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.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אָדָם֙
Every man
H120
אָדָם֙
Every man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 14
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
הֹבִ֥ישׁ
is confounded
H3001
הֹבִ֥ישׁ
is confounded
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
5 of 14
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צוֹרֵ֖ף
every founder
H6884
צוֹרֵ֖ף
every founder
Strong's:
H6884
Word #:
7 of 14
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֶׁ֥קֶר
is falsehood
H8267
שֶׁ֥קֶר
is falsehood
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
10 of 14
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 42:17They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.Jeremiah 10:8But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.Isaiah 45:16They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.Psalms 97:7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.Isaiah 44:11Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.Psalms 14:2The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.Psalms 92:6A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.Psalms 94:8Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?Proverbs 30:2Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
Historical Context
The irony intensifies: metalworkers who shape idols know the manufacturing process yet somehow believe their products possess divine power. This self-deception parallels Isaiah 44's extended satire. Archaeological evidence shows that ancient craftsmen sometimes signed or marked their idol work—they knew they made them, yet participated in their worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How can those who manufacture idols with their hands simultaneously believe they possess divine power?
- What contemporary parallels exist to this self-deception about human-made objects of devotion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse returns to idol critique: 'Every man is brutish in his knowledge.' The Hebrew nivr (נִבְעַר) indicates stupidity, senselessness; 'knowledge' (da'ath) suggests that supposed wisdom produces foolishness when directed toward idols. 'Every founder is confounded by the graven image.' The Hebrew tsaraph (צָרָף, metalworker, refiner) should know best that his product is mere metal—yet he worships it. 'Confounded' (hovish, הֹבִישׁ) means shamed, disappointed when expectations fail. 'For his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.' sheqer (שֶׁקֶר, falsehood, lie) exposes idols as deceptive non-entities. 'No breath' (ruach) confirms their lifelessness—they cannot animate themselves or respond to worship.