Jeremiah 10:6

KJV

Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.

KJV (with Strong's)

Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD {H3068}; thou art great {H1419}, and thy name {H8034} is great {H1419} in might {H1369}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There is no one like you, ADONAI! You are great, and your name is great and mighty.

Berean Standard Bible

There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power.

American Standard Version

There is none like unto thee, O Jehovah; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:6 stands as a profound and unparalleled declaration of the LORD's absolute uniqueness and supreme majesty, serving as a foundational theological anchor within a chapter that starkly contrasts the futility and lifelessness of man-made idols with the vibrant, true God of Israel. This pivotal verse unequivocally asserts that no being in existence is comparable to Yahweh, affirming His inherent, boundless greatness and the irresistible, active might inherent in His very character and revealed name, thereby establishing His singular sovereignty over all creation and profoundly discrediting all false deities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 10:6 is centrally positioned within a distinct prophetic oracle (Jeremiah 10:1-16) that functions as a powerful polemic against idolatry. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 10:1-5) meticulously detail the absurdity and impotence of pagan worship, describing how idols are merely carved from wood, adorned with precious metals, and then fixed in place because they are inanimate—they cannot move, speak, or act. They are presented as utterly powerless, unable to do good or harm, which sets up a stark and deliberate contrast to the dynamic, life-giving activity of the LORD. Following verse 6, the passage continues to elaborate on the LORD's incomparable power as the Creator of the universe (Jeremiah 10:10-13) and His role as the true King (Jeremiah 10:7, 10), further emphasizing the impotence of idols and their deluded makers (Jeremiah 10:14-15). This entire section serves as a foundational theological statement, intended to prepare Judah for the impending judgment and exile by reminding them of the true, singular object of worship and the folly of their syncretistic practices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous and critical period in Judah's history (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), marked by intense political instability and rampant religious syncretism. Despite the significant reforms initiated under King Josiah, idolatry remained deeply entrenched within the populace, with the people frequently adopting the religious practices and deities of surrounding nations. The worship of Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah, and even the "queen of heaven," was widespread, often involving elaborate rituals and physical representations of these gods. In the broader ancient Near Eastern worldview, the power and efficacy of a god were often measured by the success of its worshippers in battle, agriculture, or political stability. Jeremiah's message directly confronts this polytheistic and pragmatic worldview, asserting that the God of Israel is not merely one among many deities in a pantheon, but is utterly unique and supremely sovereign, irrespective of Judah's current political or military fortunes. The looming threat of Babylonian invasion (Jeremiah 10:17-25) underscores the profound urgency of Jeremiah's call for Judah to abandon their reliance on powerless idols and return to the exclusive worship and covenant fidelity to the LORD.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Jeremiah and throughout the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it champions the **absolute uniqueness and incomparability of God**, a cornerstone of Israelite monotheism. The emphatic declaration "none like unto thee, O LORD" echoes throughout the Scriptures, asserting God's transcendence and His singular status as the only true deity, fundamentally distinct from all created beings and false gods, as seen in the rhetorical question posed in [Isaiah 40:25](/isaiah/40-25 "Isaiah 40:25 - To whom then will you compare me?"). Secondly, it highlights **God's inherent greatness**, not merely as a descriptive quality but as an intrinsic, boundless aspect of His very being. This encompasses His infinite wisdom, His boundless power, and His supreme authority over all creation, a truth passionately celebrated in [Psalm 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised"). Finally, the emphasis on "thy name is great in might" underscores the **power and authority inherent in God's revealed character and active presence**. In biblical thought, the "name" of God (YHWH) represents His very essence, His reputation, and His active power in the world, signifying that His character and actions are imbued with irresistible strength and effectiveness, as powerfully demonstrated in the mighty acts of deliverance and judgment throughout salvation history, such as the triumphant parting of the Red Sea in [Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The LORD's Right Hand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, derived from the verb "to be" (הָיָה). It signifies God as "the self-Existent" or "the Eternal," emphasizing His unchanging nature, independent being, and active presence. In Jeremiah 10:6, its use directly distinguishes the true, living God from the lifeless idols, underscoring His active presence, unchanging nature, and covenant faithfulness. It asserts that the God being declared great is not a generic deity but the specific, personal God of Israel, who eternally is.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective conveys magnitude, importance, and power in a comprehensive sense, indicating something that is "great (in any sense)." When applied to God, it speaks to His immeasurable nature, His boundless sovereignty, and His supreme authority over all things. The repetition of "great" in the verse ("thou art great, and thy name is great") intensifies this declaration, underscoring the absolute and inherent greatness of God's being and the pervasive manifestation of His character.
* **might (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** This noun signifies "force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory; force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength." It often refers to acts of divine intervention, demonstrating God's overwhelming capability and effectiveness. In the context of Jeremiah 10:6, "great in might" emphasizes that God's name—His very essence and revealed character—is not merely impressive but actively powerful, capable of executing His will and bringing about His purposes, in stark contrast to the utter powerlessness of idols.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD;":** This opening clause establishes God's absolute uniqueness and incomparability. It is a direct and uncompromising challenge to any notion of polytheism or the idea that other deities could rival Yahweh. The direct address "O LORD" (YHWH) personalizes this declaration, addressing the covenant God of Israel directly and affirming His singular status above all else, asserting His peerless nature in all creation.
* **"thou [art] great,":** This is a direct, unqualified affirmation of God's inherent, intrinsic greatness. It speaks to His immense character, boundless power, infinite wisdom, and supreme authority that is not bestowed upon Him but is an essential attribute of His divine being, encompassing all His perfections and His immeasurable nature.
* **"and thy name [is] great in might.":** This clause further elaborates on God's greatness by focusing on His "name." In biblical thought, the "name" represents the full revelation of a person's character, reputation, and authority, embodying their very essence. To say God's name is "great in might" means that His very essence, His revealed character, and His every action are imbued with overwhelming strength, irresistible power, and ultimate effectiveness. It signifies that His authority is absolute, His promises are sure, and His power is tangibly manifest in all He does.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological truth and to underscore the incomparable nature of God. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse stands in stark opposition to the detailed descriptions of lifeless, impotent idols in the surrounding passages (Jeremiah 10:1-5, 14-15). This juxtaposition powerfully highlights God's living, active power versus the inert, manufactured impotence of false gods. **Hyperbole** is also present in the declaration "none like unto thee," which, while literally true in a theological sense, uses emphatic language to underscore God's absolute singularity and unmatched nature, leaving no room for rival deities. The **Repetition** of "great" ("thou art great, and thy name is great") serves as an emphatic device, reinforcing the idea of God's overwhelming majesty and supreme power, driving home the central point of His incomparable nature. Furthermore, the phrase "thy name is great in might" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "name" stands in for God's entire character, reputation, and active presence, signifying that His very being and all that He represents are inherently imbued with irresistible power and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 10:6 is a foundational statement of divine uniqueness, echoing the very first commandment against other gods and idols. It asserts God's transcendence and immanence simultaneously: He is utterly distinct from creation and all false gods, yet His great name is active and mighty within it. This verse underpins the call to exclusive worship and unwavering trust in Yahweh, reminding believers that true power, ultimate wisdom, and genuine salvation reside only in Him. It's a truth that grounds faith, providing immense comfort in His absolute sovereignty and a clear directive for worship, especially when faced with seemingly overwhelming earthly powers or deceptive spiritual alternatives. This declaration of God's incomparable greatness is a recurring motif throughout the Scriptures, serving as a bedrock for understanding His character and our proper response to Him, calling us to a life of singular devotion.

