Jeremiah 18:2
Jeremiah 18:2 in Multiple Translations
“Go down at once to the potter’s house, and there I will reveal My message to you.”
Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.
Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.
Up! go down to the potter's house, and there I will let my words come to your ears.
Go down right away to the potter's house. I will give you my message there.
Arise, and go downe into the potters house, and there shall I shewe thee my words.
Rise, and thou hast gone down [to] the potter's house, and there I cause thee to hear My words;
“Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear my words.”
Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.
Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there thou shalt hear my words.
“Go to the shop of the man who makes clay pots. I will give you a message there.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 18:2
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 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ק֥וּם
וְ/יָרַדְתָּ֖
בֵּ֣ית
הַ/יּוֹצֵ֑ר
וְ/שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
אַשְׁמִֽיעֲ/ךָ֥
אֶת
דְּבָרָֽ/י
ק֥וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וְ/יָרַדְתָּ֖
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
הַ/יּוֹצֵ֑ר
yâtsar
H3335
to form
Art | V-Qal
וְ/שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Conj | Adv | Suff
אַשְׁמִֽיעֲ/ךָ֥
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דְּבָרָֽ/י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp | Suff
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 18:2
ק֥וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וְ/יָרַדְתָּ֖
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/יּוֹצֵ֑ר
yâtsar
H3335
"to form"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
וְ/שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Conj | Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אַשְׁמִֽיעֲ/ךָ֥
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
דְּבָרָֽ/י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 18:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 18:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:2
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:2
- Sermons on Jeremiah 18:2
Context — The Potter and the Clay
1This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
2“Go down at once to the potter’s house, and there I will give you My message.”
3So I went down to the potter’s house and saw him working at the wheel. 4But the vessel that he was shaping from the clay became flawed in his hand; so he formed it into another vessel, as it seemed best for him to do.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 1:1 | On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. |
| 2 | Acts 9:6 | “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 19:1–2 | This is what the LORD says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests, and go out to the Valley of Ben-hinnom near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. Proclaim there the words I speak to you, |
| 4 | Jeremiah 23:22 | But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 20:2 | the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.” And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 13:1 | This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and buy yourself a linen loincloth and put it around your waist, but do not let it touch water.” |
| 7 | Amos 7:7 | This is what He showed me: Behold, the Lord was standing by a wall true to plumb, with a plumb line in His hand. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 4:1–5 | “Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem. Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall, build a ramp to it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams around it on all sides. Then take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city. Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel. Then lie down on your left side and place the iniquity of the house of Israel upon yourself. You are to bear their iniquity for the number of days you lie on your side. For I have assigned to you 390 days, according to the number of years of their iniquity. So you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. |
Jeremiah 18:2 Summary
[This verse is about God giving Jeremiah a special message, and He wants to teach Jeremiah something important by showing him a potter at work. God is like the potter, and we are like the clay, as seen in Isaiah 64:8. Just like the potter shapes and molds the clay, God shapes and molds us into the people He wants us to be, as seen in Romans 9:20-24. By going to the potter's house, Jeremiah will learn a valuable lesson about God's power and our responsibility to respond to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Jeremiah to go to the potter's house?
God wanted to reveal a message to Jeremiah through a visual illustration, using the potter's work to convey a spiritual truth, similar to how God spoke to Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-13 or to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:1-28.
What can we learn from the potter's house in this verse?
The potter's house represents a place of creation and shaping, where God is the Master Potter and we are the clay, as seen in Isaiah 64:8, and this verse sets the stage for God to teach Jeremiah about His sovereignty and our responsiveness to Him.
Is this verse related to other instances of God speaking to prophets in the Bible?
Yes, this verse is similar to other instances where God spoke to prophets, such as Moses in Exodus 3:1-4:17 or Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:1-14, where God revealed His message and plan to them through various means.
How does this verse relate to our lives as believers?
