Jeremiah 10:10

KJV

But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the LORD {H3068} is the true {H571} God {H430}, he is the living {H2416} God {H430}, and an everlasting {H5769} king {H4428}: at his wrath {H7110} the earth {H776} shall tremble {H7493}, and the nations {H1471} shall not be able to abide {H3557} his indignation {H2195}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI, God, is the true God, the living God, the everlasting king. At his anger, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his fury.

Berean Standard Bible

But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

American Standard Version

But Jehovah is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembleth, and the nations are not able to abide his indignation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:10 stands as a profound theological declaration, contrasting the incomparable nature of Yahweh with the impotence of pagan idols, a central theme of the preceding verses. It asserts God's unique identity as the "true," "living," and "everlasting King," whose divine wrath causes the very earth to tremble and before whose indignation no nation can stand. This verse powerfully proclaims God's absolute sovereignty, eternal reign, and ultimate authority over all creation and human affairs, serving as both a comfort to His faithful and a stark warning to those who defy Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 10:10 is the climactic statement in a section (Jeremiah 10:1-16) that vehemently denounces idolatry and contrasts the lifelessness of man-made gods with the vibrant reality of the God of Israel. The preceding verses, particularly [Jeremiah 10:3-9](/jeremiah/10-3 "Jeremiah 10:3-9 - The Absurdity of Idolatry"), meticulously describe the construction and inherent futility of idols, highlighting their inability to speak, walk, or do good or harm. This detailed exposition of idol worthlessness sets a stark backdrop, making the declaration of Yahweh's true nature in verse 10 all the more impactful. The subsequent verses, [Jeremiah 10:11-16](/jeremiah/10-11 "Jeremiah 10:11-16 - Yahweh's Creative Power and Sovereignty"), further elaborate on God's creative power and unique status among the nations, reinforcing the themes introduced here.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of immense political and spiritual upheaval for the Kingdom of Judah. The nation was caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining Assyrian and Egyptian empires. Spiritually, Judah was deeply entrenched in syncretism and idolatry, adopting the worship of Baal, Asherah, and other foreign deities, often alongside the worship of Yahweh. This widespread apostasy was a primary reason for God's impending judgment through the Babylonian invasion. Jeremiah's message, therefore, was a direct challenge to the prevailing religious practices, calling the people back to exclusive allegiance to Yahweh, the God who had delivered them from Egypt and established a covenant with them. The contrast between Yahweh and the gods of the surrounding nations was not merely theological but also a matter of national survival and identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Uniqueness and Incomparability of God**, asserting that Yahweh alone is the "true God" and "living God," fundamentally distinct from the dead and powerless idols described earlier. This aligns with the monotheistic claims found throughout Israel's scriptures, such as in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Power**, portraying Him as an "everlasting king" whose wrath causes cosmic trembling and before whom nations cannot stand. This theme of divine control over history and creation is pervasive, echoing sentiments in [Psalm 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "Psalm 93:1 - The Lord Reigns") and [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God Overthrows Princes"). Finally, the mention of "wrath" and "indignation" introduces the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's righteous response to sin and rebellion, particularly against idolatry and the unfaithfulness of His people and the nations. This is a recurring motif in Jeremiah, warning of the consequences of rejecting God's covenant, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:15-16](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15-16 - The Cup of God's Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. From H3068, it signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its use here emphasizes God's inherent being, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His unique identity as distinct from any created or man-made deity. It points to His absolute independence and eternal nature, reinforcing that He is the source of all existence, not dependent on anything or anyone.
* **living (Hebrew, _chay'_):** Derived from H2416, meaning "alive," "life," or "living thing." When applied to God, "living God" profoundly contrasts Him with the lifeless, inert idols described in the preceding verses. It denotes His active, dynamic, and life-giving nature. Unlike idols that cannot see, hear, or act, the living God is engaged with His creation, hears prayers, intervenes in history, and is the ultimate source of all life. This attribute underscores His vitality and responsiveness.
* **indignation (Hebrew, _zaʻam'_):** From H2195, meaning "froth at the mouth," and figuratively, "fury" or "God's displeasure with sin." This word describes a strong, righteous anger, specifically God's intense displeasure with sin, rebellion, and idolatry. It is not a capricious human emotion but a holy response to unrighteousness. The fact that "nations shall not be able to abide his indignation" highlights the overwhelming and irresistible power of God's judgment when His wrath is poured out, signifying a devastating and inescapable consequence for those who oppose Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the LORD [is] the true God":** This clause immediately establishes a stark contrast with the false gods discussed previously. The use of "LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes His personal, covenantal relationship with Israel, while "true God" (Hebrew: *Elohim Emeth*) asserts His reality, faithfulness, and authenticity against the deception and emptiness of idols. He is not merely a concept or a human construct, but the living, active, and reliable deity.
* **"he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king":** This expands on God's nature. "Living God" (Hebrew: *Elohim Chay*) highlights His vitality, dynamism, and life-giving power, directly opposing the inertness of idols. "Everlasting king" (Hebrew: *Melech Olam*) proclaims His eternal reign and unchanging sovereignty. His dominion has no beginning or end, signifying His ultimate authority over all creation, history, and every earthly ruler.
* **"at his wrath the earth shall tremble":** This clause introduces the consequence of God's holy displeasure. His "wrath" (Hebrew: *qetseph*) is a righteous indignation against sin. The imagery of the "earth shall tremble" (Hebrew: *ra'ash*) conveys a cosmic, overwhelming response to His anger, indicating that even the foundations of creation are shaken by His power. It speaks to the terrifying magnitude of His judgment.
* **"and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation":** This final clause underscores the utter helplessness of human power in the face of divine judgment. "Nations" (Hebrew: *gôwy*), representing all human kingdoms and their collective strength, are utterly incapable of withstanding or enduring God's "indignation" (Hebrew: *zaʻam*), which is His fierce displeasure. This highlights His absolute supremacy over all earthly powers and His irresistible justice.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Contrast** is foundational, setting the vibrant, active reality of Yahweh against the inert, lifeless nature of idols detailed in the preceding verses. This sharp juxtaposition magnifies God's uniqueness. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "at his wrath the earth shall tremble," which vividly exaggerates the effect of God's anger to emphasize His immense power and the cosmic scale of His authority, though it also points to real, profound shaking. The phrase "everlasting king" utilizes **Metaphor** to describe God's eternal and unchanging reign, portraying Him as a sovereign ruler whose dominion transcends temporal limitations. Finally, the use of **Parallelism** in the latter half of the verse ("at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation") reinforces the idea of God's overwhelming judgment, with the second clause intensifying the first by focusing on the utter inability of human powers to resist Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 10:10 serves as a foundational statement of biblical monotheism, emphatically declaring the singularity and supremacy of Yahweh. It asserts that God is not merely one deity among many, but the *only* true and living God, whose existence is inherent and eternal, and whose power is absolute. This declaration directly challenges all forms of idolatry, whether the worship of physical objects or the elevation of anything else—be it wealth, power, or human intellect—to a place of ultimate trust and devotion. The verse underscores God's active involvement in His creation and history, demonstrating that His wrath is a righteous response to sin and rebellion, ensuring that justice will ultimately prevail. It calls for exclusive worship, reverence, and submission to the one true King who reigns eternally.

