King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 20:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 20:11 in the King James Version says “But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: th...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 20:11 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

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.

13

Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.

Read Jeremiah 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After expressing his anguish (vv. 7-10), Jeremiah pivots to confident trust in God's presence and power. The phrase 'mighty terrible one' (gibbor arits, גִּבּוֹר עָרִיץ) depicts God as a warrior-champion, fearsome and invincible. The prophet declares that his persecutors will stumble and fail because the LORD fights for him. This theological certainty—that God's purposes cannot be thwarted—sustains Jeremiah through his darkest hours.

This verse demonstrates the movement from lament to trust characteristic of biblical faith. Jeremiah does not deny his suffering or suppress his emotions, but he anchors his hope in God's character and promises. The same God who called him will vindicate him. Those who oppose God's prophet oppose God Himself and will ultimately face divine judgment. This confidence is not presumption but theological conviction grounded in God's covenant faithfulness.

The New Testament applies this principle to all believers—'If God be for us, who can be against us?' (Romans 8:31). Christ promised His disciples that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church. Like Jeremiah, we may face overwhelming opposition, but ultimate victory is assured because God Himself champions our cause.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah's confidence would be tested but ultimately vindicated. While he suffered imprisonment and nearly died in a cistern (chapter 38), he was rescued by Ebed-melech and survived Jerusalem's fall. His persecutors—Pashhur, Zedekiah's officials, and the false prophets who opposed him—all faced the judgment he prophesied. The Babylonian commanders even showed Jeremiah favor, allowing him to choose whether to go to Babylon or remain in Judah (39:11-12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we cultivate Jeremiah's confidence in God's presence even when circumstances seem overwhelming?
  2. What biblical promises sustain believers when facing opposition for proclaiming God's truth?
  3. How does understanding God as our 'mighty terrible one' change our perspective on enemies and obstacles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַֽיהוָ֤ה1 of 19

“But the LORD”

H3068

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

אוֹתִי֙2 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

כְּגִבּ֣וֹר3 of 19

“is with me as a mighty”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

עָרִ֔יץ4 of 19

“terrible one”

H6184

fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical

עַל5 of 19
H5921

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

כֵּ֛ן6 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

רֹדְפַ֥י7 of 19

“therefore my persecutors”

H7291

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

יִכָּשְׁל֖וּ8 of 19

“shall stumble”

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

וְלֹ֣א9 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֻכָ֑לוּ10 of 19

“and they shall not prevail”

H3201

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

בֹּ֤שׁוּ11 of 19

“ashamed”

H954

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

מְאֹד֙12 of 19

“they shall be greatly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

כִּֽי13 of 19
H3588

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

לֹ֣א14 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ15 of 19

“for they shall not prosper”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

כְּלִמַּ֥ת16 of 19

“confusion”

H3639

disgrace

עוֹלָ֖ם17 of 19

“their everlasting”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לֹ֥א18 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשָּׁכֵֽחַ׃19 of 19

“shall never be forgotten”

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

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 20:11 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 20:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 1:19Jeremiah 1:8Jeremiah 15:20Jeremiah 17:18Isaiah 41:10Psalms 6:10

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