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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 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/10-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/24_Jer_10_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 10:23 - Jeremiah's Prayer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/10-23.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/10-23.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 23</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="/ad1.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/10-22.htm" title="Jeremiah 10:22">◄</a> Jeremiah 10:23 <a href="/jeremiah/10-24.htm" title="Jeremiah 10:24">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </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 />LORD, I know that people&#8217s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />O LORD, I know that the way of man <i>is</i> not in himself: <i>it is</i> not in man that walketh to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />O LORD, I know the way of man <i>is</i> not in himself; <i>It is</i> not in man who walks to direct his own steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know, LORD, that a person’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a person who walks to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that a man&#8217s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself; Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I know, O Yahweh, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />O LORD, I know that the path of [life of] a man is not in himself; It is not within [the limited ability of] man [even one at his best] to choose <i>and</i> direct his steps [in life].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know, LORD, that a person’s way of life is not his own; no one who walks determines his own steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know, LORD, that a man&#8217s way of life is not his own; no one who walks determines his own steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I know, LORD, that we humans are not in control of our own lives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />O LORD, I know that the way humans act is not under their control. Humans do not direct their steps as they walk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />LORD, I know that none of us are in charge of our own destiny; none of us have control over our own life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />LORD, I know that a person's life is not his to control, nor does a person establish his way in life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />LORD, we know that people do not control their own destiny. It is not in their power to determine what will happen to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh, I know that the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man who walks to direct his steps. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I have known, O YHWH, that not of man [is] his way, "" Not of man [is] the going and establishing of his step.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I have known, O Jehovah, that not of man is his way, Not of man the going and establishing of his step.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I knew, O Jehovah, that not to man his way; not to man to go and set right his step.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I know, O Lord, that the way of a man is not his: neither is it in a man to walk, and to direct his steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not his own. Neither is it given to man to walk and to direct his own steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I know, LORD, that no one chooses their way, Nor determines their course nor directs their own step. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that the way of human beings is not in their control, that mortals as they walk cannot direct their steps.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I know that the ways of the LORD are not like the ways of men; he does not walk as a man directing his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I know that the way of LORD JEHOVAH is not like that of a son of man, and not like a man who goes and sets his affairs in order<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />O LORD, I know that man's way is not his own; It is not in man to direct his steps as he walketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I know, O Lord, that man's way is not his own; neither shall a man go, and direct his going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=3313" 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">Jeremiah's Prayer</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">I know,</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.">O LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: lā·’ā·ḏām (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">a man’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: dar·kōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">way</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">is not his own;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: lə·’îš (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">one</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">who walks</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: wə·hā·ḵîn (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">directs</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6806.htm" title="6806: ṣa·‘ă·ḏōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A step, pace. From tsantarah; a pace or regular step.">his own steps.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Correct me, O LORD, but only with justice—not in Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.…<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="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a></span><br />A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm">Proverbs 20:24</a></span><br />A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a></span><br />The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-17.htm">Isaiah 48:17</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-133.htm">Psalm 119:133</a></span><br />Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/26-12.htm">Isaiah 26:12</a></span><br />O LORD, You will establish peace for us. For all that we have accomplished, You have done for us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/23-10.htm">Job 23:10-14</a></span><br />Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. / My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside. / I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-4.htm">Psalm 25:4-5</a></span><br />Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. / Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a></span><br />And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-15</a></span><br />Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” / You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. / Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a></span><br />For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a></span><br />For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a></span><br />Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his steps.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/17-5.htm">Psalm 17:5</a></b></br> Hold up my goings in thy paths, <i>that</i> my footsteps slip not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a></b></br> The steps of a <i>good</i> man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-116.htm">Psalm 119:116,117</a></b></br> Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/10-18.