Jeremiah 17:18
Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.
Original Language Analysis
אֵבֹ֣שָׁה
Let them be confounded
H954
אֵבֹ֣שָׁה
Let them be confounded
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
רֹדְפַי֙
that persecute
H7291
רֹדְפַי֙
that persecute
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
2 of 17
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
3 of 17
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
אֵבֹ֣שָׁה
Let them be confounded
H954
אֵבֹ֣שָׁה
Let them be confounded
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
אֵחַ֖תָּה
but let not me be dismayed
H2865
אֵחַ֖תָּה
but let not me be dismayed
Strong's:
H2865
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
8 of 17
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
אֵחַ֖תָּה
but let not me be dismayed
H2865
אֵחַ֖תָּה
but let not me be dismayed
Strong's:
H2865
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
י֣וֹם
upon them the day
H3117
י֣וֹם
upon them the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
13 of 17
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
וּמִשְׁנֶ֥ה
them with double
H4932
וּמִשְׁנֶ֥ה
them with double
Strong's:
H4932
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc
Cross References
Psalms 35:4Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.Psalms 40:14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.Jeremiah 11:20But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.Jeremiah 20:11But 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.Psalms 35:8Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.Revelation 18:6Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.Psalms 70:2Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.Psalms 71:1In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.Jeremiah 16:18And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.Jeremiah 17:16As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern jurisprudence included the lex talionis—proportionate justice (Ex 21:23-25). Imprecatory prayers appealed to God as the Ultimate Judge to execute justice when human courts failed or were corrupt. Jeremiah's persecutors included false prophets, corrupt priests, and political leaders who opposed God's word. History vindicated Jeremiah when Babylon fulfilled his prophecies precisely.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you process anger and desire for justice when persecuted, while avoiding sinful vengeance?
- What does it mean to commit your cause to God as the Righteous Judge rather than taking personal revenge?
- How does Christ's bearing double destruction in our place transform our prayers for justice and vindication?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jeremiah's imprecatory prayer "Let them be confounded that persecute me" expresses the biblical principle that God will vindicate His servants and judge their oppressors. The repetition emphasizes the contrast—confusion and dismay for persecutors, but not for the prophet. "Bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction" asks God to execute the judgment Jeremiah has prophesied.
Imprecatory psalms and prayers trouble modern readers but reflect several biblical truths:
Jeremiah doesn't take personal vengeance but commits his cause to the Righteous Judge.
"Double destruction" (mishne shever, מִשְׁנֶה שֶׁבֶר) emphasizes completeness and intensity, not mathematical doubling. This prayer will be answered when Babylon devastates Judah and then Babylon itself falls under divine judgment (Jer 50-51). Ultimately, all impenitent rebels face eternal judgment. Christ bore the "double destruction" believers deserved, satisfying divine justice and securing our vindication.