Jeremiah 10:24

KJV

O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, correct {H3256} me, but with judgment {H4941}; not in thine anger {H639}, lest thou bring me to nothing {H4591}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, correct me, but in moderation, not in your anger, or you'll reduce me to nothing.

Berean Standard Bible

Correct me, O LORD, but only with justice— not in Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, correct me, but in measure; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:24 presents a profound and poignant prayer from the prophet, acknowledging the necessity of divine correction while appealing for it to be administered with measured justice rather than overwhelming wrath. It is a humble recognition of Judah's sin and humanity's inherent inability to guide its own steps, culminating in a plea for God's discipline to be purposeful and redemptive, ensuring the preservation of His people even amidst severe judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 10:24 is situated within a significant section of the book (chapters 7-10) that delivers a stern prophetic indictment against Judah for its idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Specifically, this verse immediately follows Jeremiah's personal lament and theological reflection in [Jeremiah 10:23](/jeremiah/10-23 "Jeremiah 10:23 - Man's Inability to Direct His Steps"), where he confesses, "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." This personal admission of human frailty sets the stage for the subsequent prayer for divine guidance and correction, emphasizing that if humanity cannot even direct its own path, it certainly cannot withstand God's unmitigated wrath. The preceding verses (e.g., [Jeremiah 10:1-16](/jeremiah/10 "Jeremiah 10 - Contrast of Idols and God")) starkly contrast the futility of pagan idols with the supreme power and majesty of the one true God, highlighting the absurdity and danger of Judah's spiritual apostasy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy, the kingdom of Judah was on the precipice of national catastrophe. The powerful Babylonian Empire was rising, threatening to sweep away the last vestiges of Israelite sovereignty. Jeremiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings, witnessing the spiritual decline, political instability, and increasing idolatry that characterized Judah's final decades. The people, including their leaders, had largely ignored God's warnings delivered through His prophets, leading to a state of spiritual blindness and moral decay. The impending judgment, which would manifest as the [Babylonian exile](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - The Seventy-Year Babylonian Exile"), was not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their persistent rebellion against the covenant. Jeremiah's prayer reflects the desperate situation of a nation facing the full weight of divine justice, yet still clinging to the hope of God's mercy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **Divine Discipline**, affirming God's righteous prerogative to correct His people when they stray from His path, not out of malice but out of a desire for their repentance and restoration. It also highlights the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Justice**, acknowledging His absolute authority to judge, but appealing to His character as a just God whose judgment is measured and purposeful. Furthermore, the prayer reveals a profound **Humility and Dependence** on God, as Jeremiah, on behalf of the nation, admits human inadequacy and appeals for God's merciful intervention. The plea for correction "with judgment" rather than "in thine anger" introduces the critical theme of **Mercy in Judgment**, a recurring motif in the Old Testament where God's wrath is often tempered by His steadfast love and desire to preserve a remnant, as seen in passages like [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and sovereign God who is faithful to His covenant promises. Jeremiah's direct address to "O LORD" emphasizes a personal appeal to the God who has revealed Himself to Israel, acknowledging His authority and His unique relationship with His people, even in their rebellion.
* **correct (Hebrew, _yâçar'_):** This verb means "to chastise," "to discipline," or "to instruct." It implies a corrective action, often involving pain or hardship, but with the ultimate goal of teaching, reforming, and bringing about a change in behavior or character. It is not merely punishment for punishment's sake but a disciplinary act intended to lead to repentance and righteousness.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This multifaceted term refers to a verdict, a sentence, a decree, or abstractly, justice itself. It implies a measured, righteous, and lawful decision or action. When Jeremiah prays for correction "with judgment," he is asking for discipline that is proportionate, fair, and in accordance with God's established moral order, rather than an arbitrary or overwhelming display of power. It suggests a process that aims for restoration within the bounds of divine law.
* **anger (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** Literally meaning "nose" or "nostril," this word often refers to the rapid breathing associated with intense passion, hence "ire," "wrath," or "fierce indignation." In a theological context, it denotes God's righteous wrath against sin, which, if unleashed without restraint, could lead to utter destruction. Jeremiah's plea is to avoid the full, unmitigated expression of this destructive fury.
* **bring me to nothing (Hebrew, _mâʻaṭ'_):** This verb means "to lessen," "to diminish," "to be few," or "to make ineffective." In this context, it conveys the idea of complete annihilation or reduction to utter insignificance. Jeremiah fears that if God's correction is not tempered by judgment but driven solely by unrestrained anger, the nation will be utterly consumed and cease to exist.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, correct me,"**: This opening phrase is a direct, personal appeal to God, acknowledging His authority and right to intervene. The prophet, representing the nation, recognizes the necessity of divine discipline due to their sin. It's a humble submission to God's will, even if that will involves hardship.
* **"but with judgment;"**: This is the crucial qualification of the prayer. Jeremiah is not asking to be spared correction entirely, but that the correction be administered according to God's righteous standards of justice (`mishpâṭ`). This implies a measured, purposeful discipline designed to refine and restore, rather than merely punish. It's a plea for discipline that serves a redemptive purpose.
* **"not in thine anger,"**: This clause expresses the fear of God's unrestrained wrath (`ʼaph`). Jeremiah understands that God's anger, if fully unleashed, is utterly destructive. He pleads for God to temper His indignation, recognizing the devastating consequences if divine fury were to operate without the bounds of His just character.
* **"lest thou bring me to nothing."**: This final clause articulates the ultimate fear: complete annihilation or reduction to insignificance. The prophet understands that the nation's survival hinges on God's mercy tempering His judgment. Without this restraint, the people would be utterly consumed by the consequences of their sin and God's righteous indignation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:24 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological weight. The verse functions primarily as a **Prayer**, a direct address to God, revealing the intimate and desperate nature of the prophet's intercession. It employs stark **Contrast** between "judgment" (`mishpâṭ`) and "anger" (`ʼaph`), highlighting the qualitative difference between a measured, purposeful discipline and an unbridled, destructive wrath. This contrast underscores the prophet's plea for God's character of justice to prevail over mere indignation. The phrase "lest thou bring me to nothing" can be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and terrifying outcome of God's untempered anger, suggesting utter destruction or complete erasure of identity. Furthermore, there is an element of **Personification** in describing God's "anger" as something that could "bring me to nothing," giving an abstract emotion a destructive agency. The entire verse also serves as a powerful **Supplication**, a humble and earnest request for divine mercy in the face of deserved judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah's prayer in 10:24 beautifully articulates a profound theological truth: God's discipline, while often painful, is ultimately an expression of His justice tempered with mercy. It is not arbitrary punishment but a righteous response to sin, designed to lead to repentance and restoration. The distinction between "judgment" and "anger" is crucial, revealing that God's justice is always purposeful and aims for the ultimate good of His people, even when it involves severe consequences. This plea acknowledges God's sovereignty over all human affairs, including the consequences of sin, while simultaneously appealing to His compassionate nature, which desires not the destruction of the wicked but their turning to Him. This tension between divine justice and mercy is a cornerstone of biblical theology, demonstrating God's holiness and His steadfast love.

