Jeremiah 25:6

KJV

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And go {H3212} not after {H310} other {H312} gods {H430} to serve {H5647} them, and to worship {H7812} them, and provoke me not to anger {H3707} with the works {H4639} of your hands {H3027}; and I will do you no hurt {H7489}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't follow other gods by serving and worshipping them. "Don't provoke my anger with things your own hands have made; then I will do you no harm.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’

American Standard Version

and go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the work of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:6 delivers a crucial divine injunction to Judah, commanding them to cease the worship of false deities and to abandon the idolatrous practices originating from their own hands. This verse powerfully reiterates the foundational covenantal demand for exclusive devotion to Yahweh, the one true God of Israel. It explicitly promises that if they heed this call and refrain from provoking God's anger through idolatry, He will withhold harm from them, thereby underscoring His protective nature and the severe, yet avoidable, consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25 marks a pivotal and climactic point within the book of Jeremiah, serving as a comprehensive summation of the prophet's long-standing message of impending judgment. Delivered in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign (605 BC), this chapter consolidates the warnings Jeremiah had issued for over two decades. Verse 6 is embedded within God's direct indictment of Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience, which is presented as the primary justification for the seventy-year Babylonian captivity, a judgment explicitly foretold later in this very chapter, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity"). It immediately follows God's earnest plea for His people to repent and turn from their evil ways, and it precedes the detailed vision of the "cup of wrath" that all nations, beginning with Judah, are destined to drink. Thus, this verse functions as a stark and clear presentation of the covenantal choice set before Judah: unwavering obedience leading to divine protection, or continued idolatry leading to inevitable judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of King Jehoiakim's rule was characterized by profound political instability and a deep spiritual decline within Judah. The nation found itself precariously situated between the fading power of Egypt and the burgeoning dominance of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Despite the significant religious reforms initiated by his predecessor, King Josiah, Jehoiakim systematically reversed many of these, leading Judah back into widespread and entrenched idolatry. The phrase "other gods" refers to the diverse array of pagan deities worshipped by surrounding nations, including but not limited to Baal, Asherah, and the astral deities of the "host of heaven," whose cultic practices often involved abhorrent rituals such as child sacrifice and ritual prostitution. The "works of your hands" specifically denotes the physical idols—carved from wood or stone, or cast from metal—that the people fashioned and then worshipped. This practice constituted a direct and egregious violation of the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the [First and Second Commandments](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First and Second Commandments"), which unequivocally forbade the worship of any god other than Yahweh and the making of graven images. Judah's persistent syncretism and adoption of foreign religious practices were a constant source of divine anger, as Yahweh, the covenant God, demanded exclusive and undivided loyalty from His chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:6 powerfully encapsulates several central themes that resonate throughout the book of Jeremiah and indeed, the entire Old Testament. Firstly, it emphatically highlights the **Exclusive Worship of Yahweh**, reiterating the fundamental theological truth that the God of Israel is sovereign and tolerates no rivals for His glory or His people's devotion. This theme directly echoes the foundational declaration of the [Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"), which commands singular love and devotion to God. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Folly and Danger of Idolatry**. The "works of your hands" are presented as impotent creations of humanity, utterly incapable of delivering salvation, protection, or any true benefit, standing in stark contrast to the living and active God. This theme is vividly and satirically explored in other prophetic passages, such as [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry"), which mocks the sheer absurdity of worshipping man-made objects. Thirdly, the verse presents the clear **Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience**. God's conditional promise, "and I will do you no hurt," serves as a direct implication that harm and judgment will indeed befall them if they persist in their rebellion. This reflects the foundational covenant principle of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, comprehensively outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, the verse reveals God's **Righteous Anger and Steadfast Love**. His anger is not arbitrary but a just and holy response to covenant betrayal, yet His underlying desire to protect and bless His people remains evident in the conditional promise of "no hurt," demonstrating His enduring compassion even amidst His judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** H3212. This primitive root signifies "to walk" both literally and figuratively. In this context, "go not after" implies a complete cessation of pursuing, following, or aligning oneself with the ways, practices, and spiritual allegiances associated with other gods. It represents a call to abandon a lifestyle of spiritual infidelity and to decisively redirect one's ultimate allegiance away from false worship. The nuance here is not merely physical movement but a comprehensive orientation of life and devotion.
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** H430. While this plural form can refer to the supreme God (especially when used with the definite article), here, in conjunction with "other" (H312, _ʼachêr_), it distinctly refers to foreign, false, or pagan deities. This usage emphasizes their fundamental distinction from Yahweh, highlighting that these are not merely alternative expressions of the divine but are illegitimate and rival objects of worship, powerless in comparison to the one true God.
