Old Testament
Jeremiah 10:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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."
Compare translations
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.
What Jeremiah 10:5 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 10:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 10:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.