King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 20:10 Mean?

Jeremiah 20:10 in the King James Version says “For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. All: Heb. Every man of my peace”

Jeremiah 20:10 · KJV

Fear & CouragePeace

Context

8

For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.

9

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

10

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. All: Heb. Every man of my peace

11

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.

12

But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.

Read Jeremiah 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse shifts from Pashur's persecution (vv. 1-6) to Jeremiah's lament, revealing the prophet's inner turmoil. The phrase 'I heard the defaming of many' (dibbat rabbim, דִּבַּת רַבִּים) describes widespread slander and false accusation. 'Fear on every side' (magor missabib, מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב) ironically repeats the very name Jeremiah gave Pashur (v. 3)—now Jeremiah himself experiences the terror he prophesied for others. The command 'Report, and we will report it' reveals a conspiracy to gather accusations against Jeremiah. The phrase 'all my familiars' (literally 'men of my peace,' anshei shelomi, אַנְשֵׁי שְׁלוֹמִי) is particularly painful—those who should have been allies had become enemies. The verb 'watched for my halting' (shomrim tseli, שֹׁמְרִים צַלְעִי) means watching for stumbling or weakness. The quote 'Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge' reveals their motive: not truth-seeking but entrapment and retaliation. This verse demonstrates the cost of prophetic ministry—isolation, betrayal, slander, and conspiracy. Yet Jeremiah persisted. This anticipates Jesus' experience of betrayal (John 13:18, quoting Psalm 41:9) and Paul's repeated abandonment (2 Timothy 4:10, 16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'all my familiars watched for my halting' echoes Psalm 41:9, which speaks of a close friend's betrayal—language later applied to Judas's betrayal of Jesus (John 13:18). In Jeremiah's context, this likely refers to other prophets, priests, and officials who saw him as threat to their positions and theology. The conspiracy to 'report' suggests gathering evidence for legal accusation, as later attempted in chapter 26 when they tried to execute Jeremiah for prophesying against the temple. Similar conspiracies opposed other prophets: Amos was reported to King Jeroboam (Amos 7:10-11), Elijah was hunted by Jezebel (1 Kings 19:2), Jesus faced coordinated opposition from religious leaders (Mark 11:18, 14:1). Early church leaders experienced identical treatment: Peter and John arrested for preaching (Acts 4:1-3), Stephen accused by false witnesses (Acts 6:11-14), Paul repeatedly plotted against (Acts 23:12-15). The isolation of standing alone for God's truth against religious majority is one of faithfulness's hardest tests. Jeremiah's transparency about this struggle encourages believers facing similar isolation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah's experience of betrayal by "familiars" prepare us for the reality that faithful biblical witness may cost us friendships and reputation?
  2. What does the conspiracy to "watch for his halting" teach about how opposition often seeks to trap and discredit God's messengers rather than engage their message honestly?
  3. In what ways does Jeremiah's honesty about fear and isolation ("terror on every side") encourage believers who face opposition and feel alone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כִּ֣י1 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁמַ֜עְתִּי2 of 20

“For I heard”

H8085

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

דִּבַּ֣ת3 of 20

“the defaming”

H1681

slander

רַבִּים֮4 of 20

“of many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מָג֣וֹר5 of 20

“fear”

H4032

a fright (objective or subjective)

מִסָּבִיב֒6 of 20

“on every side”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וְנַגִּידֶ֔נּוּ7 of 20

“Report”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

וְנַגִּידֶ֔נּוּ8 of 20

“Report”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

כֹּ֚ל9 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֱנ֣וֹשׁ10 of 20

“it All my familiars”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

שְׁלֹמִ֔י11 of 20
H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

שֹׁמְרֵ֖י12 of 20

“watched”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

צַלְעִ֑י13 of 20
H6761

a limping or full (figuratively)

אוּלַ֤י14 of 20
H194

if not; hence perhaps

יְפֻתֶּה֙15 of 20

“saying Peradventure he will be enticed”

H6601

to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)

וְנ֣וּכְלָה16 of 20

“and we shall prevail”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

ל֔וֹ17 of 20
H0
וְנִקְחָ֥ה18 of 20

“against him and we shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

נִקְמָתֵ֖נוּ19 of 20

“our revenge”

H5360

avengement, whether the act of the passion

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃20 of 20
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 20:10 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 20:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 41:9Psalms 31:13Isaiah 29:21Jeremiah 18:18Jeremiah 6:25Psalms 55:13-14

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