Jeremiah 20:10-11
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Jeremiah isn't just hearing whispers; he's hearing his "close friends" strategizing to trap him. The phrase "all my familiars" literally means "all the men of my peace," highlighting the betrayal that those closest to him, who should have brought him safety, are the very ones actively seeking his downfall. This reveals a deeper layer of pain – the hurt of being targeted not by strangers, but by those he should have been able to trust implicitly.
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)
Jeremiah is recounting the intense opposition he faces, not just from enemies, but from those he once considered friends. These "men of his peace" are actively plotting to trap him, whispering together and encouraging each other to report him to the authorities, all in hopes of finding a way to accuse him and get revenge. This verse reveals the deep betrayal and constant threat that surround the prophet as he delivers God's message.
Jeremiah felt surrounded, not just by enemies, but by a sinister network of whispers and plots. What does it mean to live under constant, hidden threat?
Jeremiah describes a chilling atmosphere of paranoia and betrayal. The "defaming of many" and "fear on every side" paint a picture of pervasive danger. This wasn't just public opposition; it was covert whispering, where enemies encouraged each other: "Do you report, and we will report him."
This strategy aimed to trap Jeremiah. They were actively looking for him to "halt" – to stumble, make a mistake, or say something rash. Their goal was to find any excuse, any "deception," to bring him down and exact their revenge. It highlights how opposition can be insidious, relying on rumors and carefully laid traps rather than open confrontation.
Imagine your closest companions turning into your most dangerous adversaries. Jeremiah experienced this ultimate betrayal.
The phrase "all my close friends" is a stark portrayal of betrayal. The original language uses a phrase that can be literally translated as "the men of my peace" – those with whom one shares greetings, trust, and fellowship. These weren't just acquaintances; they were people Jeremiah likely considered allies, perhaps even those who should have supported him.
Instead, they were "watching for my fall." They actively sought out Jeremiah's weakness, hoping he would be "deceived" – misled into saying or doing something that could be twisted into treason. This highlights a profound spiritual reality: the deepest wounds often come not from outright enemies, but from those who mask their malice behind a veneer of friendship. Their agenda was clear: to ensnare him and take their "revenge."
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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.
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.
This verse captures the intense personal danger and betrayal Jeremiah faced as he delivered God's unpopular message. His 'familiar friends' were not just acquaintances but people who sought to entrap him, reflecting the deep societal divisions and political anxieties surrounding Judah's confrontation with Babylon.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, many prominent Judeans, including the prophet Daniel, were deported to Babylon. This marked the beginning of Judah's subjugation and foreshadowed future crises.
c. 597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Another wave of deportations occurred after a revolt, including King Jehoiachin and many skilled workers. Jeremiah continued to prophesy during this period of increasing Babylonian control.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling most of the remaining population. Jeremiah's ministry vividly depicted the despair and terror leading up to and following this catastrophe.
c. 609-597 BC— this verse
Jeremiah's Ministry in Jerusalem
Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period marked by political instability, failed alliances, and increasing pressure from Babylon. He warned Judah to repent and submit to Babylon to avoid destruction.
c. 586 BC
Jeremiah's Imprisonment
Jeremiah was imprisoned for his prophecies, including warnings about Jerusalem's impending fall. This verse reflects the intense personal opposition and betrayal he faced from within his own community.
This passage shares almost identical wording about hearing slander and fear on all sides, highlighting how prevalent this kind of malicious opposition was in the Old Testament.
Psalm 41:9The phrase 'men of my peace' or 'familiar friends' is used here, showing that betrayal by those close to you, who are expected to be allies, is a recurring theme in biblical suffering.
Matthew 12:14Here, Jesus' enemies also plotted to trap Him with His words, illustrating a parallel to Jeremiah's experience where opponents actively sought to find fault and deceive him.
Luke 6:22Jesus directly addresses the persecution and slander believers will face from others, including those who were once considered friends, mirroring Jeremiah's painful reality.
2 Timothy 3:12This verse directly states that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, confirming that Jeremiah's experience of betrayal and opposition is a universal reality for faithful followers of God.
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 isn't just hearing whispers; he's hearing his "close friends" strategizing to trap him. The phrase "all my familiars" literally means "all the men of my peace," highlighting the betrayal that those closest to him, who should have brought him safety, are the very ones actively seeking his downfall. This reveals a deeper layer of pain – the hurt of being targeted not by strangers, but by those he should have been able to trust implicitly.
Jeremiah is recounting the intense opposition he faces, not just from enemies, but from those he once considered friends. These "men of his peace" are actively plotting to trap him, whispering together and encouraging each other to report him to the authorities, all in hopes of finding a way to accuse him and get revenge. This verse reveals the deep betrayal and constant threat that surround the prophet as he delivers God's message.
Jeremiah is recounting the intense opposition he faces, not just from enemies, but from those he once considered friends. These "men of his peace" are actively plotting to trap him, whispering together and encouraging each other to report him to the authorities, all in hopes of finding a way to accuse him and get revenge. This verse reveals the deep betrayal and constant threat that surround the prophet as he delivers God's message.
"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 isn't just hearing whispers; he's hearing his "close friends" strategizing to trap him. The phrase "all my familiars" literally means "all the men of my peace," highlighting the betrayal tha…
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Last reviewed October 2026
