4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

Other Translations of Jeremiah 10:4

New International Version

4 They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.

English Standard Version

4 They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move.

The Message

4 They trim it with tinsel and balls, use hammer and nails to keep it upright.

New King James Version

4 They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple.

New Living Translation

4 They decorate it with gold and silver and then fasten it securely with hammer and nails so it won't fall over.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:4

Commentary on Jeremiah 10:1-16

(Read Jeremiah 10:1-16)

The prophet shows the glory of Israel's God, and exposes the folly of idolaters. Charms and other attempts to obtain supernatural help, or to pry into futurity, are copied from the wicked customs of the heathen. Let us stand in awe, and not dare provoke God, by giving that glory to another which is due to him alone. He is ready to forgive, and save all who repent and believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ. Faith learns these blessed truths from the word of God; but all knowledge not from that source, leads to doctrines of vanity.