Jeremiah 7:18 Meaning and Explanation
“The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Three generations work together to make offerings to the 'queen of heaven' and other gods, deliberately provoking God.
The Context of Jeremiah 7:18
Multi-generational family cooperation in preparing offerings to idols.
What Does Jeremiah 7:18 Mean?
The specificity is striking and particular. Three generations—children, fathers, women—are coordinated in preparation of a ritual meal. Children gather wood for the fire, fathers kindle it, women prepare dough for cakes. This is a family enterprise, binding multiple generations to idolatrous practice. The 'queen of heaven' (likely Astarte or a Canaanite goddess) was worshipped with cakes and libations.
The phrase 'that they may provoke me to anger' reveals intention. This is not accidental drift but deliberate provocation. They know what angers God—the worship of other gods—and they do it anyway. The deliberateness intensifies the rebellion. They challenge God openly, using family structures and domestic rhythms to institutionalize worship of false gods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 7:18
What does Jeremiah 7:18 mean?
Three generations work together to make offerings to the 'queen of heaven' and other gods, deliberately provoking God.
What is the context of Jeremiah 7:18?
Multi-generational family cooperation in preparing offerings to idols.