But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

JEREMIAH 20:11KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 20:11 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 20:11 mean?

Jeremiah 20:11 describes how Jeremiah, despite facing harsh opposition and persecution, finds confidence and protection in knowing that the LORD stands with him as a powerful and awe-inspiring defender. Because of God's presence, Jeremiah believes those who attack him will ultimately fail, be shamed, and their disgrace will be lasting.

In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking honestly about his struggles as a prophet. He has been mocked, threatened, and even physically harmed for delivering God's messages. Yet, he expresses trust that God is on his side, stronger than any enemy, and that those who try to harm him will not succeed in the end. The verse shows a turning point from Jeremiah's earlier complaints to a renewed confidence in God's justice and strength.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 20:11

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that Jeremiah’s confidence is not in a distant deity but in the covenant God of Israel.
  • mighty (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor): This word means "strong" or "warrior." Jeremiah is picturing God as a powerful champion who fights on his behalf.
  • one (עָרִיץ, aritz): This word often means "awesome" or "dreaded," highlighting not just strength but an overwhelming presence that inspires fear in enemies.
  • persecutors (רָדַף, radaph): This term refers to those who chase or pursue, showing that Jeremiah’s enemies are actively seeking to harm him.
  • confusion (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah): This word means "disgrace" or "shame," and here it is described as "everlasting," underlining the total and permanent defeat of Jeremiah’s adversaries.

Why Jeremiah 20:11 matters

  • Jeremiah 20:11 clears up the idea that faith in God means an easy life; Jeremiah is honest about suffering, but finds hope in God’s presence and strength.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s support does not always remove hardship immediately, but it does guarantee ultimate justice and vindication.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing Jeremiah’s emotional journey: from despair and complaint to renewed trust, helping readers see the real struggles and faith of a biblical prophet.

Where else these words appear

“one” Hebrew H6184 · used in 20 verses

  • Job 6:23 Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?
  • Proverbs 11:16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
  • Isaiah 29:20 For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:

“confusion” Hebrew H3639 · used in 29 verses

  • Job 20:3 I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
  • Isaiah 30:3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
  • Ezekiel 32:24 There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

“stumble” Hebrew H3782 · used in 59 verses

  • Leviticus 26:37 And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.
  • Isaiah 3:8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.
  • Jeremiah 50:32 And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.

“prosper” Hebrew H7919 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
  • Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.