Old Testament
Jeremiah 10:15
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 10:15, the prophet emphasizes the futility of idols, describing them as worthless and mere objects of mockery.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
They are worthless, nothing but objects of mockery. When the time of judgment comes, they will be destroyed.
They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 10:15, the prophet emphasizes the futility of idols, describing them as worthless and mere objects of mockery. These idols, crafted by human hands, are not true gods and lack any real power or significance. The verse warns that when the time of judgment arrives, these idols will face destruction, highlighting the temporary nature of false worship. This serves as a reminder that reliance on anything other than the true God is misguided and ultimately leads to disappointment. The passage calls for a recognition of God's sovereignty and the emptiness of idolatry, urging people to turn away from false gods and seek a genuine relationship with the Creator. It underscores the importance of faith in God, who is alive and active, in contrast to lifeless idols that cannot save or protect.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 10:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine what we prioritize in our lives. Are there things we treat as more important than our relationship with God? We should identify and remove any 'idols' that distract us from true worship and trust in God alone, who is our source of strength and hope.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 10:15 mean?
Jeremiah 10:15 emphasizes the worthlessness of idols, describing them as mere objects of mockery. The verse warns that these false gods, created by humans, will ultimately be destroyed when judgment comes.
What is the meaning of 'vanity' in Jeremiah 10:15?
In Jeremiah 10:15, 'vanity' refers to the emptiness and futility of idols. It highlights that these objects have no real power or significance and are not worthy of worship.
How does Jeremiah 10:15 relate to idolatry?
Jeremiah 10:15 critiques idolatry by showing that idols are worthless and lack true power. It serves as a reminder to avoid placing trust in anything other than the true God.
What does 'the work of errors' mean in Jeremiah 10:15?
'The work of errors' in Jeremiah 10:15 refers to the flawed and misguided efforts of humans to create idols. It indicates that these creations are based on mistakes and cannot provide true guidance or salvation.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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