Jeremiah 25:6 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 25:6 mean?

Jeremiah 25:6 warns the people not to follow or worship other gods, not to provoke God to anger by their actions, and promises that if they obey, God will not harm them. The verse is a clear instruction to avoid idolatry and the behaviors that would lead to God’s judgment.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah on behalf of God during a time when they were turning to other gods and idols. The verse highlights the seriousness of their actions—serving and worshiping other gods is described as provoking God’s anger through the "works of your hands," meaning their own choices and deeds. The promise that God "will do you no hurt" shows that God’s desire is to spare them from harm if they turn back to Him.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 25:6

• "Go" (יָלַךְ, yalak): This word means to walk or go after, emphasizing an intentional pursuit or following of something or someone. Here, it stresses the deliberate choice to seek out other gods.
• "Other" (אֲחֵרִים, acherim): This word means "other" or "different," making it clear that the warning is about gods that are not the true God of Israel.
• "Gods" (אֱלֹהִים, elohim): While this word can mean "gods" or even "God" depending on context, here it refers to false gods or idols, underlining the problem of idolatry.
• "Works" (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma'aseh) and "hands" (יָד, yad): Together, these words refer to the things people make or do, especially idols made by human hands. This phrase points out that their own creations are what provoke God’s anger.

Why Jeremiah 25:6 matters

• Jeremiah 25:6 clarifies that the problem is not just belief in other gods, but the active choice to serve and worship them, which involves concrete actions and decisions.
• The verse shows that God’s anger is not arbitrary; it is provoked specifically by the people’s own works and choices, especially idolatry.
• In the wider context of Jeremiah 25, this verse is part of a warning about coming judgment, making it clear that God’s desire is to prevent harm, not to inflict it—if the people will listen and change their ways.