Jeremiah 20:10 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah is surrounded by enemies who watch for any weakness, hoping to entice him into error so they can destroy him.
The Context of Jeremiah 20:10
Jeremiah describes the coordinated opposition and surveillance he faces from those close to him.
What Does Jeremiah 20:10 Mean?
The prophet's enemies are not distant but intimate. His 'familiars'—those close to him—are actively looking for signs of weakness ('halting') or inconsistency. The phrase 'fear on every side' echoes the very name given to Pashur. Jeremiah lives in an atmosphere of psychological warfare, where he is constantly surveilled for any opportunity to be trapped and defeated.
This conspiracy is deliberate and calculated. His enemies believe if they can catch him in a mistake or get him to contradict himself, they will 'prevail against him' and extract revenge. The constant pressure to abandon his message or misspeak it is part of the intended strategy to silence or discredit him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 20:10
What does Jeremiah 20:10 mean?
Jeremiah is surrounded by enemies who watch for any weakness, hoping to entice him into error so they can destroy him.
What is the context of Jeremiah 20:10?
Jeremiah describes the coordinated opposition and surveillance he faces from those close to him.