Jeremiah 20:6

KJV

And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou, Pashur {H6583}, and all that dwell {H3427} in thine house {H1004} shall go {H3212} into captivity {H7628}: and thou shalt come {H935} to Babylon {H894}, and there thou shalt die {H4191}, and shalt be buried {H6912} there, thou, and all thy friends {H157}, to whom thou hast prophesied {H5012} lies {H8267}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And you, Pash'chur, along with your entire household, will go into captivity; you will go to Bavel, where you will die and be buried - you and all your friends to whom you have prophesied lies.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house, will go into captivity. You will go to Babylon, and there you will die and be buried—you and all your friends to whom you have prophesied these lies.’”

American Standard Version

And thou, Pashhur, and all that dwell in thy house shall go into captivity; and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and there shalt thou be buried, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied falsely.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 20:6 delivers a severe divine judgment against Pashur, the son of Immer, a leading temple priest and chief governor, who had publicly humiliated Jeremiah for his prophecies. This verse specifically foretells that Pashur, along with his entire household and all his deceptive "friends," would be taken captive to Babylon, where they would die and be buried, a direct consequence of his opposition to God's true word and his propagation of falsehoods. It underscores the certainty of God's judgment against those who mislead His people and resist His appointed messengers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 20:6 directly follows a pivotal confrontation between Jeremiah and Pashur, detailed in [Jeremiah 20:1-3](/jeremiah/20-1-3 "Jeremiah 20:1-3 - Pashur Strikes Jeremiah"). Pashur, enraged by Jeremiah's prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian exile, struck Jeremiah and put him in the stocks overnight in the Temple gate. Upon Jeremiah's release, the Lord commanded him to rename Pashur "Magor-missabib," meaning "Terror on every side" ([Jeremiah 20:3](/jeremiah/20-3 "Jeremiah 20:3 - Pashur Renamed Magor-missabib")), and then delivered this specific, devastating prophecy of exile and death. This immediate sequence highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Pashur's actions and God's pronounced judgment, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between Jeremiah and the religious establishment. The broader context of [Jeremiah 20](/jeremiah/20 "Jeremiah 20 - Jeremiah's Complaint and Prophecy Against Pashur") also includes Jeremiah's personal lament and struggle with his prophetic calling, making Pashur's judgment a stark contrast to Jeremiah's faithfulness despite suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 20 unfold during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely in the early years of King Zedekiah's reign, around 597 BCE, shortly after the first Babylonian deportation. Jerusalem was under severe threat from the rising Neo-Babylonian Empire, led by Nebuchadnezzar. The people, including many religious and political leaders like Pashur, clung to a false sense of security, believing Jerusalem and its Temple were inviolable due to God's presence. They sought comforting words from prophets who spoke of peace and prosperity, rejecting Jeremiah's consistent message of impending judgment, repentance, and submission to Babylon ([Jeremiah 27:8-11](/jeremiah/27-8-11 "Jeremiah 27:8-11 - Submit to Babylon")). Pashur, as a chief priest and temple official, held significant authority and represented the entrenched religious establishment that actively resisted Jeremiah's divinely inspired warnings, preferring to maintain popular approval by prophesying "lies" (false peace) rather than God's truth. His actions reflect the widespread spiritual blindness and political defiance that ultimately led to Judah's downfall.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several central themes throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the **certainty and severity of divine judgment** against unfaithfulness, particularly against those who actively oppose God's truth. Pashur's fate serves as a microcosm of the nation's impending doom. Secondly, it highlights the **consequences of false prophecy**, a recurring motif in Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Deceive")). God holds those who claim to speak in His name to a high standard, and their deceptive words lead to severe retribution, not just for themselves but also for those who follow their lies. Thirdly, the mention of "Babylon" and "captivity" reinforces the **inevitability of the Babylonian exile** as God's chosen instrument of judgment, a message Jeremiah tirelessly proclaimed ([Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9-11 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")). Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes the **vindication of God's true prophets**, even when they face persecution and rejection. Jeremiah's words, though unpopular, prove to be true, while Pashur's lies lead to his destruction, affirming the ultimate triumph of God's word ([Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Commission to Uproot and Build")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pashur (Hebrew, _Pashchûwr'_):** H6583, probably from פָּשַׁח; meaning "liberation." Ironically, Pashur's name, possibly signifying "freedom" or "release," stands in stark contrast to his prophesied destiny of captivity and death. He was a prominent priestly figure, the son of Immer, who served as chief officer in the Temple. His actions against Jeremiah demonstrate his opposition to God's true message, making his name a tragic irony in light of the judgment pronounced upon him.
* **captivity (Hebrew, _shᵉbîy'_):** H7628, from שְׁבוּ; meaning "exiled" or "captured." This term denotes the state of being taken away from one's homeland as a prisoner of war or an exile. For the Israelites, captivity was the ultimate national humiliation and a direct consequence of covenant disobedience. The prophecy specifies that Pashur and his household would "go into captivity," signifying a complete loss of freedom, status, and homeland, enduring the same fate as the nation he helped to deceive.
* **prophesied lies (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ sheqer'_):** H5012 (a primitive root, "to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration") combined with H8267 (from שָׁקַר; "an untruth; by implication, a sham"). This phrase is crucial, highlighting the deliberate and deceptive nature of Pashur's message. He was not merely mistaken; he was actively speaking falsehoods, presenting them as divine truth. This act of "prophesying lies" was a grave sin, undermining God's authority and leading the people astray with false hopes, directly contributing to the severity of his judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity":** This clause directly names the recipient of the judgment, Pashur, and extends the punishment to his entire household ("all that dwell in thine house"). This collective judgment was common in ancient Near Eastern law and reflects the patriarchal structure where the household head's actions had repercussions for his entire family. The phrase "go into captivity" explicitly states their forced deportation, signifying the loss of their land, freedom, and status.
* **"and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die":** This specifies the destination of their exile – Babylon – the very empire Jeremiah consistently warned Judah about. The pronouncement "there thou shalt die" is a definitive statement of his demise in a foreign land, denying him the customary burial in his ancestral land, which was considered a great dishonor and a sign of complete judgment.
* **"and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies":** This final clause reiterates Pashur's death and burial in Babylon, emphasizing the completeness of his judgment. Crucially, it extends the fate to "all thy friends," identifying them as those who shared his deceptive practices and benefited from his false prophecies. The phrase "to whom thou hast prophesied lies" directly links their shared fate to their shared sin of propagating falsehoods, underscoring the divine retribution for misleading God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 20:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of judgment. **Irony** is prominent, as Pashur, whose name may mean "liberation," is condemned to captivity and death, a stark reversal of his presumed identity. The specific naming of "Babylon" and "captivity" serves as a form of **foreshadowing** for the larger national judgment that Jeremiah consistently prophesies, making Pashur's personal fate a microcosm of Judah's destiny. The phrase "prophesied lies" is a direct **accusation** and a powerful **contrast** to Jeremiah's true prophecies, highlighting the moral and spiritual chasm between the two men. The cumulative listing of consequences—captivity, death, and burial in a foreign land—creates a sense of **climax** and finality, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 20:6 stands as a stark testament to God's unwavering commitment to truth and His severe judgment against those who pervert it, especially within the sacred office of prophecy. It underscores the principle that divine authority cannot be manipulated for personal gain or popular appeasement. Pashur's fate serves as a chilling reminder of the immense responsibility of spiritual leadership and the grave consequences of misleading God's people. This passage reinforces the biblical truth that God's word will ultimately prevail, and those who stand against it, whether through active opposition or deceptive speech, will face inevitable judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "The Penalty for a False Prophet")
* [Ezekiel 13:3](/ezekiel/13-3 "Woe to Foolish Prophets")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 20:6 offers a sobering reflection on the nature of truth, authority, and accountability, particularly within spiritual leadership. It challenges us to critically examine the sources of our spiritual nourishment and to cultivate a deep discernment that distinguishes God's authentic voice from human fabrication. Pashur's tragic end serves as a perpetual warning against prioritizing popularity or personal comfort over divine truth, reminding us that there are profound, eternal consequences for those who knowingly or unknowingly propagate falsehoods in God's name. For believers, this verse calls for a renewed commitment to upholding biblical integrity, speaking truth in love, and humbly submitting to God's revealed word, even when it is unpopular or challenging. It also encourages us to pray for and support those who faithfully preach God's uncompromised message, often at great personal cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Pashur's fate challenge my own willingness to embrace uncomfortable truths from God's Word?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek comforting "lies" instead of confronting difficult realities, either personally or communally?**
* **What is my responsibility in discerning true teaching from false, and how can I grow in this discernment?**
* **How does this passage inform my understanding of accountability for those in spiritual leadership today?**

