Jeremiah 20 3

Jeremiah 20:3 kjv

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib.

Jeremiah 20:3 nkjv

And it happened on the next day that Pashhur brought Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then Jeremiah said to him, "The LORD has not called your name Pashhur, but Magor-Missabib.

Jeremiah 20:3 niv

The next day, when Pashhur released him from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, "The LORD's name for you is not Pashhur, but Terror on Every Side.

Jeremiah 20:3 esv

The next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, "The LORD does not call your name Pashhur, but Terror on Every Side.

Jeremiah 20:3 nlt

The next day, when Pashhur finally released him, Jeremiah said, "Pashhur, the LORD has changed your name. From now on you are to be called 'The Man Who Lives in Terror.'

Jeremiah 20 verses

Jeremiah 20 3 Meaning

Jeremiah 20:3 declares that Jeremiah's prophetic burden was not revealed by his own desire but by the LORD's overwhelming power, leading to his public humiliation. The LORD "enticed" and "overpowered" him, making him a constant object of ridicule and scorn. This verse highlights the divine compulsion behind Jeremiah's ministry and the severe personal cost involved.

Jeremiah 20 3 Context

Jeremiah 20 follows Jeremiah's prophetic confrontation with Pashur, the priest, who had him beaten and imprisoned for his severe prophecies against Jerusalem and the Temple. Pashur himself is later renamed "Terror all around." This chapter details Jeremiah's reaction to Pashur's persecution and his own internal struggle with the prophetic burden. The historical context is the growing impending judgment of Babylonian invasion and destruction upon Judah and Jerusalem, a message the people and their leaders vehemently rejected. Jeremiah's ministry was deeply unpopular, marked by suffering and misunderstanding from his own people.

Jeremiah 20 3 Word Analysis

• וְלוֹא-הֲיִיתִי (we-lo-hayiti): "and I was not." This introductory phrase sets up a condition or consequence.
• נָבִיא (navi): "prophet." Refers to someone who speaks forth God's message.
• כִּי-אִם-שָׂחִיתִי (ki-im-sachat'ti): "for I prophesied" or "rather, I have prophesied." Emphasizes that prophesying was the defining characteristic, overriding any personal choice.
• חָזִיתִי (chaziti): "I have seen" or "I have beheld." Indicates divine revelation received through vision or understanding.
• הָמָרְאֶה (hamar'eh): "the vision" or "the appearance." Refers specifically to the divine messages or insights granted.
• הֶתְמִכֵּנִי (hetmekeni): "you have enticed me" or "you have persuaded me." Suggests a deceptive or compelling lure.
• וָאִוָּתֵר (va'ivat'ter): "and I was enticed" or "and I was persuaded." Reflects Jeremiah's being drawn into the prophetic role against his inclination.
• אָמַצְתָּ (amatzta): "you have been stronger" or "you have prevailed." Acknowledges God's superior power over Jeremiah's resistance.
• וַתַּּחֲזֵק (vat'tachazek): "and you have been strong" or "and you have overcome." Reinforces God's irresistible power.
• וַתְּהִי-לִי (vat'tehi-li): "and you have become to me." Introduces the consequences for Jeremiah.
• לְצָחוֹק (letzachok): "for a laughingstock" or "for derision." Indicates being made a subject of mockery.
• לְמַשְׁלֵצָה (lemashletza): "for a prey" or "for ridicule." Refers to being a target of scorn and taunting.
• כָּל-הַיּוֹם (kol-hayom): "all day long" or "continually." Denotes the constant nature of the persecution.
• כָּל-עֵת (kol-et): "at all times" or "evermore." Similar to "all day long," emphasizing persistence.

Group analysis:

• "you have enticed me, and I was enticed; you are stronger than I, and have prevailed": This phrase illustrates the irresistible nature of God's call. Jeremiah was lured by God’s revelation but could not refuse the divine mandate because God’s power was greater than his personal desires or reservations.
• "I am a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me": This expresses the consequence of being God's prophet in a resistant society. The prophetic message, often unwelcome, led to personal scorn and humiliation for the messenger.

Jeremiah 20 3 Bonus Section

Jeremiah's complaint in this chapter, and specifically in this verse, is often categorized as one of the "confessions" of Jeremiah. These are passages where the prophet articulates his deep feelings, doubts, and struggles with God over his calling and the responsibilities it entailed. The language used—"enticed," "stronger than I," "laughingstock"—vividly portrays the intense emotional and psychological pressure he experienced. While on one hand, it expresses Jeremiah's humanity and vulnerability, on the other, it underscores his ultimate submission to God's will, despite the severe personal consequences. This mirrors the experience of other prophets and ultimately foreshadows the suffering of Christ, who also faced rejection and persecution for His divine message.

Jeremiah 20 3 Commentary

Jeremiah grapples with the immense burden and personal cost of his prophetic calling. He acknowledges that he did not seek out this difficult ministry but was powerfully drawn in by God's revelation. The phrase "you have enticed me, and I was enticed; you are stronger than I, and have prevailed" captures the essence of divine sovereignty in calling; God initiates, empowers, and overcomes resistance. The result for Jeremiah is constant mockery and scorn ("I am a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me"), which was a severe personal trial. Yet, even in his lament, he does not renounce God but reveals his deep internal struggle with obedience amidst suffering. This verse is a testament to the challenging path of true prophecy and the human reaction to a divine message that disrupts societal norms. It teaches that God's call is authoritative and can lead to hardship, but His strength is sufficient to sustain.