Jeremiah 20:4

KJV

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends: and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thine eyes shall behold [it]: and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Behold, I will make {H5414} thee a terror {H4032} to thyself, and to all thy friends {H157}: and they shall fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719} of their enemies {H341}, and thine eyes {H5869} shall behold {H7200} it: and I will give {H5414} all Judah {H3063} into the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and he shall carry them captive {H1540} into Babylon {H894}, and shall slay {H5221} them with the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this is what ADONAI says: 'I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends. They will fall by the sword of their enemies, while you watch. I will hand over all of Y'hudah to the king of Bavel, and he will carry them off captive to Bavel and put them to the sword.

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD says: ‘I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends. They will fall by the sword of their enemies before your very eyes. And I will hand Judah over to the king of Babylon, and he will carry them away to Babylon and put them to the sword.

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends; and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thine eyes shall behold it; and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive to Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 20:4 delivers a powerful and chilling divine judgment from the LORD against Pashur, the priest who had unjustly imprisoned Jeremiah. This prophetic decree declares that Pashur will become a source of profound terror and dread, not only to himself but also to all his closest companions, who are destined to perish violently by the sword of their enemies. The verse then expands this dire pronouncement to encompass the entire nation of Judah, revealing God's sovereign intent to deliver them completely into the hands of the king of Babylon, where they will face the twin fates of forced captivity and widespread slaughter by the sword.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Jeremiah, immediately following a direct confrontation between the prophet and Pashur, the son of Immer, who served as the chief officer in the Temple. In [Jeremiah 20:1-2](/jeremiah/20-1-2 "Jeremiah 20:1-2 - Pashur's Persecution of Jeremiah"), Pashur, enraged by Jeremiah's prophecy of Jerusalem's impending destruction and the exile of its people, retaliated by striking the prophet and placing him in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin. Upon Jeremiah's release the following day, God empowers him to pronounce a personal judgment upon Pashur, prophetically renaming him "Magor-missabib," meaning "Terror on Every Side," as detailed in [Jeremiah 20:3](/jeremiah/20-3 "Jeremiah 20:3 - Pashur Renamed Magor-missabib"). Jeremiah 20:4 then serves as the divine elaboration and fulfillment of this renaming, specifying the precise nature of the "terror" that will consume Pashur and his associates, and crucially, extending this judgment to the entire nation of Judah, thereby linking Pashur's personal fate directly to the broader national catastrophe that he, as a religious leader, had helped to deny and resist. The prophecy is a direct and unyielding divine response to Pashur's overt opposition to God's revealed word through His prophet.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 20:4 is the twilight of the Kingdom of Judah, a period marked by intense political instability and the looming threat of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Judah found itself precariously positioned between the fading regional power of Egypt and the ascendant, aggressive force of Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar. By this point in Jeremiah's ministry (likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim or early Jehoiachin), Babylon had already made initial incursions into Judah, and the full-scale invasion and subsequent exiles were imminent. Jeremiah's consistent prophetic message warned the people that their persistent idolatry, pervasive social injustice, and flagrant covenant unfaithfulness would inevitably lead to divine judgment in the form of Babylonian conquest. However, this message was largely rejected by the populace, including influential religious and political leaders like Pashur, who preferred to preach false assurances of peace and security. Culturally, prophets in the ancient Near East were understood as direct conduits for their deity's will, and rejecting a true prophet's word was tantamount to rejecting the deity itself, often incurring severe consequences. The "sword" and "captivity" were not mere figures of speech but the brutal realities of conquest in that era, symbolizing utter defeat, the loss of national sovereignty, and the dismantling of societal structures.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 20:4 powerfully articulates several foundational themes central to the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Retribution and Justice**, vividly demonstrated as God actively orchestrates judgment upon Pashur for his opposition to the divine word. Pashur's transformation into "terror to himself" is a profound and ironic reversal of his attempt to terrorize Jeremiah, showcasing God's precise and just response to human defiance. The verse also underscores the **Inevitable Nature of God's Judgment** against a nation that has persistently rebelled against His covenant. Despite Judah's stubborn resistance and the false prophecies of peace, God declares His unalterable intention to "give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon," highlighting His absolute **Sovereignty over Nations and History**. This theme is a cornerstone of Jeremiah's message, consistently emphasized in passages like [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant") where Nebuchadnezzar is called God's "servant" to execute judgment. Finally, the chilling detail that Pashur's "eyes shall behold [it]" introduces the theme of **Witnessing Consequence**, adding a layer of psychological torment to the physical destruction, a common element in prophetic warnings against those who refuse to acknowledge or heed divine truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **terror (Hebrew, _mâgôwr'_):** This term, derived from a root that conveys the sense of fearing, denotes a profound fright or dread. It can refer to something that causes fear (objective terror) or the experience of fear itself (subjective terror). In this context, it signifies that Pashur will become the very embodiment of fear and dread, specifically to himself and to those closest to him. This directly links to the prophetic renaming of Pashur in [Jeremiah 20:3](/jeremiah/20-3 "Jeremiah 20:3 - Pashur Renamed Magor-missabib") as "Magor-missabib," meaning "terror on every side," underscoring the divine reversal of his attempt to terrorize Jeremiah.
* **friends (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** While commonly translated as "friends," the Hebrew root here indicates "to have affection for" or "to love." In this context, it refers to those with whom Pashur had close affection, allies, or those who shared his worldview and supported his actions. The judgment extends not only to Pashur personally but also to his inner circle, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the divine retribution and the isolation he will experience as his trusted companions face destruction.
