Definition
Jeremiah 10 is the tenth chapter of the Book of Jeremiah, a prophetic text in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It consists of a collection of verses traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, addressing themes such as idolatry, divine sovereignty, and the distinction between the true God and created objects.
Overview
The chapter opens with an exhortation to listen to the law (verses 1‑2) and proceeds to contrast the futility of idol worship with the power of the living God (verses 3‑16). It contains a vivid description of idols as the work of human hands, incapable of speech or life, followed by a proclamation of God’s majesty as “the everlasting God” who “does not change” (v. 12). The section concludes with a caution against trusting in the “crafts of the nations” (v. 17) and an affirmation of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel (v. 19‑20). The chapter is often cited in theological discussions concerning aniconism and the nature of divine truth versus human-made representations.
Etymology/Origin
- Jeremiah: Derived from the Hebrew יִרְמְיָהוּ (Yirmeyāhū), meaning “Yahweh will exalt” or “the Lord raises up.”
- 10: The chapter number assigned by the Masoretic textual tradition and later Jewish and Christian canon structures, indicating its sequential position within the book.
Characteristics
- Literary Form: Primarily prophetic prose, interspersed with poetic elements (e.g., parallelism in verses 12‑13).
- Thematic Emphasis: Strong anti-idolatry stance; emphasizes the uniqueness and immutability of Yahweh compared to man‑made idols.
- Historical Context: Likely reflects concerns of the late 7th to early 6th century BCE, when surrounding nations (e.g., Babylon, Egypt) promoted idol worship, prompting Israelite prophetic critique.
- Textual Witnesses: Preserved in the Masoretic Text (MT), the Septuagint (LXX), and fragments among the Dead Sea Scrolls (e.g., 4QJer). Minor variations exist among these traditions, especially in verse ordering and wording.
- Canonical Usage: Frequently quoted in Christian liturgy and theological works; in the New Testament, verses 6‑10 are cited in Acts 17 15‑18 and 1 Corinthians 10 20‑21 to discuss idolatry.
Related Topics
- Book of Jeremiah
- Prophetic literature of the Hebrew Bible
- Idolatry in ancient Near Eastern religions
- Masoretic Text and Septuagint textual traditions
- Biblical theology of God’s sovereignty
- Comparative studies of Jeremiah 10 and Jeremiah 9 (parallel anti‑idolatry passages)