This verse reminds us that God is the One who shapes and molds us, as seen in Romans 9:20-24, and that we should be responsive to His leading and guidance, just like clay in the potter's hands, as Jeremiah will learn in the subsequent verses.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm being reshaped or remolded by God, and how can I surrender to His work in me?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is soft and responsive to God's leading, like clay in the potter's hands?
- What are some spiritual truths that God has revealed to me in the past, and how have I responded to them?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and goodness, even when I don't understand what He's doing in my life, just like Jeremiah had to trust God in Jeremiah 18:2?
- How can I apply the principle of being clay in God's hands to my daily life, and what would it look like to live out this truth in my relationships and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:2
Arise, and go down to the potter's house,.... Which, no doubt, was well known to the prophet; but where it was is not certain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:2
Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:2
It is likely there was but one potter near the place, or at least that there was one more noted and eminent than the rest, to whose house the Lord here sendeth the prophet, intending there further to tell him his mind what he would have him publish as his mind and will to this people.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:2
Jeremiah 18:2 Arise, and go down to the potter’ s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Ver. 2. Arise, and go down to the potter’ s house.] Whether the prophet was to go actually to the potter’ s house, or in vision only, it matters not. This we know, that our Saviour did actually wash his disciples’ feet, and at another time set a child in the midst of them when they were striving about the primacy, expounding to them afterwards what he meant; and so it might well be here. It may not be amiss for us to go down oft with Jeremiah to the potter’ s house in our meditations - to consider, I mean, our original, Kεραμοςοανθρωπος; as the "first man, Adam, was of the earth earthy," so are we ex lute lutei, from the clay, clayish.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:2
(2) The potter’s house.—The place was probably identical with the “potter’s field” of Zechariah 11:13, the well-known spot where the workers in that art carried on their business. The traditional Aceldama, the “potter’s field” of Matthew 27:7, is on the southern face of the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem. The soil is still a kind of clay suitable and employed for the same purpose (Ritter, Palestine, iv. 165, Eng. Trans.). The purchase of the field to “bury strangers in” (Matthew 27:7) implies, however, that it was looked upon as a piece of waste ground, and that its use had been exhausted.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:2
Verse 2. Go down to the potter's house] By this similitude God shows the absolute state of dependence on himself in which he has placed mankind. They are as clay in the hands of the potter; and in reference to every thing here below, he can shape their destinies as he pleases. Again; though while under the providential care of God they may go morally astray, and pervert themselves, yet they can be reclaimed by the almighty and all-wise Operator, and become such vessels as seemeth good for him to make. In considering this parable we must take heed that in running parallels we do not destroy the free agency of man, nor disgrace the goodness and supremacy of God.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:2
House - i. e., workshop. The clay-field where the potters exercised their craft lay to the south of Jerusalem just beyond the valley of Hinnom. Compare Zechariah 11:13; Matthew 27:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:2
2. Go down — Suggesting the location of the potter’s house or workshop in some valley near the city.
Sermons on Jeremiah 18:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What the Reformers Forgot by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how a cult leader manipulated his followers to the point where they were willing to die for him. The leader conducted 13-hour Bible studies ev |
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(Hebrews) 1-Overview-1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its portrayal of the end times. He expresses sorrow over the degradation and perversion in society, emp |
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The Voice of God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining our motives rather than just our actions. He shares a personal story of listening to a preacher who spoke about |
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Christ Explains the Law by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Matthew chapter 5 and the importance of understanding Jesus' intentions at Calvary. The sermon focuses on the proper interpretatio |
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"Hebrews" Monday - Part 1 (Keswick Convention 2003) by Charles Price | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the use of drama and personal experiences in conveying God's message. He then introduces the letter to the Hebrews and emphasizes t |
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The Man Who Kept on Running by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living a life of faith and surrendering to God. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Isaac and Jacob, to show that even |
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(Hebrews - Part 1): The Pupose of the Book by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the attributes of God. He emphasizes that everything begins and ends with God, including time, space, matter, and motion. The preacher encou |