Jeremiah 16:20

KJV

Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they [are] no gods?

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall a man {H120} make {H6213} gods {H430} unto himself, and they are no gods {H430}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Can a person make himself gods? (In fact they aren't gods at all.)

Berean Standard Bible

Can man make gods for himself? Such are not gods!”

American Standard Version

Shall a man make unto himself gods, which yet are no gods?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:20 powerfully encapsulates the prophet's unwavering condemnation of idolatry, presenting a profound rhetorical question that exposes the inherent absurdity and utter futility of humanity's attempt to create and worship deities of its own making. This verse emphatically asserts that such creations are entirely devoid of divine power, authority, or reality, serving as lifeless imitations in stark contrast to the one true and living God. It underscores the spiritual blindness and profound self-deception of those who abandon the Creator for fabricated gods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 16:20 is strategically placed within a significant prophetic section (chapters 16-17) that details Judah's impending judgment and the severe consequences of their pervasive unfaithfulness. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 16:1-18) outline the divine judgment, including prohibitions on mourning and marriage, symbolizing the complete disruption of normal life due to God's wrath. Specifically, verse 19 immediately sets the stage for the rhetorical question of verse 20 by prophesying that "the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit" [Jeremiah 16:19](/jeremiah/16-19 "Jeremiah 16:19 - Nations Acknowledge Idolatry's Futility"). This recognition by the nations of the emptiness of their ancestral idols directly leads into the pointed challenge of verse 20, which logically extends the theme of idolatry's futility. The chapter concludes with a declaration of Yahweh's unparalleled power and a promise of future restoration, emphasizing His ultimate sovereignty over all nations and their false gods, reinforcing the truth that only He is God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Jeremiah addresses the kingdom of Judah during its tumultuous final decades before the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). This era was characterized by widespread idolatry, syncretism, and a profound turning away from the covenant with Yahweh. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people persisted in worshipping foreign deities such as Baal, Asherah, and the "queen of heaven," often incorporating their rites into Israelite worship. This practice was deeply ingrained, as indicated by the reference to "fathers have inherited lies" [Jeremiah 16:19](/jeremiah/16-19 "Jeremiah 16:19 - Nations Acknowledge Idolatry's Futility"). The ancient Near Eastern cultural landscape was saturated with polytheistic religions, where various gods were associated with natural phenomena, fertility, or national power. Jeremiah's message directly confronts this prevailing worldview, asserting the unique, incomparable nature of Israel's God against the backdrop of impotent, man-made idols, highlighting His exclusive claim to divinity in a world filled with false gods.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 16:20 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the **Futility and Absurdity of Idolatry**, emphasizing that human creations cannot possess divine attributes or power, a theme profoundly echoed in passages like [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - The Folly of Idolatry"). Secondly, it underscores the **Uniqueness and Sovereignty of Yahweh**, implicitly contrasting the impotence of idols with the omnipotence and self-existence of the one true God, who alone is worthy of worship and capable of salvation or judgment. This aligns with foundational monotheistic declarations found in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema") and [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God is Unique and Sovereign"). Thirdly, the verse exposes **Human Folly and Spiritual Blindness**, as people willfully choose to worship lifeless objects over the living God, demonstrating a profound lack of discernment and a tragic inversion of the created order. Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Divine Judgment and Restoration**, as the consequences of idolatry lead to judgment, but God's ultimate plan includes a future where even the nations will recognize the truth about His identity, as hinted in [Jeremiah 16:19](/jeremiah/16-19 "Jeremiah 16:19 - Nations Acknowledge Idolatry's Futility"), leading to a universal acknowledgment of His supremacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** Derived from the root meaning "ruddy," this term refers to a human being, an individual, or humanity in general. In this context, it emphasizes the finite, created nature of the one attempting to "make gods." The very act of a human, a creature, attempting to create a creator, highlights the inherent absurdity and profound inversion of the divine order, underscoring the limitations of humanity.
* **make (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This is a broad, primitive root verb meaning "to do or make" in the widest sense and application. Here, it denotes the act of fabrication, construction, or creation. The use of this word underscores the human agency involved in producing idols—they are not divine beings descending from heaven but objects crafted by human hands, subject to human limitations, intentions, and eventual decay.
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun can refer to gods in the ordinary sense (pagan deities) or, especially with the article, to the supreme God. In Jeremiah 16:20, its repeated use, first in reference to man-made objects and then emphatically negated ("no gods"), highlights the stark contrast between the *name* or *concept* of "gods" that humans might create and the *reality* of true divinity. It exposes the emptiness and non-existence of the former, demonstrating their utter lack of divine essence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shall a man make gods unto himself":** This opening clause functions as a rhetorical question, designed to provoke deep thought and expose the fundamental illogicality of idolatry. It immediately draws attention to the human actor ("man") and the misguided object of their creation ("gods"). The phrase "unto himself" (לֹו, _lo_) emphasizes the self-serving, self-originating, and ultimately self-deceptive nature of this act—these are not gods revealed by a higher power, but deities conceived and fashioned by human desire, imagination, or cultural practice, serving human purposes rather than divine ones.
* **"and they [are] no gods?":** This concluding clause provides the emphatic, self-evident answer to the rhetorical question. The Hebrew construction uses the identical word for "gods" (`ʼĕlôhîym`) but negates it with the particle `לא` (_lo_), creating a powerful and undeniable contrast. It declares unequivocally that anything a human "makes" and calls "god" is, in reality, utterly devoid of divine essence, power, life, or truth. They are non-entities in the spiritual realm, incapable of hearing, seeing, helping, or saving, thus rendering their worship utterly futile, vain, and ultimately destructive.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 16:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth and condemn the practice of idolatry. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they [are] no gods?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful, self-evident assertion. Its immediate and undeniable answer underscores the inherent absurdity and illogical nature of idolatry, compelling the listener or reader to acknowledge the truth of God's uniqueness. Furthermore, the verse utilizes powerful **Irony** and **Contrast**. It is deeply ironic that humanity, created in the image of God, would attempt to "create" its own gods, thereby inverting the natural order of Creator and created. The sharp contrast between "gods" (man-made objects given a divine title) and "no gods" (their actual, powerless reality) highlights the profound spiritual blindness and folly of idolatry. This stark juxtaposition serves to expose the emptiness, deception, and ultimate vanity inherent in worshipping anything other than the true and living God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 16:20 stands as a foundational statement regarding the nature of God and the folly of idolatry, resonating deeply throughout biblical theology. It affirms the absolute uniqueness and incomparable nature of the one true God, Yahweh, by starkly contrasting Him with the impotent creations of human hands. Theologically, it asserts that true divinity cannot be manufactured; it must be inherent, self-existent, and sovereign. Any attempt by humanity to create a god for itself is not only an act of rebellion against the Creator but also an exercise in utter futility, as such "gods" possess no power, no life, and no capacity to intervene, hear prayers, or save. This verse underscores the biblical emphasis on monotheism and the exclusive claim of Yahweh as the sole sovereign and living God, demanding exclusive worship and devotion. It serves as a perennial warning against placing ultimate trust or devotion in anything other than the Creator, whether ancient idols of wood and stone or modern idols of wealth, power, self, or ideology.

* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry and God's Uniqueness")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols and the Power of God")
* [1 Corinthians 8:4-6](/1_corinthians/8-4-6 "1 Corinthians 8:4-6 - One God, No Idols but the True God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 16:20 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to examine the objects of our ultimate trust and devotion. While the physical idols of ancient Judah may seem distant and irrelevant to contemporary life, the underlying principle of making "gods unto ourselves" remains profoundly relevant and pervasive. Modern idolatry often manifests in more subtle, yet equally destructive, forms. Anything that occupies the place of God in our hearts—our ultimate source of security, identity, meaning, purpose, or satisfaction—becomes a "god" we have fashioned for ourselves. This could include our careers, financial success, relationships, personal achievements, physical appearance, comfort, entertainment, or even our own opinions, ideologies, and desires. The verse forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that if these things are elevated to a position of ultimate authority or worship, they are ultimately "no gods" at all, incapable of delivering true peace, lasting joy, eternal security, or genuine salvation. True liberation and profound fulfillment come only from turning away from these self-made deities and placing our complete trust and worship in the living and true God, who alone is worthy and capable of meeting our deepest needs and granting eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" might I be making for myself in my daily life, consciously or unconsciously, that are truly "no gods"?**
* **How does my pursuit of security, identity, or purpose reveal what I truly worship and where my ultimate trust lies?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to place my ultimate trust in created things or human constructs rather than the Creator?**
* **What practical steps can I take to dismantle modern idols in my heart and re-center my devotion and worship exclusively on the one true God?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Jeremiah 16:20?**

Answer: The primary message of Jeremiah 16:20 is a powerful condemnation of idolatry, emphasizing its utter futility and absurdity. Through a rhetorical question, it highlights that anything created by human hands and designated as a "god" is, in reality, powerless, lifeless, and devoid of divine essence, serving as a stark contrast to the living and true God. It asserts that man cannot create true divinity.

**How is this verse relevant to people today, even without physical idols?**

Answer: While ancient Israel struggled with physical idols made of wood and stone, the principle of Jeremiah 16:20 remains profoundly relevant for contemporary life. Modern idolatry often takes the form of placing ultimate trust, devotion, or hope in things other than God, such as wealth, power, status, self-image, intellectual achievements, relationships, or even technology and personal comfort. These become "gods" that we make for ourselves, promising fulfillment but ultimately proving to be "no gods" at all, incapable of providing lasting peace, security, or salvation. The verse calls us to examine our hearts and identify what truly occupies the throne of our lives, challenging us to turn from anything that displaces God, as seen in the New Testament's warnings against various forms of covetousness and worldly attachments, which are equated with idolatry ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things") and [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 16:20, with its stark declaration of the futility of man-made gods, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently exposes the impotence of idols, but in Christ, we see the living embodiment of the "true God" whom idols could never imitate. While humanity attempts to "make gods unto himself" out of its own flawed imagination and limited power, Christ is the [God who made Himself known to humanity](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God; The Son Reveals Him"), the Word made flesh. He is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"), the one through whom [all things were created](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ") and by whom [all things hold together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things"). Unlike the "no gods" fashioned by human hands, Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the [only way to the Father](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, Life"), and the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). In Him, the emptiness and deception of idolatry are fully exposed, for He alone offers true life, salvation, and communion with the living God, demonstrating that only the Creator, not the created, is worthy of ultimate worship and capable of delivering humanity from its deepest spiritual needs and eternal death.

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 115:4

Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

Psalms 115:8

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

Isaiah 37:19

And have cast their gods into the fire: for they [were] no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.

Galatians 4:8

¶ Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

Hosea 8:4

They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

Hosea 8:6

For from Israel [was] it also: the workman made it; therefore it [is] not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

Jeremiah 2:11

Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit.