Jeremiah 20:7-8
O LORD, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me. For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, “Violence and destruction!” For the word of the LORD has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jeremiah isn't saying God lied to him; he's expressing that God "enticed" or "persuaded" him into the prophetic role, and he yielded to that divine strength. This wasn't an act of deceit, but a powerful, irresistible calling that Jeremiah felt compelled to follow, even when it led to suffering and ridicule.
This passage marks a dramatic shift from narrative to personal lament, as Jeremiah cries out to God after suffering public humiliation and imprisonment. He expresses a deep sense of betrayal, feeling that God lured him into the prophetic calling only to abandon him to ridicule and suffering. The verses that follow reveal his internal struggle, oscillating between despair over his painful ministry and defiant confidence in God's ultimate vindication.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. It signifies the self-existent, faithful, and eternal God who redeems His people.
pātâ · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew word used here can imply being enticed or persuaded. In this context, it expresses the prophet's profound struggle with the overwhelming and irresistible nature of God's calling, which seemed to contradict the ease he expected in his ministry.
ḥerpâ · Hebrew Noun
A 'reproach' signifies shame, disgrace, or public dishonor. In Scripture, it is often associated with the suffering endured by those who faithfully represent God in the midst of a hostile or rebellious society.
qeles · Hebrew Noun
This lament comes from a moment of intense personal suffering when Jeremiah feels abandoned by God, even as he acknowledges God's overwhelming power in calling him to this difficult task.
c. 627 BC
Jeremiah's Call to Prophesy
The LORD calls a young Jeremiah to be a prophet to Judah, promising protection. Jeremiah initially hesitates, feeling inadequate, but God reassures him and empowers him.
c. 609-598 BC
Jeremiah's Ministry Amidst Unrest
Jeremiah prophesies during a turbulent period in Judah, warning of impending Babylonian invasion and exile. His message of repentance is largely ignored by the people and leaders.
c. 598 BC— this verse
Pashur Imprisons Jeremiah
The priest Pashur strikes Jeremiah and places him in the stocks for his prophecies, specifically those concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. This event precedes Jeremiah's cry in chapter 20.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Following a siege, Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and thousands of Judeans, including prominent citizens and skilled workers, to Babylon. This fulfills part of Jeremiah's warnings.
This passage describes God's commissioning of Jeremiah, highlighting the prophet's initial hesitation and God's powerful reassurance and promises of strength. It provides context for Jeremiah's later feeling of being 'persuaded' into a difficult calling against his own inclinations.
1 Kings 22:21-23This account shows a 'deceiving spirit' sent by God to entice King Ahab into battle. It parallels Jeremiah's use of the word 'deceived' (or 'enticed') to describe God's powerful influence on his prophetic calling, even when the outcome is painful.
1 Corinthians 9:16Paul speaks of a 'necessity' being laid upon him to preach the gospel. This echoes Jeremiah's sense of being compelled by God, feeling 'stronger than I, and you have prevailed,' which underscores the irresistible nature of the divine call.
Isaiah 8:11The prophet describes the 'strong hand' of the LORD upon him, warning him not to walk in the way of the people. This imagery of a powerful divine grip resonates with Jeremiah's feeling of God having 'taken hold of me' and prevailed over his resistance.
Job 9:4Job questions God's power and wisdom, saying, 'Who has hardened himself against him and prospered?' This verse shares Jeremiah's confrontation with God's overwhelming power, acknowledging that struggling against it is futile.
clarkeJeremiah 20:7: "O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me."
O Lord, thou hast deceived me - Thou hast promised me protection; and, lo! I am now delivered into the hands of my enemies. These words were probably spoken when Pashur smote him, and put him in prison. I think our translation of this passage is very exceptionable. My old Bible reads, Thou laddist me aside Lord; and I was lad aside. The…
pulpitJeremiah 20:7: "O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me."
Verses 7-13. - A lyric passage, expressing the conflict in the prophet's mind owing to the mockery and the slander which his preaching has brought upon him, and at the same time his confidence of victory through the protection of Jehovah; a suitable sequel to the narrative which goes before, even if not originally written to occupy this…
Jeremiah isn't saying God lied to him; he's expressing that God "enticed" or "persuaded" him into the prophetic role, and he yielded to that divine strength. This wasn't an act of deceit, but a powerful, irresistible calling that Jeremiah felt compelled to follow, even when it led to suffering and ridicule.
This passage marks a dramatic shift from narrative to personal lament, as Jeremiah cries out to God after suffering public humiliation and imprisonment. He expresses a deep sense of betrayal, feeling that God lured him into the prophetic calling only to abandon him to ridicule and suffering. The verses that follow reveal his internal struggle, oscillating between despair over his painful ministry and defiant confidence in God's ultimate vindication.
This passage marks a dramatic shift from narrative to personal lament, as Jeremiah cries out to God after suffering public humiliation and imprisonment. He expresses a deep sense of betrayal, feeling that God lured him into the prophetic calling only to abandon him to ridicule and suffering. The verses that follow reveal his internal struggle, oscillating between despair over his painful ministry and defiant confidence in God's ultimate vindication.
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'Derision' refers to scornful mocking or contempt. It is a common experience for the prophets of God whose message calls the people to repentance, causing them to be targets of societal ridicule.
dābār YHWH · Hebrew Noun phrase
In the Bible, the 'word of the LORD' is the authoritative communication of God’s will, truth, and power to humanity. It is living and active, possessing the ability to accomplish the purpose for which God sends it.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar conquer Jerusalem, destroy the city and the Temple, and deport the majority of the remaining population to Babylon, marking the end of the southern kingdom.
"O LORD, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me. For whenever I speak, I cry out, I sho…" — Jeremiah isn't saying God lied to him; he's expressing that God "enticed" or "persuaded" him into the prophetic role, and he yielded to that divine strength. This wasn't an act of deceit, but a pow…
