Jeremiah 20:11
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What's easy to miss here is that the reason Jeremiah's enemies won't succeed isn't just God's power, but their own lack of wisdom in opposing Him. Their "everlasting confusion" stems from acting foolishly against the "terrible warrior" who stands with his prophet. This isn't just a promise of victory, but a stark reminder that fighting God leads to ultimate, unforgettable shame.
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)
Just before this, Jeremiah has been beaten and thrown into the stocks by Pashhur, the chief priest, for prophesying doom. This verse is his bold declaration of faith and confidence in God's protection, even in the face of such severe opposition and public humiliation. He asserts that his persecutors will ultimately fail and be put to shame because God, his powerful defender, is on his side.
When the world feels overwhelming and your enemies seem too strong, how do you find courage? Jeremiah declares God is his 'dread warrior.' What does that mean for us?
Jeremiah cries out that the Lord is with him "as a dread warrior." This isn't a gentle shepherd, but a formidable, awe-inspiring combatant. The original language paints a picture of immense power and terrifying presence, specifically in battle.
Jeremiah's enemies are confident, but he predicts their utter failure. What makes opposing God's people so disastrous?
The verse doesn't just speak of God's power, but of the inevitable consequence for those who stand against Him and His servants. Jeremiah declares his persecutors 'will stumble... they will not prevail... they will be greatly shamed... their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten.'
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Understand the original words
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.
Jeremiah utters these words of defiant faith during his difficult ministry, amidst intense opposition and the looming threat of Babylonian exile. The verse reflects his personal struggle and God's ultimate vindication, set against the backdrop of Judah's impending national disaster.
c. 626 BC— this verse
Jeremiah Begins Ministry
Jeremiah is called by God to prophesy, facing immense opposition and persecution from the outset of his ministry.
c. 609-605 BC
Josiah's Reforms Reversed
Following King Josiah's death, his sons and successors reverse his religious reforms, leading to a resurgence of idolatry and wickedness that Jeremiah condemns.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports Jewish nobles and skilled workers, including Daniel, to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Another wave of exiles, including the prophet Ezekiel and King Jehoiachin, are taken to Babylon as Nebuchadnezzar tightens his grip on Judah.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, with the remaining population deported to Babylon, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment.
This passage echoes Jeremiah's declaration by showing God as a powerful warrior defending His people, declaring 'The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.' It highlights the divine strength behind Jeremiah's confidence.
Psalm 27:1-3Like Jeremiah here, the psalmist expresses unwavering trust in the Lord as his protector against enemies, stating 'Whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?' This parallel emphasizes the heart of faith that can face down persecution.
Isaiah 41:10-12This prophecy assures God's people that He is with them, strengthening and helping them, and will bring shame upon those who oppose them, mirroring the outcome Jeremiah predicts for his persecutors.
Romans 8:31This New Testament declaration, 'If God is for us, who can be against us?', powerfully captures the essence of Jeremiah's bold assertion. It reassures believers that God's presence is the ultimate defense against any opposition.
1 Samuel 17:45-47David's confrontation with Goliath demonstrates a similar reliance on God as a 'terrible warrior,' proclaiming that victory belongs to the Lord and that the Philistines would be put to shame. This shows a pattern of God championing the weak against the mighty.
clarkeJeremiah 20:11: "But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten."
But the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible one - Thus was he, by his strong confidence in the strong God, delivered from all his fears, and enabled to go on comfortably with his work.
calvinJeremiah 20:11: "But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten."
But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.
Atqui Jeho…
What's easy to miss here is that the reason Jeremiah's enemies won't succeed isn't just God's power, but their own lack of wisdom in opposing Him. Their "everlasting confusion" stems from acting foolishly against the "terrible warrior" who stands with his prophet. This isn't just a promise of victory, but a stark reminder that fighting God leads to ultimate, unforgettable shame.
Just before this, Jeremiah has been beaten and thrown into the stocks by Pashhur, the chief priest, for prophesying doom. This verse is his bold declaration of faith and confidence in God's protection, even in the face of such severe opposition and public humiliation. He asserts that his persecutors will ultimately fail and be put to shame because God, his powerful defender, is on his side.
Just before this, Jeremiah has been beaten and thrown into the stocks by Pashhur, the chief priest, for prophesying doom. This verse is his bold declaration of faith and confidence in God's protection, even in the face of such severe opposition and public humiliation. He asserts that his persecutors will ultimately fail and be put to shame because God, his powerful defender, is on his side.
"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…" — What's easy to miss here is that the reason Jeremiah's enemies won't succeed isn't just God's power, but their own lack of wisdom in opposing Him. Their "everlasting confusion" stems from acting fool…
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Last reviewed October 2026
