Jeremiah 10:23
O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Original Language Analysis
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
I know
H3045
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
יְהוָ֔ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לָאָדָ֖ם
of man
H120
לָאָדָ֖ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
5 of 12
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
that the way
H1870
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
that the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 12
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְאִ֣ישׁ
is not in himself it is not in man
H376
לְאִ֣ישׁ
is not in himself it is not in man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 12
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הֹלֵ֔ךְ
that walketh
H1980
הֹלֵ֔ךְ
that walketh
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
9 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְהָכִ֖ין
to direct
H3559
וְהָכִ֖ין
to direct
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
Cross References
Proverbs 20:24Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?Proverbs 16:1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.Psalms 37:23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Psalms 17:5Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
Historical Context
This wisdom confession resembles Proverbs 16:9, 19:21, 20:24—the heart plans, but God directs steps. During the chaos of Babylon's advance and Judah's collapse, such acknowledgment of divine sovereignty provided theological anchor. Human planning failed; political scheming produced disaster; only God remained in control. This verse theologically grounds what follows.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging that 'the way of man is not in himself' provide peace amid chaotic circumstances?
- What is the proper balance between human responsibility and recognition of divine sovereignty over our paths?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse acknowledges human limitation: 'O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself.' The Hebrew derek adam (דֶּרֶךְ אָדָם, way of man) encompasses life path, destiny, choices. 'Not in himself' (lo-lo) affirms that humans do not control their destiny. 'It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.' The verb yashar (יָשַׁר, to make straight, direct) indicates guiding one's path. Human walking cannot determine human destination. This confession acknowledges divine sovereignty over human affairs, preparing for the prayer that follows. The prophet—or personified community—submits to God's ultimate control of history.