◄ Jeremiah 20 ►
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Pashhur Persecutes Jeremiah 1When Pashhur the priest, the son of Immer and the chief official in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things, 2he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD. 3The next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, “The LORD does not call you Pashhur, but Magor-missabib.a 4For this is what the LORD says: ‘I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends. They will fall by the sword of their enemies before your very eyes. And I will hand Judah over to the king of Babylon, and he will carry them away to Babylon and put them to the sword. 5I will give away all the wealth of this city—all its products and valuables, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah—to their enemies. They will plunder them, seize them, and carry them off to Babylon. 6And 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.’” Jeremiah’s Complaint 7You have deceived me, O LORD, and I was deceived. You have overcome me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me. 8For whenever I speak, I cry out; I proclaim violence and destruction. For the word of the LORD has become to me a reproach and derision all day long. 9If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail. 10For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” 11But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten. 12O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heartb and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause. 13Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. 14Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me never be blessed. 15Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, saying, “A son is born to you,” bringing him great joy. 16May that man be like the cities that the LORD overthrew without compassion. May he hear an outcry in the morning and a battle cry at noon, 17because he did not kill me in the womb so that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb forever enlarged. 18Why did I come out of the womb to see only trouble and sorrow, and to end my days in shame? Footnotes: 3 a Magor-missabib means terror on every side or the man who lives in terror. 12 b Hebrew kidneys Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Jeremiah 20 Summary Pashhur Persecutes Jeremiah Verses 1–2 – Brutal Backlash at the Temple Gate Pashhur, a leading priest, hears Jeremiah announce judgment on Judah, lashes out, has the prophet beaten, and locks him overnight in the stocks beside the Upper Benjamin Gate of the LORD’s house. Verses 3–6 – A New Name: Magor-Missabib At dawn Jeremiah is released and immediately delivers a fresh word from God: Pashhur is renamed “Magor-missabib” (“Terror on Every Side”). The priest, his family, and all his duped followers will be exiled to Babylon, dying there amid the very horrors he dismissed. Verses 7–10 – The Prophet’s Complaint and the Inextinguishable Fire Jeremiah pours out frustration: “O LORD, You have deceived me… I am a laughingstock.” Yet when he tries to stay silent, God’s word burns inside “like a fire shut up in my bones.” Friends whisper, “Terror on every side,” plotting revenge. Verses 11–13 – Confidence in the LORD’s Deliverance Faith rallies: “But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior… Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For He rescues the life of the needy.” Verses 14–18 – Bitter Lament over Birth Jeremiah curses the day he was born. Echoing Job, he wishes the messenger who brought his birth news had never spoken. Life feels wasted in shame and sorrow. Jeremiah 20 presents a vivid portrayal of the Prophet Jeremiah's emotional struggle and deep faith in the face of relentless persecution. The chapter provides an introspective look at Jeremiah's personal agony, his unwavering faith, and his continued commitment to deliver God's message of impending judgment despite facing significant hardship. Historical Setting: Judah on the Brink • Timeframe: likely c. 609–597 BC, after Egypt’s defeat at Carchemish (605) and before Babylon’s final siege (586). • Political pressure: Babylon ascendant, Judah vacillating between submission and rebellion. • Religious climate: temple officials, including priests like Pashhur, preach “peace” (Jeremiah 6:14) while quashing Jeremiah’s warnings. • Message continuity: chapter 20 follows the shattered jar sign-act (Jeremiah 19), heightening tension with leaders. Pashhur son of Immer • Lineage: from the priestly division of Immer (1 Chronicles 24:14). A second Pashhur appears later (Jeremiah 21:1; 38:1), suggesting the name’s popularity. • Role: “Chief officer” (Hebrew paqid nagid) overseeing temple security—essentially the police chief of the sanctuary. • Spiritual failure: instead of protecting God’s word, he persecutes