Jeremiah Chapter 25 · Verse 6

Authorized King James Version

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And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

Original Language Analysis

וְאַל H408
וְאַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 1 of 16
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּלְכ֗וּ H1980
תֵּלְכ֗וּ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 2 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אַֽחֲרֵי֙ not after H310
אַֽחֲרֵי֙ not after
Strong's: H310
Word #: 3 of 16
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אֱלֹהִ֣ים gods H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים gods
Strong's: H430
Word #: 4 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲחֵרִ֔ים other H312
אֲחֵרִ֔ים other
Strong's: H312
Word #: 5 of 16
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
לְעָבְדָ֖ם to serve H5647
לְעָבְדָ֖ם to serve
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 6 of 16
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
וּלְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֣ת them and to worship H7812
וּלְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֣ת them and to worship
Strong's: H7812
Word #: 7 of 16
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
לָהֶ֑ם H0
לָהֶ֑ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 16
וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 9 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַכְעִ֤יסוּ them and provoke me not to anger H3707
תַכְעִ֤יסוּ them and provoke me not to anger
Strong's: H3707
Word #: 10 of 16
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant
אוֹתִי֙ H854
אוֹתִי֙
Strong's: H854
Word #: 11 of 16
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה with the works H4639
בְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה with the works
Strong's: H4639
Word #: 12 of 16
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
יְדֵיכֶ֔ם of your hands H3027
יְדֵיכֶ֔ם of your hands
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 13 of 16
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
וְלֹ֥א H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 14 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָרַ֖ע and I will do you no hurt H7489
אָרַ֖ע and I will do you no hurt
Strong's: H7489
Word #: 15 of 16
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
לָכֶֽם׃ H0
לָכֶֽם׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 16 of 16

Analysis & Commentary

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt. The phrase ʾaḥărê ʾĕlōhîm ʾăḥērîm (אַחֲרֵי אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, after other gods) describes spiritual adultery—pursuing foreign deities rather than remaining faithful to Yahweh. The verbs lĕʿāḇĕḏām (לְעָבְדָם, to serve) and lĕhishtaḥăwōṯ lāhem (לְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֹת לָהֶם, to worship/bow down to them) indicate comprehensive devotion—both practical service and religious worship directed toward false gods.

The phrase maʿăśê yĕḏêḵem (מַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵיכֶם, works of your hands) refers to idols—human-crafted objects elevated to divine status. This is ultimate folly: worshiping what we ourselves made. Isaiah mocked this absurdity—using half a tree for firewood and bowing to the other half as god (Isaiah 44:9-20). The promise 'I will do you no hurt' reveals God's desire: He takes no pleasure in punishing His people but judges only when persistent rebellion leaves no alternative. As Paul wrote, 'God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself' (2 Corinthians 5:19)—His heart seeks restoration, not destruction.

Historical Context

Archaeological discoveries reveal the extent of Judah's idolatry. Excavations have uncovered figurines of Asherah (Canaanite fertility goddess), inscriptions invoking 'Yahweh and his Asherah' (syncretism), and evidence of child sacrifice to Molech in the Valley of Hinnom. Manasseh's reign (697-642 BC) entrenched pagan worship in the temple itself (2 Kings 21:1-18). Though Josiah attempted reform, the people's hearts remained unchanged. They participated in idolatry not from ignorance but deliberate choice, preferring tangible idols to the invisible Yahweh.

Questions for Reflection