Jeremiah 10:10
But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיהוָ֤ה
But the LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָ֤ה
But the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֱמֶ֔ת
is the true
H571
אֱמֶ֔ת
is the true
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
3 of 15
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
הֽוּא
H1931
הֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
חַיִּ֖ים
he is the living
H2416
חַיִּ֖ים
he is the living
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
6 of 15
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
עוֹלָ֑ם
and an everlasting
H5769
עוֹלָ֑ם
and an everlasting
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
תִּרְעַ֣שׁ
shall tremble
H7493
תִּרְעַ֣שׁ
shall tremble
Strong's:
H7493
Word #:
10 of 15
to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָכִ֥לוּ
shall not be able to abide
H3557
יָכִ֥לוּ
shall not be able to abide
Strong's:
H3557
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Psalms 76:7Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?Psalms 42:2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?Nahum 1:6Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.Psalms 100:5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.Psalms 10:16The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.Psalms 31:5Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.Revelation 20:11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.Hebrews 10:31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Historical Context
The title 'living God' appears in covenant contexts (Deuteronomy 5:26, Joshua 3:10) and divine-human encounters (1 Samuel 17:26, 36). It distinguishes YHWH from dead idols and dying nature gods. 'Everlasting king' asserts sovereignty over all history, contrasting with mortal kings and empires. During Babylon's apparent triumph, this confession maintained faith in YHWH's ultimate sovereignty.
Questions for Reflection
- What does calling God 'living' affirm beyond mere existence—how does it contrast with idol characteristics?
- How does God's everlasting kingship provide perspective when earthly powers seem supreme?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse declares YHWH's reality: 'But the LORD is the true God.' The Hebrew YHWH Elohim emeth (יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים אֱמֶת)—literally 'YHWH God truth' or 'YHWH is the true God'—contrasts sharply with idol vanity. 'He is the living God, and an everlasting king.' Two titles affirm His nature: 'living God' (Elohim chayyim, אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים) versus dead idols, and 'everlasting king' (melek olam, מֶלֶךְ עוֹלָם) versus temporary kingdoms. 'At his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.' YHWH's anger produces earthquakes (ra'ash, רָעַשׁ) and terrifies nations—cosmic power completely absent from impotent idols. This verse presents the positive counterpart to idol mockery.