Old Testament
Jeremiah 10:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 10:5, the prophet contrasts the lifeless idols made by human hands with the living God.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
These idols stand there stiff as a scarecrow in a field, but they can't speak. They have to be carried around because they can't walk. Don't be afraid of them — they can't harm you, and they certainly can't help you."
They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 10:5, the prophet contrasts the lifeless idols made by human hands with the living God. He describes these idols as being as stiff as scarecrows, unable to speak or move on their own. They must be carried by people, highlighting their dependence and powerlessness. The message is clear: these idols cannot harm or help anyone, so there is no reason to fear them. This verse serves as a reminder of the futility of worshiping created things instead of the Creator. It emphasizes that true power and help come from God alone, who is alive and active, unlike the inanimate objects that people often turn to for guidance or protection. The call not to be afraid of idols reassures believers that they should place their trust in God, who is capable of both good and evil, unlike the powerless idols that can do neither. Explore related idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 10:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine what we place our trust in. Are there things in our lives that we treat like idols, believing they can provide security or help? We should focus on relying on God, who is the only true source of strength and support.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 10:5 mean?
Jeremiah 10:5 contrasts lifeless idols with the living God, emphasizing that idols are powerless and cannot help or harm anyone. The verse encourages believers to trust in God instead of created things.
What is the meaning of idols in Jeremiah 10:5?
In Jeremiah 10:5, idols refer to man-made objects that people worship, which are depicted as stiff and unable to move or speak. This highlights their dependence on humans and their inability to provide true help or protection.
How does Jeremiah 10:5 relate to trusting God?
Jeremiah 10:5 emphasizes that true strength and support come from God, not from powerless idols. It encourages believers to place their trust in God, who is active and capable of helping them.
What lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 10:5?
The lesson from Jeremiah 10:5 is to examine what we trust in our lives. It challenges us to avoid treating anything as an idol and to rely solely on God for security and guidance.

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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