you no more harm than the signs of heaven could do; they are but dead stocks. The heathens worshipped some idols that they might do them good, and others that they might do them no harm; but God tells them here, they can do neither good nor harm, as in the next words; they can neither punish nor reward; they can neither hurt their enemies, nor help their friends: by this the true God will be distinguished from idols, that he alone can foretell things to come, and he alone can reward or punish, , and therefore the prophet endeavours to turn them off from their idols to the true God.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:5
Jeremiah 10:5 They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.Ver. 5. They are upright as the palm tree.] Which is straight, tall, smooth, and in summo profert fructus, and beareth fruits at the very top of it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:5
(5) Upright as the palm tree.—Better, perhaps, A pillar in a garden of gourds are they. The Hebrew word translated “upright” has two very different, though not entirely unconnected, meanings—(1) “twisted, rounded, carved,” and in this sense it is translated commonly as “beaten work” (Exodus 25:18; Exodus 25:31; Exodus 25:36), and is here applied (if we accept this meaning) to the twisted palm-like columns of a temple, to which the stiff, formal figure of the idol, with arms pressed close to the side, and none of the action which we find in Greek statues, is compared; (2) the other meaning adopted by many commentators is that of “a garden of gourds or cucumbers,” and the word is so rendered in Isaiah 1:8. The comparison, in the so-called “Epistle of Jeremy” in the apocryphal book of Baruch (10:70), of an idol to “a scarecrow in a garden of cucumbers” shows that the latter meaning was the accepted one when that Epistle was written. The thought, on this view, is that the idol which the men of Judah were worshipping was like one of the “pillars” (so the word for “palm tree” is translated in Son 3:6; Joe 2:30), the Hermes, or Priapus-figures which were placed by Greeks and Romans in gardens and orchards as scarecrows. Like figures appear to have been used by the Phœnicians for the same purpose, and the practice, like the kindred worship of the Asherah, would seem to have been gaining ground even in Judah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:5
Verse 5. They are upright as the palm tree] As straight and as stiff as the trees out of which they are hewn.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 10:5
5. palm tree, of turned work] Substitute mg., comparing, as above, Bar 6:70 (“scarecrow”). See introd. note for this attitude towards idols. From “they must needs” to “do good” is placed after Jeremiah 10:9 in LXX. This suggests that these clauses have their origin in marginal glosses, to the insertion of which at different places in the text by copyists the Hebrew and the Greek bear testimony.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 10:5
They are upright ... - Rather, “They are like a palm tree of turned work, i. e.” like one of those stiff inelegant pillars, something like a palm tree, which may be seen in oriental architecture.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:5
5. Upright as the palm tree — Rather, as a palm tree of turned work, etc. The word rendered “palm tree,” occurs besides only in Judges 4:5, where it clearly has this meaning.
Sermons on Jeremiah 10:5
| Sermon | Description | |
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Isaiah 46:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the contrast between supporting false gods and being supported by the true and living God. He illustrates how many people are burdened by the idols they crea |
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Worship and Witness by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parable of the sower from the eighth chapter of the gospel of Luke. He emphasizes the contrast between those who receive the word of God |
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Anatomy of a Prophetic Word by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill discusses the importance of understanding the prophetic word, emphasizing the need for a balance between the Word of God and the Spirit of God. He highlights the co |
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Day 235, 1 John 4 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the theological and social tests of authentic conversion as outlined in the book of John. He emphasizes the importance of discerning false prophets by the |
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Epistle 128 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking purity and wisdom from God, using His creation for His glory instead of being consumed by covetousness and worry about the futur |
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Rev. 3:8. the Church's Little Strength, and the Lord's Great Love by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the tender love and gracious character of Christ as depicted in Revelation 3:8, where He acknowledges the Church's little strength while offering an open |
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Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Vision. His Insanity and Restoration by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar's pride, fall, and restoration as a warning against self-exaltation and the consequences of turning away from Go |