Jeremiah 20:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass on the morrow {H4283}, that Pashur {H6583} brought forth {H3318} Jeremiah {H3414} out of the stocks {H4115}. Then said {H559} Jeremiah {H3414} unto him, The LORD {H3068} hath not called {H7121} thy name {H8034} Pashur {H6583}, but Magormissabib {H4036}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The following morning, when Pash'chur led Yirmeyahu out of the stocks, Yirmeyahu said to him, "ADONAI no longer calls you Pash'chur but Magor-Missaviv [terror on every side].

Berean Standard Bible

The next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, “The LORD does not call you Pashhur, but Magor-missabib.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashhur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, Jehovah hath not called thy name Pashhur, but Magor-missabib.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 20:3 chronicles a pivotal moment in the prophet's ministry, immediately following his first recorded physical persecution. Upon his release from the stocks by Pashur, the chief officer of the temple, Jeremiah, undeterred by suffering, boldly confronts his persecutor with a divinely inspired prophetic declaration. In a dramatic act of judgment, Jeremiah renames Pashur "Magormissabib," a Hebrew phrase signifying "terror on every side," thereby sealing the terrifying judgment God would bring upon Pashur and, by extension, upon Judah for their persistent rebellion and rejection of His prophetic word. This verse powerfully underscores God's unwavering sovereignty over human destiny and the unyielding authority of His messenger, even in the face of severe opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jeremiah's initial physical abuse and imprisonment, detailed in [Jeremiah 20:1-2](/jeremiah/20-1-2 "Jeremiah 20:1-2 - Pashur's Persecution and Jeremiah's Imprisonment"). Pashur, identified as "the son of Immer the priest, who was chief governor in the house of the LORD," had violently struck Jeremiah and confined him in the stocks located in the Upper Gate of Benjamin. This harsh treatment was a direct response to Jeremiah's prophecies of Jerusalem's impending destruction and the Babylonian exile. Jeremiah's release "on the morrow" (the next day) sets the stage for this direct and unyielding confrontation. Far from being silenced or intimidated, Jeremiah immediately delivers a potent divine message, demonstrating the prophet's profound commitment to his calling even after suffering. The renaming of Pashur serves as a personal and immediate manifestation of the broader judgment Jeremiah had been prophesying for Judah, linking individual accountability directly to national destiny. The narrative then expands on the specific nature of this "terror on every side" in [Jeremiah 20:4-6](/jeremiah/20-4-6 "Jeremiah 20:4-6 - Prophecy of Captivity and Death for Pashur and Judah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a profoundly tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the devastating Babylonian exile (approximately 627-586 BC). The nation was precariously positioned between the waning power of the Assyrian Empire and the formidable rise of Babylon, with Egypt also exerting its influence. Pashur, holding the esteemed position of "chief governor in the house of the LORD," wielded significant religious and administrative authority within the temple hierarchy. His actions against Jeremiah reflect the pervasive corruption, spiritual complacency, and false sense of security prevalent among the religious and political elite, who consistently rejected Jeremiah's dire warnings in favor of comforting, yet deceptive, messages of peace and prosperity. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, names were far more than mere labels; they often carried profound significance, reflecting a person's character, destiny, or a divine pronouncement. A change of name, particularly when decreed by a prophet acting on divine authority, was an immensely powerful symbolic act, signifying a complete redefinition of an individual's identity and fate, often by divine decree. This deep cultural understanding amplifies the immense weight and gravity of Jeremiah's renaming of Pashur.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 20:3 encapsulates several overarching themes that permeate the entire book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it vividly highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's active and decisive intervention in human affairs to bring about consequences for sin and rebellion, particularly against His revealed word. The renaming of Pashur is a concrete, personal manifestation of this impending judgment. Secondly, the verse powerfully illustrates **Prophetic Authority and Courage**. Despite enduring physical abuse and public humiliation just hours prior, Jeremiah does not waver but immediately exercises his divine mandate, underscoring that God's word cannot be silenced or suppressed, even by severe persecution. This unwavering resolve aligns perfectly with Jeremiah's calling as a "prophet to the nations" ([Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Call")). Thirdly, the verse speaks profoundly to the **Consequences of Rejecting God's Word**, especially when that rejection emanates from those in positions of spiritual leadership. Pashur's attempt to suppress the truth leads directly to a severe personal and national curse. Finally, the act of renaming emphasizes **God's Sovereignty Over Names and Destiny**, a recurring biblical motif where God redefines individuals' identities and futures. Examples include Abram becoming Abraham ([Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - Abram Becomes Abraham")) or Jacob becoming Israel ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Becomes Israel")). Here, however, it is a prophetic curse, underscoring God's ultimate and unchallengeable control over individuals' fates and the unfolding of history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068. This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Jeremiah's declaration that "The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib" emphasizes that this renaming is not a personal vendetta or a mere human pronouncement, but a direct, authoritative word from the sovereign God of Israel. It underscores that the impending judgment is divine in origin and immutable in its execution, coming from the very one who is, was, and is to come, the unchanging and eternal God.
