Jeremiah 10:16

Authorized King James Version

PDF

The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.

Original Language Analysis

לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כְאֵ֜לֶּה H428
כְאֵ֜לֶּה
Strong's: H428
Word #: 2 of 14
these or those
חֵ֣לֶק The portion H2506
חֵ֣לֶק The portion
Strong's: H2506
Word #: 3 of 14
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
יַעֲקֹ֗ב of Jacob H3290
יַעֲקֹ֗ב of Jacob
Strong's: H3290
Word #: 4 of 14
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יוֹצֵ֤ר is not like them for he is the former H3335
יוֹצֵ֤ר is not like them for he is the former
Strong's: H3335
Word #: 6 of 14
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
הַכֹּל֙ H3605
הַכֹּל֙
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
ה֔וּא H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 8 of 14
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
וְיִ֨שְׂרָאֵ֔ל of all things and Israel H3478
וְיִ֨שְׂרָאֵ֔ל of all things and Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 9 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
שֵׁ֖בֶט is the rod H7626
שֵׁ֖בֶט is the rod
Strong's: H7626
Word #: 10 of 14
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
נַֽחֲלָת֑וֹ of his inheritance H5159
נַֽחֲלָת֑וֹ of his inheritance
Strong's: H5159
Word #: 11 of 14
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
יְהוָ֥ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 12 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת of hosts H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת of hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 13 of 14
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ is his name H8034
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ is his name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 14 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis & Commentary

This verse celebrates Jacob's God: 'The portion of Jacob is not like them.' Jacob's 'portion' (cheleq, חֵלֶק) is his inheritance, his God—completely unlike worthless idols. 'For he is the former of all things.' yotser (יוֹצֵר, potter, former) describes God as cosmic craftsman who formed everything. Unlike human craftsmen making idols, the divine Potter formed the universe. 'And Israel is the rod of his inheritance.' The relationship is reciprocal: God is Israel's portion; Israel is God's inheritance (nachalah). 'The LORD of hosts is his name.' The divine title YHWH Tseva'oth (Lord of armies/hosts) emphasizes military sovereignty over all powers, earthly and heavenly.

Historical Context

The concept of God as 'portion' appears in Psalm 16:5, 73:26, 119:57, 142:5, and Lamentations 3:24. During exile, when Israel lost land, temple, and political identity, their 'portion' remained—God Himself was their inheritance when all else was stripped away. This theology of divine sufficiency sustained exilic faith.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People