* **works (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** H4639. This term denotes an action, deed, or product, often specifically implying something made or wrought by human hands. In the context of idolatry, "works of your hands" is a potent biblical idiom for idols themselves. It underscores their human origin, emphasizing their inherent powerlessness, inertness, and inferiority when contrasted with the living, self-existent God. The phrase highlights the profound absurdity and spiritual offense of worshipping something that one has created.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And go not after other gods":** This clause issues a direct, emphatic, and absolute command to cease the active pursuit of and adherence to any deity other than Yahweh. "Going after" implies a deliberate seeking, following, and devotion, which is strictly forbidden when directed towards false gods. It demands a redirection of one's entire life's trajectory and spiritual allegiance.
* **"to serve them, and to worship them":** This clause specifies the practical and spiritual implications of "going after other gods." "To serve" (H5647, _ʻâbad_) denotes labor, bondage, or rendering service, highlighting the active engagement, submission, and even enslavement involved in idolatry. "To worship" (H7812, _shâchâh_) means to prostrate oneself, to bow down in homage or reverence, signifying the act of adoration, submission, and ultimate allegiance. Together, these phrases encompass both the practical, laborious service and the spiritual, reverential devotion that should be exclusively reserved for God alone.
* **"and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands":** This segment warns of the severe divine consequence of such idolatrous actions. "Provoke me not to anger" (H3707, _kaʻaç_) is a strong expression, indicating that idolatry is not merely a mistake or a minor transgression but a direct affront, an incitement to God's righteous wrath, and a profound betrayal of His covenant. The "works of your hands" clearly identifies the idols as the tangible manifestation of their rebellion, emphasizing their human origin and the profound insult of worshipping created things over the Creator.
* **"and I will do you no hurt":** This is a conditional promise of divine protection and well-being, presented as a direct consequence of obedience. If Judah refrains from idolatry and obeys God's command, He promises not to bring calamity, harm, or destructive judgment upon them. This highlights God's inherent desire for the flourishing and security of His people, and His protective nature for those who remain faithful to His covenant. It stands in stark contrast to the impending judgment that will inevitably follow their continued disobedience, underscoring the gravity of their choice.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:6 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and non-negotiable message. The most prominent device is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in the direct commands "go not" and "provoke me not." This grammatical choice instills a sense of immediate urgency and underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's decree, emphasizing His absolute authority and the gravity of the warning. There is also clear **Synonymous Parallelism** in the phrase "to serve them, and to worship them," where two distinct but semantically related verbs are used to express the same overarching idea of devotion to idols, thereby intensifying the meaning of exclusive spiritual allegiance. **Anthropomorphism** is powerfully employed in "provoke me not to anger," where God is described as experiencing a human emotion (anger). This device allows the human audience to grasp the depth and righteousness of God's displeasure at their spiritual infidelity, making His response relatable and impactful. Finally, the phrase "works of your hands" functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a characteristic (being man-made) or a part (the act of making) stands for the whole (the idol itself and the entire system of idolatry and false worship). This rhetorical device effectively emphasizes the human origin, and consequently, the inherent powerlessness and absurdity of the objects of their misplaced devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:6 is deeply rooted in the foundational theological principles of the Old Testament, particularly the concept of God's absolute sovereignty and His unyielding demand for exclusive worship from His covenant people. Idolatry is not merely a minor transgression but a profound act of spiritual adultery, a direct and grievous violation of the covenant relationship established at Sinai. It fundamentally challenges God's unique identity as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, attributing His power and glory to lifeless objects or false deities. The Lord's anger, as depicted in this verse, is not a capricious human emotion but a righteous and holy response to this profound betrayal, reflecting His inherent holiness and His zealous jealousy for His own name. The verse unequivocally underscores that true security, peace, and well-being for God's people are found only in unwavering fidelity to Him. Any deviation from this singular devotion inevitably leads to divine judgment and self-inflicted harm, as illustrated throughout Israel's history.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment: No Other Gods")
* [Deuteronomy 4:23-24](/deuteronomy/4-23-24 "Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "God's Glory Not Shared with Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the explicit worship of physical idols may be less prevalent in many contemporary societies, the profound principle embedded in Jeremiah 25:6 remains acutely relevant for believers today. In our modern context, "other gods" often manifest as anything that subtly or overtly displaces God from the supreme position in our hearts, minds, and lives. This can include the relentless pursuit of material wealth, insatiable career ambition, the quest for social status and validation, the idolization of personal comfort, an excessive immersion in technology, or even the worship of self and individual autonomy. When these pursuits become the ultimate source of our security, identity, meaning, or purpose, they effectively become idols that compete for the exclusive devotion rightfully belonging to God alone. This verse issues a radical call to profound self-examination, prompting us to identify and courageously dismantle any "works of our hands"—our achievements, possessions, relationships, or self-made securities—that we might be unknowingly serving or worshipping. It serves as a potent reminder that true flourishing, genuine peace, and freedom from ultimate "hurt" come not from these fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying pursuits, but from wholehearted, exclusive, and unwavering devotion to the living God, who alone is worthy of our worship and uniquely capable of providing ultimate protection, lasting peace, and eternal satisfaction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" (e.g., career, money, relationships, comfort, self-image, social media) might be subtly competing for my ultimate loyalty and devotion in today's world?**
* **How do the "works of my hands" (my achievements, possessions, or self-reliance) sometimes become idols that provoke God's displeasure by taking His rightful place in my life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I truly trusting God for my well-being and protection, rather than relying on my own efforts, fleeting desires, or false securities?**

