Jeremiah 10:23

KJV

O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, I know {H3045} that the way {H1870} of man {H120} is not in himself: it is not in man {H376} that walketh {H1980} to direct {H3559} his steps {H6806}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, I know that the way of humans is not in their control, humans are not able to direct their steps as they walk.

Berean Standard Bible

I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:23 delivers a profound declaration of human limitation and dependence, asserting that humanity inherently lacks the capacity to direct its own life path or determine its steps with wisdom and righteousness. This verse functions as a humble confession by the prophet Jeremiah, acknowledging the futility of self-reliance and implicitly exalting the Lord as the sole source of true guidance and sovereign control over all of creation and the affairs of humankind. It underscores a foundational biblical truth: genuine wisdom and successful navigation through life's complexities are not found within human capabilities but are exclusively derived from divine intervention and direction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 10:23 appears within a chapter that starkly contrasts the living God with the lifeless idols worshipped by the nations and, tragically, by Judah itself. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 10:1-16) are a satirical and polemical denunciation of idolatry, highlighting the powerlessness and absurdity of man-made gods compared to the Creator of the universe. Following this grand theological exposition, Jeremiah shifts from prophetic denunciation to a deeply personal lament and prayer (Jeremiah 10:17-25). Verse 23 serves as a pivotal moment in this shift, moving from a general indictment of national sin to a humble, individual confession of human frailty. It immediately precedes Jeremiah's earnest plea for God to temper His judgment with mercy (Jeremiah 10:24-25), demonstrating that his recognition of human inability directly underpins his appeal for divine grace in the face of impending destruction. The prophet's acknowledgment of human incapacity sets the stage for his desperate cry for God's righteous, yet merciful, intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings (Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah) leading up to the Babylonian exile. The nation was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and political intrigue, often vacillating between alliances with Egypt and Babylon. Culturally, there was a widespread syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah. This spiritual apostasy directly contributed to the moral decay and political instability that ultimately led to God's judgment. Jeremiah's message consistently called for repentance and a return to exclusive worship of Yahweh. In this context, the declaration that "the way of man is not in himself" speaks directly to Judah's misguided attempts to secure its future through human strategies, political alliances, and reliance on false gods, rather than trusting in the sovereign Lord. The imminent destruction of Jerusalem and the exile were tangible proofs of humanity's inability to direct its own steps successfully apart from God's guidance.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 10:23 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Human Incapacity and Sinfulness**. The verse asserts that humanity, left to its own devices, lacks the inherent wisdom and moral compass to navigate life righteously or successfully. This resonates with the broader biblical teaching on the fallen nature of humanity, as seen in passages like [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") and [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - A Way That Seems Right"). Secondly, it implicitly highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**. By declaring human inability, the verse elevates God as the ultimate source of true direction, wisdom, and control over all things. This theme is central to Jeremiah's message, where God is consistently portrayed as the one who "makes known the end from the beginning" ([Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). Finally, it emphasizes the necessity of **Humility and Dependence on God**. Jeremiah's personal confession serves as a model for all believers, demonstrating that true wisdom begins with acknowledging one's limitations and surrendering to God's perfect will and direction, a principle echoed throughout the wisdom literature, notably in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This word signifies not merely intellectual acquaintance but often a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge. When Jeremiah says, "I know," it implies a profound, internalized understanding derived from observation, experience, and divine revelation. It's a confession born of spiritual insight into the nature of humanity and God's sovereignty, not just a casual observation. It suggests a conviction that has settled into the prophet's very being.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** (H1870) This term literally means a road or path, but figuratively, as used here, it refers to one's course of life, conduct, or mode of action. It encompasses the entire trajectory of a person's existence, including their choices, decisions, plans, and destiny. The "way of man" thus denotes the human capacity to chart and follow a life course independently.
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_ / _ʼîysh'_):** (H120 / H376) The verse uses two distinct Hebrew words for "man." _ʼâdâm_ (H120) refers to humanity in general, the human being as a species, emphasizing the universal nature of this limitation. _ʼîysh_ (H376) refers to an individual man, highlighting that this incapacity applies to every single person. The combination underscores that this is not an occasional failing but an inherent, universal characteristic of human nature.
* **Direct (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** (H3559) This primitive root means "to be erect" or "to set up," and causatively, "to establish, fix, prepare, apply, appoint, render sure." In this context, "to direct his steps" implies the ability to establish, prepare, or make firm one's own course of action or destiny. It speaks to the capacity for self-guidance, self-determination, and the establishment of one's own successful path. Jeremiah's declaration is that humanity cannot "establish" or "make firm" its own way.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, I know":** This opening phrase establishes a deeply personal and confessional tone. Jeremiah addresses God directly, indicating a prayer or lament. The "I know" signifies a profound, experiential realization on the part of the prophet, not merely an intellectual assent. It implies a divinely revealed truth that has become a settled conviction within him, likely intensified by the chaotic national circumstances he is witnessing.
* **"that the way of man [is] not in himself":** This is the core assertion of human limitation. "The way of man" refers to human life's course, direction, or destiny. The phrase "not in himself" emphatically declares that the inherent ability to determine, control, or successfully navigate this path does not reside within humanity. It highlights the futility of self-reliance and the absence of innate wisdom or power to chart one's own righteous and prosperous course.
* **"[it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.":** This second clause reiterates and amplifies the first, using slightly different phrasing to reinforce the absolute nature of human incapacity. "Man that walketh" refers to any individual engaged in the journey of life. "To direct his steps" means to guide, establish, or make firm one's own specific actions, plans, and progression. The repetition of "not in man" emphasizes that this is a universal and fundamental truth about human nature, a lack of inherent self-sufficiency in charting a proper and successful life.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where the second clause ("it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps") essentially restates and reinforces the first ("the way of man is not in himself"). This **Synonymous Parallelism** serves to emphasize the absolute and universal nature of human inability to self-direct. The prophet also uses **Confession** and **Lament**, as the verse is framed as a personal admission of truth addressed to the Lord, shifting from the broader prophetic denunciations of the chapter to a deeply humble and dependent posture. This personal interjection adds emotional weight and authenticity to the theological statement. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** at play: by stating what humanity *cannot* do, the verse implicitly highlights what God *can* do, setting up the divine as the sole source of true direction and wisdom. This rhetorical move elevates God's sovereignty by underscoring human limitation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 10:23 is a foundational statement on human depravity and divine sovereignty, echoing themes found throughout Scripture. It asserts that humanity, apart from God, lacks the inherent wisdom and moral compass to navigate life successfully, leading to self-destruction and futility. This truth compels a posture of humility and absolute dependence on the Creator. The verse implicitly argues against human pride and self-sufficiency, which are consistently portrayed in the Bible as the root of sin and rebellion against God. It underscores the necessity of divine revelation and guidance for a life lived in accordance with God's will, positioning God as the ultimate director of human destiny and the only reliable source of wisdom for navigating life's complex paths.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord")
* [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13 "James 4:13-15 - Do not boast about tomorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 10:23 calls every individual to a profound re-evaluation of their self-reliance and a renewed commitment to divine dependence. In a world that often champions self-made success, personal autonomy, and the pursuit of individual dreams, this verse serves as a powerful counter-cultural truth: our best-laid plans, our most astute intellect, and our deepest desires are insufficient to truly direct our steps in a way that aligns with ultimate truth, righteousness, and eternal purpose. It invites us to relinquish the burden of self-direction and embrace the freedom that comes from surrendering our "way" to the One who knows the end from the beginning. This means cultivating a daily habit of seeking God's will through prayer, immersing ourselves in His Word, and listening for the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit. It also fosters humility, guarding against the pride that presumes we know what is best for ourselves. When faced with decisions, uncertainties, or the temptation to forge our own path, Jeremiah's confession reminds us that true wisdom begins and ends with acknowledging our limitations and entrusting our lives wholly to the Lord's perfect guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to rely on my own understanding rather than seeking God's direction?**
* **How does the recognition of human incapacity, as stated in this verse, impact my view of personal responsibility and free will?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more consistently surrender my plans and "direct my steps" according to God's will?**