* [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods?")
* [Psalm 86:8](/psalms/86-8 "Psalm 86:8 - There is none like you among the gods, O Lord")
* [Isaiah 40:25](/isaiah/40-25 "Isaiah 40:25 - To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 10:6 offers a timeless and profoundly impactful truth that should shape every aspect of our walk of faith. In a world saturated with competing loyalties, alluring ideologies, and perceived sources of security, this verse calls us back to the singular, incomparable greatness of the LORD. It challenges us to deeply examine where our ultimate trust, worship, and hope truly lie. Do we inadvertently look to human achievements, financial security, political systems, technological advancements, or even our own abilities as our ultimate source of might, salvation, or comfort? This verse powerfully reminds us that only the God who is "great in might" is truly worthy of our complete devotion and absolute reliance. It provides immense comfort and unwavering assurance, knowing that the sovereign, all-powerful God is the one who watches over us, actively works in the world, and holds all things in His capable hands. Our response should be one of profound awe, deep reverence, and exclusive reliance upon Him, directing our worship and trust solely to the One whose name holds all power and authority. This liberating truth frees us from the anxiety of relying on finite, fallible things, inviting us instead into the profound peace of trusting an infinite, infallible God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to place trust in "idols" (anything other than God) that ultimately prove to be powerless or insufficient?**
* **How does meditating on God's incomparable greatness and His boundless might strengthen your faith, deepen your worship, and increase your sense of security?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently acknowledge and rely on the "greatness in might" of God's name in your daily decisions, challenges, and aspirations?**

### FAQ
**Why is God's "name" emphasized as "great in might" in this verse?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern thought, and especially in biblical theology, a person's "name" (Hebrew: *shêm*) was far more than a mere label; it encapsulated their character, reputation, authority, and very essence. When Jeremiah declares that God's "name is great in might," it signifies that God's revealed character, His very being, and all His actions are intrinsically imbued with irresistible power and effectiveness. It means that His authority is absolute, His promises are sure, and His interventions are decisive and unfailing. This emphasis contrasts sharply with the idols described earlier in the chapter, which may have "names" but possess no inherent power or ability to act, speak, or walk (e.g., [Jeremiah 10:5](/jeremiah/10-5 "Jeremiah 10:5 - Idols cannot speak or walk")). God's name, YHWH, represents His active presence and sovereign power in the world, demonstrating that He is the living God who truly acts and accomplishes His will, unlike the inert, manufactured deities of the nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The declaration of God's incomparable greatness and the mighty power of His name in Jeremiah 10:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, the one through whom the Father's boundless greatness and irresistible might are fully and perfectly revealed. As the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus perfectly embodies the "greatness" of God, being "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Son's Superiority")), upholding the universe by the word of His power. The "name" that is "great in might" is supremely revealed in the name of Jesus, which is exalted "above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/phil/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - The Exaltation of Christ")), a name before which "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/phil/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow")). His mighty acts—from calming storms and healing the sick to casting out demons and raising the dead—demonstrated the very *gᵉbûwrâh* (might) of God, showcasing divine authority over creation, sin, and death. Ultimately, His resurrection from the dead was the supreme display of God's power, conquering sin and death, and establishing His eternal reign. In Christ, the incomparable God of Jeremiah 10:6 draws near to humanity, revealing His great name not only in power but also in redemptive love, inviting us to find our salvation and hope in Him alone, for "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")).

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

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

Psalms 96:4

For the LORD [is] great, and greatly to be praised: he [is] to be feared above all gods.

Psalms 48:1

¶ A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.

Deuteronomy 33:26

¶ [There is] none like unto the God of Jeshurun, [who] rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

Psalms 145:3

Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness [is] unsearchable.

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

2 Samuel 7:22

Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for [there is] none like thee, neither [is there any] God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.