### FAQ
**What does "go not after other gods" mean for us today?**

Answer: For us today, "going not after other gods" extends far beyond the literal worship of carved images. It refers to anything that takes the place of God as the ultimate object of our affection, trust, and devotion. This can manifest as materialism, where wealth becomes our security; careerism, where professional success defines our worth; hedonism, where pleasure is our highest pursuit; or even self-worship, where our own desires and autonomy reign supreme. It is fundamentally about where our ultimate allegiance lies, as [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters") powerfully reminds us, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

**Why does God get "angry" at idolatry?**

Answer: God's anger at idolatry is not a capricious or irrational human emotion, but a righteous indignation rooted deeply in His holy character and His covenant faithfulness. Idolatry is a direct affront to His unique sovereignty and unshared glory, as He declares in [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God Will Not Share His Glory"): "I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols." It represents a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship, akin to spiritual adultery, vividly illustrated in prophetic books like [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - Hosea's Marriage and God's Faithfulness"). Furthermore, idolatry ultimately harms His people by leading them away from the source of true life, blessing, and protection, into practices that are inherently destructive, deceptive, and dehumanizing.

**Does "I will do you no hurt" mean believers will never suffer or face hardship?**

Answer: No, "I will do you no hurt" does not promise an absence of all suffering, hardship, or trials in a believer's life. Instead, it signifies God's protective care and His desire for blessing and well-being *within the covenant relationship*, contrasting sharply with the destructive judgment that would come as a direct and inevitable consequence of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. It assures that God will not bring the ultimate "hurt" of divine judgment and abandonment upon those who remain faithful to Him. Believers may still experience various trials and tribulations, but these are often for purposes of refinement, spiritual growth, or as part of God's greater redemptive plan, as [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good") assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:6, with its stern warning against idolatry and its conditional promise of protection for exclusive devotion, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Judah repeatedly failed to "go not after other gods," succumbing to the allure of spiritual infidelity, Jesus perfectly embodied this divine command. He lived a life of absolute and unwavering devotion to the Father, never seeking His own glory or pursuing any rival allegiance ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). He is the true and living God, the only one truly worthy of all worship, and through His perfect obedience, He fulfills the covenant demands that Israel could not. Furthermore, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross profoundly addresses the "hurt" that humanity's pervasive idolatry and sin provoked in God. He bore the full weight of divine anger and judgment against sin, allowing all who believe in Him to be reconciled to God and freed from the bondage and futility of false gods. The New Testament consistently calls believers to abandon all forms of idolatry, whether overt worship of images or subtle devotion to worldly desires, recognizing that Christ alone is Lord and the sole object of our ultimate allegiance ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Greed is Idolatry"), [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")). In Him, we find the true path to eternal life and the ultimate "no hurt," as He is the way, the truth, and the life, and the only one who can truly satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")).

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

Deuteronomy 8:19

And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.

Deuteronomy 6:14

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;

Jeremiah 35:15

I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them], saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

2 Kings 17:35

With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:

Jeremiah 7:6

[If] ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:

Deuteronomy 13:2

And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

Jeremiah 7:9

Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;