Jeremiah 20:7 Meaning and Explanation
“O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah expresses deep pain, feeling deceived by God and mocked daily by everyone around him.
The Context of Jeremiah 20:7
Jeremiah shifts to his own lament, expressing the weight of his prophetic calling amid widespread rejection.
What Does Jeremiah 20:7 Mean?
The prophetic persona shifts abruptly from announcement to lament. Jeremiah feels trapped—he did not choose this calling, yet he cannot escape it. The word translated 'deceived' carries the sense of being overpowered or seduced into a role he now regrets. Daily mockery from everyone compounds his isolation. His faithfulness has brought not honor but scorn.
This verse captures the cost of prophetic ministry in a hostile environment. Jeremiah is not doubting God's existence or power; he acknowledges God is stronger and has prevailed in the sense of compelling him into this difficult path. Yet that very power feels like betrayal when exercised to keep him bound to a thankless task.
Jeremiah 20:7 in the Original Language
pathah (פָּתַח), 'deceived' — literally to open or persuade, but here carrying the sense of being enticed or overpowered into a situation one would have avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 20:7
What does Jeremiah 20:7 mean?
Jeremiah expresses deep pain, feeling deceived by God and mocked daily by everyone around him.
What is the context of Jeremiah 20:7?
Jeremiah shifts to his own lament, expressing the weight of his prophetic calling amid widespread rejection.