Jeremys letter 6:48 - For when there comes any war or plague upon them, the priests consult with themselves, where they may be hidden with them.

Generated Verse: Jeremys letter 6:48

What does "Jeremys letter 6:48" mean?


This verse is from the apocryphal Book of Baruch, specifically a part of the Letter of Jeremiah (which is sometimes appended to Baruch as chapter 6). The verse is a condemnation of idol worship and the practices surrounding it. Let's break it down:

"For when there comes any war or plague upon them...": This highlights a time of crisis, when people naturally turn to their gods or idols for help and protection.

"...the priests consult with themselves...": The "priests" here refer to the priests who serve the idols. "Consult with themselves" implies that these priests are not genuinely seeking divine guidance or the well-being of the people.

"...where they may be hidden with them.": The "them" refers to the idols. So, the priests are concerned with their own safety and are seeking ways to hide themselves along with the idols.

Meaning and Interpretation:

The verse's meaning is satirical and critical. It's pointing out the absurdity and ineffectiveness of idol worship in a few key ways:

Self-Preservation over Divine Power: The priests, who are supposed to be mediators between the people and their gods, are more concerned with saving their own lives than using the gods' supposed power to protect the people from war or plague.
Idols as Liabilities: The idols are portrayed not as sources of strength, but as liabilities. The priests have to hide them rather than the idols protecting them. This undercuts the whole premise of idol worship.
Hypocrisy and Self-Interest: The priests are shown as hypocritical and self-serving. They're not acting in the best interests of their community or their gods, but rather in their own self-interest.
Powerlessness of Idols: The verse implicitly argues that the idols are powerless. They can't protect themselves or their worshippers from harm, revealing their fundamental uselessness.

In essence, the verse is a piece of polemic against idolatry. It uses humor and irony to expose the perceived flaws and deceptions inherent in the worship of idols. It argues that idols are incapable of providing real help or protection and that those who serve them are often motivated by self-interest rather than genuine faith or concern for their community.