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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah isn't just changing Pashur's name; he's revealing its true, God-given meaning in contrast to what Pashur likely thought it meant. While "Pashur" might have suggested something like "freedom" or "prince," Jeremiah declares God's decree: his true identity and destiny are "Terror on Every Side," signifying the inescapable dread that will engulf him due to his opposition to God's prophet. This moment powerfully illustrates how God reclaims and redefines the identities of those who stand against His will, revealing their ultimate fate.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Pashur, the temple official, had Jeremiah beaten and thrown into the stocks for prophesying against Jerusalem, Jeremiah is released the next day. Upon his release, Jeremiah pronounces a new name upon Pashur, declaring that God no longer sees him as "Pashur" (which may have implied prosperity or security) but as "Terror on Every Side," foreshadowing the immense disaster that will soon engulf both Pashur and the entire nation. This powerful pronouncement directly challenges Pashur's authority and reveals the devastating consequences of his actions and the corrupt leadership he represents.
In the Old Testament, names weren't just labels; they were loaded with meaning and destiny. Jeremiah’s encounter with Pashur shows the ultimate authority behind names.
More Than Just a Name
Think about how we use names today. They identify us, sure, but sometimes a nickname sticks because it captures something essential about us. In ancient Israel, this was taken to a whole new level.
God Himself would sometimes give people new names or declare that a person's true identity, as seen by Him, was different from what their parents called them. These prophetic names weren't just for fun; they revealed God's judgment or His plan.
In this case, Jeremiah, after a night in the stocks, faces the priest Pashur. Pashur had abused his authority to punish God’s messenger. Jeremiah’s response isn't just an insult; it’s a divine declaration.
Ask a follow-up
Pashur was a priest, a man in a position of religious authority. Yet, he violently opposed Jeremiah. What does this tell us about the cost of faithfulness?
The Abuse of Power
It’s one thing for enemies of God to persecute His people, but it cuts deeper when those within the religious establishment do it. Pashur was not just any priest; he was the 'chief governor in the house of the LORD' (Jeremiah 20:1). He held significant power.
Instead of protecting the prophet and discerning God's word, Pashur acted with brute force, punishing Jeremiah for speaking God's truth. This highlights a recurring theme: those closest to God's work can sometimes become the most resistant to His direct word when it challenges their comfort or agenda.
Jeremiah’s bold declaration, even after suffering physically, shows his commitment. He wasn't intimidated by Pashur's office or his violence. He understood that Pashur's true identity, in God's eyes, was one defined by the terror his actions would ultimately bring upon himself and his nation.
Imagine being beaten and thrown into stocks, only to emerge and confront your tormentor with a terrifying divine message. Jeremiah's courage wasn't born of bravado, but of deep trust.
Faith Over Fear
Jeremiah had just endured a night of humiliation and physical pain. He was treated like a criminal for delivering God's unpopular message. Anyone in his position might be tempted to cower, to remain silent, or to seek revenge.
But Jeremiah doesn't falter. The moment he's out of the stocks, he speaks. And what he speaks is not about his own pain, but about God's judgment on Pashur. This incredible resilience points to the source of his strength:
Understand the original words
māḡôr · Hebrew Noun
In Scripture, terror refers to intense fear or dread, often associated with divine judgment, the wrath of God, or the overwhelming consequences of sin. It describes a state of being completely undone by the reality of God’s sovereign power or impending doom.
Jeremiah's prophetic pronouncement against Pashhur transforms a personal confrontation into a powerful symbolic act, revealing how God's judgment directly targets those in positions of authority who oppose His word.
