Jeremiah 20:10
Jeremiah 20:10 in Multiple Translations
For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”
¶ 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.
For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Denounce, and we will denounce him, say all my familiar friends, they that watch for my fall; peradventure he will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
For numbers of them say evil secretly in my hearing (there is fear on every side): they say, Come, let us give witness against him; all my nearest friends, who are watching for my fall, say, It may be that he will be taken by deceit, and we will get the better of him and give him punishment.
I've heard many people gossiping: “He's the one who says, ‘Terror is everywhere!’ He has to be reported! Report what he's doing!” All my good friends are waiting for me to slip up. “Maybe he'll make a mistake so we can defeat him and get our revenge on him,” they say.
For I had heard the railing of many, and feare on euery side. Declare, said they, and wee wil declare it: all my familiars watched for mine halting, saying, It may be that he is deceiued: so we shall preuaile against him, and we shall execute our vengeance vpon him.
For I have heard the evil report of many, Fear [is] round about: 'Declare, and we declare it,' All mine allies are watching [for] my halting, 'Perhaps he is enticed, and we prevail over him, And we take our vengeance out of him.'
For I have heard the defaming of many: “Terror on every side! Denounce, and we will denounce him!” say all my familiar friends, those who watch for my fall. “Perhaps he will be persuaded, and we will prevail against him, and we will take our revenge on him.”
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 , Perhaps he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
For I heard the reproaches of many, and terror on every side: Persecute him, and let us persecute him: from all the men that were my familiars, and continued at my side: if by any means he may be deceived, and we may prevail against him, and be revenged on him.
I hear many people whispering about me, saying ‘He is the man who proclaims that there will be things that cause us to be terrified everywhere. We must tell the authorities what he is saying! We must denounce him!’ Even my best friends are waiting for me to say something that is wrong. They are saying, ‘Perhaps we can cause him to say something wrong, and if he does, we will be able to discredit him.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 20:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 20:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
שָׁמַ֜עְתִּי
דִּבַּ֣ת
רַבִּים֮
מָג֣וֹר
מִ/סָּבִיב֒
הַגִּ֨ידוּ֙
וְ/נַגִּידֶ֔/נּוּ
כֹּ֚ל
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
שְׁלוֹמִ֔/י
שֹׁמְרֵ֖י
צַלְעִ֑/י
אוּלַ֤י
יְפֻתֶּה֙
וְ/נ֣וּכְלָה
ל֔/וֹ
וְ/נִקְחָ֥ה
נִקְמָתֵ֖/נוּ
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁמַ֜עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
דִּבַּ֣ת
dibbâh
H1681
slander
N-fs
רַבִּים֮
rab
H7227
many
Adj
מָג֣וֹר
mâgôwr
H4032
terror
N-ms
מִ/סָּבִיב֒
çâbîyb
H5439
around
Prep | N-cs
הַגִּ֨ידוּ֙
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
וְ/נַגִּידֶ֔/נּוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp | Suff
כֹּ֚ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
human
N-ms
שְׁלוֹמִ֔/י
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
N-ms | Suff
שֹׁמְרֵ֖י
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
צַלְעִ֑/י
tselaʻ
H6761
stumbling
N-ms | Suff
אוּלַ֤י
ʼûwlay
H194
perhaps
Adv
יְפֻתֶּה֙
pâthâh
H6601
to open wide
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
וְ/נ֣וּכְלָה
yâkôl
H3201
be able
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִקְחָ֥ה
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
נִקְמָתֵ֖/נוּ
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
vengeance
N-fs | Suff
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 20:10
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁמַ֜עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
דִּבַּ֣ת
dibbâh
H1681
"slander"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to slander or evil reports, as seen in Leviticus 19:16 where God warns against spreading false rumors.
Definition: 1) whispering, defamation, evil report 1a) whispering 1b) defamation, defaming 1c) evil report, unfavourable saying
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: defaming, evil report, infamy, slander. See also: Genesis 37:2; Psalms 31:14; Proverbs 10:18.
רַבִּים֮
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
מָג֣וֹר
mâgôwr
H4032
"terror"
N-ms
Mâgôwr means fear or terror, describing a state of being afraid. In the Bible, it is used to express the fear or dread that people experience, such as in Deuteronomy 32:25 where it says 'The sword without, and terror within'.
Definition: fear, terror
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fear, terror. Compare H4036 (מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב). See also: Psalms 31:14; Jeremiah 20:10; Isaiah 31:9.
מִ/סָּבִיב֒
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
Prep | N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
הַגִּ֨ידוּ֙
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
וְ/נַגִּידֶ֔/נּוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp | Suff
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
כֹּ֚ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
"human"
N-ms
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Definition: 1) man, mortal man, person, mankind 1a) of an individual 1b) men (collective) 1c) man, mankind Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare H376 (אִישׁ). See also: Deuteronomy 32:26; Psalms 8:5; Psalms 9:20.