God’s messenger. The Stocks at the Upper Benjamin Gate • Instrument: a wooden or stone frame that bent the body painfully (2 Chronicles 16:10). • Location: north side of the temple court, linking to the Benjamin Gate in the city wall (Jeremiah 37:13). Public exposure multiplied humiliation. • Purpose: intimidation; nevertheless, Jeremiah emerges with sharpened resolve. “Magor-missabib” – Terror on Every Side • Hebrew phrase appears in Jeremiah 6:25; 46:5; Psalm 31:13, describing impending panic. • Prophetic reversal: the mockers’ taunt becomes Pashhur’s identity. • Fulfillment: Babylon’s 597 BC deportations (2 Kings 24:10-17) and 586 BC destruction (25:1-21) validate the oracle. Jeremiah’s Inner Struggle: Fire in the Bones • Verse 9 parallels Amos 3:8—“The Lord GOD has spoken; who can but prophesy?” • New Testament echoes: Acts 4:20, 1 Corinthians 9:16, and Paul’s “woe to me if I do not preach.” • Psychological realism: faithfulness may bring ridicule, isolation, and bodily harm; yet divine calling overrides self-preservation. Lament Echoes: Jeremiah and Job • Jeremiah 20:14-18 deliberately mirrors Job 3:3-10. Both saints wrestle honestly with despair without forfeiting faith. • Pattern: complaint (vv 7-10), trust (vv 11-13), deeper lament (vv 14-18). Psalms often follow the same rhythm (Psalm 13, 22). Links to Other Scriptures • Jeremiah 1:18-19 – promise of protection, now tested. • Jeremiah 15:15-21 – earlier complaint/assurance cycle. • Matthew 5:11-12 – blessing on those persecuted for righteousness. • 2 Timothy 4:17 – “the Lord stood with me and strengthened me,” reminiscent of v 11. Archaeological Insights • Name Immer found on priestly seal impressions (bullae) from Jerusalem strata just before 586 BC, confirming the clan’s prominence. • Stocks or pillory-type devices excavated at Lachish and Megiddo illustrate such punishment methods. • Babylonian ration tablets list exiled Judean officials; corroborates v 6’s exile prediction. Practical Applications: Faithful Witness under Pressure • Expect pushback when confronting cultural complacency. • Pain and doubt do not disqualify service; God can handle raw honesty. • Divine call produces inner fire; suppression breeds greater agony than obedience. • God’s ultimate vindication is sure, even when present circumstances echo defeat. Messianic Resonance and Gospel Boldness • Jeremiah’s rejection foreshadows Christ’s mistreatment by temple leaders (Matthew 26:67). • “Fire in my bones” anticipates the disciples’ burning hearts on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:32). • Jeremiah’s rescue of “the needy” (v 13) points to Jesus’ mission statement in Luke 4:18. Enduring Lessons • Truth may bruise, yet it heals a people on the verge of collapse. • God renames the obstinate, exposes hidden fear, and writes the last line of every story. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John replied, 'Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.' Psalm 13:1-2 How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Teaching Points Persecution for Truth Jeremiah faced physical and emotional persecution for speaking God's truth. When the priest Pashhur son of Immer, the chief officer in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things, he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the house of the LORD (Jeremiah 20:1-2). This highlights the reality that standing for God's truth can lead to opposition. The Fire Within Despite his suffering, Jeremiah describes an inner compulsion to speak God's word. But if I say, 'I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,' His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail (Jeremiah 20:9). This illustrates the irresistible power of God's calling. Honest Lament Jeremiah openly laments his situation, expressing feelings of betrayal and despair. Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me never be blessed! (Jeremiah 20:14). This shows that God allows us to express our deepest emotions and struggles. Trust in God's Justice Despite his lament, Jeremiah ultimately reaffirms his trust in God's justice. But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail (Jeremiah 20:11). This demonstrates faith in God's ultimate victory over evil. Practical Applications Stand Firm in Faith Be prepared to face opposition when you stand for God's truth, but remember that God is with you. Embrace Your Calling Allow God's word to be a fire within you, compelling you to share His truth despite challenges. Be Honest with God Don't be afraid to express your true feelings to God. He understands and cares for your struggles. Trust in God's Justice Even when circumstances seem dire, trust that God will ultimately bring justice and vindication. People 1. Jeremiah Jeremiah is the primary prophet and central figure in this chapter. He is known for his lamentations and prophecies concerning the judgment of Judah. In this chapter, he experiences persecution and expresses his inner turmoil and struggles with his prophetic mission. 