Jeremiah 20:10-11
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.” But the LORD is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jeremiah reveals a chilling detail: his enemies aren't just whispering accusations, they're actively encouraging each other to spread rumors and "report" him to authorities. This shows their plot wasn't just gossip, but a coordinated effort to trap him by any means necessary.
Jeremiah is revealing his inner turmoil after his encounter with Pashur, the priest who had him beaten and put in stocks. Now, in this moment of vulnerability, he confesses to God how his enemies are actively plotting against him, spreading rumors and eagerly awaiting any slip-up so they can accuse him and take revenge. Even those he considered friends are part of this conspiracy, looking for a way to trap him and bring about his downfall.
Jeremiah describes a terrifying atmosphere of constant, hidden threats. It wasn't just loud opposition, but insidious whispers that fueled his fear.
Jeremiah hears not just open criticism, but the 'whispering of many.' This isn't a straightforward debate; it's the sound of plots and accusations being hatched in secret.
The Strategy of Enemies
Facing such relentless opposition and betrayal from all sides, Jeremiah feels the weight of the world pressing in. How does he cope with this overwhelming terror?
This verse reveals the intense pressure Jeremiah is under, contributing to the emotional turmoil expressed in the preceding chapter. The external attacks create an internal crisis.
From Fear to Resolve
Understand the original words
māgôr · Hebrew Noun
Biblical 'terror' refers to extreme dread or fear, often in the context of divine judgment or the realization of surrounding hostility. It describes the psychological and spiritual state of one surrounded by danger.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and relationship with His people.
ariys · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A term describing one who fights, often used in the context of divine judgment or protection; emphasizes God's power and terrifying presence to His enemies.
rodepay · Hebrew Noun (Participle)
Those who pursue, harass, or inflict suffering upon another, often implying an unjust or malicious intent.
Jeremiah's prophetic ministry occurred during a tumultuous period of political upheaval and impending national disaster. His message of repentance was met with fierce resistance, and in this verse, he reveals the deeply personal pain of betrayal and slander from those who should have been allies, even as Jerusalem faced imminent destruction.
c. 626 BC
Jeremiah Begins Prophesying
Jeremiah is called by God to prophesy during the reign of King Josiah, a time of religious reform but also underlying political instability.
609 BC
Death of King Josiah
Josiah is killed in battle at Megiddo, throwing Judah into political turmoil and reversing his reforms. His son Jehoahaz reigns briefly.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar deports key figures, including Daniel, to Babylon after defeating Egyptian and Judean forces. This marks the beginning of Judah's vassalage.
c. 598-597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin and many other prominent citizens to Babylon. Jeremiah warns against misplaced hope.
This passage shares the exact phrasing about hearing slander and fear on every side, directly echoing Jeremiah's experience of betrayal and conspiracy.
Psalm 41:9It highlights the pain of betrayal by someone trusted ('the one who shared my bread'), mirroring Jeremiah's lament about his 'men of peace' turning against him.
Matthew 26:47-50This New Testament account shows Judas, one of Jesus' close followers, betraying him with a kiss, illustrating the theme of trusted friends becoming enemies and plotting downfall.
Luke 6:22Jesus warns his followers that they will be hated, excluded, and slandered because of him, validating Jeremiah's prophetic experience of facing intense opposition and malicious gossip.
John 7:48-50Here, the religious leaders scoff at Nicodemus for questioning their judgment of Jesus, showing how those in authority can dismiss even reasonable inquiries when plotting against a truth-teller.
clarkeJeremiah 20:10: "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."
Report - and we will report it - Let us spread calumnies against him every where; or let us spread reports of dangers coming upon him, that we may intimidate him, and cause him to desist.
pulpitJeremiah 20:10: "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."
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 w…
Jeremiah reveals a chilling detail: his enemies aren't just whispering accusations, they're actively encouraging each other to spread rumors and "report" him to authorities. This shows their plot wasn't just gossip, but a coordinated effort to trap him by any means necessary.
Jeremiah is revealing his inner turmoil after his encounter with Pashur, the priest who had him beaten and put in stocks. Now, in this moment of vulnerability, he confesses to God how his enemies are actively plotting against him, spreading rumors and eagerly awaiting any slip-up so they can accuse him and take revenge. Even those he considered friends are part of this conspiracy, looking for a way to trap him and bring about his downfall.
Jeremiah is revealing his inner turmoil after his encounter with Pashur, the priest who had him beaten and put in stocks. Now, in this moment of vulnerability, he confesses to God how his enemies are actively plotting against him, spreading rumors and eagerly awaiting any slip-up so they can accuse him and take revenge. Even those he considered friends are part of this conspiracy, looking for a way to trap him and bring about his downfall.
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kelimmah · Hebrew Noun
A sense of social and moral disgrace or humiliation resulting from failure or judgment; signifies the loss of honor before God and people.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, deporting the majority of the population to Babylon. This event is the culmination of Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Jeremiah's Persecution in Jerusalem
Jeremiah faces intense opposition, imprisonment, and public ridicule from religious and political leaders who reject his warnings. He is accused of treason and his life is threatened by those he calls his 'familiar friends'.
"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…" — Jeremiah reveals a chilling detail: his enemies aren't just whispering accusations, they're actively encouraging each other to spread rumors and "report" him to authorities. This shows their plot was…
