Jeremiah 10:5

5 Their idols^[a] are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and ¹they cannot speak; ²they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, ³for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good. ”

Jeremiah 10:5 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 10:5

They are upright as the palm tree
Being nailed to a post, or fastened to a pillar, or set upon a pedestal, and so stand erect without bending any way; and are like a palm tree, which is noted for its uprightness; hence the church's stature is compared to it, ( Song of Solomon 7:7 ) , here it is a sarcasm, and a bitter one: but speak not;
man, that is of an erect stature, in which he differs from other creatures, has the faculty of speech, which they that go upon four feet have not; but the idols of the Gentiles, though erect, have not the power of speaking a word; and therefore can give no answer to their worshippers; see ( Psalms 115:5 ) ( 1 Kings 18:26 ) , they must needs be borne:
or, "in carrying be carried" ^F17; when being made they are fixed in the designed place, or are moved from place to place; they are then carried in men's arms, or on their shoulders: because they cannot go;
they have no life, and so are incapable of motion of themselves; they have feet, but walk not; and cannot arise and bestir themselves for the help of those that pray unto them, ( Psalms 115:7 ) , be not afraid of them, for they cannot do evil;
that is, inflict judgment, cause drought, famine, or pestilence, or any other evil or calamity: neither is it also in them to do good;
to give rains and fruitful seasons, or bestow any favour, temporal or spiritual; see ( Jeremiah 14:21 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 (awvny awvn) "portando portantur", Schmidt; "portabitur" Pagninus; "portabuntur", Montanus; "omnino portanda sunt", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Jeremiah 10:5 In-Context

3 for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman.

4 They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move.

5 Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good. ”

6 There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might.

7 Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you.

Cross References

• 1. 10:5 Ps. 115:5; 135:16; Hab. 2:18, 19; 1 Cor. 12:2
• 2. 10:5 Ps. 115:7; Isa. 46:7
• 3. 10:5 Isa. 41:23

Footnotes

• [a] 10:5 Hebrew 'They'