Jeremiah 20:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the LORD {H3068} is with me as a mighty {H1368} terrible one {H6184}: therefore my persecutors {H7291} shall stumble {H3782}, and they shall not prevail {H3201}: they shall be greatly {H3966} ashamed {H954}; for they shall not prosper {H7919}: their everlasting {H5769} confusion {H3639} shall never be forgotten {H7911}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI is with me like a dreaded warrior; so my persecutors will stumble, defeated, greatly ashamed because of their failure; their lasting disgrace will not be forgotten.

Berean Standard Bible

But 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.

American Standard Version

But Jehovah is with me as a mighty one and a terrible: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail; they shall be utterly put to shame, because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which shall never be forgotten.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 20:11 is a powerful declaration of defiant faith amidst profound personal suffering, where the prophet Jeremiah expresses unwavering confidence in God's active presence and formidable power. Despite intense persecution and internal despair, Jeremiah proclaims that the Lord, described as a "mighty terrible one," is on his side, assuring the inevitable downfall, shame, and lasting disgrace of his adversaries who oppose God's message. This verse stands as a pivotal turning point in Jeremiah's laments, showcasing a profound shift from complaint to conviction in divine vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 20:11 is strategically placed within a series of laments and confessions often referred to as Jeremiah's "confessions" (Jeremiah 11:18-23; 12:1-6; 15:10-21; 17:14-18; 18:18-23; 20:7-18). This particular declaration of faith follows immediately after Jeremiah's most intense lament, where he expresses deep anguish over his prophetic calling, feeling deceived and mocked by God (see [Jeremiah 20:7-10](/jeremiah/20-7 "Jeremiah's Lament and Complaint")). The preceding verses detail his public humiliation and beating by Pashhur, a chief priest and temple official, for prophesying doom (see [Jeremiah 20:1-6](/jeremiah/20-1 "Pashhur Persecutes Jeremiah")). Verse 11, therefore, serves as a remarkable pivot—a sudden surge of defiant trust and prophetic certainty amidst profound despair, offering a glimpse of the prophet's resilient faith before he plunges back into lament in [Jeremiah 20:14-18](/jeremiah/20-14 "Jeremiah's Curse on His Birth").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings, from Josiah to Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BC). This era was marked by political instability, religious apostasy, and the looming threat of foreign invasion. Jeremiah's message of impending judgment and the call to repentance was deeply unpopular, often clashing with the false assurances of peace offered by other prophets and the entrenched idolatry of the people. His ministry frequently placed him in direct opposition to the religious and political establishment, leading to constant persecution, imprisonment, and public scorn. The "persecutors" mentioned in this verse represent the powerful figures and the populace who rejected God's word delivered through Jeremiah, viewing him as a traitor or a madman.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Support** for the faithful prophet, even when he feels utterly alone and abandoned by men. God's "being with" Jeremiah is a constant source of strength, echoing promises found in passages like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "God's Promise of Help and Presence"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, asserting that God will ultimately defend His servants and bring judgment upon those who oppose His truth. The downfall of the persecutors is not merely a personal wish but a prophetic declaration of God's righteous retribution. Thirdly, the verse speaks to the **Struggle and Perseverance of the Prophet**, illustrating the intense emotional and spiritual battles faced by God's messengers, yet affirming the ultimate triumph of God's word despite human resistance. This resilience is a hallmark of Jeremiah's prophetic calling, as seen throughout the book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered as "Yahweh," signifying "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that Jeremiah's confidence is not in a generic deity but in the personal, living God who has entered into a covenant relationship with His people and is actively involved in their affairs. It underscores His unchanging nature and sovereign power.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term denotes a "powerful one," a "warrior," or a "hero." When applied to the LORD, it portrays Him not as a passive observer but as an active, formidable combatant who champions His cause and fights on behalf of His servant. It conveys irresistible strength and the ability to overcome any opposition.
* **confusion (Hebrew, _kᵉlimmâh'_):** This word signifies "disgrace," "dishonor," "reproach," or "shame." It describes the ultimate state of Jeremiah's persecutors—not merely defeat, but a profound and public humiliation that strips them of their dignity and standing. This shame is not temporary but, as the text states, "everlasting."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one":** This opening clause marks a dramatic shift from Jeremiah's lament. It declares God's active, powerful, and awe-inspiring presence with the prophet. The phrase "mighty terrible one" (Hebrew: *gibbôwr ʻârîyts*) paints a picture of God as an irresistible warrior, formidable and terrifying to His enemies, yet a source of immense strength and comfort to His servant.
* **"therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail":** This is a direct consequence of God's presence. Because the LORD is with Jeremiah in such a powerful capacity, his adversaries are guaranteed to falter, trip, and ultimately fail in their malicious intentions. Their efforts to silence or harm Jeremiah will be rendered ineffective.
* **"they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper":** The failure of the persecutors will lead to profound public disgrace. The Hebrew word for "greatly" (Hebrew: *mᵉʼôd*) intensifies the shame, indicating a deep, pervasive humiliation. Their inability to "prosper" (Hebrew: *sâkal*, meaning to act wisely or successfully) underscores the futility of their opposition to God's will.
* "[their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten":** This final clause emphasizes the permanent and unforgettable nature of their disgrace. The "confusion" (Hebrew: *kᵉlimmâh*) is not a fleeting moment of embarrassment but an enduring state of dishonor. The "everlasting" (Hebrew: *ʻôwlâm*) nature of this shame means it will be a perpetual testimony to their folly and God's ultimate vindication of His prophet.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 20:11 is rich in **Imagery**, portraying God as a **Warrior** ("mighty terrible one") who actively engages in battle on behalf of His prophet. This vivid imagery contrasts sharply with Jeremiah's prior feelings of abandonment, transforming God from a perceived deceiver into a formidable defender. The verse also employs powerful **Contrast**, juxtaposing Jeremiah's vulnerability and suffering with God's overwhelming strength and presence. The certainty of the persecutors' downfall ("shall stumble," "shall not prevail," "shall be greatly ashamed," "shall not prosper") uses **Prophetic Declaration** to convey divine judgment, moving beyond mere hope to absolute assurance. Furthermore, the phrase "everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten" uses **Hyperbole** and **Emphatic Negation** to underscore the permanence and severity of the adversaries' disgrace, ensuring their ignominy will endure through time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 20:11 profoundly speaks to the theological truth of God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to vindicate His righteous servants. It affirms that the Lord is not merely a distant observer but an active participant in the lives of those who faithfully proclaim His word, even in the face of intense opposition. This verse underscores the principle that those who stand against God's purposes, particularly by persecuting His messengers, will ultimately face divine judgment and lasting disgrace. It provides a powerful assurance that God's justice will prevail, and His truth will ultimately triumph over all human resistance and evil schemes.

