Jeremiah 10:8

KJV

But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock [is] a doctrine of vanities.

KJV (with Strong's)

But they are altogether {H259} brutish {H1197} and foolish {H3688}: the stock {H6086} is a doctrine {H4148} of vanities {H1892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One and all they are boorish and stupid; the teaching of their nothings is a piece of wood!

Berean Standard Bible

But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood!

American Standard Version

But they are together brutish and foolish: the instruction of idols! it is but a stock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 10:8 delivers a scathing indictment of idolatry, asserting that both those who practice it and the idols they worship are utterly devoid of genuine wisdom and understanding. The verse declares that idolaters are "altogether brutish and foolish," highlighting the profound senselessness inherent in their devotion to lifeless objects. Furthermore, it exposes the idol itself, represented by the "stock" or block of wood, as the very embodiment of "a doctrine of vanities," signifying that the entire system of idol worship is built upon emptiness, futility, and a complete absence of divine truth or power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 10:8 is situated within a powerful prophetic passage (Jeremiah 10:1-16) where Jeremiah draws a sharp contrast between the living, incomparable God of Israel and the inert, man-made idols revered by surrounding nations. The verses immediately preceding this one meticulously describe the laborious yet ultimately pointless process of crafting idols from wood, silver, and gold. This detailed description underscores their complete reliance on human hands and their inherent inability to act, speak, or bring about good or evil. This immediate literary setting establishes the "they" of verse 8 as the idolaters themselves, whose spiritual dullness mirrors the inanimate nature of their self-made deities. The broader passage culminates in a magnificent declaration of Yahweh's unparalleled power and sovereignty, firmly setting His eternal truth against the transient delusion of pagan worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a critical and tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE, leading up to the devastating Babylonian exile. During this era, Judah faced immense pressure and influence from powerful neighboring empires like Assyria and Babylon, whose cultures were deeply steeped in polytheism and widespread idol worship. Jeremiah's message was an urgent and desperate call for the people of Judah to repent and return to exclusive worship of Yahweh, as strictly commanded by the Mosaic Covenant. The "stock" (wood) and "vanities" (idols) referenced in the verse were common objects of veneration across the ancient Near East, often representing various deities, fertility cults, or astral powers, typically fashioned from local materials and adorned with precious metals. Jeremiah's critique, therefore, was not merely a theological pronouncement but also a profound socio-political commentary on Judah's spiritual apostasy, which he warned would inevitably lead to national judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a foundational component in Jeremiah's comprehensive indictment of idolatry, bringing several crucial themes into sharp focus. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **folly of idolatry**, portraying it as an utterly irrational and senseless act that diminishes both the worshipper and the object of worship. This theme of irrationality is a recurring motif throughout prophetic literature, vividly illustrated by Isaiah's scathing satire of idol-makers who use the same wood for both fuel and carving a god, as seen in [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Absurdity of Idol Making"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **spiritual blindness and moral degradation**, suggesting that those who embrace such practices become as senseless and inert as the idols they serve, losing the capacity to discern divine truth or moral good. This spiritual dullness is a pervasive biblical concept, also found in passages like [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Futility of Suppressing Truth"), which describes how suppressing the truth of God leads to futile thinking and a darkened heart. Finally, the potent phrase "doctrine of vanities" introduces the profound theme of **empty instruction and false wisdom**, asserting that any system of belief or practice that stands apart from the true God is inherently devoid of substance, offering no genuine guidance, power, or lasting hope. This concept of ultimate futility is powerfully explored by the Preacher throughout the book of [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes 1 - The Vanity of Life Under the Sun").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **brutish (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** A primitive root, this word signifies "to kindle" or "to consume," but metaphorically describes a state of being senseless, stupid, or animalistic. It denotes a profound lack of rational or spiritual understanding, implying a dullness of mind akin to a beast that acts purely on instinct without moral or intellectual discernment. In this context, it highlights the profound irrationality and spiritual insensitivity of idol worship.
* **foolish (Hebrew, _kâçal'_):** This term derives from a primitive root meaning "to be fat," which figuratively extends to being silly or morally and spiritually ignorant. It often describes an individual who is not merely lacking knowledge but actively resists wisdom and understanding, choosing a path of spiritual folly. Here, it emphasizes the profound lack of discernment and sound judgment exhibited by those who turn to idols.
