3 For the practices of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.

Other Translations of Jeremiah 10:3

King James Version

3 For the customs customs...: Heb. statutes, or, ordinances are vanity 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.

English Standard Version

3 for the customs of the peoples are vanity.Or vapor, or mist A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman.

The Message

3 The religion of these peoples is nothing but smoke. An idol is nothing but a tree chopped down, then shaped by a woodsman's ax.

New King James Version

3 For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.

New Living Translation

3 Their ways are futile and foolish. They cut down a tree, and a craftsman carves an idol.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:3

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.