Jeremiah 7:18
The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.
Original Language Analysis
הַבָּנִ֞ים
The children
H1121
הַבָּנִ֞ים
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מְלַקְּטִ֣ים
gather
H3950
מְלַקְּטִ֣ים
gather
Strong's:
H3950
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean
עֵצִ֗ים
wood
H6086
עֵצִ֗ים
wood
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
3 of 20
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
וְהָֽאָבוֹת֙
and the fathers
H1
וְהָֽאָבוֹת֙
and the fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 20
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַעֲשׂ֨וֹת
to make
H6213
לַעֲשׂ֨וֹת
to make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם
of heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם
of heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
14 of 20
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְהַסֵּ֤ךְ
and to pour out
H5258
וְהַסֵּ֤ךְ
and to pour out
Strong's:
H5258
Word #:
15 of 20
to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king
לֵאלֹהִ֣ים
gods
H430
לֵאלֹהִ֣ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
17 of 20
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
Cross References
Jeremiah 19:13And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.1 Kings 14:9But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:1 Corinthians 10:22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Historical Context
Worship of the 'queen of heaven' was widespread in the ancient Near East. Jeremiah 44:15-19 reveals that after Jerusalem's fall, Jewish refugees in Egypt continued this practice, showing its deep-rooted nature.
Questions for Reflection
- How does family-based idolatry demonstrate the importance of household discipleship and worship?
- What modern equivalents of 'queen of heaven' worship compete for family devotion today?
- What is the relationship between private family practices and public covenant faithfulness?
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Analysis & Commentary
A detailed description of family idolatry follows: 'The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven.' This shows systematic, multigenerational involvement in pagan worship. The 'queen of heaven' (likely Ishtar/Astarte) received cakes and offerings. The phrase 'pour out drink offerings unto other gods' indicates comprehensive apostasy—not just neglecting Yahweh but actively worshiping false gods. The participation of children, fathers, and mothers shows how thoroughly idolatry permeated family life. This illustrates covenant breaking at the most basic unit of society.