* **brought forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** H3318. A primitive root meaning "to go (causatively, bring) out," used here to describe Pashur's action of physically removing Jeremiah from the stocks. The profound irony lies in this action: Pashur "brings forth" Jeremiah from physical confinement, only for Jeremiah to immediately "bring forth" a devastating prophetic word against Pashur, a word that will lead to Pashur's spiritual and existential confinement under "terror on every side." The physical release is immediately overshadowed by a spiritual condemnation, demonstrating the uncontainable nature of God's word.
* **Magormissabib (Hebrew, _Mâgôwr miç-Çâbîyb'_):** H4036. This is a compound phrase meaning "affright from around" or "terror on every side." It functions as a symbolic name, a prophetic curse that encapsulates the inescapable fate awaiting Pashur. The name itself is a sentence, transforming Pashur's identity from one perhaps associated with "liberation" or "prosperity" (derived from the root of Pashur's original name, H6583) to one irrevocably defined by pervasive fear, destruction, and dread. This name is particularly poignant as Jeremiah himself later uses a strikingly similar phrase to describe his own suffering and the fear he experiences from his adversaries in [Jeremiah 20:10](/jeremiah/20-10 "Jeremiah 20:10 - Jeremiah's Complaint and the Terror Around Him"), creating a powerful, albeit ironic, parallel between the prophet's anguish and the divine judgment pronounced upon his persecutor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks."**: This clause establishes the immediate aftermath of Jeremiah's initial physical persecution. Pashur, having subjected Jeremiah to public humiliation and pain, releases him the following day. The phrase "on the morrow" (H4283, _mochŏrâth_) suggests a relatively short duration of the punishment, perhaps indicating that Pashur's primary intent was to silence and intimidate Jeremiah rather than inflict prolonged suffering, or that legal limits on such punishment were observed. Jeremiah's release, however, does not signal the end of the conflict but merely a transition to a new, even more direct, phase of divine confrontation.
* **"Then said Jeremiah unto him,"**: This short, direct statement highlights Jeremiah's immediate and unhesitating response. There is no mention of fear, hesitation, or even a moment of recovery from his ordeal. The prophet, having just endured physical abuse and public disgrace, stands firm in his divine commission, ready to deliver God's message without delay. This underscores his unwavering courage and the compelling, irresistible nature of the prophetic word that burned within him ([Jeremiah 20:9](/jeremiah/20-9 "Jeremiah 20:9 - Jeremiah's Burden of the Word")).
* **"The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib."**: This is the profound core of the prophetic declaration. Jeremiah asserts that God (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the ultimate and sovereign authority, has effectively revoked Pashur's original identity and assigned him a new, terrifying one. The original name "Pashur" (H6583, _Pashchûwr_) likely conveyed meanings such as "liberation" or "prosperity," fitting for a high-ranking priest. Jeremiah's declaration, however, reveals that God's true assessment of Pashur's character and destiny is diametrically opposed to his given name. The new name, "Magormissabib" (H4036, _Mâgôwr miç-Çâbîyb_), meaning "terror on every side," is a potent prophetic curse. It indicates that Pashur's future, and by extension, the future of those who persistently resist God's word, will be consumed by pervasive fear, destruction, and inescapable dread. This is not merely a human insult but a divine re-naming, a re-identification of Pashur by God Himself, sealing his inescapable fate.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 20:3 is rich with profound **Symbolism** and functions as a powerful **Prophetic Act**. The renaming of Pashur to "Magormissabib" is not merely a change of appellation but a deeply symbolic gesture. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, names often signified a person's character, destiny, or even their very essence. By changing Pashur's name, Jeremiah, acting as God's authoritative messenger, symbolically strips him of his former identity and assigns him a new, terrifying destiny. This act is a **Prophetic Act**, a performative utterance that not only describes a future reality but also, by divine power, helps to bring it about. It is a divine judgment rendered through the prophet's lips, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs. Furthermore, significant **Irony** permeates the passage. Pashur, whose original name may have implied "liberation" or "prosperity," attempts to silence Jeremiah and secure his own position and comfort. Yet, he is "liberated" from the stocks only to be cursed with a name signifying pervasive terror. The one who inflicted terror upon the prophet is now divinely designated as the embodiment of "terror on every side." This also creates a stark **Contrast** between Jeremiah, who courageously suffers for delivering God's truth, and Pashur, who persecutes the truth-teller and is consequently marked for severe divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 20:3 powerfully illustrates the profound theological principle that God's word, once spoken through His anointed messenger, carries inherent authority and will inevitably accomplish its divine purpose, whether for blessing or for judgment. It underscores the severe consequences of resisting divine truth, particularly when such resistance emanates from those entrusted with positions of spiritual leadership. The prophetic renaming of Pashur is a stark and unyielding reminder that God sees and judges all human actions, and that deliberate attempts to suppress or silence His truth will ultimately backfire, bringing about the very judgment one sought to avoid. This dramatic act also points to God's ultimate and unchallengeable sovereignty over human destiny, demonstrating His absolute power to redefine individuals' identities and fates according to His righteous and immutable will.

