Jeremiah 10:11

KJV

Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, [even] they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus {H1836} shall ye say {H560} unto them, The gods {H426} that have not {H3809} made {H5648} the heavens {H8065} and the earth {H778}, even they shall perish {H7} from the earth {H772}, and from under {H8460} these {H429} heavens {H8065}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"This is what you must say to them: 'The gods that did not make heaven and earth will perish from earth and from under heaven.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.”

American Standard Version

Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:11 stands as a singular, divinely mandated declaration within the prophetic book, uniquely composed in Aramaic. It serves as an uncompromising message intended for the exiled Israelites to articulate to their pagan captors and neighbors, sharply contrasting the true, sovereign Creator God with the impotent, transient idols worshipped by the nations. This verse encapsulates a core theological truth: anything that does not originate from the eternal Creator is ultimately destined for utter destruction and disappearance, affirming the incomparable supremacy of the Lord over all false deities and human constructs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 10 is a powerful polemic against idolatry, strategically placed within Jeremiah's broader prophetic ministry to Judah, a nation on the precipice of Babylonian exile. The chapter meticulously contrasts the futile practices of idol-making and worship (as detailed in verses 1-5, 8-9) with the incomparable power, wisdom, and eternal nature of the Lord, the true God of Israel (celebrated in verses 6-7, 10, 12-16). This specific verse, Jeremiah 10:11, is deliberately set apart by its Aramaic composition, signaling its unique purpose as a direct, divinely-inspired statement to be delivered to the idolaters. It acts as a precise, ready-made confession for those living among pagan peoples, serving as a pivotal point of confrontation within the larger discourse on God's absolute sovereignty and the emptiness of false worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period dominated by the ascendant Neo-Babylonian Empire. Judah found itself precariously positioned between powerful empires, and its people were increasingly influenced by the pervasive polytheistic practices of surrounding nations, leading to widespread idolatry even within Israel. The impending and eventual Babylonian exile meant that many Israelites would be uprooted and forced to live in a foreign land saturated with idol worship. Aramaic had emerged as the *lingua franca* of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, serving as the common international language for trade, diplomacy, and administration across the Near East. By providing this specific declaration in Aramaic, God equipped His people with a clear, understandable, and authoritative message to articulate directly to their Babylonian captors and neighbors, enabling them to boldly declare the truth of the one true God amidst a culture steeped in false worship.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 10:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **The Creator's Absolute Sovereignty and Uniqueness**, emphasizing that only the Lord "made the heavens and the earth"—a foundational truth echoed from [the very beginning of creation](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates Heaven and Earth"). This stands in sharp contrast to the impotence of idols, who are mere creations of human hands and possess no inherent power or life (a theme extensively developed in [Isaiah 44](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - God's Supremacy Over Idols")). Secondly, the verse highlights **The Futility and Inevitable Demise of Idolatry**. The declaration that false gods "shall perish from the earth" underscores their transient nature and ultimate nothingness, a stark contrast to the eternal and unchanging nature of the living God (as affirmed in [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change")). Finally, it serves as a powerful call to **Bold Confession and Witness** in a hostile environment, empowering the exiles to maintain their monotheistic faith and proclaim God's supremacy even when surrounded by pervasive polytheism, echoing the divine mandate to be God's witnesses found in [Isaiah 43:10](/isaiah/43-10 "Isaiah 43:10 - You Are My Witnesses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gods (Aramaic, _ʼĕlâhh'_):** This Aramaic term corresponds to the Hebrew *ʼĕlôah* or *ʼĕlōhîm*, generally meaning "God" or "god." In this context, it refers specifically to the false, pagan deities worshipped by the nations, emphasizing their status as objects of worship rather than true divine beings. The use of this term here highlights the direct confrontation with the polytheistic worldview of the Babylonians, identifying the very entities they revere as fundamentally illegitimate.
* **made (Aramaic, _ʻăbad'_):** This Aramaic verb means "to do, make, prepare, keep, etc." It signifies active creation, execution, and purposeful work. The verse's crucial use of the negative ("have not made") directly challenges the foundational claim or perceived power of false gods regarding creation. By stripping them of any legitimate authority or claim to worship based on creative power, the verse exposes their inherent emptiness and lack of true divine essence.
* **perish (Aramaic, _ʼăbad'_):** This Aramaic verb means "to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)." It conveys a strong sense of utter destruction, disappearance, and ceasing to exist. The declaration that these gods "shall perish" is a definitive prophetic pronouncement of their ultimate and complete annihilation—not merely a decline in worship, but a cessation of their perceived reality and influence, underscoring their impermanence and lack of true power in contrast to the eternal God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus shall ye say unto them,"**: This opening clause functions as a divine mandate, providing explicit instruction to the Israelites on *how* and *what* to communicate. It underscores that this is not merely human opinion or a theological suggestion, but a direct, authoritative message from God Himself, equipping His people with the precise words to counter paganism. The Aramaic phrasing further emphasizes the directness and intended audience of this command, preparing the exiles for a bold declaration in a foreign land.
* **"The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth,"**: This is the core identifying characteristic and disqualifier of the false deities. It directly challenges their legitimacy by highlighting their fundamental inability to perform the most basic and undeniable act of divine power: creation. By contrasting them with the true God, who is universally identified as the Creator throughout Scripture, the verse exposes the emptiness, powerlessness, and ultimate fraudulence of idols. This phrase serves as a foundational theological litmus test, distinguishing the true God from all pretenders.
* **"even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens."**: This is the definitive pronouncement of judgment and consequence. The false gods, precisely because they are not creators and possess no inherent power or life, are destined for utter destruction and disappearance. The phrase "from the earth, and from under these heavens" emphasizes the totality and universality of their demise, signifying that their influence, their worship, and their very perceived existence will be eradicated from all realms where the true God reigns. It is a declaration of ultimate victory for the Lord and the vindication of His unique sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:11, despite its brevity, is remarkably rich in literary and rhetorical devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent device is **Contrast**, which forms the very backbone of the verse, sharply juxtaposing the impotent, un-creating "gods" with the implied omnipotence of the true God, the Creator of "the heavens and the earth." This contrast is central to the broader **Polemic** against idolatry that defines much of Jeremiah 10, serving as a direct and forceful refutation of pagan beliefs and practices. The verse also employs **Repetition** of "heavens" and "earth" to emphasize the universal scope of God's creation and, by extension, the corresponding universal demise of false gods, signifying their complete eradication from all domains. Furthermore, the strategic shift to **Aramaic** is a significant linguistic and rhetorical choice; it functions as a form of **Audience Targeting**, signaling the verse's unique purpose and intended audience, making the divine message immediately accessible and impactful to the Babylonian polytheists. Finally, the declaration that idols "shall perish" is a potent form of **Prophetic Judgment**, a definitive and irreversible pronouncement of their inevitable destruction, highlighting the ultimate triumph and eternal reign of the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 10:11 is a powerful and enduring theological statement affirming the absolute uniqueness and sovereignty of the Creator God against all rival claims. It underscores the foundational biblical truth that true deity is inherently and inseparably linked to the act of creation; anything that does not originate the cosmos cannot be God. This verse serves as a timeless declaration of uncompromising monotheism, asserting that only the Lord, who brought the heavens and the earth into existence, possesses ultimate authority, power, and eternal reality. Consequently, all human-made gods, or indeed anything elevated to the status of ultimate concern apart from the Creator, are exposed as futile, transient, and ultimately destined for obsolescence and destruction. This profound truth provides both a stern warning against the seductive allure of idolatry in all its forms and a rock-solid foundation for unwavering trust and worship of the living God, whose existence and power are not contingent on human worship or imagination, but are inherent and eternal.

