Jeremiah 10:6 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 10:6 mean?

Jeremiah 10:6 declares that there is no one like the LORD, who is truly great and whose name is powerful. The verse highlights the unmatched greatness and strength of God, making it clear that He stands alone above all others.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to God, expressing awe and reverence. Jeremiah is contrasting the LORD with the idols worshiped by the nations around Israel, emphasizing that none of them can compare to the true God. The verse is part of a larger passage where Jeremiah points out the foolishness of idol worship and calls attention to the LORD’s unique power and authority.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 10:6

• LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, used here to stress that Jeremiah is addressing the one true God, not just any deity.
• great (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means "great" in size, importance, or power. Jeremiah uses it twice—once for God Himself and once for God's name—to emphasize both God's being and His reputation.
• name (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a "name" often stands for a person’s character or reputation. Saying God's name is "great in might" means His reputation is powerful and awe-inspiring.
• might (גְּבוּרָה, geburah): This word refers to strength, power, or might. By saying God's name is "great in might," Jeremiah is highlighting the real, active power associated with God’s character.

Why Jeremiah 10:6 matters

• Jeremiah 10:6 clarifies that the LORD is not just another god among many, but utterly unique in greatness and power, which is a central theme in the book of Jeremiah.
• The verse helps explain why idol worship is empty—because no idol can compare to the living God, whose name and power are unmatched.
• This verse connects to the surrounding passage, where Jeremiah exposes the worthlessness of idols and calls people to recognize the LORD’s true greatness.