Jeremiah 10:14

KJV

Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every man {H120} is brutish {H1197} in his knowledge {H1847}: every founder {H6884} is confounded {H3001} by the graven image {H6459}: for his molten image {H5262} is falsehood {H8267}, and there is no breath {H7307} in them.

Complete Jewish Bible

At this, everyone is proved stupid, ignorant, every goldsmith put to shame by his idol! The figures he casts are a fraud; there is no breath in them;

Berean Standard Bible

Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them.

American Standard Version

Every man is become brutish and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his graven image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:14 delivers a profound prophetic indictment against idolatry, starkly contrasting the inherent foolishness and spiritual blindness of humanity when it deviates from divine truth with the absolute powerlessness and deceptive nature of man-made gods. The verse exposes the futility of worshipping lifeless objects, revealing that such devotion leads only to shame and spiritual emptiness, as these idols possess no true knowledge, power, or life-giving breath. It serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in anything other than the living God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 10:14 is embedded within a powerful prophetic discourse (Jeremiah 10:1-16) where the prophet Jeremiah directly confronts the widespread practice of idolatry, distinguishing the incomparable nature of the God of Israel from the impotent gods of the nations. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 10:1-5) describe the making of idols and their utter inability to speak, walk, or do good or harm. Following this, [Jeremiah 10:6-7](/jeremiah/10-6-7 "Jeremiah 10:6-7 - The Incomparable God") extols the unique greatness and sovereignty of Yahweh, setting the stage for a renewed condemnation of idols in [Jeremiah 10:8-16](/jeremiah/10-8-16 "Jeremiah 10:8-16 - The Folly of Idols Contrasted with God's Power"), culminating in the declaration of God as the "true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king" in [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The True and Living God"). The immediate context emphasizes a stark, almost sarcastic, contrast between human ingenuity in crafting idols and the profound lack of wisdom in worshipping them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jeremiah's ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE) was marked by profound political turmoil and spiritual apostasy in Judah. Despite reforms under King Josiah, idolatry remained deeply entrenched, influenced by the religious practices of surrounding Mesopotamian and Canaanite cultures. These cultures often involved elaborate rituals, skilled craftsmanship in metalwork and carving (as implied by "founder" and "graven image"), and the belief that deities could be localized or embodied in cultic images. Jeremiah's message was delivered to a people on the brink of Babylonian exile, a consequence he attributed largely to their unfaithfulness and idolatry. The prophet's critique was not merely theological but also a challenge to the prevailing worldview that sought security and blessing from false gods rather than from the covenant-keeping God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. It highlights the **folly and irrationality of idolatry**, portraying those who engage in it as "brutish" despite their apparent "knowledge." It underscores the **utter impotence and deception of idols**, emphasizing their "falsehood" and lack of "breath," directly contrasting them with the **sovereignty and vitality of the one true God** (as seen in [Jeremiah 10:10-13](/jeremiah/10-10-13 "Jeremiah 10:10-13 - God's Power and Creation")). The passage also touches on the theme of **divine judgment** as a consequence of apostasy, implying that the shame and confusion of idolaters are a just outcome of their misplaced trust. This critique of idolatry is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, found in places like [Isaiah 44](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - The Folly of Idolatry") and [Psalm 115](/psalm/115 "Psalm 115 - God's Glory vs. Idols").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brutish (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** This word (H1197) is a primitive root meaning "to kindle," but also "to be(-come) brutish," "senseless," or "stupid." In this context, it characterizes the profound spiritual dullness and lack of discernment of those who, despite possessing intellectual capacity, choose to worship inanimate objects, acting without true spiritual understanding.
* **confounded (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** Derived from H3001, this root means "to be ashamed, confused or disappointed." It also carries the sense of drying up or withering. In Jeremiah 10:14, it vividly describes the ultimate humiliation, futility, and spiritual barrenness experienced by the idol-maker or worshipper when their trust in a powerless image proves to be utterly vain and fruitless.
* **breath (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This significant word (H7307) refers to wind, breath, or spirit. In this context, its absence ("no breath in them") powerfully contrasts the lifelessness of idols with the life-giving Spirit of God. It underscores the idols' complete lack of vitality, power, or ability to respond, hear, or act, rendering them utterly useless for salvation or help, and highlighting the profound folly of worshipping them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge":** This opening clause asserts a universal truth: when humanity abandons the true knowledge of God, even their inherent intellectual capacity becomes distorted, leading to a profound spiritual foolishness. Despite human ingenuity and skill, the choice to worship created things rather than the Creator renders one senseless and devoid of true wisdom, acting like an unthinking animal.
* **"every founder is confounded by the graven image":** This phrase focuses on the craftsman, the "founder" (metalworker) or sculptor, who meticulously creates the idol. The very object of his skilled labor, the "graven image" (a carved or molded idol), becomes the source of his ultimate shame, confusion, and disappointment. His investment of effort, time, and artistry yields nothing but futility, as the idol cannot deliver on any promise or provide any help, leading to his utter disillusionment.
* **"for his molten image [is] falsehood":** This clause provides the fundamental reason for the founder's confusion and the idol's worthlessness. The "molten image" (an idol cast from metal) is inherently a "falsehood"—a lie, a deception, a sham. It represents nothing real, substantial, or true, offering only empty promises and spiritual counterfeits that inevitably fail to deliver.
* **"and [there is] no breath in them":** This concluding declaration delivers the ultimate condemnation of idols. Unlike the living God, who breathes life into creation (as seen in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Man")), these idols possess no "breath" or life force. They are inanimate, powerless, unable to hear, speak, act, or provide any form of salvation or assistance. This stark contrast highlights their utter uselessness and the profound folly of worshipping them.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Contrast** is central, setting the living, all-powerful God (described elsewhere in the chapter) against the lifeless, impotent idols. This opposition highlights the absurdity of idolatry. **Irony** is also evident: humans, endowed with reason and creativity, are described as "brutish" for their devotion to objects of their own making, which are themselves devoid of life. The "founder" is "confounded" by his own creation, a poignant reversal of expected pride and a demonstration of ultimate futility. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** by referring to the idol as "falsehood," implying that its very essence is deceptive and a lie. The final phrase, "no breath in them," uses **Merism** to emphasize the complete lack of life, power, and divine presence in the idols, contrasting sharply with the God who is the source of all breath and life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 10:14 stands as a timeless theological statement on the nature of true worship and the inherent emptiness of idolatry. It underscores the biblical principle that God alone is worthy of worship because He alone is the living, sovereign Creator, the source of all life and truth. Any attempt to replace Him with created things, whether tangible idols or intangible pursuits, is a profound act of spiritual foolishness that ultimately leads to shame and disillusionment. The verse teaches that genuine knowledge and wisdom are found only in acknowledging and submitting to the one true God, exposing the futility of human efforts to find meaning, security, or power apart from Him.