* **vanities (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** This powerful word, famously central to the book of Ecclesiastes, denotes emptiness, futility, breath, or vapor. It describes something transitory, unsatisfactory, and ultimately worthless. In Jeremiah 10:8, it profoundly characterizes the inherent nothingness of idols and the spiritual emptiness of any system of belief or practice built upon them, suggesting they are as insubstantial as a fleeting breath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they are altogether brutish and foolish":** This initial clause serves as a direct and severe condemnation of the idolaters, asserting their complete lack of spiritual discernment and wisdom. The term "altogether" (Hebrew _ʼechâd_) emphasizes the totality and pervasiveness of their senselessness, indicating a profound spiritual dullness that renders them incapable of distinguishing between the living, true God and lifeless, man-made objects. Their minds are depicted as being akin to those of irrational animals, devoid of true understanding, moral insight, or spiritual perception.
* **"the stock [is] a doctrine of vanities":** This subsequent clause shifts the focus from the worshipper to the object of worship and the entire system surrounding it. "The stock" (Hebrew _ʻêts_) literally refers to the raw, inanimate wood from which an idol is carved, highlighting its material, earthly, and utterly powerless origin. This "stock" is then powerfully declared to embody "a doctrine of vanities" (Hebrew _mûwçâr_ and _hebel_). This means that the entire framework of idol worship—its teachings, rituals, underlying philosophies, and promised benefits—is fundamentally built upon emptiness, futility, and utter worthlessness. It offers no genuine truth, power, or hope, being merely a fleeting breath or vapor that cannot sustain, guide, or save its adherents.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 10:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Metaphor** is central, as the idolaters are described as "brutish and foolish," likening their spiritual and intellectual state to that of irrational animals. This emphasizes their profound lack of discernment and understanding in choosing to worship inert objects over the living God. The "stock" itself functions as a **metonymy** for the idol, representing the entire system of idolatry by its base material (wood), thereby underscoring its inanimate, powerless, and earthly nature. The phrase "doctrine of vanities" utilizes **hyperbole** to stress the absolute worthlessness and emptiness of pagan teachings, employing the term _hebel_ (vanity), which carries connotations of breath or vapor, to suggest an ultimate lack of substance and a fleeting, unsatisfactory nature. This strong **contrast** between the living God (implied by the surrounding context) and the lifeless idol, and between divine wisdom and human folly, is a pervasive rhetorical strategy throughout Jeremiah's prophetic message, designed to expose the absurdity of idolatry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 10:8 stands as a stark theological declaration, highlighting the incomparable nature of the one true God against the utter futility of anything that seeks to usurp His rightful place. It forcefully underscores the foundational biblical truth that genuine wisdom, understanding, and life are found exclusively in the knowledge and worship of the Creator, not in the veneration of creation. The portrayal of idolaters as "brutish and foolish" vividly illustrates the spiritual degradation that inevitably occurs when humanity suppresses the truth of God and turns to self-made deities, leading to a darkened mind and futile thinking. This verse powerfully asserts that any "doctrine" or worldview that deviates from divine revelation is ultimately a "doctrine of vanities," offering no genuine meaning, salvation, or lasting hope, but rather leading to spiritual emptiness, moral decay, and ultimate disappointment.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - Idols are Lifeless, Their Makers Become Like Them")
* [Isaiah 44:18-20](/isaiah/44-18-20 "Isaiah 44:18-20 - Blindness of Idol Worshippers")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Exchange of God's Glory for Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 10:8, though rooted in the ancient context of physical idol worship, carries profound and timeless relevance for contemporary spiritual life. In a world saturated with distractions, competing allegiances, and promises of fulfillment, the imperative to identify and dismantle modern "idols" remains critically important. These can manifest as anything that subtly or overtly consumes our ultimate devotion, trust, or hope more than the living God—be it material possessions, career success, social status, personal comfort, technological immersion, or even deeply cherished ideologies and self-perceptions. The verse challenges us to engage in honest self-examination, discerning what truly holds sway over our affections, priorities, and ultimate allegiance. It prompts us to consider whether the "doctrine" that governs our lives is built upon the immutable truth of God's Word or upon transient "vanities" that promise satisfaction but ultimately deliver emptiness. True wisdom, then, lies not in accumulating worldly goods or accolades, but in cultivating a vibrant, exclusive relationship with the incomparable God, whose truth alone provides genuine meaning, purpose, and enduring hope in a fleeting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "stocks" or "vanities" might be subtly or overtly taking God's rightful place in my heart and mind today?**
* **How does my daily life, my choices, and my pursuits reflect whether my ultimate trust is placed in God or in something else?**
* **In what ways might I be prone to spiritual "brutishness" or "foolishness" by neglecting God's revealed truth for the fleeting wisdom of the world?**
* **What "doctrines" or philosophies prevalent in our contemporary culture, if embraced, could lead to spiritual emptiness rather than true life and fulfillment?**

