Jeremiah 18:20

KJV

Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, [and] to turn away thy wrath from them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall evil {H7451} be recompensed {H7999} for good {H2896}? for they have digged {H3738} a pit {H7745} for my soul {H5315}. Remember {H2142} that I stood {H5975} before {H6440} thee to speak {H1696} good {H2896} for them, and to turn away {H7725} thy wrath {H2534} from them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Is good to be repaid with evil? For they have dug a pit [to trap] me. Remember how I stood before you and spoke well of them, in order to turn your anger away from them?

Berean Standard Bible

Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them.

American Standard Version

Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember how I stood before thee to speak good for them, to turn away thy wrath from them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 18:20 captures the prophet's profound anguish and sense of betrayal, as he laments the stark injustice of receiving evil in return for his tireless efforts to intercede on behalf of his people. Despite his faithful ministry of speaking good and seeking to avert divine wrath from Judah, he faces malicious plots and attempts on his life, vividly expressed through the imagery of a "dug pit." This verse serves as a heartfelt plea to God for justice and a poignant reflection on the suffering of the righteous in the face of deep ingratitude and hostility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 18:20 is situated within a pivotal section of Jeremiah's prophecy that begins with the powerful analogy of the potter and the clay in [Jeremiah 18:1-12](/jeremiah/18 "The Potter and the Clay"). This divine object lesson illustrates God's sovereign right to shape nations according to their responsiveness to His word, highlighting His prerogative to change His plans for blessing or judgment based on a people's repentance or persistent rebellion. Following this, Jeremiah delivers a direct message of impending judgment to Judah, which is met with defiant rejection from the people who declare their intent to follow their own sinful devices ([Jeremiah 18:12](/jeremiah/18-12 "Judah's Stubborn Refusal")). The immediate preceding verses, [Jeremiah 18:18-19](/jeremiah/18-18 "Plots Against Jeremiah"), reveal a direct and sinister conspiracy against Jeremiah himself. His adversaries conspire to destroy his prophetic word, his reputation, and his very life. Verse 20, therefore, is Jeremiah's deeply personal lament, an anguished prayer to God that responds directly to this profound betrayal and the malicious plots against him, emphasizing the stark contrast between his benevolent actions and their malevolent intentions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), a period marked by severe political instability, widespread spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of the Babylonian Empire. The people of Judah, including their leaders, priests, and false prophets, had largely abandoned their covenant with Yahweh, engaging in pervasive idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption. Jeremiah's prophetic message consistently called for national repentance and warned of the inevitable judgment if they persisted in their rebellion. This message was deeply unpopular, as it challenged the prevailing false sense of security and religious nationalism. Culturally, the concept of "digging a pit" was a common and potent metaphor for setting a trap or devising a malicious plot, often with fatal intent, reflecting the treachery and underhanded tactics employed by Jeremiah's enemies. The prophet's suffering was thus not merely personal but indicative of the broader societal rejection of God's truth and His faithful messengers.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 18:20 powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Betrayal and Ingratitude**, as Jeremiah questions the profound injustice of receiving evil in return for his selfless intercession. This highlights the **Suffering of the Righteous**, a recurring motif where those who faithfully serve God face persecution and hostility, often from their own people. Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to his **Intercessory Role** is evident as he reminds God of his efforts to "speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them," mirroring the role of other great intercessors like Moses ([Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Moses' Intercession for Israel")). The verse also underscores the theme of **Divine Justice**, as Jeremiah's rhetorical question, "Shall evil be recompensed for good?", is a fervent appeal to God's righteous character, seeking vindication against those who "have digged a pit for my soul." This plea for God to remember and act reflects a deep trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to upholding righteousness, even when human justice fails, as seen in Jeremiah's earlier prayer for vengeance in [Jeremiah 11:20](/jeremiah/11-20 "Jeremiah's Prayer for Vengeance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** (H7451) This term encompasses a wide range of negative connotations, including badness, calamity, distress, harm, mischief, and moral wickedness. In this context, it refers to the malicious plots, persecution, and attempts on Jeremiah's life by his adversaries, contrasting sharply with the "good" he performed. It signifies both the moral depravity of their actions and the harmful, destructive consequences intended for Jeremiah.