2. Pashhur son of Immer Pashhur is identified as a priest and the chief officer in the house of the LORD. He is responsible for having Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks because of Jeremiah's prophecies. His name, Pashhur, is later changed by Jeremiah to "Magor-missabib," meaning "terror on every side," as a prophecy of his fate. Places 1. The Temple of the LORD This is where the events of Jeremiah 20 begin. Pashhur, the priest and chief officer in the house of the LORD, hears Jeremiah prophesying there. The temple is a central place of worship and religious authority in Jerusalem, and it is significant as the setting for Jeremiah's confrontation with Pashhur. 2. The Benjamin Gate Mentioned in Jeremiah 20:2, this is where Pashhur has Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks. The Benjamin Gate is one of the gates of Jerusalem, likely named for the tribe of Benjamin. It serves as a public place where punishments and proclamations could be witnessed by the people. Events 1. Pashhur's Reaction to Jeremiah's Prophecy Pashhur, the priest and chief officer in the house of the LORD, hears Jeremiah prophesying about the coming disaster. In Hebrew, Pashhur's name means "freedom" or "liberation," which is ironic given his actions against Jeremiah. 2. Jeremiah is Beaten and Put in the Stocks Pashhur has Jeremiah beaten and placed in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the LORD's temple. The Hebrew term for "stocks" (מַהְפֶּכֶת, mahpeketh) implies a device that twists or contorts the body, indicating the severity of Jeremiah's punishment. 3. Jeremiah's Prophecy Against Pashhur The next day, Jeremiah is released, and he prophesies that the LORD has renamed Pashhur as "Magor-missabib," meaning "terror on every side." This name change signifies the impending doom and fear that will surround Pashhur. 4. Prophecy of Judah's Captivity Jeremiah declares that Pashhur and all his friends will fall by the sword of their enemies, and Judah will be taken captive to Babylon. The Hebrew word for "captivity" (שְׁבִי, shevi) emphasizes the forced relocation and subjugation of the people. 5. Jeremiah's Lament and Inner Struggle Jeremiah laments his role as a prophet, expressing feelings of deception and compulsion by God. He describes the word of the LORD as a "fire in my heart" (אֵשׁ בְּעַצְמוֹתַי, esh be'atzmotai), indicating the intense and consuming nature of his prophetic calling. 6. Jeremiah's Resolve and Trust in God Despite his struggles, Jeremiah reaffirms his trust in the LORD, declaring that God is with him as a "dread warrior" (גִּבּוֹר עָצוּם, gibbor atzum). This term underscores God's strength and support in the face of opposition. 7. Jeremiah's Praise and Petition Jeremiah praises the LORD for rescuing the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. He petitions God to let him see His vengeance on his persecutors, reflecting a desire for divine justice. 8. Jeremiah's Curse on His Birth In a moment of deep despair, Jeremiah curses the day of his birth, wishing that he had never been born. This lament echoes the Hebrew tradition of expressing profound grief and sorrow through curses. Lessons from Jeremiah 20 1. Embrace Honest Communication with God Jeremiah 20 teaches us the importance of being open and honest with God about our struggles. Jeremiah himself cried out, "O LORD, You have deceived me, and I was deceived" (Jeremiah 20:7). This shows us that God values our sincerity and is big enough to handle our doubts and frustrations. When we communicate openly with Him, we invite His guidance and comfort into our lives. 2. Stand Firm in Your Calling Despite facing intense persecution, Jeremiah remained steadfast in his mission. He declared, "But if I say, 'I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,' His message becomes a fire burning in my heart" (Jeremiah 20:9). This reminds us to hold fast to our God-given purpose, even when the world seems against us. Our calling is a divine fire that cannot be extinguished. 3. Expect Opposition Jeremiah faced ridicule and scorn, yet he persevered. "I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me" (Jeremiah 20:7). As followers of Christ, we should anticipate challenges and opposition. However, these trials can strengthen our faith and resolve, drawing us closer to God and His promises. 4. Trust in God's Deliverance Jeremiah's confidence in God's deliverance is evident when he proclaims, "But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior" (Jeremiah 20:11). This assurance is a powerful reminder that God is our protector and defender. No matter the circumstances, we can trust that He will deliver us from our adversaries. 