Jeremiah 20:6 Study Bible: You, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house shall go into captivity; and you shall come to Babylon, and there you shall die, and there you shall be buried, you, and all your friends, to whom you have prophesied falsely.'"

◄ Jeremiah 20:6 ►

And you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house, will go into captivity. You will go to Babylon, and there you will die and be buried--you and all your friends to whom you have prophesied these lies.'"

Study Bible

And you, Pashhur
The name "Pashhur" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "freedom" or "splitter." Ironically, Pashhur, a priest and chief officer in the house of the Lord, is anything but free in this context. His actions against Jeremiah, a true prophet of God, have led to his own downfall. This highlights the biblical principle that those who oppose God's truth will ultimately face judgment. Historically, Pashhur represents the religious leaders who resisted prophetic warnings, a recurring theme in Israel's history.

and all who live in your house
This phrase indicates that the consequences of Pashhur's actions extend beyond himself to his entire household. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the household was a unit that included family members and servants. The collective punishment underscores the seriousness of leading others astray and the communal nature of sin and its repercussions. It serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility leaders have over those in their care.

will go into captivity
The concept of captivity is central to the prophetic warnings in Jeremiah. The Hebrew root for "captivity" is "gālah," meaning to uncover or remove. This reflects the stripping away of security and identity that Israel would experience in exile. Historically, the Babylonian captivity was a pivotal event, marking a period of profound loss and reflection for the Jewish people. It serves as a divine chastisement intended to bring about repentance and restoration.

You will go to Babylon
Babylon, a symbol of worldly power and idolatry, is the destination of Pashhur's exile. The mention of Babylon is significant, as it was the instrument of God's judgment against Judah. Archaeologically, Babylon was a magnificent city, known for its grandeur and the infamous Tower of Babel. Spiritually, it represents the antithesis of God's kingdom, a place of exile for those who reject His covenant.

and there you will die and be buried
The finality of death and burial in a foreign land emphasizes the totality of Pashhur's judgment. In the ancient world, dying and being buried away from one's homeland was considered a great misfortune. This phrase underscores the severity of divine judgment and the ultimate consequence of living in opposition to God's will. It serves as a stark warning of the eternal consequences of sin.

you and all your friends
The inclusion of "friends" suggests that Pashhur was not alone in his opposition to Jeremiah. This highlights the danger of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who reinforce sinful behavior. Biblically, it serves as a caution against forming alliances that lead away from God's truth. The collective judgment of Pashhur and his friends illustrates the biblical principle that bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33).

to whom you have prophesied lies
The charge of prophesying lies is a grave one, as it involves leading others away from God's truth. The Hebrew word for "lies" is "sheqer," which denotes falsehood and deception. In the context of Jeremiah, false prophets were a significant problem, offering false hope and security. This phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and the need to test all teachings against the truth of God's Word. It underscores the responsibility of those who speak on behalf of God to do so with integrity and truthfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet of God who delivers the message of judgment to Pashhur. Known for his unwavering commitment to speaking God's truth despite persecution.

2. Pashhur
A priest and chief officer in the house of the Lord who opposed Jeremiah and falsely prophesied peace. His name means "freedom" or "prosperity," which is ironic given his fate.

3. Babylon
The place of captivity where Pashhur and his household will be exiled. Represents God's instrument of judgment against Judah.

4. Captivity
The event of being taken into exile, symbolizing God's judgment on those who oppose His word.

5. False Prophecy
The act of delivering messages that contradict God's truth, which Pashhur is guilty of, leading to his downfall.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of False Prophecy
False prophets lead people away from God's truth, resulting in severe consequences. We must discern and adhere to God's word.

The Certainty of God's Judgment
God's judgment is certain and just. Those who oppose His truth will face consequences, as seen in Pashhur's fate.

The Importance of True Prophecy
True prophecy aligns with God's word and leads to life. We should seek and value truth over comforting lies.

The Role of Suffering in God's Plan
Jeremiah's suffering for truth contrasts with Pashhur's false comfort. Suffering for righteousness is part of God's refining process.

The Irony of Names and Outcomes
Pashhur's name means "freedom," yet he faces captivity. This irony highlights the futility of opposing God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fate of Pashhur illustrate the dangers of false prophecy, and how can we guard against it in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the Babylonian captivity serve as a warning for us today regarding the consequences of disobedience to God?

3. How can we discern true prophecy from false prophecy in our current context, and what role does Scripture play in this discernment?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah's perseverance in delivering God's message despite opposition and suffering?

5. How does the irony of Pashhur's name and his fate challenge us to examine the authenticity of our own faith and actions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 29:10
This verse speaks of the seventy years of captivity in Babylon, providing context for the judgment pronounced on Pashhur.

2 Kings 25:11
Describes the Babylonian captivity, illustrating the fulfillment of prophecies like the one against Pashhur.

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
Discusses the consequences for false prophets, aligning with the judgment on Pashhur.

Ezekiel 13:9
Condemns false prophets, similar to the judgment against Pashhur for misleading the people.

Sermons

A Changed Name and a Dreadful Doom	D. Young	Jeremiah 20:1-6
Magor-Missabib; Or, the Fate of a False Prophet	A.F. Muir	Jeremiah 20:3-6

People

Benjamin, Immer, Jeremiah, Magormissabib, Pashur

Places

Babylon, Benjamin Gate, Topheth

Topics

Babylon, Body, Buried, Captivity, Die, Diest, Dwell, Dwelling, Enter, Exile, Falsehood, Falsely, Friends, Hast, Lies, Loving, Pashhur, Pashur, Prisoners, Prophesied, Rest

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Jeremiah 20:3-6

5044 names, giving of

Jeremiah 20:4-6

4215 Babylon

Library

The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes Its Existence.
"O Lord, . . . Thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed."--Jer. xx. 7. The understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in Scripture requires us to distinguish the preparation, and the formation that was the outcome of the preparation. We will discuss these two separately. The Holy Spirit prepared for Scripture by the operations which from Paradise to Patmos supernaturally apprehended the sinful life of this world, and thus raised up believing men who formed the developing Church. This will seem very …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Revelation of the Old Testament in Writing.
"Then I said, I will not speak any more in His Name. But His word was in my heart as a burning fire, shut up in my bones: and I was weary with forbearing, but I could not."--Jer. xx. 9. Altho the miracles performed for and in the midst of Israel created a glorious life-center in the midst of the heathen world, yet they did not constitute a Holy Scripture; for this can not be created except God speak to man, even to His people Israel. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

One Thing is Needful;
or, SERIOUS MEDITATIONS UPON THE FOUR LAST THINGS: DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN, AND HELL UNTO WHICH IS ADDED EBAL AND GERIZZIM, OR THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE, by John Bunyan. London: Printed for Nath. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688.[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. According to Charles Doe, in that curious sheet called The Struggler for the Preservation of Mr. John Bunyan's Labours, these poems were published about the year 1664, while the author was suffering imprisonment for conscience …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Hindrances to Mourning
What shall we do to get our heart into this mourning frame? Do two things. Take heed of those things which will stop these channels of mourning; put yourselves upon the use of all means that will help forward holy mourning. Take heed of those things which will stop the current of tears. There are nine hindrances of mourning. 1 The love of sin. The love of sin is like a stone in the pipe which hinders the current of water. The love of sin makes sin taste sweet and this sweetness in sin bewitches the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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