* [Psalm 37:1-9](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1-9 - Trust in the Lord and Do Good")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")
* [2 Timothy 4:16-18](/2_timothy/4-16 "2 Timothy 4:16-18 - The Lord Stood By Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 20:11 offers profound encouragement and a call to steadfast faith for believers facing opposition, injustice, or spiritual warfare in their lives. In moments of despair, when it feels as though the forces arrayed against us are too strong, this verse reminds us that our ultimate strength and defense come from the Lord Himself. It challenges us to shift our focus from the overwhelming nature of our circumstances or the power of our adversaries to the unchanging, formidable character of God, who is "with me as a mighty terrible one." This truth empowers us to persevere, trusting that God will not only sustain us but will also, in His perfect timing, bring about the downfall and shame of those who oppose righteousness and seek to silence His truth. Our call is to remain faithful, speaking His word and living according to His will, confident that our vindication rests securely in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel persecuted or opposed for your faith or convictions?**
* **How does the description of the LORD as "a mighty terrible one" impact your understanding of God's presence in your struggles?**
* **What practical steps can you take to rest in God's promise of vindication, rather than seeking personal revenge or becoming discouraged?**

### FAQ
**What does "mighty terrible one" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "mighty terrible one" (Hebrew: *gibbôwr ʻârîyts*) describes the LORD as an incredibly powerful and awe-inspiring warrior. "Mighty" (*gibbôwr*) conveys strength and heroism, while "terrible" (*ʻârîyts*) suggests a fearsome, tyrannical, or ruthless force. When applied to God, it means He is an irresistible, formidable champion who fights on behalf of His people, inspiring terror in His enemies and profound confidence in His faithful servants. It emphasizes His active and overwhelming power to defeat all opposition, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome").

**How can Jeremiah express such confidence immediately after deep despair?**

Answer: Jeremiah's confessions often display a profound emotional oscillation between despair and defiant faith. This is characteristic of true lament, where the petitioner honestly expresses their pain and confusion to God, yet ultimately returns to a place of trust in His character and promises. Verse 11 represents a moment of divine revelation or renewed faith, where Jeremiah grasps the reality of God's active presence and power, transcending his immediate circumstances. It's not a linear progression but a dynamic spiritual struggle, reflecting the human experience of faith amidst suffering, where trust can suddenly surge even in the darkest moments, as seen in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As the Deer Pants for Streams of Water")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 20:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah, as a prophet, experienced persecution for speaking God's truth, but his vindication pointed forward to the perfect Prophet who would endure the ultimate rejection and suffering. Jesus, the true "mighty terrible one" in divine power, faced unparalleled opposition from religious and political authorities, yet He did not stumble or fail (cf. [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He was oppressed and afflicted")). His persecutors, who thought they had prevailed by crucifying Him, were ultimately put to "everlasting confusion" when He rose triumphantly from the grave, demonstrating His absolute victory over sin, death, and all opposing powers (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The shame intended for Him was transformed into glory, and the confusion of His adversaries became their lasting disgrace. For believers, Christ's experience assures us that just as the Father was "with" Jesus in His suffering and vindicated Him, so too will He be with us, enabling us to overcome opposition and guaranteeing our ultimate triumph through Him (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World") and [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God and the conquering Lion, ensuring that the "everlasting confusion" of evil will never be forgotten, while His righteous reign endures forever.

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

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

Jeremiah 1:8

Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 15:20

And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I [am] with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:18

Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalms 6:10

Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return [and] be ashamed suddenly.

Psalms 40:14

Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.