Jeremiah 10:3

Authorized King James Version

For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חֻקּ֥וֹת

H2708

For the customs

a statute

הָֽעַמִּ֖ים

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הֶ֣בֶל

H1892

are vain

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

ה֑וּא

H1931

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

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֵץ֙

H6086

a tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

מִיַּ֣עַר

H3293

out of the forest

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

כְּרָת֔וֹ

H3772

for one cutteth

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#10

מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה

H4639

the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#11

יְדֵ֥י

H3027

of the hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#12

חָרָ֖שׁ

H2796

of the workman

a fabricator or any material

#13

בַּֽמַּעֲצָֽד׃

H4621

with the axe

an axe

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah