Jeremiah 13:10

KJV

This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

This evil {H7451} people {H5971}, which refuse {H3987} to hear {H8085} my words {H1697}, which walk {H1980} in the imagination {H8307} of their heart {H3820}, and walk {H3212} after {H310} other {H312} gods {H430}, to serve {H5647} them, and to worship {H7812} them, shall even be as this girdle {H232}, which is good {H6743} for nothing.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will ruin this evil people, who refuse to hear my words and live according to their own stubborn inclinations, who go after other gods to serve and worship them. They will be like this loincloth, which is useless for anything.

Berean Standard Bible

These evil people, who refuse to listen to My words, who follow the stubbornness of their own hearts, and who go after other gods to serve and worship them, they will be like this loincloth—of no use at all.

American Standard Version

This evil people, that refuse to hear my words, that walk in the stubbornness of their heart, and are gone after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is profitable for nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 13:10 serves as God's profound indictment against the people of Judah, revealing the deep spiritual apostasy that necessitated the symbolic object lesson of the ruined linen belt. The verse articulates their deliberate and persistent rejection of divine instruction, their stubborn adherence to self-willed desires, and their blatant embrace of idolatry. This pervasive unfaithfulness, the prophet declares, has rendered them spiritually useless and destined for the same degradation and rejection as the spoiled girdle, foreshadowing the impending Babylonian exile and the forfeiture of their privileged status as God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 13:10 functions as the divine interpretation and climactic explanation of the "girdle object lesson" introduced at the chapter's outset. In [Jeremiah 13:1-7](/jeremiah/13-1-7 "Jeremiah 13:1-7 - The Parable of the Ruined Linen Girdle"), God commands Jeremiah to purchase a new linen belt, wear it, hide it in a rock by the Euphrates, and later retrieve it only to find it utterly ruined and "good for nothing." This dramatic prophetic act is then explained in [Jeremiah 13:8-11](/jeremiah/13-8-11 "Jeremiah 13:8-11 - The Meaning of the Girdle Parable"), with verse 10 specifically detailing *why* Judah has become like the spoiled girdle. The preceding verses establish God's initial intention for Israel to be closely bound to Him, serving as His glory and praise, while the subsequent verses elaborate on the dire consequences of their spiritual corruption, leading to their being "marred" and "good for nothing." The entire chapter underscores the profound theological tension between God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's pervasive unfaithfulness, leading to inevitable divine judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous and morally decaying period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah's reforms to the final destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. The people of Judah, despite their sacred covenant relationship with Yahweh, had repeatedly fallen into widespread idolatry, adopting the worship of Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah, and even engaging in abhorrent practices such as child sacrifice. This syncretism and spiritual unfaithfulness were deeply embedded, permeating all strata of society, from the monarchy to the common populace. Culturally, a "girdle" or belt was an essential item of clothing, symbolizing strength, readiness for action, and honor. To be "girded" meant to be prepared for service or battle, while a spoiled or useless girdle implied a profound loss of function, honor, and purpose. The Euphrates River, where the girdle was hidden, was a strategic and symbolic location, pointing ominously to the coming threat from Babylon, which would serve as the instrument of God's righteous judgment. The people's refusal to "hear God's words" reflects a deep-seated spiritual deafness and a deliberate rebellion against the Mosaic Covenant, which repeatedly warned against idolatry and disobedience, as vividly outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Disobedience and Inevitable Judgment**, as Judah's actions directly violate the sacred terms of their covenant with Yahweh, leading inexorably to divine consequence. Secondly, the phrase "refuse to hear my words" underscores the critical theme of **Willful Rejection of Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that Judah's sin was not born of ignorance but of a deliberate and defiant rebellion against clear prophetic warnings and God's established law. Thirdly, the declaration that they "walk in the imagination of their heart" brings forth the profound theme of **Human Depravity and Stubbornness**, particularly the inherent tendency of the unredeemed human heart to follow its own corrupt inclinations rather than God's righteous path, a concept powerfully echoed in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart"). Finally, the vivid imagery of the "girdle, which is good for nothing," powerfully portrays the theme of **Loss of Purpose and Spiritual Uselessness**, signifying that a people intended for God's glory and praise had, through their persistent sin, rendered themselves unfit for His service and worthy of being cast aside, leading to the devastating exile and desolation, as prophesied throughout [the entire book of Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **refuse (Hebrew, _mêʼên'_):** From H3987, meaning "refractory." This word indicates a deliberate, unyielding, and stubborn unwillingness to comply or listen. It implies not passive ignorance or inability, but an active, defiant rejection of God's words, revealing a hardened heart that has consciously chosen its own path over divine instruction and authority.
* **imagination (Hebrew, _shᵉrîyrûwth'_):** From H8307, meaning "obstinacy" or "lust," stemming from a root implying "twisted" or "firm." This term describes a fixed, perverse determination to follow one's own desires and inclinations, regardless of God's revealed will. It speaks to a deep-seated spiritual stubbornness and an internal disposition that is firmly set on evil, leading to self-destructive and rebellious choices.
* **girdle (Hebrew, _ʼêzôwr'_):** From H232, meaning "something girt; a belt, also a band." This object serves as a potent and multi-layered symbol. A girdle is meant to be worn close to the body, functional, and often decorative. Its ruin signifies a profound loss of intimacy with God, a complete loss of function or utility, and a state of dishonor. It represents Judah's tragic transformation from a people intended for glory and usefulness to one that is utterly worthless in God's sight due to their profound spiritual corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This evil people":** This opening phrase constitutes a direct and damning divine pronouncement, a foundational assessment of Judah's profound moral and spiritual condition. The term "evil" (H7451, _raʻ_) encompasses both their inherent moral wickedness and the calamitous consequences that inevitably follow. It establishes the core problem: the people themselves are fundamentally corrupt in their character and actions.
* **"which refuse to hear my words":** This clause precisely highlights the specific nature of their rebellion. It is not a mere misunderstanding or ignorance, but a willful, active rejection (H3987, _mêʼên_) of God's revealed will and the consistent prophetic messages (H1697, _dâbâr_) He sent. Their spiritual deafness is a deliberate choice, indicating a profound lack of obedience, reverence, and submission to the divine voice.
* **"which walk in the imagination of their heart":** This phrase delves into the internal source and driving force of their pervasive disobedience. To "walk" (H1980, _hâlak_) implies a consistent way of life, a chosen path and habitual conduct. Their path is dictated by the "imagination" (H8307, _shᵉrîyrûwth_) or stubborn obstinacy of their "heart" (H3820, _lêb_), which in Hebrew thought refers to the very seat of intellect, will, and emotion. This signifies a self-directed, perverse will that prioritizes its own corrupt desires and inclinations over God's righteous commands.
* **"and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them":** This clause specifies the outward manifestation and ultimate consequence of their inward rebellion. Their "walking" (H3212, _yâlak_) after "other" (H312, _ʼachêr_) "gods" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) is blatant idolatry, a direct and egregious violation of the first commandment. The emphatic repetition of "to serve them, and to worship them" (H5647, _ʻâbad_ and H7812, _shâchâh_) underscores the totality and fervent devotion of their unfaithfulness, giving to false deities the allegiance and adoration due only to Yahweh.
* **"shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing":** This final clause presents the severe and inevitable consequence, directly linking the people's spiritual state to the object lesson. Just as the linen girdle became utterly useless (H6743, _tsâlach_ "good for nothing" implies no longer profitable, beneficial, or useful) and fit only to be discarded, so too would Judah lose its divine purpose, its honor, and its privileged place in God's redemptive plan, facing rejection and ruin through the impending exile.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 13:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "girdle" (already vividly introduced in the preceding verses of the chapter) serves as a powerful representation of Judah. Initially, it symbolized the close, intimate, and honorable relationship God desired with His people, intending for them to cling to Him and bring Him glory. However, in this verse, the spoiled girdle transforms into a stark **Metaphor** for Judah's profound spiritual decay and utter uselessness. The nation *is* the ruined girdle, no longer fit for its divine purpose. The phrase "imagination of their heart" utilizes **Personification**, attributing a rebellious will and perverse inclination to the abstract concept of the heart, thereby emphasizing its active and central role in their persistent sin. Furthermore, the repeated grammatical structure of "which refuse to hear... which walk in the imagination... and walk after other gods" creates a compelling form of **Parallelism** or anaphora, underscoring the persistent, multifaceted, and cumulative nature of Judah's rebellion and building a powerful, undeniable indictment against them. The stark contrast between God's initial glorious intention for Judah and their ultimate state as "good for nothing" also highlights the device of **Irony** or tragic reversal, emphasizing the devastating consequences of their unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 13:10 profoundly articulates the severe consequences of covenant infidelity and the inherent spiritual danger of a hardened heart. It reveals God's righteous judgment against a people who, despite being chosen, privileged, and repeatedly warned, persistently rejected His word and embraced idolatry. This verse underscores the foundational biblical truth that God's covenant relationship demands exclusive loyalty and unwavering obedience, and that willful rebellion inevitably leads to spiritual barrenness, loss of purpose, and divine rejection. It powerfully demonstrates that God's ultimate purpose for His people is not merely their existence but their usefulness and glorification of Him; when they cease to fulfill this purpose through persistent sin, they become "good for nothing" in His eyes, necessitating corrective and often severe judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life or Death")
* [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Hearts Hardened and Ears Stopped")
* [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit Promised")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 13:10 stands as a timeless and sobering warning for all who claim to be God's people, both corporately and individually. It compels us to undertake a profound examination of the true condition of our hearts and our posture towards God's authoritative word. Are we genuinely listening to His voice with a receptive spirit, or are we, like ancient Judah, stubbornly walking in the "imagination of our heart," prioritizing our own desires, comforts, and worldly pursuits over divine truth and righteousness? This verse challenges us to identify any "other gods" in our lives – be it materialism, self-reliance, social approval, career ambition, or even religious ritual without genuine devotion – that subtly or overtly demand our service and worship, thereby diverting our ultimate allegiance from the one true God. The inevitable consequence of such spiritual unfaithfulness is a gradual and insidious loss of spiritual vitality, purpose, and usefulness in God's kingdom, rendering us "good for nothing" in His grand redemptive design. This passage calls us to a radical humility, a fervent and sincere repentance, and a renewed, unwavering commitment to hear, obey, and worship the Lord alone, ensuring that we remain pliable and useful instruments in His sovereign hands, living lives that bring Him abundant glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "refusing to hear" God's words, perhaps through selective listening, rationalization, or outright dismissal of His commands?**
* **What are the "imaginations of my heart" – my stubborn desires, self-willed plans, or perverse inclinations – that I tend to follow, even when they conflict with God's revealed will? How can I intentionally surrender these to His transformative power?**
* **Beyond traditional idols, what "other gods" might I be serving or worshipping in my daily life, giving them precedence, time, or affection that rightfully belongs only to my devotion to Christ?**
* **How does my current spiritual walk reflect my usefulness (or lack thereof) for God's purposes in the world, and what concrete steps can I take to become more "good for something" and truly fruitful in His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "walk in the imagination of their heart" truly mean?**

