Jeremiah 18:4

Jeremiah 18:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But 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.

King James Version KJV

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

American Standard Version ASV

And when the vessel that he made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when the vessel, which he was forming out of earth, got damaged in the hand of the potter, he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make it.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the pot that he was making from the clay went wrong. So he made it into something different as he thought best.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the vessell that he made of clay, was broken in the hand of the potter. so he returned, and made it another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and marred is the vessel that he is making, as clay in the hand of the potter, and he hath turned and he maketh it another vessel, as it was right in the eyes of the potter to make.

World English Bible WEB

When the vessel that he made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make it .

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the vessel was broken which he was making with clay with his hands: and turning he made another vessel, as it seemed good in his eyes to make it.

Translation for Translators T4T

But when he finished making one jar, it was not as good as he hoped/wanted it to be. So, he took that clay and formed it into another jar, shaping it as he desired.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 18:4

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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 18:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/נִשְׁחַ֣ת הַ/כְּלִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר ה֥וּא עֹשֶׂ֛ה בַּ/חֹ֖מֶר בְּ/יַ֣ד הַ/יּוֹצֵ֑ר וְ/שָׁ֗ב וַֽ/יַּעֲשֵׂ֨/הוּ֙ כְּלִ֣י אַחֵ֔ר כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָשַׁ֛ר בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י הַ/יּוֹצֵ֖ר לַ/עֲשֽׂוֹת

וְ/נִשְׁחַ֣ת shâchath H7843 to ruin Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

הַ/כְּלִ֗י kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

ה֥וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

עֹשֶׂ֛ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal

בַּ/חֹ֖מֶר chômer H2563 clay Prep | N-ms

בְּ/יַ֣ד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

הַ/יּוֹצֵ֑ר yâtsar H3335 to form Art | V-Qal

וְ/שָׁ֗ב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וַֽ/יַּעֲשֵׂ֨/הוּ֙ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

כְּלִ֣י kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-ms

אַחֵ֔ר ʼachêr H312 another Adj

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

יָשַׁ֛ר yâshar H3474 to smooth V-Qal-Perf-3ms

בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

הַ/יּוֹצֵ֖ר yâtsar H3335 to form Art | V-Qal

לַ/עֲשֽׂוֹת ʻâsâh H6213 to make Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 18:4

וְ/נִשְׁחַ֣ת shâchath H7843 "to ruin" Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.

Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)

Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.

הַ/כְּלִ֗י kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" Art | N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.

Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

ה֥וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

עֹשֶׂ֛ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal

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.

בַּ/חֹ֖מֶר chômer H2563 "clay" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to a dry measure, about 65 gallons, or a heap of material like clay or mire. It is used in the Bible to describe measurements and substances.

Definition: 1) cement, mortar, clay 1a) mortar, cement 1b) clay 1c) mire

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: clay, heap, homer, mire, motion. See also: Genesis 11:3; Isaiah 10:6; Isaiah 5:10.

בְּ/יַ֣ד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

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/שָׁ֗ב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

וַֽ/יַּעֲשֵׂ֨/הוּ֙ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

כְּלִ֣י kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-ms

אַחֵ֔ר ʼachêr H312 "another" Adj

Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.

Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different

Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

יָשַׁ֛ר yâshar H3474 "to smooth" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.

Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.

בְּ/עֵינֵ֥י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

הַ/יּוֹצֵ֖ר 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.

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.

לַ/עֲשֽׂוֹת ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Study Notes — Jeremiah 18:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 18:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:4
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:4
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:4
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:4
Sermons on Jeremiah 18:4

Context — The Potter and the Clay

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.

5Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6“O house of Israel, declares the LORD, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay? Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Romans 9:20–23	But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory—
2	Jeremiah 18:6	“O house of Israel, declares the LORD, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay? Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.
3	Isaiah 45:9	Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker— one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’?

Jeremiah 18:4 Summary

In Jeremiah 18:4, we see a potter shaping a vessel from clay, but it becomes flawed, so he creates something new from it. This shows us that God can take something imperfect and create something new and useful, just like He does with us as His creation (Isaiah 64:8). Just as the potter has control over the clay, God has control over our lives, and we can trust in His wisdom and sovereignty (Romans 9:20-21). By surrendering to God, like the clay in the potter's hand, we can become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the flawed vessel represent in Jeremiah 18:4?

The flawed vessel represents how God can take something that is imperfect or flawed and still create something new and useful, as seen in Jeremiah 18:4, similar to how God works with us as His creation, as stated in Isaiah 64:8.

Why did the potter form the vessel into another vessel?

