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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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/20-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/24_Jer_20_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 20:10 - Jeremiah's Complaint" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For 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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/20-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/20-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm" title="Jeremiah 20:9">◄</a> Jeremiah 20:10 <a href="/jeremiah/20-11.htm" title="Jeremiah 20:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/jeremiah/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/20.htm">New International Version</a> I hear many whispering, &#8220Terror on every side! Denounce him! Let&#8217s denounce him!&#8221 All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, &#8220Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me “The Man Who Lives in Terror.” They threaten, “If you say anything, we will report it.” Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. “He will trap himself,” they say, “and then we will get our revenge on him.” <a href="/esv/jeremiah/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> For I hear many whispering. Terror is on every side! “Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” say all my close friends, watching for my fall. “Perhaps he will be deceived; then we can overcome him and take our revenge on him.” <a href="/bsb/jeremiah/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For 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.” <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/20.htm">King James Bible</a> For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. <a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/20.htm">New King James Version</a> For I heard many mocking: “Fear on every side!” “Report,” they say, “and we will report it!” All my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying, “Perhaps he can be induced; Then we will prevail against him, And we will take our revenge on him.” <a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For I have heard the whispering of many, “Terror on every side! Denounce him; let’s denounce him!” All my trusted friends, Watching for my fall, say: “Perhaps he will be persuaded, so that we may prevail against him And take our revenge on him.” <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> For I have heard the whispering of many, &#8220Terror on every side! Denounce him; yes, let us denounce him!&#8221 All my trusted friends, Watching for my fall, say: &#8220Perhaps he will be deceived, so that we may prevail against him And take our revenge on him.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For I have heard the whispering of many, “Terror on every side! Denounce him; yes, let us denounce him!” All my trusted friends, Watching for my fall, say: “Perhaps he will be deceived, so that we may prevail against him And take our revenge on him.” <a href="/lsb/jeremiah/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For I have heard the bad report of many, “Terror on every side! Denounce him; yes, let us denounce him!” All my trusted friends, Keeping watch for my fall, say: “Perhaps he will be deceived, so that we may prevail against him And take our revenge on him.” <a href="/amp/jeremiah/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For I have heard the whispering and defaming words of many, “Terror on every side! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” All my familiar and trusted friends, [Those who are] watching for my fall, say, “Perhaps he will be persuaded and deceived; then we will overcome him, And take our revenge on him.” <a href="/csb/jeremiah/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For I have heard the gossip of many people, “Terror is on every side! Report him; let’s report him! ” Everyone I trusted watches for my fall. “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we might prevail against him and take our vengeance on him.” <a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For I have heard the gossip of many people, &#8220Terror is on every side! Report him; let&#8217s report him!&#8221 Everyone I trusted watches for my fall. &#8220Perhaps he will be deceived so that we might prevail against him and take our vengeance on him.&#8221 <a href="/asv/jeremiah/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Denounce, and we will denounce him, say all my familiar friends, they that watch for my fall; peradventure he will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. <a href="/cev/jeremiah/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I heard the crowds whisper, "Everyone is afraid. Now's our chance to accuse Jeremiah!" All of my so-called friends are just waiting for me to make a mistake. They say, "Maybe Jeremiah can be tricked. Then we can overpower him and get even at last." <a href="/erv/jeremiah/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Denounce, and we will denounce him, say all my familiar friends, they that watch for my halting; peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. <a href="/gwt/jeremiah/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I have heard many [people] whispering, "Terror is everywhere! Report him! Let's report him!" All my closest friends are waiting to see me stumble. They say, "Maybe he will be tricked. Then we can overpower him and take revenge on him." <a href="/gnt/jeremiah/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> I hear everybody whispering, "Terror is everywhere! So let's report him to the authorities!" Even my close friends wait for my downfall. "Perhaps he can be tricked," they say; "then we can catch him and get revenge." <a href="/isv/jeremiah/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Indeed, I hear many people whispering, "Terror on every side. Denounce him, let's denounce him!" All my close friends watch my steps and say, "Perhaps he will be