5. Find Strength in Praise In the midst of his trials, Jeremiah found solace in praising God: "Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD!" (Jeremiah 20:13). Praise shifts our focus from our problems to God's greatness, filling us with hope and strength. Let us cultivate a heart of worship, even in difficult times. 6. Acknowledge Human Weakness Jeremiah's lament, "Cursed be the day I was born!" (Jeremiah 20:14), highlights the reality of human frailty. We all experience moments of weakness and despair. Recognizing our limitations allows us to rely more fully on God's strength and grace, which are made perfect in our weakness. 7. Seek God's Justice Jeremiah's plea for justice, "Let me see Your vengeance upon them" (Jeremiah 20:12), underscores the importance of seeking God's justice rather than taking matters into our own hands. Trusting in His perfect timing and righteousness ensures that justice will prevail according to His will. 8. Persevere Through Trials Jeremiah's endurance through suffering teaches us the value of perseverance. Despite his hardships, he continued to fulfill his prophetic role. This perseverance is a testament to the strength that comes from relying on God, who empowers us to overcome any obstacle. 9. Embrace God's Sovereignty Jeremiah's journey reminds us of God's sovereignty over our lives. Even when circumstances seem bleak, we can rest in the knowledge that God is in control. His plans are higher than ours, and His purposes will ultimately prevail. 10. Find Hope in God's Promises Finally, Jeremiah's story is a testament to the hope found in God's promises. Despite his struggles, Jeremiah clung to the assurance of God's faithfulness. Let us hold onto the promises of Scripture, knowing that they are a source of hope and encouragement in every season of life. Topics 1. Persecution of Jeremiah by Pashhur Jeremiah 20 begins with the account of Pashhur, the priest and chief officer in the house of the Lord, persecuting Jeremiah. Pashhur strikes Jeremiah and puts him in the stocks. This event highlights the opposition faced by prophets who speak God's truth. The Hebrew root for "strike" (נכה, nakah) indicates a violent action, emphasizing the physical persecution Jeremiah endured. 2. Prophecy Against Pashhur After being released, Jeremiah delivers a prophecy against Pashhur, renaming him "Magor-missabib," meaning "terror on every side" (Jeremiah 20:3). This name change signifies the impending judgment and terror that Pashhur and his associates will face. The Hebrew term "Magor-missabib" (מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב) underscores the comprehensive nature of the coming terror. 3. Jeremiah's Lament and Inner Struggle Jeremiah expresses his inner turmoil and lament over his prophetic calling. He feels deceived by God and overwhelmed by the constant ridicule and reproach he faces (Jeremiah 20:7-8). The Hebrew word for "deceived" (פָּתָה, pathah) can also mean "enticed" or "persuaded," reflecting Jeremiah's struggle with his divine mission. 4. Jeremiah's Unyielding Commitment to God's Word Despite his struggles, Jeremiah acknowledges that he cannot hold back God's word, which is like a "fire shut up in [his] bones" (Jeremiah 20:9). This metaphor illustrates the compelling and consuming nature of God's message. The Hebrew word for "fire" (אֵשׁ, esh) conveys the intensity and urgency of the prophetic word. 5. Jeremiah's Trust in God's Deliverance Jeremiah shifts from lament to a declaration of trust in God's deliverance. He proclaims that the Lord is with him as a "dread warrior" (Jeremiah 20:11), ensuring that his persecutors will not prevail. The Hebrew term for "dread warrior" (גִּבּוֹר עָרוּץ, gibbor arutz) emphasizes God's might and fearsome power in defending His prophet. 6. Praise for God's Justice Jeremiah concludes with a note of praise, affirming that the Lord tests the righteous and sees the heart and mind (Jeremiah 20:12-13). He calls for singing and praise because the Lord has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. The Hebrew root for "deliver" (נצל, natsal) signifies rescue and salvation, underscoring God's faithfulness to His people. Themes 1. Persecution and Suffering Jeremiah 20 begins with the prophet facing persecution for his prophecies. Pashhur, the priest, strikes Jeremiah and puts him in stocks (Jeremiah 20:2). This theme highlights the suffering that often accompanies the faithful proclamation of God's message. The Hebrew root for "struck" (נכה, nakah) implies a violent action, emphasizing the physical and emotional pain endured by Jeremiah. 