### FAQ
**What does "brutish and foolish" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 10:8, "brutish and foolish" describes the profound spiritual and intellectual state of those who engage in idol worship. "Brutish" (from the Hebrew _bâʻar_) implies a senselessness or stupidity akin to an animal, lacking rational or spiritual understanding. It suggests a mind that is dull, unthinking, and incapable of discerning divine truth. "Foolish" (from the Hebrew _kâçal_) reinforces this, often denoting not just a mere lack of intelligence but a moral and spiritual ignorance, a willful rejection of wisdom. Together, these terms paint a vivid picture of profound spiritual blindness, where individuals are so misguided that they cannot distinguish between the living, all-powerful God and lifeless, man-made objects. Their thinking has become futile and their hearts darkened, as described in [Romans 1:21](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21 - Futile Thinking and Darkened Hearts").

**What is the "stock" and "doctrine of vanities" referring to?**

Answer: The "stock" (Hebrew _ʻêts_) literally refers to a tree or block of wood, which is the raw, inanimate material from which an idol is carved. It serves to emphasize the earthly, powerless, and utterly dependent origin of the supposed deity. By calling this "stock" "a doctrine of vanities," Jeremiah is asserting that the entire system of idol worship—its teachings, beliefs, rituals, and underlying philosophies—is fundamentally built upon "vanities" (Hebrew _hebel_). This word signifies emptiness, futility, breath, or vapor, denoting something transitory and ultimately worthless. Therefore, the phrase "the stock is a doctrine of vanities" means that the very foundation of idol worship, represented by the physical idol itself, is inherently empty and offers no true guidance, power, or hope. It is a system based on nothingness, standing in stark contrast to the solid, eternal truth of the living God presented in [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The Lord is the True God and Everlasting King").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 10:8, with its indictment of "brutish and foolish" idolaters and their "doctrine of vanities," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, who is the embodiment of true wisdom and the divine antidote to all forms of spiritual emptiness. The profound folly condemned in Jeremiah is humanity's tragic turning away from the Creator to worship created things, a spiritual blindness that Jesus came specifically to heal. In Christ, the true "stock" is not a lifeless piece of wood, but the living **root of Jesse** ([Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse, a Banner for the Peoples")), from whom salvation and true life spring forth. He is revealed as the very **wisdom of God** and the power of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), standing in stark contrast to the "foolishness" of idols and the empty philosophies of human devising. While idols offer a "doctrine of vanities" that leads to spiritual death, Jesus offers the **words of eternal life** ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")) and declares Himself to be the very **truth** ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) that exposes the emptiness of all false worship and self-made gods. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ delivers us from the futility of our former ways, redeeming us with His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed from Futile Ways by Christ's Precious Blood")). He transforms our "brutish" minds into discerning hearts, enabling us to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Jesus is the living reality that renders all "vanities" obsolete, offering true substance, ultimate purpose, and an everlasting kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed")).

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

Jeremiah 10:14

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.

Zechariah 10:2

For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because [there was] no shepherd.

Jeremiah 51:17

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

Jeremiah 51:18

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

Psalms 135:18

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

Romans 1:21

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Romans 1:22

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,