* [Isaiah 45:3](/isaiah/45-3 "Isaiah 45:3 - God's Sovereignty Over Names and Hidden Treasures")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 20:3 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to deeply consider our response to God's truth and our posture in the face of opposition. Jeremiah's unwavering courage, manifested immediately after enduring physical abuse and public humiliation, serves as a powerful and inspiring model for standing firm in one's convictions and God's revealed word, regardless of personal cost, social pressure, or popular opinion. It reminds us that while God's justice may not always be immediate in human timescales, it is ultimately certain and inescapable. We are called to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that opposition to God's truth can arise even from within established religious institutions, and to trust implicitly in the inherent power and efficacy of God's word, which cannot be suppressed or thwarted by human resistance. This verse also prompts us to examine our own "names" or identities – are they primarily defined by worldly aspirations, fleeting recognition, or societal approval, or are they fundamentally shaped by God's truth and His eternal purposes for our lives?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you tempted to compromise God's truth for personal comfort, social acceptance, or professional advancement?**
* **How does Jeremiah's extraordinary courage in the face of severe persecution inspire and challenge you to stand firm in your faith and convictions today?**
* **What "names" or self-identifications do you cling to that might be contrary to God's revealed character or His specific calling for your life?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in the ultimate justice and unwavering sovereignty of God, even when injustice appears to prevail or when His plans seem delayed?**