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** (H2896) This word signifies that which is excellent, pleasant, prosperous, and morally upright. Here, it describes Jeremiah's actions: his faithful intercession, his speaking of truth for their benefit, and his efforts to avert God's wrath from the people. It emphasizes the benevolent and righteous nature of his ministry, making the recompense of "evil" all the more shocking and unjust.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** (H5315) This word is broadly used to denote a breathing creature, vitality, or the very essence of a person—their life, self, mind, or desire. When Jeremiah states "they have digged a pit for my soul," it indicates that the plot was aimed at his very life, his being, or his spiritual and emotional well-being. It highlights the profound personal threat and the existential nature of the danger he faced, targeting his core existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shall evil be recompensed for good?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question expressing profound shock, indignation, and a fervent plea for divine justice. Jeremiah is questioning the fundamental moral order, highlighting the egregious injustice of receiving harm and malice in return for his selfless and beneficial actions towards his people. It implies a deep sense of betrayal and a challenge to God's righteous governance if such an inversion of justice were to stand.
* **"for they have digged a pit for my soul."**: This clause provides the immediate justification for Jeremiah's lament and rhetorical question. The phrase "digged a pit" is a common biblical idiom for setting a treacherous trap or devising a malicious, often deadly, plot. "For my soul" emphasizes that the plot is aimed at his very life, his well-being, or his complete destruction. It reveals the treacherous and underhanded nature of his enemies' intentions, who seek to ensnare and destroy him.
* **"Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them,"**: Jeremiah appeals to God's memory and justice, reminding Him of his faithful intercessory ministry. "Stood before thee" signifies his role as a mediator or advocate, standing in God's presence on behalf of the people. "To speak good for them" refers to his prophetic messages that, despite their warnings of judgment, were ultimately intended for the people's repentance, restoration, and welfare. He consistently sought their true good, even when delivering difficult truths.
* **"and to turn away thy wrath from them."**: This further elaborates on Jeremiah's intercessory role. His ministry was not only to speak for their good but actively to plead with God to avert the impending divine judgment and anger that their sins deserved. This highlights his compassion and tireless efforts to mediate between a holy God and a rebellious people, making the subsequent plots against him all the more heinous and unjust in his eyes.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 18:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the prophet's deep anguish and the profound injustice he experiences. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Shall evil be recompensed for good?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to express the prophet's shock, outrage, and impassioned appeal to God's inherent justice. It underscores the moral absurdity of the situation and serves as a direct challenge to the divine order if such an inversion of recompense were allowed to stand. Furthermore, the phrase "they have digged a pit for my soul" is a vivid **Metaphor** and a common **Idiom** in biblical literature. It vividly portrays a malicious and treacherous plot, implying a hidden trap designed for destruction, often with fatal intent. This imagery emphasizes the underhanded and life-threatening nature of the opposition Jeremiah faces. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, sharply contrasting Jeremiah's benevolent actions ("speak good for them," "turn away thy wrath") with the malevolent intentions of his adversaries ("digged a pit for my soul," "evil be recompensed"). This sharp contrast heightens the sense of betrayal and injustice, amplifying the prophet's cry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah's lament in this verse resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of righteous suffering and the tension between divine justice and human wickedness. It underscores the profound moral inversion that occurs when good is repaid with evil, a theme that challenges our understanding of fairness and divine intervention. The prophet's appeal to God to "remember" his intercessory work highlights the covenantal relationship and the expectation that God, as the righteous judge, will ultimately vindicate His faithful servants. This verse positions Jeremiah as a prototype of the suffering servant, whose selfless actions for the benefit of others are met with hostility, foreshadowing a greater intercessor to come. The "pit" symbolizes the insidious schemes of the wicked, a recurring motif that anticipates God's judgment upon those who plot against the innocent.

* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit")
* [Psalm 35:7](/psalms/35-7 "Plots Against David")
* [Proverbs 17:13](/proverbs/17-13 "Repaying Evil for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 18:20 offers a profound mirror for believers navigating a world where goodness is often met with ingratitude, betrayal, or even active malice. The prophet's raw, honest cry to God models a vital aspect of spiritual life: bringing our deepest hurts, confusion, and sense of injustice directly before the Lord. It reminds us that faithfulness to God and selfless service to others do not guarantee an easy path; indeed, they can often invite opposition, just as they did for Jeremiah and ultimately for Christ. When we experience the pain of being wronged despite our good intentions, this verse encourages us not to despair but to trust in God's perfect justice and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. Our vindication is not found in human retaliation but in surrendering our grievances to the One who sees all and judges righteously. It calls us to persist in doing good, even when it is costly, knowing that our ultimate reward and justice come from God, who promises to recompense according to His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when your good intentions or actions are met with ingratitude or betrayal?**
* **In what ways does Jeremiah's prayer model a healthy response to injustice for you personally?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the potential cost of faithfulness and intercession in a fallen world?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's justice when you feel wronged, rather than seeking personal vindication?**

### FAQ
**What does "digged a pit for my soul" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "digged a pit for my soul" is a vivid biblical idiom signifying a malicious plot or trap designed to ensnare and destroy someone, often with fatal intent. "For my soul" emphasizes that the plot is aimed at Jeremiah's very life, his well-being, or his complete ruin. It highlights the treacherous, underhanded, and potentially deadly nature of the conspiracy against him by his adversaries, who sought to silence or eliminate him because of his prophetic message. This imagery is common in the Psalms, where the psalmist often cries out against those who lay traps for the righteous, as seen in [Psalm 35:7](/psalms/35-7 "They hid their net for me").

**Why is Jeremiah complaining to God if God is sovereign?**

Answer: Jeremiah's lament is not a complaint in the sense of questioning God's sovereignty or power, but rather a fervent appeal to God's righteous character and justice. As a prophet, Jeremiah had a unique and intimate relationship with God, allowing him to express his raw emotions, pain, and confusion directly. His question, "Shall evil be recompensed for good?", is a plea for God to act according to His just nature and to vindicate His faithful servant. It's an expression of trust that God is a God of justice who sees the hidden plots and will ultimately set things right. This kind of honest, impassioned prayer is characteristic of many biblical figures, demonstrating that faith allows for wrestling with difficult realities in God's presence, as seen in the laments throughout the [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 18:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet," faithfully interceded for a rebellious people, speaking good for them and seeking to turn away God's wrath, only to be met with betrayal, plots, and attempts on his life. This experience perfectly foreshadows the ultimate suffering of the true and greater Prophet, Jesus, who likewise "came unto his own, and his own received him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus Rejected by His Own")). Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, continually spoke words of life and truth, performed countless acts of "good," and ultimately offered Himself as the supreme intercessor, bearing the wrath of God for humanity's sin ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's Love in Christ's Death")). Yet, in return for His unparalleled good, He was met with the deepest evil: rejection, false accusations, a "pit" dug for His soul by those He came to save, culminating in His crucifixion ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "False Witnesses Against Jesus")). Just as Jeremiah appealed to God for justice, Jesus entrusted Himself to the One who judges righteously ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "Christ's Example of Suffering")). His suffering, however, was not in vain; through His ultimate act of good—His atoning sacrifice—He definitively turned away God's wrath from all who believe, establishing an eternal peace and fulfilling the very intercession Jeremiah longed for ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 57:6

They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.

Psalms 35:7

For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.

Psalms 106:23

Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

Psalms 35:12

They rewarded me evil for good [to] the spoiling of my soul.

1 Samuel 24:17

And he said to David, Thou [art] more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

1 Samuel 24:19

For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.

Ecclesiastes 10:8

He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.