* **carry them captive (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This primitive root carries multiple meanings, including "to denude," "to exile," or "to reveal." In the context of this verse, it specifically refers to the act of exiling people, often implying that captives were stripped or exposed during their forced removal. This word precisely describes the grim fate of the people of Judah, who will be forcibly removed from their ancestral homeland and led into involuntary exile in Babylon, a defining and traumatic event in the history of Israel.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** This term refers to a cutting instrument, primarily a sword, but more broadly signifies any sharp implement used for destructive purposes. In prophetic literature, the "sword" is a pervasive and powerful metaphor for war, violence, and divine judgment, frequently wielded by an invading army as an instrument of God's wrath. Here, it explicitly names the means of death for Pashur's friends and the instrument by which Judah will be slain, highlighting the brutal, violent, and utterly destructive nature of the impending Babylonian conquest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD,"**: This opening formula serves as a solemn and authoritative declaration, unequivocally establishing that the subsequent message originates not from Jeremiah's personal thoughts or emotions, but directly from Yahweh, the sovereign covenant God of Israel. It imbues the prophecy with divine weight and unalterable certainty.
* **"Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends:"**: This is the core of the personal judgment against Pashur. The LORD asserts His active agency ("I will make thee") in transforming Pashur from an inflictor of terror (upon Jeremiah) into one who himself experiences and embodies terror. This terror is both internal ("to thyself"), suggesting deep psychological anguish, self-reproach, and perhaps a gnawing fear of his own impending doom, and external ("to all thy friends"), implying that his presence or his ultimate fate will become a source of dread, a bad omen, or a direct cause of fear for those associated with him.
* **"and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thine eyes shall behold [it]:"**: This clause details the horrific fate awaiting Pashur's closest companions and allies. They will be violently killed ("fall by the sword") by their adversaries, specifically the invading Babylonians. The chilling phrase "thine eyes shall behold [it]" adds a profound layer of psychological torment and precise retribution for Pashur. He will not merely hear about the destruction; he will be forced to witness firsthand the brutal demise of those dear to him, a direct and agonizing consequence of his defiance of God's prophet.
* **"and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon,"**: The prophecy expands dramatically from Pashur's individual fate to encompass the collective destiny of the entire nation of Judah. The emphatic declaration "I will give" powerfully asserts God's supreme and active sovereignty over nations and historical events. This is not merely a political conquest but a divinely orchestrated transfer of power, an act of righteous judgment by God Himself. The "hand" of the king of Babylon symbolizes his absolute authority, power, and control over the subjugated nation.
* **"and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword."**: This final clause outlines the dual and devastating fate awaiting the people of Judah: forced exile and widespread violent death. "Carry them captive into Babylon" refers to the mass deportation, a common and effective strategy of ancient empires to break the spirit of conquered peoples, dismantle their social structures, and prevent rebellion. "And shall slay them with the sword" indicates widespread slaughter for those who resist, are deemed expendable, or are simply caught in the brutal sweep of conquest, emphasizing the totality and brutality of the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 20:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending and inescapable judgment. **Prophetic Irony** is central to the verse, as Pashur, who sought to silence and terrorize Jeremiah by placing him in stocks, is himself declared by God to become "a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends." This stark reversal of fortune highlights the futility and ultimate self-destructive nature of resisting God's word. The phrase "thine eyes shall behold [it]" powerfully utilizes **Visual Imagery** to heighten the emotional and psychological impact, ensuring Pashur's torment is not just physical but also a deeply personal and agonizing witnessing of the destruction he helped to bring about. The consistent repetition of the word "sword" (appearing twice in this verse and echoing throughout Jeremiah) functions as both **Repetition** and **Symbolism**, emphasizing the primary instrument of divine judgment and the violent, inescapable nature of the impending doom. Furthermore, the strong declarations "I will make thee..." and "I will give all Judah..." exemplify **Divine Fiat**, showcasing God's absolute sovereignty and His active, intentional role in orchestrating historical events as a direct consequence of human sin and rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 20:4 stands as a stark and sobering testament to the immutable justice of God and the severe, unavoidable consequences of resisting His revealed will, particularly when that resistance comes through the suppression of His chosen messengers. Theologically, it underscores that God is not a detached observer of human affairs but an active and sovereign participant, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations and individuals according to His righteous purposes. The pronounced judgment upon Pashur, a prominent religious leader, highlights the particular accountability of those in positions of spiritual authority who misuse their power to silence divine truth or to offer false assurances. The national judgment upon Judah further illustrates the biblical principle that corporate sin inevitably leads to corporate consequences, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, which encompasses both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. This passage powerfully reinforces the prophetic message that true peace, security, and well-being are found not in human strength, political alliances, or self-deception, but solely in repentance, faithful adherence to God's commands, and submission to His sovereign will.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 3:11](/isaiah/3-11 "Isaiah 3:11 - Woe to the Wicked")
* [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5-6 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's Righteous Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 20:4 offers profound and challenging lessons for contemporary believers, compelling us to seriously consider the gravity of our response to God's truth and to those through whom He speaks. It prompts us to introspectively examine whether we, perhaps unknowingly or subtly, might be mirroring Pashur's resistance by dismissing uncomfortable truths, seeking to silence dissenting voices, or prioritizing our own comfort, pride, or self-interest over divine conviction. The verse serves as a potent reminder that God's sovereignty extends over all circumstances, even those that appear chaotic, unjust, or beyond human control. Our ultimate security and well-being are not found in the stability of human institutions, the promises of worldly leaders, or fleeting political alliances, but in aligning ourselves wholeheartedly with God's eternal purposes and submitting to His will. We are called to cultivate a spirit of humility, to listen attentively and discerningly to prophetic warnings, and to recognize that true spiritual authority is rooted in faithful, uncompromising proclamation of God's word, not in worldly power, popularity, or position. The consequences of rebellion against God, whether personal or corporate, are real and often involve the painful experience of witnessing the unraveling of what we once held dear, a sobering call to repentance and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life or in the broader church context might I be subtly resisting uncomfortable truths or prophetic warnings from God's Word?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of God's active sovereignty, especially when confronting suffering, injustice, or national crises?**
* **What vital lessons does Pashur's fate impart regarding the immense responsibility of spiritual leadership and the inherent dangers of misusing authority for personal gain or to suppress truth?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more deeply receptive to God's Word, even when its message is challenging, counter-cultural, or demands personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Pashur to become "a terror to thyself"?**