### FAQ
**Who was Pashur, and why did Jeremiah rename him?**

Answer: Pashur was a high-ranking priest in Jerusalem, specifically identified as "the son of Immer the priest, who was chief governor in the house of the LORD" ([Jeremiah 20:1](/jeremiah/20-1 "Jeremiah 20:1 - Pashur's Position and Actions")). He was a prominent figure within the corrupt religious establishment that vehemently opposed Jeremiah's prophecies of impending judgment and exile. Pashur had Jeremiah beaten and put in the stocks because Jeremiah's divinely inspired message of doom directly contradicted the false assurances of peace and security that Pashur and other religious leaders promoted, thereby undermining their authority and popular standing. Jeremiah renamed him "Magormissabib," meaning "terror on every side," as a direct prophetic act of divine judgment. This new name symbolized the pervasive fear, destruction, and inescapable dread that would engulf Pashur and Judah due to their persistent rebellion and rejection of God's true word, signifying a dramatic reversal of his perceived status and a pronouncement of his grim, inescapable destiny.

**What is the significance of a name change in the Bible, particularly in this context?**

Answer: In biblical tradition, a change of name often carries profound theological significance, indicating a monumental shift in identity, destiny, or a divine decree that redefines a person's purpose. For example, Abram became Abraham ([Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - Abram Becomes Abraham")) and Jacob became Israel ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Becomes Israel")), signifying new covenantal relationships and expanded purposes. In Jeremiah 20:3, the renaming of Pashur to "Magormissabib" is not a blessing but a severe prophetic curse. It signifies God's sovereign judgment and the complete redefinition of Pashur's fate from one of presumed authority and peace to one of terror and destruction. It underscores that God possesses ultimate authority over human identity and destiny, and that His prophetic word, even when delivered through a persecuted prophet, will ultimately prevail and bring about its intended judgment, regardless of human resistance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's suffering, his unwavering courage, and his bold, divinely-empowered declaration against Pashur find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was a prophet who faced intense opposition and relentless persecution from the religious establishment of His day, particularly from those in positions of authority like the chief priests and Pharisees, who sought to silence His truth ([Matthew 26:59-66](/matthew/26-59-66 "Matthew 26:59-66 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")). Jeremiah's physical abuse and public humiliation powerfully foreshadow the far greater suffering of the Suffering Servant, who was "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")). Yet, like Jeremiah, Jesus did not cower or compromise His message but spoke with unparalleled divine authority, even in the face of His impending crucifixion ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus Before Pilate")). The renaming of Pashur to "Magormissabib" signifies God's ultimate and inescapable judgment on those who defiantly reject His truth. This judgment culminates supremely in Christ, who, though He came into the world to save, will also be the righteous and final judge of all humanity ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge")). For those who reject Him and His saving grace, the "terror on every side" will be the terrifying reality of eternal separation from God's glorious presence ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Sheep and the Goats")). Conversely, for those who embrace Christ in faith, their old names and identities, marked by sin, condemnation, and impending judgment, are miraculously replaced with new names and a glorious new identity in Him – they become children of God, heirs of eternal life, marked not by terror but by the profound peace, joy, and righteousness of the Holy Spirit ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"); [Revelation 2:17](/revelation/2-17 "Revelation 2:17 - A New Name and Hidden Manna")). Thus, Jeremiah's prophetic act points powerfully to the divine authority of Christ not only to pronounce righteous judgment but also to bestow a new, blessed, and eternal identity upon all who believe in Him.

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 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.

Jeremiah 46:5

Wherefore have I seen them dismayed [and] turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: [for] fear [was] round about, saith the LORD.

Psalms 31:13

For I have heard the slander of many: fear [was] on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

Lamentations 2:22

Thou hast called as in a solemn day my terrors round about, so that in the day of the LORD'S anger none escaped nor remained: those that I have swaddled and brought up hath mine enemy consumed.

Jeremiah 6:25

Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy [and] fear [is] on every side.

Isaiah 8:3

And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.

Acts 16:35

¶ And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.