שְׁלוֹמִ֔/י
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
שֹׁמְרֵ֖י
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
צַלְעִ֑/י
tselaʻ
H6761
"stumbling"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means stumbling or limping, and it's used to describe adversity or hardship. It appears in the Bible as a metaphor for difficulties in life. In the KJV, it's translated as adversity or halt.
Definition: limping, stumbling
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: adversity, halt(-ing). See also: Psalms 35:15; Psalms 38:18; Jeremiah 20:10.
אוּלַ֤י
ʼûwlay
H194
"perhaps"
Adv
Ulay means perhaps or if not, used to express uncertainty or doubt. It appears in various forms, such as peradventure or unless. It helps to convey tentative ideas.
Definition: 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 37:4.
יְפֻתֶּה֙
pâthâh
H6601
"to open wide"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
To patah means to entice or deceive someone, often by making something seem simple or appealing.
Definition: 1) to be spacious, be open, be wide 1a) (Qal) to be spacious or open or wide 1b) (Hiphil) to make spacious, make open
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: allure, deceive, enlarge, entice, flatter, persuade, silly (one). See also: Genesis 9:27; Job 31:9; Psalms 78:36.
וְ/נ֣וּכְלָה
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִקְחָ֥ה
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
נִקְמָתֵ֖/נוּ
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
"vengeance"
N-fs | Suff
This noun means avengement or vengeance, often used to describe God's punishment of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 99:8 where God avenges His people.
Definition: 1) vengeance 1a) vengeance (by God, by Israel, by enemies of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, revenge(-ing), vengeance. See also: Numbers 31:2; Jeremiah 20:12; Psalms 18:48.
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 20:10
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- Jeremiah 20:10 Summary
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- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 20:10
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:10
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- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:10
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- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:10
- Sermons on Jeremiah 20:10
Context — Jeremiah’s Complaint
8For whenever I speak, I cry out; I proclaim violence and destruction. For the word of the LORD has become to me a reproach and derision all day long.
9If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
10For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”
11But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten. 12O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 41:9 | Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. |
| 2 | Psalms 31:13 | For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. |
| 3 | Isaiah 29:21 | those who indict a man with a word, who ensnare the mediator at the gate, and who with false charges deprive the innocent of justice. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 18:18 | Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 6:25 | Do not go out to the fields; do not walk the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side. |
| 6 | Acts 24:13 | Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 22:9 | Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency. |
| 8 | Psalms 55:13–14 | But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God. |
| 9 | Psalms 64:2–4 | Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity, who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. |
| 10 | Proverbs 10:18 | The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. |
Jeremiah 20:10 Summary
Jeremiah 20:10 tells us that the prophet Jeremiah faced opposition and criticism from many people, even his trusted friends, who wanted to see him fall. This verse reminds us that following God and speaking His truth can be challenging and may lead to hardships, as seen in Matthew 5:11-12. However, just like Jeremiah, we can trust in God's presence and power, as expressed in Jeremiah 20:11, and commit our cause to Him, knowing that He is our rock and our salvation (Psalm 62:6). By trusting in God, we can face any challenge or criticism with confidence and courage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the whispering of many in Jeremiah 20:10?
The whispering of many in Jeremiah 20:10 refers to the plots and conspiracies against Jeremiah by those who oppose his message, as seen in Jeremiah 20:10, similar to the experiences of other prophets like Elijah in 1 Kings 19:10.
Why do Jeremiah's trusted friends watch for his fall?
Jeremiah's trusted friends watch for his fall because they want to take advantage of him and prevail against him, as stated in Jeremiah 20:10, highlighting the challenges of being a faithful messenger of God, as also seen in Jeremiah 12:6.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of persecution in the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger theme of persecution in the Bible, where faithful servants of God like Jeremiah face opposition and hostility, as seen in Matthew 5:11-12 and 2 Timothy 3:12, reminding us that following God can lead to challenges and hardships.
What can we learn from Jeremiah's experience about dealing with enemies and critics?
From Jeremiah's experience, we can learn the importance of trusting in God's presence and power, as expressed in Jeremiah 20:11, and committing our cause to Him, as seen in Jeremiah 20:12 and Psalm 37:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I face opposition or criticism for my faith, and what can I learn from Jeremiah's experience?
- In what ways can I trust in God's presence and power when facing challenges, just like Jeremiah did in Jeremiah 20:11?
- What are some ways that I can commit my cause to God, as Jeremiah did in Jeremiah 20:12, and how can I trust in His sovereignty and justice?