* [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalm/115-4-7 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Lifelessness of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idol Worship")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Exchange of Truth for a Lie")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While literal idol worship of carved images may seem distant to many in contemporary society, the spiritual principles of Jeremiah 10:14 remain profoundly relevant. Modern "idols" are often more subtle, taking the form of anything that occupies the place of ultimate trust, devotion, or security in our hearts and lives apart from God. This could include wealth, career, relationships, personal achievements, social status, technology, or even self-reliance. This verse serves as a piercing call to self-examination, urging us to consider what we truly depend on and what truly defines our worth and purpose. It reminds us that true wisdom, lasting fulfillment, and genuine security are found only in the living God, not in anything created by human hands or pursued by human desires. Just as ancient idols had "no breath," anything we elevate above God ultimately proves to be a source of "falsehood," leaving us empty, "confounded," and spiritually unfulfilled. We are called to seek the true knowledge of God and to worship Him alone, recognizing that all other sources of hope are ultimately powerless and deceptive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "molten images" or "graven images" in my life today that might be subtly competing for God's rightful place in my heart?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own "knowledge" or human efforts rather than seeking divine wisdom and guidance?**
* **How does the concept of idols having "no breath" challenge my understanding of where true life, power, and meaning reside?**
* **What steps can I take to consciously re-center my devotion and trust solely on the living God, moving away from any form of idolatry?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for "every man to be brutish in his knowledge" in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 10:14, "every man is brutish in [his] knowledge" means that when humanity turns away from the true God and embraces idolatry, their inherent intellectual capacity and wisdom become perverted or senseless. Despite possessing knowledge and the ability to create (as seen in the "founder" who crafts the idol), this knowledge is rendered "brutish" or foolish because it is misdirected. It implies a profound spiritual dullness or lack of discernment, where rational beings act irrationally by worshipping inanimate objects that cannot help or respond, thereby demonstrating a profound ignorance of ultimate truth and reality. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom that comes from knowing the true God, as celebrated in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 10:14, with its scathing critique of lifeless idols, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "no breath in them" of the idols stands in stark contrast to Christ, who is the very **breath of life** and the embodiment of divine truth. While idols are "falsehood," Jesus declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). The "brutish knowledge" of man in idolatry is overcome by the **true knowledge of God** revealed perfectly in Christ, for "in him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). The shame and confusion of the idolater are replaced by the **unfading hope and righteousness** found in Christ's finished work, where those who trust in Him "shall not be put to shame" ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No Shame for Believers")). Jesus, as the ultimate Lamb of God, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, freeing humanity from the spiritual bondage of worshipping anything other than the Creator, and leading us into true, life-giving worship of the Father "in spirit and in truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the living reality to which all Old Testament shadows, including the warnings against idolatry, ultimately point.

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 135:16

They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;

Psalms 135:18

They that make them are like unto them: [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

Psalms 115:4

Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

Psalms 115:8

They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

Isaiah 46:7

They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, [one] shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.

Isaiah 46:8

Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring [it] again to mind, O ye transgressors.

Habakkuk 2:18

What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?