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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 10:2 This is what the LORD says: "Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/10-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/24_Jer_10_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 10:2 - The Sovereignty of God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is what the LORD says: Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/10-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/10-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/10-1.htm" title="Jeremiah 10:1">◄</a> Jeremiah 10:2 <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm" title="Jeremiah 10:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: &#8220Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD: “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens, Although the nations are terrified by them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, &#8220Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, “Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Thus says Yahweh, “Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, “Do not learn the way of the [pagan] nations, And do not be terrified <i>and</i> distressed by the signs of the heavens Although the pagans are terrified by them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Do not learn the way of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, although the nations are terrified by them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Do not learn the way of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, although the nations are terrified by them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />thus saith Jehovah, Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the nations are dismayed at them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the nations are dismayed at them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Don't learn the practices of the nations. Don't be frightened by the signs in the sky because the nations are frightened by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He says, "Do not follow the ways of other nations; do not be disturbed by unusual sights in the sky, even though other nations are terrified. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: "Don't learn the way of the nations, and don't be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: ?Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD says, "Do not start following pagan religious practices. Do not be in awe of signs that occur in the sky even though the nations hold them in awe. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, "Do not learn the way of the nations, and do not be dismayed at the signs of the sky; for the nations are dismayed at them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh says, “Don’t learn the way of the nations, and don’t be dismayed at the signs of the sky; for the nations are dismayed at them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus said YHWH: “Do not accustom yourselves to the way of the nations, "" And do not be frightened by the signs of the heavens, "" For the nations are frightened by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thus said Jehovah: Unto the way of the nations accustom not yourselves, And by the signs of the heavens be not affrighted, For the nations are affrighted by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thus said Jehovah, Ye shall not learn according to the way of the nations, and from the signs of the heavens ye shall not be terrified; for the nations will be terrified from them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thus saith the Lord: Learn not according to the ways of the Gentiles: and be not afraid of the signs of heaven, which the heathens fear: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Thus says the Lord: “Do not choose to learn according to the ways of the Gentiles. And do not be willing to dread the signs of heaven, which the Gentiles fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD: Do not learn the ways of the nations, and have no fear of the signs in the heavens, even though the nations fear them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD: Do not learn the way of the nations, or be dismayed at the signs of the heavens; for the nations are dismayed at them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, Learn not the way of the Gentiles and be not afraid of the signs of heaven; for the Gentiles are dismayed at them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“Thus says LORD JEHOVAH: ‘You shall not learn the way of the Gentiles, and you shall not be in awe of the signs of Heaven, because the Gentiles are in awe of them<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />thus saith the LORD: Learn not the way of the nations, And be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; For the nations are dismayed at them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thus saith the Lord, Learn ye not the ways of the heathen, and be not alarmed at the signs of the sky; for they are alarmed at them, <i>falling</i> on their faces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=3067" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/10.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">This is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3925.htm" title="3925: til·mā·ḏū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to goad, i.e. to teach:(un-) accustomed, X diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er,ing).">learn</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: hag·gō·w·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">of the nations</a> <a href="/hebrew/2865.htm" title="2865: tê·ḥāt·tū (V-Nifal-Imperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either by violence, or by confusion and fear.">or be terrified</a> <a href="/hebrew/226.htm" title="226: ū·mê·’ō·ṯō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-cpc) -- A sign. Probably from 'uwth; a signal, as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.">by the signs</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">in the heavens,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">though</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: hag·gō·w·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">the nations themselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/2865.htm" title="2865: yê·ḥat·tū (V-Nifal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either by violence, or by confusion and fear.">are terrified</a> <a href="/hebrew/mê·hêm·māh (Prep-m:: Pro-3mp) -- ">by them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-9.htm">Deuteronomy 18:9-14</a></span><br />When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. / Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, / casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-13.htm">Isaiah 47:13-14</a></span><br />You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you—your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. / Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. There will be no coals to warm them or fire to sit beside.