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.

JEREMIAH 20:10KJV
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Jeremiah 20:10 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 20:10 mean?

Jeremiah 20:10 describes the prophet Jeremiah’s experience of being surrounded by fear and betrayal, as people around him spread rumors and wait for him to stumble so they can accuse and take revenge on him. Jeremiah feels isolated, knowing even those close to him are watching for any mistake to use against him.

In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking about his personal suffering as a prophet. He hears many people slandering him and calling for reports about his actions, hoping to find grounds to harm him. The verse reveals not only the hostility of his enemies but also the sense of loneliness Jeremiah feels, since even his acquaintances are waiting for him to fail. This moment comes after Jeremiah has delivered unpopular messages from God, and now he faces social pressure, fear, and threats from all sides.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 20:10

  • The word "defaming" (דִּבָּה, dibbah) means slander or malicious gossip. This highlights that Jeremiah is not just being criticized, but is the target of damaging rumors meant to destroy his reputation.
  • "Fear on every side" uses the phrase מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב (magor missaviv), which literally means "terror all around." This phrase appears several times in Jeremiah and emphasizes the overwhelming sense of danger and threat he feels.
  • "Familiars" comes from two Hebrew words: אִישׁ (ish, meaning "man" or "person") and שָׁלוֹם (shalom, meaning "peace" or "friendship"). Together, they point to people Jeremiah once considered friends or close associates, now turned against him.
  • "Halting" (צֶלַע, tsela‘ or צָלַע, tsala‘) refers to stumbling or faltering. Jeremiah’s enemies are watching for any sign of weakness or failure, ready to exploit it.

Why Jeremiah 20:10 matters

  • Jeremiah 20:10 clears up that the prophet’s suffering was not just from outside enemies, but also from people he once trusted, showing the depth of his isolation.
  • The verse emphasizes how being faithful to a difficult calling can lead to misunderstanding and even betrayal by friends, not just opposition from strangers.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing Jeremiah’s emotional struggle and the real dangers he faced, making his perseverance and honesty even more striking in the context of his prophetic ministry.

Where else these words appear

“halting” Hebrew H6761 · used in 3 verses

  • Psalms 35:15 But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:
  • Psalms 38:17 For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

“fear” Hebrew H4032 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 31:13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
  • Jeremiah 6:25 Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.
  • Jeremiah 46:5 Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.

“defaming” Hebrew H1681 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 37:2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
  • Numbers 14:36 And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,
  • Proverbs 10:18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

“revenge” Hebrew H5360 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
  • Psalms 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
  • Jeremiah 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.