deceived, and we can prevail against him and take vengeance on him." <a href="/net/jeremiah/20.htm">NET Bible</a> I hear many whispering words of intrigue against me. Those who would cause me terror are everywhere! They are saying, "Come on, let's publicly denounce him!" All my so-called friends are just watching for something that would lead to my downfall. They say, "Perhaps he can be enticed into slipping up, so we can prevail over him and get our revenge on him. <a href="/nheb/jeremiah/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. "Denounce, and we will denounce him," say all my familiar friends, those who watch for my fall; "perhaps he will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him." <a href="/wbt/jeremiah/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Perhaps he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/jeremiah/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For 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.” <a href="/web/jeremiah/20.htm">World English Bible</a> For I have heard the defaming of many: “Terror on every side! Denounce, and we will denounce him!” say all my familiar friends, those who watch for my fall. “Perhaps he will be persuaded, and we will prevail against him, and we will take our revenge on him.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For I have heard the evil report of many, “Fear [is] all around!” “Declare, and we declare it!” All my allies are watching [for] my halting, “Perhaps he is enticed, and we prevail over him, "" And we take our vengeance on him.” <a href="/ylt/jeremiah/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For I have heard the evil report of many, Fear is round about: 'Declare, and we declare it,' All mine allies are watching for my halting, 'Perhaps he is enticed, and we prevail over him, And we take our vengeance out of him.' <a href="/slt/jeremiah/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For I heard the slander of many, terror from round about Announce ye, and we will announce. Every man of my peace watching my halting: perhaps he will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against him, and we will take our vengeance of him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/jeremiah/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For I heard the reproaches of many, and terror on every side: Persecute him, and let us persecute him: from all the men that were my familiars, and continued at my side: if by any means he may be deceived, and we may prevail against him, and be revenged on him. <a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For I heard the insults of many, and terror all around: ‘Persecute him!’ and, ‘Let us persecute him!’ from all the men who had been at peace with me and who had kept watch by my side. ‘If only there were some way that he might be deceived, and we might prevail against him and obtain vengeance from him!’ <a href="/nabre/jeremiah/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Yes, I hear the whisperings of many: “Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!” All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. “Perhaps he can be tricked; then we will prevail, and take our revenge on him.” <a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. “Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For I heard the evil intentions of many, who were gathering from every side inquiring of my peace with their mouth, but hating me in their heart, saying, Point him out to us; we will stand against him; perhaps we can win him over and we shall take our revenge on him. <a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because I heard the plans of many who were gathered from around me, and all of them were saying that they inquire for my peace with their mouths, and they hate me in their heart: ‘Expose him to us! We shall rise against him! Doubtless he will be enticed by us and we will seek revenge from him!’<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/jeremiah/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For I have heard the whispering of many, Terror on every side: 'Denounce, and we will denounce him'; Even of all my familiar friends, Them that watch for my halting: 'Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, And we shall take our revenge on him.' <a href="/sep/jeremiah/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For I have heard the reproach of many gathering round, saying, Conspire ye, and let us conspire together against him, even all his friends: watch his intentions, if perhaps he shall be deceived, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall be avenged on him. <a href="/parallel/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=5921" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/20.htm">Jeremiah's Complaint</a> …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. 10<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·ma‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">I have heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/1681.htm" title="1681: dib·baṯ (N-fsc) -- Whispering, defamation, evil report. From dabab; slander.">the whispering</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">of many:</a> <a href="/hebrew/4032.htm" title="4032: mā·ḡō·wr (N-ms) -- Fear, terror. Or maguwr; from guwr in the sense of fearing; a fright.">“Terror</a> <a href="/hebrew/5439.htm" title="5439: mis·sā·ḇîḇ (Prep-m:: Adv) -- Circuit, round about. Or cbiybah; from cabab; a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly around.">is on every side!</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hag·gî·ḏū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To be conspicuous. ">Report him;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: wə·nag·gî·ḏen·nū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.h-1cp:: 3mse) -- To be conspicuous. ">let us report him!