### FAQ
**Does Jeremiah 10:23 negate human free will or responsibility?**

Answer: No, Jeremiah 10:23 does not negate human free will or responsibility, but rather defines its limits and proper context. It's not saying humans are puppets without choice, but that their inherent wisdom and moral compass are insufficient to *successfully* and *righteously* direct their own lives apart from divine guidance. Humanity retains the freedom to choose, but the verse asserts that choosing to rely solely on oneself will not lead to the desired or righteous outcome. It highlights the *necessity* of God's input for truly effective and purposeful living. This aligns with other scriptures that call for human decision and action, yet emphasize God's ultimate sovereignty (e.g., [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 10:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity's inability to direct its own steps, to find the "way" to life and righteousness, is precisely why the Son of God came into the world. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")). He is not merely a guide for our steps, but the very embodiment of the divinely ordained path. Where humanity falters in self-direction, Christ perfectly walked in obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He opens up a new and living way for us to approach God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends, indwells believers to "guide you into all truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")), providing the very divine direction that Jeremiah confessed humanity lacked. Thus, in Christ, the brokenness of human self-sufficiency is healed, and the path to true life and righteousness is not only revealed but made accessible.

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

Proverbs 20:24

¶ Man's goings [are] of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

Proverbs 16:1

¶ The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD.

Psalms 37:23

The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Psalms 17:5

Hold up my goings in thy paths, [that] my footsteps slip not.

Psalms 119:116

¶ Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

Psalms 119:117

Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.