Jeremys letter 6:64 - Wherefore a man should neither think nor say that they are gods, seeing they are able neither to judge causes, nor to do good to men.

Generated Verse: Jeremys letter 6:64

What does "Jeremys letter 6:64" mean?


This verse from the Letter of Jeremy, which is considered part of the Book of Baruch in the Deuterocanonical books of the Bible, is essentially arguing against the worship of idols. Let's break it down:

"Wherefore a man should neither think nor say that they are gods...": This is the core statement. It's saying that idols should not be considered or referred to as gods.
"...seeing they are able neither to judge causes...": This provides the first reason why idols aren't gods. Gods are traditionally seen as being able to make judgments and determine outcomes (i.e., "judge causes"). The idols, being inanimate objects, are incapable of doing this.
"...nor to do good to men.": This is the second reason. Gods are typically believed to be benevolent and capable of benefiting humanity. Idols, on the other hand, cannot perform any good deeds or provide any real assistance.

In simpler terms: The verse is asserting that idols are not gods because they cannot make judgments or help people. Because they're merely statues or crafted objects, they lack the essential attributes of a true deity. Therefore, people should not worship them or even consider them divine.

The context: This verse is part of a longer letter that satirizes idolatry, highlighting the absurdity of worshipping inanimate objects that are helpless and useless. It's a polemic against the practice of idol worship, a common theme in the Hebrew Bible and related texts.

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