* [Psalm 6:1](/psalms/6-1 "Psalm 6:1 - David's Prayer for Mercy in Discipline")
* [Psalm 38:1](/psalms/38-1 "Psalm 38:1 - A Plea for God's Compassion in Chastisement")
* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's humble and insightful prayer serves as a timeless model for believers today, whether facing personal trials or observing societal challenges. It teaches us to approach God with radical honesty about our sin and the consequences it incurs, acknowledging His absolute right and righteousness in administering discipline. Rather than resisting or resenting correction, we are called to embrace it as a necessary, albeit painful, process for spiritual growth and refinement. This prayer encourages us to trust in God's character, knowing that His ultimate desire is not to destroy us but to purify us and draw us closer to Himself. It reminds us that even when we experience the difficult consequences of our actions, we can confidently appeal to His mercy, trusting that His discipline is always purposeful, measured, and ultimately redemptive, preventing us from being utterly consumed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing difficult consequences in your life, do you first acknowledge God's justice and His right to correct you, or do you tend to resist or blame?**
* **How does understanding the difference between God's "judgment" and His "anger" shape your perspective on personal suffering or societal crises?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be seeking to "correct" you, and how can you respond with humility and a desire for refinement rather than resistance?**
* **How does Jeremiah's prayer encourage you to trust God's character, even when His discipline feels severe?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between God's "judgment" and His "anger" in this verse?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 10:24, "judgment" (Hebrew: *mishpâṭ*) refers to God's righteous, measured, and purposeful discipline, administered according to His divine law and character. It implies a corrective action designed to bring about repentance and restoration, much like a just verdict or sentence that aims to uphold righteousness. "Anger" (Hebrew: *ʼaph*), on the other hand, denotes fierce wrath or intense indignation, which, if unleashed without restraint, would lead to utter destruction and annihilation. Jeremiah is not asking for an absence of consequences for sin, but for consequences that are tempered by God's justice and mercy, rather than being an overwhelming, annihilating fury that would "bring me to nothing." This distinction highlights God's desire for His people's ultimate good, even in discipline.

**Does this verse imply that God's anger is unrestrained or arbitrary?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. Jeremiah's prayer acknowledges the terrifying potential of God's unmitigated wrath, but by appealing for correction "with judgment," he implicitly affirms that God's anger is *not* arbitrary or out of control. Instead, it is a righteous response to sin, always within the bounds of His holy character. The plea is for God to exercise His anger *within* the framework of His justice, ensuring that His discipline serves a redemptive purpose rather than leading to complete destruction. This aligns with other biblical passages that speak of God's patience and His slowness to anger, such as [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's poignant plea for correction with judgment, not anger, finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, represented by Judah, stood condemned under God's righteous judgment for its sin, deserving of the full weight of divine wrath that would indeed "bring [us] to nothing." However, God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided a way for His justice to be satisfied and His people to be preserved. Jesus, the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily bore the full measure of God's righteous anger and judgment against sin on the cross. He was "corrected" and "brought to nothing" (in the sense of death and separation from God) in our place, so that those who believe in Him would not face that ultimate annihilation. Through His atoning sacrifice, the just requirements of God's law were met, and His wrath was propitiated. Now, for the believer, divine discipline is not an expression of annihilating anger but a fatherly correction, as described in [Hebrews 12:7-11](/hebrews/12-7 "Hebrews 12:7-11 - God Disciplines Us for Our Good"), designed to refine and sanctify, leading to righteousness and peace. Christ absorbed the destructive anger, ensuring that God's future dealings with His redeemed people are always within the bounds of His redemptive judgment, leading them to eternal life rather than to nothing.

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 38:1

¶ A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Psalms 6:1

¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Jeremiah 30:11

For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

Isaiah 40:23

That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

Job 6:18

The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.

Isaiah 41:11

Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

Isaiah 41:12

Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, [even] them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.