* [Psalm 96:5](/psalms/96-5 "Psalm 96:5 - For All the Gods of the Peoples Are Idols, But the Lord Made the Heavens")
* [Isaiah 40:18-20](/isaiah/40-18-20 "Isaiah 40:18-20 - To Whom Then Will You Compare God?")
* [Acts 17:24-25](/acts/17-24-25 "Acts 17:24-25 - God, the Creator of the World, Needs Nothing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 10:11, though ancient in its origin and specific in its historical context, resonates with profound and urgent relevance for contemporary life. In a world saturated with competing loyalties, ultimate concerns, and diverse belief systems, this verse challenges us to critically examine what we truly worship. While overt physical idols may be less common in many modern societies, contemporary "gods" often manifest subtly as materialism, self-sufficiency, career success, social media validation, political ideologies, intellectual pursuits, or even personal comfort and pleasure that surreptitiously supplant the Creator's rightful place. Anything that promises ultimate meaning, security, or fulfillment apart from the living God becomes a functional idol, and this verse declares its inevitable perishability. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our allegiances, urging us to recognize that only the God who made heaven and earth possesses the eternal power, unchanging nature, and infinite wisdom worthy of our absolute devotion. Living out this truth means cultivating a discerning heart, confidently proclaiming God's supremacy in a world that often worships the created rather than the Creator, and trusting that all false gods, whether tangible or intangible, will ultimately fade, while the Lord alone remains, sovereign and eternal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or ultimate concerns in my life, though not physical idols, might be competing for the devotion due only to the Creator God?**
* **How does understanding the transient nature and ultimate perishability of all false gods impact my daily priorities, pursuits, and sources of security?**
* **In what specific ways can I, like the exiles, boldly and clearly declare the incomparable supremacy of the living God in my sphere of influence today, whether through word or deed?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jeremiah 10:11 the only verse in the book written in Aramaic?**

