What does Jeremiah 10:10 mean?
"But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation." - Jeremiah 10:10

Jeremiah 10:10 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation."
This verse is from the book of Jeremiah, who was a prophet during the time of the Babylonian captivity of Judah. The book of Jeremiah primarily addresses the people of Judah and Jerusalem, warning them of the impending destruction and captivity that they would face if they did not turn away from their idolatry and disobedience to God.
In Jeremiah 10:10, the prophet emphasizes the sovereignty and power of the one true God. This verse serves as a reminder to the people that despite the false gods they have been worshiping and relying on, it is the Lord who is the only true and living God. The use of "the true God" and "the living God" emphasizes the uniqueness of the Lord and implies a direct contrast to the lifeless and powerless idols that the people have turned to.
The description of God as an "everlasting king" points to His eternal nature and His reign over all creation. This title highlights God's authority and His unchanging nature, standing in stark contrast to the earthly kings and rulers who come and go. The use of the term "king" also reinforces the idea of God as the ultimate authority and the ruler of all nations.
The second part of the verse warns of the consequences of defying God's will. It says, "at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation." This statement conveys the awesome power and might of God, suggesting that His wrath is so great that it can cause the earth itself to tremble, and the nations of the world will be unable to withstand His anger.
This verse speaks to the themes of the sovereignty, power, and wrath of God. It serves as a warning to the people of Judah, urging them to turn away from their sinful ways and recognize the true authority of God. It also emphasizes the consequences of disobedience, highlighting the fear and reverence that should be held for the Almighty.
In terms of historical and cultural context, it is important to note that the people of Judah were facing the impending threat of invasion and captivity by the Babylonians. They had turned away from God and were engaging in idolatry and disobedience to His commands. Jeremiah's message was a response to this situation, urging the people to repent and turn back to God in order to avoid the impending judgment.
The symbolism in this verse is significant. The contrast between the true and living God and the lifeless idols reflects the dichotomy between God's power and the impotence of false gods. The image of the earth trembling at God's wrath evokes a sense of awe and fear, emphasizing the magnitude of His power. The mention of nations being unable to abide His indignation underscores the universal scope of God's authority and the inevitability of his judgment.
Ultimately, Jeremiah 10:10 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of defying His will. It calls for repentance and obedience, emphasizing the need for the people to turn back to God in order to avoid the judgment that was looming over them. This verse continues to resonate with believers today, serving as a timeless reminder of the unchanging nature of God and the importance of living in reverence and obedience to Him.
Have questions about Jeremiah 10:10?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Jeremiah 10:10 Artwork
Jeremiah 10:10 - "But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation."
"But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation." - Jeremiah 10:10
Jeremiah 10:5
Nehemiah 10:2 - "Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,"
Jeremiah 1: 1-10
1 Chronicles 12:10 - "Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,"
Jeremiah 10:8 - "But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities."
Jeremiah 10:15 - "They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish."
Jeremiah 10:4 - "They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
Jeremiah 28:10 - "Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and brake it."
"Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah," - Nehemiah 10:2
Jeremiah 19:10 - "Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee,"
Jeremiah 10:17 - "¶ Gather up thy wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress."
Jeremiah 32:10 - "And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances."
Jeremiah 50:10 - "And Chaldea shall be a spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied, saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 10:1 - "Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:"
Jeremiah 10:2 - "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."
Jeremiah 2:10 - "For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing."
Jeremiah 10:24 - "O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing."
Jeremiah 38:10 - "Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die."
Jeremiah 10:3 - "For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe."
Jeremiah 10:23 - "¶ O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."
"Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth," - 1 Chronicles 12:10
Jeremiah 10:21 - "For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered."
Jeremiah 36:10 - "Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house, in the ears of all the people."
Jeremiah 10:19 - "¶ Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it."
Jeremiah 48:10 - "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood."
Jeremiah 35:10 - "But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us."
Jeremiah 10:6 - "Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might."
"But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities." - Jeremiah 10:8