Answer: The phrase "a terror to thyself" signifies a profound internal and psychological torment for Pashur. It implies that his own actions—his defiance of God, his persecution of Jeremiah, and the subsequent divine judgment—will become the very source of his deepest dread, fear, and perhaps intense self-reproach. He will be consumed by the same terror he sought to inflict upon Jeremiah, experiencing a chilling reversal of fortune where his own existence and the consequences of his choices become a perpetual source of anguish. This is a direct and ironic fulfillment of his prophetic renaming by Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 20:3](/jeremiah/20-3 "Jeremiah 20:3 - Pashur Renamed Magor-missabib") as "Magor-missabib," meaning "Terror on Every Side," indicating that terror would surround him and originate from within him.

**Why did God "give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon"?**

Answer: God's act of "giving" Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon underscores His absolute divine sovereignty and His active role in orchestrating historical events as a means of righteous judgment. Throughout the book of Jeremiah, the prophet consistently warned the people of Judah that their persistent idolatry, rampant covenant unfaithfulness, and widespread social injustice would inevitably lead to divine discipline. The Babylonian invasion and subsequent exile were not merely unfortunate political or military events, but were unequivocally understood as God's just and deliberate judgment against His disobedient people. This act demonstrates that even powerful empires like Babylon were not independent forces, but rather instruments in God's hand, used to accomplish His sovereign purposes, as explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"), where Nebuchadnezzar is called God's "servant" for this very purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 20:4, with its stark portrayal of personal terror, national judgment, and the devastating consequences of sin, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Pashur became "a terror to himself" due to his rebellion, Christ, the sinless Son of God, bore the ultimate terror and judgment of God on behalf of humanity. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He experienced an unparalleled anguish, a terror far surpassing any earthly dread, as He contemplated drinking the cup of divine wrath for the sins of the world ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")). On the cross, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was "slain with the sword" of divine justice, not for His own transgressions, but as the propitiation for our sins ([1_john/2-2](/1-john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - He is the Propitiation for Our Sins")). Furthermore, while Judah was carried captive into Babylon as a consequence of their unfaithfulness, Christ's death and glorious resurrection lead to a spiritual liberation, carrying His people out of the captivity of sin and death and into the glorious freedom of the children of God ([Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Romans 8:21 - Freedom from Bondage")). Through His voluntary suffering, Christ absorbed the full weight of the terror and judgment due to humanity, offering reconciliation and establishing a new covenant where those who believe are no longer subject to the "sword" of condemnation but receive eternal life and peace with God ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). He is the true King who establishes an eternal kingdom, far superior to any earthly empire, and whose reign brings ultimate deliverance from all terror, judgment, and the dominion of sin ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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 29:21

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, of Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and of Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, which prophesy a lie unto you in my name; Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall slay them before your eyes;

Job 18:11

¶ Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.

Job 18:21

Surely such [are] the dwellings of the wicked, and this [is] the place [of him that] knoweth not God.

Jeremiah 39:6

Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.

Jeremiah 39:7

Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.

Jeremiah 21:4

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that [are] in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and [against] the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.

Jeremiah 21:10

For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.