King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:18 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:18 in the King James Version says “Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction. destroy: Heb. break them with a double breach

Jeremiah 17:18 · KJV


Context

16

As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee. to: Heb. after thee

17

Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil.

18

Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction. destroy: Heb. break them with a double breach

19

Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem;

20

And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah's imprecatory prayer "Let them be confounded that persecute me" expresses the biblical principle that God will vindicate His servants and judge their oppressors. The repetition emphasizes the contrast—confusion and dismay for persecutors, but not for the prophet. "Bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction" asks God to execute the judgment Jeremiah has prophesied.

Imprecatory psalms and prayers trouble modern readers but reflect several biblical truths: (1) God will indeed judge the wicked; (2) personal vindication belongs to God alone (Rom 12:19); (3) praying for God's justice acknowledges His righteousness; (4) these prayers align with revealed divine will regarding judgment. Jeremiah doesn't take personal vengeance but commits his cause to the Righteous Judge.

"Double destruction" (mishne shever, מִשְׁנֶה שֶׁבֶר) emphasizes completeness and intensity, not mathematical doubling. This prayer will be answered when Babylon devastates Judah and then Babylon itself falls under divine judgment (Jer 50-51). Ultimately, all impenitent rebels face eternal judgment. Christ bore the "double destruction" believers deserved, satisfying divine justice and securing our vindication.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern jurisprudence included the lex talionis—proportionate justice (Ex 21:23-25). Imprecatory prayers appealed to God as the Ultimate Judge to execute justice when human courts failed or were corrupt. Jeremiah's persecutors included false prophets, corrupt priests, and political leaders who opposed God's word. History vindicated Jeremiah when Babylon fulfilled his prophecies precisely.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you process anger and desire for justice when persecuted, while avoiding sinful vengeance?
  2. What does it mean to commit your cause to God as the Righteous Judge rather than taking personal revenge?
  3. How does Christ's bearing double destruction in our place transform our prayers for justice and vindication?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֵבֹ֣שָׁה1 of 17

Let them be confounded

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

רֹדְפַי֙2 of 17

that persecute

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

וְאַל3 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

אֵבֹ֣שָׁה4 of 17

Let them be confounded

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

אָ֔נִי5 of 17
H589

i

אֵחַ֖תָּה6 of 17

but let not me be dismayed

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

הֵ֔מָּה7 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְאַל8 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

אֵחַ֖תָּה9 of 17

but let not me be dismayed

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

אָ֑נִי10 of 17
H589

i

הָבִ֤יא11 of 17

bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עֲלֵיהֶם֙12 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

י֣וֹם13 of 17

upon them the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

רָעָ֔ה14 of 17

of evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וּמִשְׁנֶ֥ה15 of 17

them with double

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

שִׁבָּר֖וֹן16 of 17

destruction

H7670

rupture, i.e., a pang; figuratively, ruin

שָׁבְרֵֽם׃17 of 17

and destroy

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 17:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 17:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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