Jeremiah 20:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pashur beats Jeremiah and places him in public stocks as punishment.
The Context of Jeremiah 20:2
Pashur immediately uses his authority to physically punish and publicly disgrace the prophet.
What Does Jeremiah 20:2 Mean?
Physical punishment and public humiliation were powerful tools of institutional control. The stocks at the high gate would have subjected Jeremiah to the mockery and scorn of anyone passing through, magnifying both the pain and the shame. This was an official act of the priest-governor using his authority to silence dissent.
Jeremiah's suffering begins not from foreign enemies but from those who should have recognized him as God's spokesperson. This pattern—rejection by one's own people—would become central to his entire ministry and message.
Jeremiah 20:2 in the Original Language
nakah (נָכָה), 'smote' — to strike or beat, showing forceful violence rather than mere rebuke.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 20:2
What does Jeremiah 20:2 mean?
Pashur beats Jeremiah and places him in public stocks as punishment.
What is the context of Jeremiah 20:2?
Pashur immediately uses his authority to physically punish and publicly disgrace the prophet.