- How can I balance the need to speak truth and stand for my faith with the risk of facing persecution or criticism, as seen in Jeremiah 20:8-9?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 20:10
For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side,.... It was brought to the prophet's ears by some of his friends, how he was defamed by many, and these great and mighty ones, as the word also
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 20:10
For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:10
The prophet here rendereth a reason why he thought of giving over his work as a prophet, his ears were continually filled with the obloquies and reproaches of such as reproached him, and besides he was afraid on all hands, there were so many traps laid for him, so many devices devised against him. They did not only take all advantages against him, but they sought advantages and invited others to raise up false stories of him. They said to men like themselves, Raise but you the report, we will blow it abroad. All my familiars watched for my halting; not only strangers, but those that I might have expected the greatest kindness from, those that pretended most courteously, watched for opportunities to do me mischief and lay in wait for my halting. Saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him; desiring nothing more than that I might be enticed to speak or do something which they might make matter of a colourable accusation. And we shall take our revenge on him; that so they might satisfy their malice upon me. This hath always been the genius of wicked men; Job and David both made complaints much like this, 55:12-14. Thus it fared with Christ himself. The same spirit which yet possesseth wicked men was found in wicked men in all former times. And this ought to be a great relief to the people of God under the like measures, to consider that the servants are not above their Lord, and wicked men thus of old persecuted the prophets.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:10
Jeremiah 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.Ver. 10. For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side.] This passage is borrowed from Psalms 31:13; Some render the text, I heard the defamation of many Magormissabibs, many of his accomplices and Coryphaei, spies set a-work by him to defame and smear me. Report, say they, and we will report.] Calumniare audacter; broach a slander, and we will blazon it; set it afoot, and we will set it afloat give us but some small hint or inkling of aught spoken by Jeremiah, whereof to accuse him to the king and state, and we desire no more. Athanasius was about thirty times accused, and of no small crimes either, but falsely. The Papists make it their trade to belie the Protestants, their chieftains especially. They reported of Luther that he died despairing; of Calvin, that he was branded on the shoulder for a rogue; of Beza, that he ran away with another man’ s wife, &c. And for their authors they allege Baldwin and Bolsecus, a couple of apostates, requested by themselves (and, as some say, hired) to write the lives of these worthies, their professed enemies. But anything of this kind serves their turn, and they cite the writings of these renegades as canonical.
All my familiars.] Heb., Every man of my peace; from such there is the greatest danger. Hence one prayed God to deliver him from his friends, for as for his enemies he could better beware of them. Many friends are like deep ponds, clear at the top, but all muddy at the bottom.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:10
(10) The defaming of many.—Another quotation from the Psalms (Psalms 31:13), where the Authorised Version has “the slander of many.” Fear on every side.—The Magor-missabib still rings in the prophet’s ears, and, for himself as for others, is the burden of his cry. It may be noted that this also comes from the same verse of the psalm just quoted. Report, say they, and we will report it.—Better, do you report. The words are not spoken as to the prophet, but are those with which his persecutors encouraged each other to inform against him. (Comp. Jeremiah 11:19; Jeremiah 18:18.) All my familiars.—Literally, every man of my peace, i.e., the men who used to greet him with the wonted “Peace be with thee.” The same phrase is used in the “familiar friends” of Psalms 41:9, but it does not in itself describe the intimacy of friendship, but rather the courtesy and good-will of acquaintances who thus salute each other. Watched for my halting.—Comp. Psalms 35:15 (where the same word is rendered “adversity”) and Psalms 38:17. He will be enticed.—The same word as the “deceived” of Jeremiah 20:7. They were on the look-out for some rash and hasty word spoken in prophetic zeal, and the prophet, in the bitterness of his soul, looked on their work and that of Jehovah as tending to the same result.
Compare the conduct of the Scribes and Pharisees towards our Lord (Matthew 12:10; Matthew 22:15; Mark 12:13).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:10
Verse 10. 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.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 20:10
10. defaming] lit. probably, whispering. Cp. Psalms 31:13. watch for my halting] Cp. Psalms 35:15; Psalms 38:17. enticed] into some act, which will lay him open to attack.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:10
10. Defaming — Literally, talking: but the word has in it a sinister and evil animus. It does not necessarily mean slandering, but talking fraught with mischief. Fear, etc.
Sermons on Jeremiah 20:10
| Sermon | Description | |
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Gleanings From the Garden - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of engaging in conversations with students at a university. The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussion |
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Christ Is All - in Scripture by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection a |
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(John) the Lord Exposing Judas by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage from the Gospel of John, specifically chapter 13, where Jesus is in the upper room with his disciples during the Passover supper |
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Surprises at the Birth of Christ by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the possibility of the preaching of the word of God happening today. He emphasizes that for this to occur, a person must genuinely desire to |
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Hope Thou in God by Richard Burson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a little girl who was crying and afraid until her mother comforted her. The speaker then relates this to the biblical stor |
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In the Shadow of the Cross - Painful Predictions by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the moment when Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. He emphasizes the burden and shame that Jesus must have felt in exp |
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Luke 6:12-16. Christ Chooses His Twelve Apostles. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer emphasizes the importance of fervent and sincere prayer, reflecting on Jesus' own prayer life and the blessings that come from earnestly seeking God. Mortimer c |