Jeremiah 20:3 – “The next day, when Pashhur released him from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, ‘The Lord’s name for you is not Pashhur, but Terror on Every Side.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse records the aftermath of Jeremiah’s punishment by Pashhur, the priest and temple official. After spending the night in the stocks, Jeremiah speaks boldly to Pashhur, delivering a prophetic word from God. God renames Pashhur, calling him “Terror on Every Side,” a name that signifies the judgment he and the people of Judah would soon face.
This renaming is significant. In Scripture, names often reflect identity or destiny. By renaming Pashhur, God highlights the consequences of his rebellion and his role in the coming disaster. Despite his position as a religious leader, Pashhur had aligned himself against God, and now he would bear the burden of the fear and judgment to come.
Jeremiah’s courage is striking. Despite his suffering, he faithfully delivers God’s message, showing his unwavering commitment to his calling.
Historical Context
Jeremiah ministered during a time of political, spiritual, and moral decline in Judah. The Babylonians were rising as a dominant power, and God had repeatedly warned Judah of the consequences of their sin. Pashhur’s punishment of Jeremiah reflects the resistance of Judah’s leaders to God’s truth.
The phrase “Terror on Every Side” likely refers to the invasion and destruction Judah would face at the hands of Babylon. It symbolizes the overwhelming fear and devastation that would come upon the nation because of their disobedience.
This event occurs as part of Jeremiah’s broader ministry, in which he repeatedly calls the people and their leaders to repentance, only to be met with hostility and rejection.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the reality of God’s judgment. Pashhur’s actions were not overlooked by God; his opposition to Jeremiah was ultimately opposition to God Himself. The renaming of Pashhur serves as a reminder that God sees and addresses rebellion, even among those in positions of religious authority.
At the same time, this verse demonstrates God’s sovereignty. Despite Pashhur’s attempts to silence Jeremiah, God’s message continues to go forth. It also underscores the accountability of leaders, especially those in spiritual positions, to align themselves with God’s truth.
Literary Analysis
This verse employs a dramatic shift in tone, moving from Jeremiah’s release to a bold prophetic declaration. The renaming of Pashhur is a literary device that underscores the gravity of God’s judgment. The phrase “Terror on Every Side” is repeated throughout Jeremiah’s prophecies, emphasizing the theme of fear and destruction that accompanies God’s judgment.
The contrast between Pashhur’s actions and Jeremiah’s faithfulness highlights the central conflict of the narrative: human resistance to God’s truth versus the prophet’s unwavering obedience.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 8:13-15 – A warning to fear God rather than man.
- Ezekiel 34:10 – God’s judgment on unfaithful leaders who fail to shepherd His people.
- Matthew 10:28 – Jesus’ reminder to fear God, who holds ultimate authority, rather than those who can harm the body.
- Romans 2:5-6 – A warning about the consequences of hardening one’s heart against God’s truth.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Jeremiah 20:3 is a call to courage and faithfulness in delivering God’s truth. Like Jeremiah, believers may face opposition, but they are called to stand firm, trusting in God’s justice and sovereignty.
This verse also serves as a warning to examine our own hearts. Are we, like Pashhur, resisting God’s truth, or are we aligning ourselves with His will? It challenges Christians to live with integrity and humility, recognizing that God holds us accountable for our actions and attitudes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Although this verse focuses on judgment, it is rooted in God’s love. God’s warnings are always meant to lead people to repentance. Even as He pronounces judgment on Pashhur, God is giving him an opportunity to recognize his sin and turn back to Him.
God’s love is also evident in His faithfulness to Jeremiah. Despite Jeremiah’s suffering, God continues to work through him, empowering him to speak boldly and ensuring that His message is heard.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jeremiah’s boldness in proclaiming God’s message, even in the face of suffering, points to Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the role of God’s ultimate messenger. Jesus endured rejection, humiliation, and suffering to deliver God’s truth and accomplish His plan of salvation (John 1:11; Luke 22:63-65).
The theme of judgment in this verse also connects to Jesus’ teaching. Jesus warned of the consequences of rejecting God’s truth (Matthew 23:33-36) while offering the ultimate solution through His death and resurrection. Through Christ, God’s judgment is satisfied, and forgiveness is made available to all who believe (Romans 8:1-3).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you respond when God calls you to stand firm in the face of opposition or discomfort?
- What areas of your life might God be challenging you to align more closely with His truth?
- How does Jeremiah’s faithfulness encourage you to trust in God’s strength during difficult times?
- In what ways does this verse reveal both God’s justice and His love?
- How can you see Jesus’ example of courage and obedience reflected in Jeremiah’s actions?
Jeremiah 20:3 reminds us that faithfulness to God often comes with challenges, but it is always worth it. It calls us to trust in God’s justice, to boldly proclaim His truth, and to rest in His unchanging love.