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-33.htm">Direct</a> <a href="/psalms/65-6.htm">Establishing</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-14.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-3.htm">Life</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-12.htm">Power</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-5.htm">Step</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-2.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-2.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-8.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-10.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/14-20.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-11.htm">Direct</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-2.htm">Establishing</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-21.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-21.htm">Life</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-21.htm">Power</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-18.htm">Step</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-12.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-17.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-17.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-15.htm">Way</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/jeremiah/10.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>I know, O LORD</b><br />The phrase begins with a personal acknowledgment of divine truth. The Hebrew word for "know" is "yada," which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual assent. This reflects Jeremiah's deep relationship with God, recognizing His sovereignty and wisdom. The use of "O LORD" invokes the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This sets the tone for a humble admission of human limitation in contrast to divine omniscience.<p><b>that a man’s way is not his own</b><br />The term "way" in Hebrew is "derek," often used to denote a path or journey, symbolizing one's life course or destiny. The phrase underscores the theological concept that humans, despite their free will, are ultimately under God's providential guidance. This reflects a conservative Christian understanding that God has a sovereign plan for each individual, and human autonomy is limited. Historically, this would resonate with the Israelites' experience of exile, reminding them of their dependence on God's direction.<p><b>no one who walks</b><br />The imagery of "walking" is frequently used in Scripture to describe one's conduct or manner of life. The Hebrew root "halak" suggests a continuous, habitual action. This phrase implies that all people, regardless of their status or wisdom, are subject to the same divine oversight. It serves as a reminder of the humility required in acknowledging that human efforts alone cannot determine one's ultimate path.<p><b>directs his own steps</b><br />The word "directs" comes from the Hebrew "kun," meaning to establish or prepare. This conveys the idea that while humans can plan, it is God who ultimately establishes their steps. The "steps" symbolize the individual decisions and actions that make up one's life journey. This aligns with the biblical principle found in <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a>, "A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." It encourages believers to trust in God's guidance and submit to His will, recognizing that true direction and purpose come from Him alone.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">O Lord, I know . . .</span>--The confession is made not by the prophet for himself, but as by and for Israel.<p><span class= "bld">The way of</span> <span class= "bld">man.</span>--The path which a man takes for good or evil, for failure or success. His conduct in life depends, the prophet says, on something more than his own choice :--<p>"There's a divinity that shapes our ends,<p>Rough-hew them how we will."<p>Compare <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm" title="A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.">Proverbs 16:9</a>; <a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm" title="Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?">Proverbs 20:24</a>, as expressing the same thought of the necessity of divine guidance. The two Hebrew words for "man" are used in the two clauses, the first expressing the weakness, the latter the strength of men. Even the strong man has to confess that he needs a hand other than his own to direct his steps.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 23-25.</span> - These verses confirm the view taken above, of the speaker of this whole section. Jeremiah and the people, each is, in a sense, the speaker; but here the prophetic faith seems to run rather in advance of that of his fellow-countrymen. They form, however, a fitting sequel to the charges brought against the people in <a href="/jeremiah/9.htm">Jeremiah 9</a>. The speaker admits that he (either the People of Judah personified, or Jeremiah as a representative of its best portion) fully deserves chastisement for having attempted to go his own way (comp. <a href="/isaiah/57-17.htm">Isaiah 57:17</a>). He has now attained an insight into the truth that man's duty is simply to walk in the path which God has marked out for him. He only asks that Jehovah would chastise him <span class="cmt_word">with judgment</span>, or,, more clearly, <span class="accented">according to what is just</span>. The contrast is between punishment inflicted in anger, the object of which is to cause pain to the criminal, and that inflicted as a duty of justice, and of which the object is the criminal's reformation" (Payne Smith). The fear expressed, however, is not exactly <span class="cmt_word">lest thou bring me to nothing</span>, which is too strong for the Hebrew, but lest <span class="accented">thou make me small</span>. Israel was secured against annihilation by the promise of Jehovah, but feared he might possibly survive only as the shadow of his former self. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/10-23.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">I know,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדַ֣עְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</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">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֛י</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">a man’s</span><br /><span class="heb">לָאָדָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">way</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּרְכּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(dar·kōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<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">is not his own;</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who walks</span><br /><span class="heb">הֹלֵ֔ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(hō·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">directs</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָכִ֖ין</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·ḵîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his own steps.</span><br /><span class="heb">צַעֲדֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣa·‘ă·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6806.htm">Strong's 6806: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pace, regular step</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 10:23 Yahweh I know that the way (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/10-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 10:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 10:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/10-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 10:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 10:24" /></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>