Jeremiah 16:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah poses a rhetorical question exposing the illogic of idolatry.
The Context of Jeremiah 16:20
Jeremiah's rhetorical challenge to the logic of idolatry.
What Does Jeremiah 16:20 Mean?
This question challenges the fundamental absurdity at the heart of idolatry. Can a human being create a god? By definition, if a man makes it, it is not a god but merely human handiwork. The idols and gods the people worship are objects fashioned by human hands, not true deities. This rhetorical question cuts to the core of the spiritual confusion driving Judah's judgment.
The logic is simple but devastating: true gods are not made by humans; they transcend creation. Yet the people have chosen to worship things they themselves could manufacture. This inversion of the proper order—where humans depend on God, not the reverse—explains why their worship is futile and their judgment inevitable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 16:20
What does Jeremiah 16:20 mean?
Jeremiah poses a rhetorical question exposing the illogic of idolatry.
What is the context of Jeremiah 16:20?
Jeremiah's rhetorical challenge to the logic of idolatry.