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/18-3.htm">Leviticus 18:3</a></span><br />You must not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not follow the practices of the land of Canaan, into which I am bringing you. You must not walk in their customs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-15.htm">2 Kings 17:15-17</a></span><br />They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. / They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. / They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-6.htm">Isaiah 2:6</a></span><br />For You have abandoned Your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with influences from the east; they are soothsayers like the Philistines; they strike hands with the children of foreigners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/5-12.htm">Micah 5:12-14</a></span><br />I will cut the sorceries from your hand, and you will have no fortune-tellers. / I will also cut off the carved images and sacred pillars from among you, so that you will no longer bow down to the work of your own hands. / I will root out the Asherah poles from your midst and demolish your cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/33-2.htm">2 Chronicles 33:2-6</a></span><br />And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. / For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down, and he raised up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles. And he worshiped and served all the host of heaven. / Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “My Name will remain in Jerusalem forever.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-24.htm">Isaiah 44:24-25</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth, / who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-32.htm">Ezekiel 20:32</a></span><br />When you say, ‘Let us be like the nations, like the peoples of the lands, serving wood and stone,’ what you have in mind will never come to pass.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Acts 19:19</a></span><br />And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8-9</a></span><br />Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. / But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a></span><br />See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20-21</a></span><br />No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11-12</a></span><br />Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. / For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-21.htm">1 John 5:21</a></span><br />Little children, keep yourselves from idols.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Thus said the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.</p><p class="hdg">learn.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/18-3.htm">Leviticus 18:3</a></b></br> After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/20-23.htm">Leviticus 20:23</a></b></br> And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Deuteronomy 12:30,31</a></b></br> Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise… </p><p class="hdg">Be.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/47-12.htm">Isaiah 47:12-14</a></b></br> Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/21-25.htm">Luke 21:25-28</a></b></br> And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-2.htm">Although</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-16.htm">Heathen</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-7.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-10.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-24.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-26.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Signs</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-10.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-17.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-21.htm">Way</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-23.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-14.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/14-9.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-6.htm">Although</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-4.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-25.htm">Heathen</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-3.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-11.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-16.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-7.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/jeremiah/27-9.htm">Signs</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-22.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-18.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-10.htm">Way</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-16.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-18.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/10-1.htm">The unequal comparison of God and idols.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/10-17.htm">The prophet exhorts to flee from the calamity to come.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/10-19.htm">He laments the spoil of the tabernacle by foolish pastors.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">He makes an humble supplication.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/jeremiah/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>This is what the LORD says:</b><br>This phrase introduces a direct message from God, emphasizing divine authority. In the prophetic books, such declarations often precede important instructions or warnings. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenant name of God, highlighting His relationship with Israel.<p><b>Do not learn the ways of the nations:</b><br>Here, God warns against adopting the practices and customs of surrounding pagan nations. Historically, Israel was surrounded by cultures with polytheistic beliefs and idolatrous practices. This command reflects the call to holiness and separation found throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/leviticus/18-3.htm">Leviticus 18:3-4</a>, where Israel is instructed to follow God's statutes rather than the customs of Egypt or Canaan.<p><b>or be terrified by the signs in the heavens:</b><br>In ancient times, celestial events like eclipses or comets were often interpreted as omens. The nations around Israel, such as the Babylonians and Egyptians, practiced astrology and believed these signs could predict the future. God instructs His people not to fear these signs, as they are under His control, reinforcing the message of His sovereignty found in passages like <a href="/isaiah/40-26.htm">Isaiah 40:26</a>.<p><b>though the nations themselves are terrified by them:</b><br>This highlights the contrast between the people of God and the pagan nations. While the nations are filled with fear due to their reliance on astrology and divination, Israel is called to trust in the LORD, who is the Creator of the heavens. This distinction is a recurring theme, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/18-9.htm">Deuteronomy 18:9-14</a>, where God warns against engaging in divination and other occult practices.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He is the author of the Book of Jeremiah.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah to deliver His messages to the people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_nations.htm">The Nations</a></b><br>Refers to the pagan nations surrounding Israel, often characterized by their idolatrous practices and reliance on astrology and omens.