### FAQ
**What was Pashur's role, and why was he judged so severely?**

Answer: Pashur, the son of Immer, was a prominent priest and the chief governor or "chief officer of the house of the Lord" ([Jeremiah 20:1](/jeremiah/20-1 "Jeremiah 20:1 - Pashur, Chief Officer in the Temple")). His severe judgment stemmed from two primary actions: first, his physical abuse and imprisonment of Jeremiah for prophesying Jerusalem's destruction, thereby actively opposing God's true messenger; and second, his own practice of "prophesying lies" to the people, offering false hopes of peace and security instead of urging repentance in the face of imminent Babylonian judgment. His position of authority meant his deception had far-reaching and damaging consequences for the nation.

**Does this prophecy apply only to Pashur, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While the prophecy in [Jeremiah 20:6](/jeremiah/20-6 "Jeremiah 20:6 - Prophecy Against Pashur") is specifically directed at Pashur and his household, its implications are much broader. Pashur serves as an archetype for all who resist God's truth and mislead His people, especially those in positions of spiritual authority. His judgment illustrates God's unwavering justice against falsehood and His commitment to vindicating His true word and His faithful messengers. It stands as a timeless warning for all generations regarding the grave consequences of rejecting divine truth and embracing deception, whether as a leader or a follower.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 20:6, with its pronouncement of judgment against Pashur for prophesying lies and persecuting God's true prophet, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Pashur misled the people with false hopes, Jesus is the very embodiment of truth, proclaiming the authentic word of God that leads to life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Just as Jeremiah faced persecution for speaking God's truth, Jesus Himself was rejected and crucified by the religious establishment of His day, who, like Pashur, preferred their own traditions and self-serving interpretations over divine revelation ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). The judgment against Pashur for his deception foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all falsehood and those who propagate it, a judgment fully realized at the cross where Christ bore the weight of sin, including the sin of deception, and will be perfectly executed at His second coming ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Lake of Fire for the Deceiver")). Moreover, the certainty of Pashur's captivity and death in Babylon, a symbol of worldly power and rebellion against God, points to the ultimate victory of Christ over all earthly kingdoms and spiritual darkness, establishing His eternal kingdom where truth reigns supreme ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, Jeremiah 20:6 not only highlights the consequences of rejecting God's truth but also implicitly magnifies the indispensable role of Christ as the faithful Prophet, High Priest, and King, who brings ultimate liberation from the captivity of sin and death, unlike the false "liberation" promised by Pashur.

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

Lamentations 2:14

Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

Jeremiah 14:14

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Jeremiah 14:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

Ezekiel 22:28

And her prophets have daubed them with untempered [morter], seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.

Jeremiah 20:4

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.

Jeremiah 28:15

Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

Jeremiah 28:17

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.