When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

JEREMIAH 10:13KJV
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Jeremiah 10:13 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 10:13 mean?

Jeremiah 10:13 describes how, when God speaks, powerful forces in nature respond: waters gather in the sky, vapors rise from distant places, lightning and rain are formed, and the wind comes forth from God’s storehouses. The verse highlights God’s control over creation and the natural world.

In this part of the book, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah, contrasting the living God with powerless idols. Jeremiah points out that God alone commands the elements—rain, lightning, wind—showing that He is the true Creator, unlike the man-made gods the people were tempted to worship.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 10:13

  • "Voice" (קוֹל, qol): This word means "sound" or "voice" and is often used for thunder in the Old Testament. Here, it emphasizes that even the thunder is a direct result of God’s command.
  • "Treasures" (אוֹצָר, otsar): This word means "storehouses" or "treasuries." The image is that God keeps the wind as if it were a treasure, releasing it as He chooses, showing His authority over even unseen forces.
  • "Vapours" (נְשִׁיאִים, nesi’im): This word refers to mists or vapors that rise up, likely describing the process of evaporation. The verse credits God with causing this, underlining His involvement in everyday natural processes.

Why Jeremiah 10:13 matters

  • Jeremiah 10:13 clears up the idea that natural events happen on their own; the verse insists that God is personally involved in every detail of the world’s workings.
  • The verse emphasizes the difference between the living God and idols, which cannot control or influence nature in any way, reinforcing Jeremiah’s message to turn away from false gods.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s power is not just spiritual or distant—it is visible and active in the world around us, seen in every storm and breeze.

Where else these words appear

“lightnings” Hebrew H1300 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
  • Psalms 77:18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
  • Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

“rain” Hebrew H4306 · used in 36 verses

  • Exodus 9:33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
  • 2 Samuel 23:4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
  • Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

“treasures” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

“multitude” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
  • Ezekiel 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.