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">All</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’ĕ·nō·wōš (N-msc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">my trusted friends</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šə·lō·w·mî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šō·mə·rê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">watch for</a> <a href="/hebrew/6761.htm" title="6761: ṣal·‘î (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Limping, stumbling. From tsala'; a limping or full.">my fall:</a> <a href="/hebrew/194.htm" title="194: ’ū·lay (Adv) -- Perhaps. Or rulay; from 'ow; if not; hence perhaps.">“Perhaps</a> <a href="/hebrew/6601.htm" title="6601: yə·p̄ut·teh (V-Pual-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to open, i.e. Be roomy; usually figuratively to be simple or delude.">he will be deceived</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: wə·nū·ḵə·lāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cp) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">so that we may prevail</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">against him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: wə·niq·ḥāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">and take</a> <a href="/hebrew/5360.htm" title="5360: niq·mā·ṯê·nū (N-fsc:: 1cp) -- Vengeance. Feminine of naqam; avengement, whether the act of the passion.">our vengeance</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">upon him.”</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13</a> For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. <a href="/matthew/10-17.htm">Matthew 10:17-22</a> But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. / But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. ... <a href="/luke/21-16.htm">Luke 21:16-19</a> You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. / And you will be hated by everyone because of My name. / Yet not even a hair of your head will perish. ... <a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Psalm 41:9</a> Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. <a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Psalm 55:12-14</a> For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God. <a href="/micah/7-5.htm">Micah 7:5-6</a> Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. / For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household. <a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-61</a> Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” <a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55-59</a> Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: ... <a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-21</a> If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ... <a href="/john/16-1.htm">John 16:1-4</a> “I have told you these things so that you will not fall away. / They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. / They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me. ... <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a> When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ... <a href="/acts/24-1.htm">Acts 24:1-9</a> Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. / When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. / In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. ... <a href="/acts/25-2.htm">Acts 25:2-3</a> where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus / to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. <a href="/romans/8-35.htm">Romans 8:35-37</a> Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23-27</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. / Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.I heard.<a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13</a> For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.<a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a> My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.<a href="/psalms/64-2.htm">Psalm 64:2-4</a> Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: … fear.<a href="/jeremiah/20-3.htm">Jeremiah 20:3</a> 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.report.<a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Jeremiah 18:18</a> Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.<a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Nehemiah 6:6-13</a> Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words… <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Proverbs 10:18</a> He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.All my familiars.<a href="/job/19-19.htm">Job 19:19</a> All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.<a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Psalm 41:9</a> Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.<a href="/psalms/55-13.htm">Psalm 55:13,14</a> But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance… we shall.<a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm">1 Kings 19:2</a> Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.<a href="/1_kings/21-20.htm">1 Kings 21:20</a> And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.<a href="/1_kings/22-8.htm">1 Kings 22:8,27</a> And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Defaming</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-24.htm">Denounce</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-7.htm">Enticed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-4.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-4.htm">Familiar</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-18.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-6.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-32.htm">Halting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-1.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-16.htm">Peradventure</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-12.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-7.htm">Persuaded</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-7.htm">Prevail</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-22.htm">Report</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-15.htm">Revenge</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-3.htm">Side</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-4.