King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 20:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 20:1 in the King James Version says “Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophe...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.”

Jeremiah 20:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.

2

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.

3

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib. Magormissabib: that is, Fear round about

Read Jeremiah 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse introduces Pashur son of Immer, identified as 'priest' (kohen, כֹּהֵן) and 'chief governor in the house of the LORD' (paqid nagid, פָּקִיד נָגִיד). The title indicates Pashur held high authority over temple administration and security—essentially the chief temple police. The phrase 'heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things' connects to chapter 19, where Jeremiah proclaimed Jerusalem's coming destruction, smashing a potter's vessel as symbolic act. Pashur represents the religious establishment's opposition to God's true word when it threatens institutional power and popular opinion. His priestly office made his opposition particularly heinous—he should have been defending God's word, not persecuting God's messenger. This pattern repeats throughout Scripture: religious leaders opposing God's prophets (1 Kings 22:24-27, Matthew 26:57-68, Acts 5:17-18). Pashur's actions demonstrate that official religious position guarantees neither spiritual insight nor faithfulness to God. Indeed, institutional religion often becomes God's fiercest opponent when prophetic truth threatens its power, prestige, or financial interests.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pashur son of Immer was a member of a priestly family (1 Chronicles 24:14) holding significant power in Jerusalem's temple establishment during King Jehoiakim's reign (609-598 BC). As 'chief governor,' he had authority to arrest and punish those deemed threats to temple order. Jeremiah's prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction directly challenged the theology of Zion's inviolability—the popular belief that God would never allow His temple to be destroyed. This theology, based on misunderstanding passages like Psalm 46 and 48, had become an excuse for ignoring covenant obligations. The priests benefited financially and politically from temple worship, making Jeremiah's message especially threatening. Archaeological evidence from this period shows the temple system was economically significant, with vast treasuries and extensive sacrificial commerce. Pashur's persecution of Jeremiah illustrates how economic and political interests can corrupt religious leadership, causing them to oppose God's actual word in favor of popular, profitable theology. The exile would prove Jeremiah right and Pashur wrong, but at terrible cost.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Pashur's example warn us that religious position or theological education does not guarantee faithfulness to God's word?
  2. In what ways might church leaders today be tempted to suppress or soften biblical truth that threatens institutional interests or popular opinion?
  3. What safeguards can help us distinguish between defending essential biblical truth and merely protecting our own religious preferences or power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע1 of 16

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

פַּשְׁחוּר֙2 of 16

“Now Pashur”

H6583

pashchur, the name of four israelites

בֶּן3 of 16

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִמֵּ֣ר4 of 16

“of Immer”

H564

immer, the name of five israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן5 of 16

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהֽוּא6 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

פָקִ֥יד7 of 16

“who was also chief”

H6496

a superintendent (civil, military or religious)

נָגִ֖יד8 of 16

“governor”

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

בְּבֵ֣ית9 of 16

“in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֑ה10 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶֽת11 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ12 of 16

“that Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

נִבָּ֖א13 of 16

“prophesied”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

אֶת14 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדְּבָרִ֥ים15 of 16

“these things”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃16 of 16
H428

these or those

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 20:1 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 20:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:37-381 Chronicles 24:142 Kings 25:18Nehemiah 7:40-41Acts 4:12 Chronicles 35:8

Test Your Knowledge

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