Late 7th century BC
Reign of King Josiah
Jeremiah begins his prophetic ministry during a time of religious reform under King Josiah in Judah. Pashhur, son of Immer, likely holds a significant priestly position during this period.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports elites and skilled workers from Jerusalem to Babylon, including members of the royal family and potentially influential figures like Pashhur.
c. 605 BC— this verse
Jeremiah Imprisoned
After prophesying doom and judgment upon Jerusalem and its leaders, Jeremiah is arrested, beaten, and placed in the stocks by Pashhur, the priest. This event highlights the conflict between prophetic truth and religious/political authority.
c. 605 BC
Jeremiah's Pronouncement to Pashhur
The day after his release from the stocks, Jeremiah confronts Pashhur, proclaiming that his name will no longer signify 'security' or 'spreading joy,' but rather 'terror on every side,' signifying impending judgment.
c. 597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
More Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and many leaders, are exiled to Babylon. This event foreshadows the complete destruction of Jerusalem and serves as a fulfillment of prophetic warnings.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar destroy Jerusalem and its Temple. This catastrophic event marks the end of Judah as an independent nation and a fulfillment of the judgment Jeremiah had proclaimed.
This Psalm contains the exact phrase 'terror on every side' that Jeremiah uses, suggesting Jeremiah adopted it as a prophetic 'burden' to describe Pashur's impending fate.
Jeremiah 6:25Jeremiah uses the same phrase 'terror on every side' earlier in his ministry, indicating this was a recurring theme of judgment and distress that he applied to Pashur personally.
Isaiah 22:15-19This passage shows a prophet confronting a corrupt official (Shebna) with a symbolic name change and a prophecy of judgment, mirroring Jeremiah's confrontation with Pashur.
Amos 7:10-17Amos, another prophet, faced opposition and was sent away from the king's sanctuary, but he boldly returned with a message of judgment, paralleling Jeremiah's defiance despite his mistreatment.
Acts 16:37-40Paul and Silas, after being unjustly imprisoned and beaten, boldly proclaimed God's truth when released, demonstrating the same fearless courage Jeremiah displayed after his release from the stocks.
clarkeJeremiah 20:3: "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."
The Lord hath not called thy name Pashur - Security on all sides. This name thou hast had, but not by Divine appointment. But Magor-missabib - Fear on every side. This name hath God given thee; because, in the course of his providence, thou shalt be placed in the circumstances signified by it: thou sha…
calvinJeremiah 20:3: "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."
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.
Et accidit postridie (die crastino) ut educeret Phassur Jeremiam e carcere; et dixit ei Jeremias, Non Phassur vocavit…
Jeremiah isn't just changing Pashur's name; he's revealing its true, God-given meaning in contrast to what Pashur likely thought it meant. While "Pashur" might have suggested something like "freedom" or "prince," Jeremiah declares God's decree: his true identity and destiny are "Terror on Every Side," signifying the inescapable dread that will engulf him due to his opposition to God's prophet. This moment powerfully illustrates how God reclaims and redefines the identities of those who stand against His will, revealing their ultimate fate.
After Pashur, the temple official, had Jeremiah beaten and thrown into the stocks for prophesying against Jerusalem, Jeremiah is released the next day. Upon his release, Jeremiah pronounces a new name upon Pashur, declaring that God no longer sees him as "Pashur" (which may have implied prosperity or security) but as "Terror on Every Side," foreshadowing the immense disaster that will soon engulf both Pashur and the entire nation. This powerful pronouncement directly challenges Pashur's authority and reveals the devastating consequences of his actions and the corrupt leadership he represents.
After Pashur, the temple official, had Jeremiah beaten and thrown into the stocks for prophesying against Jerusalem, Jeremiah is released the next day. Upon his release, Jeremiah pronounces a new name upon Pashur, declaring that God no longer sees him as "Pashur" (which may have implied prosperity or security) but as "Terror on Every Side," foreshadowing the immense disaster that will soon engulf both Pashur and the entire nation. This powerful pronouncement directly challenges Pashur's authority and reveals the devastating consequences of his actions and the corrupt leadership he represents.
"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 isn't just changing Pashur's name; he's revealing its true, God-given meaning in contrast to what Pashur likely thought it meant. While "Pashur" might have suggested something like "freedom"…
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Last reviewed October 2026