Jeremiah 10:8
But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.
Original Language Analysis
וּבְאַחַ֖ת
But they are altogether
H259
וּבְאַחַ֖ת
But they are altogether
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
וְיִכְסָ֑לוּ
and foolish
H3688
וְיִכְסָ֑לוּ
and foolish
Strong's:
H3688
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to be fat, i.e., (figuratively) silly
מוּסַ֥ר
is a doctrine
H4148
מוּסַ֥ר
is a doctrine
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
הֲבָלִ֖ים
of vanities
H1892
הֲבָלִ֖ים
of vanities
Strong's:
H1892
Word #:
5 of 7
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
Cross References
Jeremiah 10:14Every 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.Zechariah 10:2For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.Isaiah 41:29Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.Isaiah 44:19And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?Psalms 115:8They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.Psalms 135:18They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.Habakkuk 2:18What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?
Historical Context
The prophetic critique extends from objects to worshippers—those who worship worthless things become worthless themselves. This psychology of idolatry appears throughout biblical and later Christian theology. Augustine's observation that we become what we worship echoes this insight. The Hebrew prophets consistently link idol worship with moral and intellectual degradation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does worshipping 'vanities' inevitably produce vain people?
- What 'doctrines of vanities' might we be learning from contemporary culture's functional idols?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse restates idol futility: 'But they are altogether brutish and foolish.' The Hebrew ba'ar (בָּעַר, brutish, stupid, like cattle) and kasal (כָּסַל, foolish) apply to both idols and their worshippers. 'The stock is a doctrine of vanities.' 'Stock' (ets, עֵץ) is simply 'wood'—the material from which idols are made. A 'doctrine of vanities' (musar havalim, מוּסַר הֲבָלִים) indicates 'instruction in nothingness' or 'discipline that leads to emptiness.' Idolatry teaches nothing valuable; it schools devotees in worthlessness. Following idols produces people who become like what they worship—stupid, senseless, empty (Psalm 115:8).