The potter formed the vessel into another vessel because it seemed best for him to do, illustrating God's sovereignty and wisdom in shaping His creation, as seen in Romans 9:20-21, where it says that God is the Potter and we are the clay.

How does this verse relate to God's relationship with Israel?

This verse sets the stage for God's message to Israel in Jeremiah 18:5-6, where He compares Himself to the potter and Israel to the clay, highlighting His power and authority over them, just as the potter has over the clay, as also seen in Isaiah 45:9-10.

What can we learn from the potter's actions in this verse?

We can learn that God is a creative and redeeming God, who can take something broken or flawed and create something new and beautiful, as seen in Jeremiah 18:4, and as promised in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where we become a new creation in Christ.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'flaws' in my life that God can use to create something new and beautiful?
How can I surrender to God's sovereignty, like the clay in the potter's hand, and trust in His wisdom?
What does it mean for me to be 'as clay in the potter's hand', and how can I apply this to my daily life?
How can I trust God to create something new and useful from the broken or flawed areas of my life, just as the potter did in Jeremiah 18:4?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:4

And the vessel that he made of clay,.... Which is the matter the vessel is made of: was marred in the hand of the potter; while he was working it; either it fell, as the Septuagint version renders

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:4

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:4

That which we read of clay may be read, (as our margin tells us,) as clay; that is, while it was yet clay it was spoiled in the potter’ s hand, so as he did not think fit to go on with his design as to the form of the vessel, but made it into another form, such as he liked best.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:4

Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make [it].Ver. 4. And the vessel which he made of clay was marred.] Or, The vessel which he was making miscarried, as clay in the potter’ s hand. “ Non semper feriet quodcunque minabitur arcus. ”

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:4

(4) Of clay.—The reading in the margin, which gives “as clay,” must be regarded as a clerical error, originating, probably, in the desire to bring the text into conformity with Jeremiah 18:6, that in the text of the Authorised Version being confirmed by many MSS. and Versions. He made it again.—Literally, and more vividly, he returned and made. As we read, we have to remember that what is narrated in a few words implied a long train of thoughts. The prophet went by the impulse which he knew to be from God to the “field” in the valley of Hinnom; he stood and gazed, and then as he watched he was led to see in the potter’s work a parable of the world’s history: God as the great artificer, men and nations as the vessels which He makes for honourable or dishonourable uses (2 Timothy 2:20; Romans 9:21).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:4

Verse 4. The vessel - was marred in the hands of the potter] It did not stand in the working; it got out of shape; or some gravel or small stone having been incorporated with the mass of clay, made a breach in that part where it was found, so that the potter was obliged to knead up the clay afresh, place it on the wheel, and form it anew; and then it was such a vessel as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:4

4. in the hand of the potter] rather, as LXX, in his hands, thus avoiding harshness. “The potter” has doubtless crept into MT. from being a marginal gloss. Its admission to the MT. drew with it, through the influence of the wording of Jer 18:6, the addition of the Hebrew for “of the clay,” which accordingly is also absent from LXX. For illustrations drawn from the potter’s art cp. Isaiah 29:16; Isaiah 45:9; Isaiah 64:8; Wis 15:7; Sir 33:13. Pe. also compares Browning’s Rabbi Ben-Ezra (25 to end). St Paul’s employment of the figure (Romans 9-11) is quite different from Jeremiah’s, as the former uses it in application to God’s absolute right to dispose the fortunes of his creatures for good or evil.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:4

4. The vessel… was marred, etc. — The meaning simply is: If the vessel was marred, he made again another vessel of it.

Sermons on Jeremiah 18:4

	Sermon	Description
	Failure & Brokenness by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preparing for a year-end conference in Ajmer, India. He expresses his concern about being in high demand and the pressure to de
	Abraham, My Friend: 02 in the Beginning god... by Ron Bailey	This sermon is the second installment in a series on the life of Abraham, focusing on the theme of beginnings. The speaker emphasizes that every Christian biography should begin wi
	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
	"Marred: So He Made It Again" by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative power of God in the sermon 'Marred: So He Made It Again,' using the metaphor of a potter reshaping broken clay. He illustrates how, like th
	Gps by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch preaches about the concept of God's Positioning System (GPS) in our lives, drawing parallels between the technology of GPS and God's guidance. He emphasizes how God, li
	In the Plain of Jordan Did by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of being molded by sound doctrine, comparing it to metal being cast into various forms. He explains that just as different vessels serve unique
	Where Is It? by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer addresses the struggle many face in yielding to God's will, sharing personal stories of individuals who fought against their convictions and the peace they found in surr