Answer: The unique Aramaic composition of Jeremiah 10:11 is highly significant and intentional. Aramaic was the *lingua franca* (common language) of the Neo-Babylonian Empire during the time of the exile, serving as the primary language for international communication, trade, and administration across the Near East. By providing this specific verse in Aramaic, God equipped His people with a ready-made, powerful, and universally understandable declaration to make directly to the idol-worshipping Babylonians and other pagan nations. It was a concise, divinely authorized statement designed for direct communication with the very people who were worshipping the "gods that have not made the heavens and the earth," enabling the exiles to clearly articulate the supremacy of the true God in the language of their captors and to stand firm in their monotheistic faith.

**What does it mean for "gods" to "perish from the earth"?**

Answer: The declaration that false gods "shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens" signifies their utter destruction, disappearance, and ultimate nothingness. It is a prophetic pronouncement that these idols, being mere human constructs and devoid of true power or life, will ultimately cease to exist or hold any sway. This isn't necessarily about the physical destruction of every idol, but about the complete collapse of their perceived power, influence, and legitimacy. It underscores the transient nature of all false worship and the eternal, unchanging reality of the one true God, who alone is worthy of worship and whose kingdom endures forever, as vividly portrayed in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Shall Never Be Destroyed"). It means their claims to divinity will be exposed as hollow, and their reign will definitively end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 10:11, with its stark contrast between the Creator God and perishing idols, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The verse declares the inevitable demise of all that is not from the Creator, and the New Testament unequivocally reveals Jesus as the very agent and embodiment of creation, the one "through whom also he made the world" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Jesus, the Heir and Creator")). He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, the one "in whom all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, the Creator and Sustainer of All Things")). Therefore, the "God that made the heavens and the earth" is fully and perfectly revealed in Christ. Furthermore, Jesus's triumphant work on the cross and His glorious resurrection decisively defeat all spiritual "gods," principalities, and powers that hold humanity captive, ensuring their ultimate "perishing" and nullifying their claims over creation ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ Disarmed the Rulers and Authorities")). He is the true and living God, before whom every knee will ultimately bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")), ensuring that all false deities and their worship will indeed vanish from under heaven, leaving only the eternal reign of the Lamb of God, who is "the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" ([Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - I Am the Alpha and the Omega")).

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

Psalms 96:5

For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

Isaiah 2:18

And the idols he shall utterly abolish.

Zechariah 13:2

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

Lamentations 3:66

Persecute and destroy them in anger from under the heavens of the LORD.

Jeremiah 10:15

They [are] vanity, [and] the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

Zephaniah 2:11

The LORD [will be] terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and [men] shall worship him, every one from his place, [even] all the isles of the heathen.

Jeremiah 51:18

They [are] vanity, the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.