Jeremiah 18:2
Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.
Original Language Analysis
ק֥וּם
Arise
H6965
ק֥וּם
Arise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 8
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְיָרַדְתָּ֖
and go down
H3381
וְיָרַדְתָּ֖
and go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
2 of 8
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
בֵּ֣ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 8
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הַיּוֹצֵ֑ר
to the potter's
H3335
הַיּוֹצֵ֑ר
to the potter's
Strong's:
H3335
Word #:
4 of 8
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
וְשָׁ֖מָּה
H8033
וְשָׁ֖מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
5 of 8
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
אַשְׁמִֽיעֲךָ֥
and there I will cause thee to hear
H8085
אַשְׁמִֽיעֲךָ֥
and there I will cause thee to hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Historical Context
Pottery-making was ubiquitous in the ancient Near East. Clay vessels served countless domestic and commercial purposes. Archaeological excavations throughout Israel reveal extensive pottery remains, providing crucial chronological markers. Potters' workshops typically included a wheel (likely foot-powered), kilns, and clay preparation areas. Jeremiah's audience would have been thoroughly familiar with the pottery-making process.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when God directs you to seemingly ordinary places to receive spiritual insight?
- What everyday experiences might God use as object lessons to teach you spiritual truth?
- How does God's use of familiar imagery to communicate profound truth demonstrate His wisdom and grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God commands an object lesson: "Arise, and go down to the potter's house." The imperative qum (קוּם, arise) indicates immediate action—this isn't a suggestion but a divine command. The potter's house (bet ha-yotzer, בֵּית הַיּוֹצֵר) was likely a well-known location in Jerusalem where potters worked their craft. "There I will cause thee to hear my words" promises direct revelation at the specified location.
God often used visual object lessons to communicate profound spiritual truth—Isaiah walked naked (Isa 20), Ezekiel performed symbolic acts (Ezek 4-5), Hosea married a prostitute (Hos 1-3). These acted prophecies engaged multiple senses, making abstract theological truths concrete and memorable. The potter's workshop would provide the perfect illustration of divine sovereignty over nations.
This method demonstrates God's condescension—He accommodates human learning by using familiar images and experiences to convey spiritual realities. The Reformed tradition emphasizes God's pedagogical wisdom in revelation, progressively teaching His people through types, symbols, and ultimately through Christ, the perfect image of the invisible God (Col 1:15).