Answer: The phrase "walk in the imagination of their heart" (Hebrew: _shᵉrîyrûwth lêb_) refers to a lifestyle characterized by stubborn self-will and perverse obstinacy. The word "imagination" here doesn't imply creativity or fanciful thought, but rather a fixed, hard-hearted determination to follow one's own evil inclinations and desires, regardless of God's commands or prophetic warnings. It signifies a heart that is twisted, unyielding, and firmly set in its rebellion, prioritizing its own corrupt thoughts and impulses over divine truth and wisdom. This concept is a recurring theme in Jeremiah, highlighting the deep-seated spiritual sickness of Judah, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Stubborn Hearts and Disobedience").

**Why is the "girdle" used as a metaphor for the people of Judah?**

Answer: The girdle (or belt) is a powerful and multi-layered metaphor in this context. Firstly, a girdle is worn close to the body, symbolizing the intimate and covenantal relationship God intended to have with Israel, binding them to Himself as His treasured possession, as described in [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - A Treasured Possession and Holy Nation"). Secondly, a girdle was a practical item, signifying strength, readiness for action, and honorable service. God intended Judah to be useful for His glory, a light to the nations, as prophesied in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations"). When the girdle becomes "good for nothing," it powerfully illustrates that Judah, through its persistent sin and idolatry, has lost its spiritual strength, its readiness for God's service, and its capacity to fulfill its divine purpose. It is now useless, fit only for rejection and ruin, mirroring their impending exile and loss of national identity and privilege.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 13:10 vividly portrays humanity's fallen and desperate state: a people inherently "evil," refusing God's words, enslaved to the "imagination of their heart," and worshipping false gods, rendering them utterly "good for nothing" in their original divine purpose. This profound spiritual malady finds its ultimate remedy and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Where ancient Judah stubbornly refused to hear God's words, Jesus is the very [Word of God incarnate](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), perfectly obedient to the Father's will in every respect, even unto the ignominious death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death on a Cross")). For hearts stubbornly walking in their own imagination and perverse desires, Christ offers a radical, supernatural transformation; He promises a [new heart and a new spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit Promised"), enabling true obedience and a genuine desire to follow God's ways, not our own. He is the one true God, before whom all "other gods" crumble and are revealed as powerless idols. By His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), redeeming those who were "good for nothing" due to their sin and making them "useful for the Master's use, prepared for every good work" ([2 Timothy 2:21](/2_timothy/2-21 "2 Timothy 2:21 - Useful for the Master's Service")). Through spiritual union with Christ, believers are no longer a spoiled girdle, cast aside in uselessness, but are clothed in His perfect righteousness, restored to their intended purpose, and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to live lives that bring abundant glory and praise to God ([Ephesians 1:12](/ephesians/1-12 "Ephesians 1:12 - To the Praise of His Glory")).

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 9:14

But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:

Jeremiah 16:12

And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me:

2 Chronicles 36:15

And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

Numbers 14:11

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

Jeremiah 11:7

For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day [that] I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.

Jeremiah 11:8

Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded [them] to do; but they did [them] not.