* [Psalm 96:5](/psalms/96-5 "The Lord is Great and Worthy of Praise")
* [Daniel 6:26](/daniel/6-26 "The Living God's Kingdom")
* [Revelation 15:4](/revelation/15-4 "Who Will Not Fear and Glorify Your Name?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 10:10 calls us to a profound re-evaluation of what we worship and where we place our ultimate trust. In a world saturated with competing loyalties and transient authorities, this verse anchors us in the unchanging reality of the "true God." It challenges us to examine our hearts for any "idols" – anything that takes precedence over God in our affections, time, or resources. Recognizing God as the "living God" should inspire active faith and a vibrant relationship, knowing that He is not distant or inert, but intimately involved in our lives and the world. His status as an "everlasting king" provides immense comfort and security, assuring us that His purposes will prevail despite earthly chaos. Conversely, the mention of His wrath and indignation serves as a sobering reminder of His holiness and justice, prompting a healthy fear of the Lord that leads to repentance, obedience, and a desire to live in alignment with His righteous will. This verse ultimately invites us to live lives of awe, reverence, and exclusive devotion to the only One truly worthy of all worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" in my life that compete for my ultimate loyalty and affection, diverting my worship from the true and living God?**
* **How does understanding God as the "everlasting king" impact my sense of security and hope in a world of constant change and uncertainty?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God's wrath and indignation shape my understanding of His holiness and my desire for obedience?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God is the "true God" and "living God"?**

Answer: The phrase "true God" (Hebrew: *Elohim Emeth*) signifies that Yahweh is real, authentic, and faithful, in stark contrast to the false, deceptive, and powerless idols worshipped by the nations. He embodies truth and reliability. The phrase "living God" (Hebrew: *Elohim Chay*) highlights His active, dynamic, and life-giving nature. Unlike inert idols that cannot see, hear, or act, the living God is engaged with His creation, hears prayers, intervenes in history, and is the ultimate source of all life. This distinction is crucial throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing God's vitality and responsiveness compared to dead, man-made deities (e.g., [1 Kings 18:26-29](/1_kings/18-26 "1 Kings 18:26-29 - Baal's Silence on Mount Carmel")).

**How does Jeremiah 10:10 relate to the broader message of the book of Jeremiah?**

Answer: Jeremiah 10:10 is central to Jeremiah's prophetic message, which consistently warns Judah against idolatry and calls them back to exclusive covenant loyalty with Yahweh. The entire book of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") is a lament over Judah's spiritual apostasy and a prophecy of the impending judgment (Babylonian exile) as a consequence of their unfaithfulness, particularly their worship of false gods. This verse serves as a theological anchor, reminding the people of the incomparable nature of the God they have abandoned and the futility of the idols they have embraced, thereby justifying the severity of the coming judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 10:10, with its declaration of Yahweh as the "true God," "living God," and "everlasting king," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "living God" who causes the earth to tremble is revealed in the New Testament as the Father who sent His Son, Jesus, who Himself declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")." Jesus embodies the very "truth" of God, not merely speaking it, but being the *Logos* who is God (as seen in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). He is the "living" one, having conquered death and risen again, demonstrating the life-giving power inherent in the Godhead (as affirmed in [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - I Am the Living One")). Furthermore, the "everlasting king" of Jeremiah's prophecy is none other than Jesus Christ, who is proclaimed as the "[King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")" whose kingdom is eternal and whose dominion will have no end (as prophesied in [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")). The wrath and indignation of God, which causes nations to tremble, were ultimately borne by Christ on the cross, where He became the propitiation for our sins, satisfying divine justice and offering a path to reconciliation with the true and living God (as explained in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). Thus, in Christ, the awesome power and righteous character of the God of Jeremiah 10:10 are perfectly revealed and made accessible to humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 32:4

[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Psalms 76:7

¶ Thou, [even] thou, [art] to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

Psalms 42:2

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Psalms 100:5

For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.

Psalms 31:5

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.