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/signs_in_the_heavens.htm">Signs in the Heavens</a></b><br>Celestial phenomena such as eclipses, comets, or planetary alignments, which were often interpreted as omens by ancient cultures.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Jeremiah's prophecies were primarily directed, warning them against adopting pagan practices.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_pagan_practices.htm">Avoiding Pagan Practices</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to be distinct from the world, avoiding practices that contradict God's commands, such as astrology or superstition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Instead of fearing celestial signs or omens, we should trust in God's control over the universe and His plan for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_cultural_engagement.htm">Discernment in Cultural Engagement</a></b><br>While living in a diverse world, Christians must discern which cultural practices align with biblical principles and which do not.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_not.htm">Fear Not</a></b><br>The command to not be terrified is a reminder that our security and peace come from God, not from interpreting signs or omens.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_to_the_nations.htm">Witness to the Nations</a></b><br>By living according to God's ways, we can be a light to those around us, showing the peace and assurance found in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_contexts_affect_bible_interpretation.htm">How do historical contexts affect biblical text interpretation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_astrology.htm">What is the Bible's stance on astrology?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/isaiah_47_13__contradict_astrology.htm">Isaiah 47:13 – Is there a contradiction with other biblical passages that critique astrology, given the ambiguous stance some prophets take toward signs in the heavens? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_damascus_altar_conflict_with_exodus.htm">Does the altar design brought from Damascus (2 Kings 16:10–11) conflict with earlier temple instructions in Exodus and Leviticus? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Be not dismayed at the signs of heaven.</span>--The special reference is to the "astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators" of the Chaldaeans (<a href="/isaiah/47-13.htm" title="You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from these things that shall come on you.">Isaiah 47:13</a>), finding portents either in the conjuncture of planets and constellations, or in eclipses, comets, and other like phenomena. In singular contrast with the abject attitude of mind thus produced, the prophet shows that what has been called in scorn an anthropomorphic theology, was then the one effectual safeguard against the superstition that bows in fear before anything that is unusual and unexplained.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The way of the heathen</span>. "Way" equivalent to "religion" (comp. <span class="greek">ὁδὸς</span>, <a href="/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2</a>, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">Be not dismayed at the signs of heaven</span>; alluding to the astrological calculations based upon extraordinary appearances in the sky. Diodorus Siculus remarks 2:30) - and his statement is fully confirmed by the Babylonian cuneiform tablets - that "the appearance of comets, eclipses of the sun and moon, earthquakes, and in fact every kind of change occasioned by the atmosphere, whether good or bad, both to nations and to kings and private individuals [were omens of future events]." A catalogue of the seventy standard astrological tablets is to be found in the third volume of the British Museum collection of inscriptions. Among the items we read, "A collection of twenty-five tablets of the signs of heaven and earth, according to their good presage and their bad;" and again, "Tablets [regarding] the signs of the heaven, along with the star (comet) which has a corona in front and a tail behind; the appearance of the sky," etc. There can hardly be a doubt that the prophetic writer had such pseudo-science as this in his eye (see Professor Sayce, 'The Astronomy and Astrology of the Baby. Ionians, with translations of the tablets,' ere, in the <span class="accented">Transactions of the Society of Biblical Archaeology</span>, 3:145-339). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">This is what</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּ֣ה ׀</span> <span class="translit">(kōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like this, thus, here, now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">says:</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">learn</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּלְמָ֔דוּ</span> <span class="translit">(til·mā·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3925.htm">Strong's 3925: </a> </span><span class="str2">To exercise in, learn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ways</span><br /><span class="heb">דֶּ֤רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the nations</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגּוֹיִם֙</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gō·w·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or be terrified</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּחָ֑תּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(tê·ḥāt·tū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2865.htm">Strong's 2865: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the signs</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמֵאֹת֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mê·’ō·ṯō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_226.htm">Strong's 226: </a> </span><span class="str2">A signal, as a, flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the heavens,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">although</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the nations</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגּוֹיִ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gō·w·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are terrified</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵחַ֥תּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yê·ḥat·tū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2865.htm">Strong's 2865: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by them.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵהֵֽמָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·hêm·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/10-2.htm">Jeremiah 10:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/10-2.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 10:2 Thus says Yahweh Don't learn the way (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/10-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 10:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 10:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 10:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 10:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>