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-7.htm">Watched</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Defaming</a> <a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Denounce</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-9.htm">Enticed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-12.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-22.htm">Familiar</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-25.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-22.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/micah/4-6.htm">Halting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-16.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-2.htm">Peradventure</a> <a href="/jeremiah/26-3.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/jeremiah/28-15.htm">Persuaded</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-11.htm">Prevail</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-16.htm">Report</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-8.htm">Revenge</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-16.htm">Side</a> <a href="/jeremiah/24-9.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/jeremiah/24-6.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-28.htm">Watched</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 20</div>1. <a href="/jeremiah/20-1.htm">Pashur, smiting Jeremiah, receives a new name, and a fearful doom.</a> 7. <a href="/jeremiah/20-7.htm">Jeremiah complains of contempt;</a> 10. <a href="/jeremiah/20-10.htm">of treachery;</a> 14. <a href="/jeremiah/20-14.htm">and of his birth.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/jeremiah/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For I have heard the whispering of many: Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," faced significant opposition and persecution. The whispering indicates secretive plotting and slander against him. This reflects the broader context of Jeremiah's ministry, where he was often isolated and opposed by his own people (<a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Jeremiah 18:18</a>). The whispering can be seen as a form of psychological warfare, aiming to undermine his confidence and mission.“Terror is on every side! This phrase, "Magor-missabib" in Hebrew, is a recurring theme in Jeremiah's prophecies (<a href="/jeremiah/6-25.htm">Jeremiah 6:25, 46</a>:5). It signifies the pervasive fear and impending judgment that Jeremiah proclaimed. Historically, this reflects the socio-political instability of Judah, threatened by powerful empires like Babylon. Theologically, it underscores the consequences of turning away from God.Report him; let us report him!” The call to report Jeremiah suggests a betrayal and a desire to silence his prophetic voice. This mirrors the experience of other prophets and even Jesus Christ, who faced false accusations and betrayal (<a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-61</a>). It highlights the resistance to God's message and the lengths to which people will go to suppress it.All my trusted friends watch for my fall: Jeremiah's lament reveals the deep personal betrayal he experienced. Those he considered allies turned against him, reflecting the broader theme of trust and betrayal found throughout Scripture (<a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Psalm 41:9</a>). This foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, one of His disciples (<a href="/john/13-18.htm">John 13:18</a>).“Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him The hope that Jeremiah might be deceived indicates a desire to discredit his prophetic authority. This reflects the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart of those opposing God's message. It parallels the attempts to trap Jesus in His words (<a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20-26</a>), showing the persistent opposition to divine truth.and take our vengeance upon him.” The desire for vengeance reveals the deep-seated animosity towards Jeremiah. It underscores the human tendency to retaliate against those who challenge or convict us. Biblically, vengeance is reserved for God (<a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a>), highlighting the sinful nature of taking justice into one's own hands. This also points to the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of Christ, who bore the vengeance of humanity's sin.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a> A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. He faced significant opposition and persecution for his prophecies. 2. <a href="/topical/f/friends_and_enemies.htm">Friends and Enemies</a> The verse refers to those around Jeremiah, including his friends, who are waiting for him to fail. This highlights the betrayal and isolation Jeremiah experienced. 3. <a href="/topical/t/terror_on_every_side.htm">Terror on Every Side</a> This phrase captures the atmosphere of fear and danger surrounding Jeremiah, as he was constantly under threat from those who opposed his message. 4. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jeremiah prophesied. The people of Judah were often resistant to Jeremiah's warnings of impending judgment. 5. <a href="/topical/p/prophetic_ministry.htm">Prophetic Ministry</a> The broader context of Jeremiah's role as a prophet, which involved delivering God's messages despite personal cost and societal rejection.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_the_face_of_opposition.htm">Perseverance in the Face of Opposition</a> Jeremiah's experience teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith and calling, even when faced with betrayal and hostility. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Following God's call may lead to isolation and persecution, but it is a path that ultimately leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_vindication.htm">Trust in God's Vindication</a> Despite the threats and plots against him, Jeremiah trusted in God's justice and deliverance. We, too, can rely on God to vindicate us in His time. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_spiritual_warfare.htm">The Reality of Spiritual Warfare</a> Jeremiah's struggles remind us that spiritual warfare is real, and we must be prepared to face opposition as we live out our faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community_support.htm">The Importance of Community Support</a> While Jeremiah faced betrayal, the broader biblical account emphasizes the value of supportive, godly community to encourage and uphold us in difficult times.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 20</a> <a href="/q/what_entails_being_christ's_ambassador.htm">What does being Christ's ambassador entail?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_discontent_over_moses's_wife.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming discontent over Moses’s Cushite wife (Numbers 12:1), and why would such a marriage provoke divine anger? </a> <a href="/q/what_was_the_cause_of_jeremiah's_death.htm">What was the cause of Jeremiah's death?</a> <a href="/q/do_idols_in_jeremiah_10_conflict_with_other_texts.htm">Jeremiah 10:14-15: Does the portrayal of idols as complete falsehood conflict with other biblical texts that acknowledge spiritual powers behind foreign gods?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) The defaming of many.--Another quotation from the Psalms (<a href="/psalms/31-13.htm" title="For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.">Psalm 31:13</a>), where the Authorised Version has "the slander of many."Fear on every side.--The Magor-missabib still rings in the prophet's ears, and, for himself as for others, is the burden of his cry. It may be noted that this also comes from the same verse of the psalm just quoted.Report, say they, and we will report it.--Better, do you report. The words are not spoken as to the prophet, but are those with which his persecutors encouraged each other to inform against him. (Comp. <a href="/jeremiah/11-19.htm" title="But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.">Jeremiah 11:19</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm" title="Then said they, Come and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.">Jeremiah 18:18</a>.)All my familiars.--Literally, every man of my peace, i.e., the men who used to greet him with the wonted "Peace be with thee." The same phrase is used in the "familiar friends" of <a href="/psalms/41-9.htm" title="Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.">Psalm 41:9</a>, but it does not in itself describe the intimacy of friendship, but rather the courtesy and good-will of acquaintances who thus salute each other. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - For I heard, etc.; rather, For I have heard the whispering of many; there is terror on every side. Inform (say they), and let us inform against him. This gives us the reason for Ms momentary inclinations to silence. He was surrounded by bitter enemies, who were no longer content with malicious words, but urged each other on to lay an information against him with the authorities as a public criminal. The first clause agrees verbatim with part of <a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13</a> (this is one of the psalms attributed, by a too bold conjecture, to Jeremiah). "There is terror on every side" (see above, ver. 3, and also note on Jeremiah 6:25) means "everything about me inspires me with terror." All my familiars is, literally, all the men of my peace; i.e. all those with whom I have been on terms of friendship (same phrase, <a href="/jeremiah/38-22.htm">Jeremiah 38:22</a>). Watched for my halting; i.e. either laid traps for me or waited for me to commit some error for them to take advantage cf. The phrase, "my halting," is borrowed (?) from <a href="/psalms/35-15.htm">Psalm 35:15</a>; <a href="/psalms/38-18.htm">Psalm 38:18</a> (Hebrew). He will be enticed; viz. to say something on which a charge of treason can be based. <a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I have heard שָׁמַ֜עְתִּי (šā·ma‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently the whispering דִּבַּ֣ת (dib·baṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1681.htm">Strong's 1681: </a> Whispering, defamation, evil report of many, רַבִּים֮ (rab·bîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> Much, many, great “Terror מָג֣וֹר (mā·ḡō·wr) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4032.htm">Strong's 4032: </a> Fear, terror is on every side! מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of Report him; הַגִּ֙ידוּ֙ (hag·gî·ḏū) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous let us report him!” וְנַגִּידֶ֔נּוּ (wə·nag·gî·ḏen·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous All כֹּ֚ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every my trusted friends אֱנ֣וֹשׁ (’ĕ·nō·wōš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> Man, mankind watch for שֹׁמְרֵ֖י (šō·mə·rê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to my fall: צַלְעִ֑י (ṣal·‘î) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6761.htm">Strong's 6761: </a> Limping, stumbling “Perhaps אוּלַ֤י (’ū·lay) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_194.htm">Strong's 194: </a> Perhaps he will be deceived יְפֻתֶּה֙ (yə·p̄ut·teh) Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6601.htm">Strong's 6601: </a> To open, be, roomy, to be, simple, delude so that we may prevail against him וְנ֣וּכְלָה (wə·nū·ḵə·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> To be able, have power and take וְנִקְחָ֥ה (wə·niq·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take our vengeance upon him.” נִקְמָתֵ֖נוּ (niq·mā·ṯê·nū) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5360.htm">Strong's 5360: </a> Avengement <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-10.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 20:10 For I have heard the defaming (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 20:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 20:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/20-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 20:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 20:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>