King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 20:7 Mean?

Jeremiah 20:7 in the King James Version says “O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily,...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. was deceived: or, was enticed”

Jeremiah 20:7 · KJV

Context

5

Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.

6

And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies.

7

O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. was deceived: or, was enticed

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.

Read Jeremiah 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This startling verse opens Jeremiah's most anguished confession, where the prophet accuses God of deceiving him into prophetic ministry. The Hebrew pathah (פָּתָה) can mean 'enticed,' 'persuaded,' or 'deceived'—the same word used for seduction. Jeremiah feels God overpowered him, and now he suffers mockery and derision daily for proclaiming God's word.

This raw honesty reveals the prophet's humanity and demonstrates that authentic relationship with God allows for genuine lament. Jeremiah is not sinning by expressing his pain; he is wrestling honestly with God like Job, David in the Psalms, and even Christ in Gethsemane. The prophet's complaint arises from the tension between his divine calling and its devastating personal cost—social isolation, physical persecution, and the agony of watching his beloved nation reject both him and his message.

Reformed theology recognizes that God's sovereignty and human experience of suffering can coexist without contradiction. God did not literally deceive Jeremiah, but from the prophet's limited human perspective, the overwhelming difficulty of his calling felt like divine entrapment. This passage assures suffering saints that God welcomes our honest cries and that feeling overwhelmed by His purposes does not constitute unfaithfulness. The key is that Jeremiah brings his complaint to God rather than abandoning Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This confession occurs after Jeremiah's public humiliation by Pashhur the priest, who had him beaten and placed in stocks at the Benjamin Gate (20:1-2). Jeremiah's message that Jerusalem would fall to Babylon was viewed as treason by political leaders and blasphemy by religious authorities. Unlike earlier prophets who occasionally faced opposition, Jeremiah endured decades of sustained persecution with no vindication during his lifetime. This historical reality makes his continued faithfulness all the more remarkable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah's honest complaint before God model healthy spiritual practice during seasons of suffering?
  2. What does this passage teach us about the cost of faithful ministry when God's message contradicts cultural expectations?
  3. In what ways might we, like Jeremiah, feel 'deceived' when following God leads to unexpected hardship rather than blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וָֽאֶפָּ֔ת1 of 12

“me and I was deceived”

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)

יְהוָה֙2 of 12

“O LORD”

H3068

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

וָֽאֶפָּ֔ת3 of 12

“me and I was deceived”

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)

חֲזַקְתַּ֖נִי4 of 12

“thou art stronger”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וַתּוּכָ֑ל5 of 12

“than I and hast prevailed”

H3201

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

הָיִ֤יתִי6 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִשְׂחוֹק֙7 of 12

“I am in derision”

H7814

laughter (in merriment or defiance)

כָּל8 of 12
H3605

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

הַיּ֔וֹם9 of 12

“daily”

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

כֻּלֹּ֖ה10 of 12
H3605

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

לֹעֵ֥ג11 of 12

“every one mocketh”

H3932

to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly

לִֽי׃12 of 12
H0

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 20:7 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 20:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 3:14Hosea 9:7Jeremiah 20:9Ezekiel 3:14Psalms 22:6-7Psalms 69:9-12

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