Keraia
Jeremiah 10

Jeremiah 10:9

The Sovereignty of God · Jeremiah 10:1–16
Read Jeremiah 10

Translations

Modern
Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz—the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers.
Traditional
Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.
Literal
Beaten Silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of a craftsman and of the hands of a refiner; blue and purple are their clothing, the work of skillful ones—all of them.
Latin
Argentum involutum de Tharsis affertur, et aurum de Ophaz: opus artificis et manus ærarii. Hyacinthus et purpura indumentum eorum: opus artificum universa hæc.

Original

Hebrew
English
Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz—the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers.

Notes

Jeremiah 10:9

The people who made idols had to get metal from far away. They bought silver from Tarshish in southern Spain. They purchased gold from Uphaz (or Ophir) in Arabia. Skilled craftsmen and expert tailors worked hard to turn a worthless piece of wood or stone into an attractive artifact (see Jeremiah 10:4–5).

Jeremiah 10:1–16

This poetic passage criticizes idol worship and affirms the unity and majesty of the one true God. It is not a logical discussion of divinity in nature or a detailed statement about God's attributes. Instead, it is a poem about the foolishness of worshiping idols that the worshipers have made. It includes strong affirmations of faith that clearly declare who God is.

Jeremiah 10:1–25

This poetic passage has three parts:

  1. A contrast between the Lord and pagan idols (Jeremiah 10:1–16)

  2. A reflection on the destruction awaiting idol worshipers (Jeremiah 10:17–18, 19–22)

  3. A prayer asking God to act with restraint in the coming judgment and to ensure the pagan nations do not go unpunished (Jeremiah 10:23–25).

Theme notes and profiles

Jeremiah God’s Uniqueness

Events

Places

Tarshish: Distant maritime city known for its wealth and trade Uphaz: A place known for its fine gold

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (Old Testament) Body Book of Jeremiah Goldsmith Jeremiah (Person) Purple Uphaz

Topics

Arts of The: Founder Colors: Blue: Symbol of Deity Commerce: from Tarshish Gold: Uphaz Idolatry: Folly of Silver: Made Into: Thin Plates Silver: Malleable Silver: Tarshish Carried on Extensive Commerce In Tarshish: Also Called Tharshish: Commerce and Wealth of Uphaz: A Country Famous for Gold