2. Divine Justice and Retribution Despite his suffering, Jeremiah prophesies that Pashhur will face divine retribution. In Jeremiah 20:4, the Lord declares, "I will make you a terror to yourself and all your friends." This theme underscores the certainty of God's justice against those who oppose His word. 3. The Inescapable Call of God Jeremiah expresses the compulsion to speak God's word despite the personal cost. In Jeremiah 20:9, he says, "But if I say, 'I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,' His message becomes a fire burning in my heart." The Hebrew word for "fire" (אֵשׁ, esh) conveys the consuming nature of God's call, which cannot be ignored. 4. Inner Conflict and Despair The chapter reveals Jeremiah's internal struggle and despair. In Jeremiah 20:14, he curses the day of his birth, reflecting his deep anguish. This theme highlights the emotional turmoil that can accompany a prophetic calling, as the prophet grapples with feelings of isolation and despair. 5. Hope and Trust in God Despite his lament, Jeremiah ultimately reaffirms his trust in God. In Jeremiah 20:11, he declares, "But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior." The Hebrew term for "mighty warrior" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor) signifies strength and protection, emphasizing Jeremiah's reliance on God's power and presence. 6. Vindication and Praise Jeremiah anticipates vindication and praises God for His deliverance. In Jeremiah 20:13, he exclaims, "Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked." This theme reflects the prophet's confidence in God's ultimate deliverance and justice. Prayer Points Pray for strength and courage to stand firm in your faith, even in the face of persecution. Ask God to ignite a passion within you to share His word boldly and faithfully. Seek God's comfort and understanding as you express your struggles and emotions to Him. Trust in God's justice and pray for His intervention in situations of injustice and persecution. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Jeremiah 20:7, how could an all-honest God “deceive” Jeremiah if He is truly without falsehood? 2. In Jeremiah 20:3–6, is there any historical or archeological evidence to confirm Pashur’s exile and death in Babylon? 3. Why are there no surviving external records of Jeremiah’s public humiliation in the stocks (Jeremiah 20:2)? 4. Does Jeremiah’s bitter lament in Jeremiah 20:14–18 contradict the portrayal of a steadfast prophet elsewhere in the book? 5. How can Jeremiah 20:7 be reconciled with James 1:13, which states that God never tempts or deceives anyone? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jeremiah's reaction to his persecution reflect his personal relationship with God? 2. Compare Jeremiah's initial feeling of being deceived by God to his eventual trust in God's justice. What does this transition reveal about faith? 3. How can Jeremiah's experience with ridicule and humiliation be related to present-day situations of bullying or public shaming? 4. If you were in Jeremiah's position, how would you handle the torment and persecution? 5. What is the significance of the name change of Pashhur to "terror on every side"? 6. How does Jeremiah's struggle between his calling and his despair resonate with the modern experience of fulfilling responsibilities despite personal distress? 7. Jeremiah’s emotional honesty with God is striking. What does this teach about the nature of our communication with God? 8. How does Jeremiah's hope in God's justice help him endure his circumstances? How can this be applied to our lives today? 9. Jeremiah felt the word of God as a fire in his heart. How can this metaphor be interpreted and related to personal faith? 10. How does Jeremiah reconcile his feelings of despair with his mission to prophesy? 11. Why did Jeremiah wish he was never born? What does this reveal about the intensity of his suffering? 12. How does Jeremiah's personal struggle provide insights into the complexity and challenges of prophetic ministry? 13. Can we view Jeremiah's lamentations as a form of prayer? If so, what does this tell us about the different forms prayer can take? 14. Jeremiah had faith that his persecutors would eventually stumble. How can we cultivate such faith in God's justice in our lives? 15. What is the role of perseverance in Jeremiah's narrative, and how can it be applied to present-day living? 16. How might the people of Judah have reacted to Jeremiah’s prophecies? How does this compare to how truth-tellers are often treated in society today? 17. How can we maintain faith in God, as Jeremiah did, during periods of personal suffering or societal turmoil? 18. Jeremiah continued to prophesy despite the risks involved. What does this say about the power and responsibility of truth-telling? 19. What are some practical ways we can build resilience and maintain our faith in face of adversity, as Jeremiah did? 20. How does Jeremiah’s story help us understand the reality of suffering in a faith-filled life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions