Jeremiah 20:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיהוָ֤ה
But the LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָ֤ה
But the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אוֹתִי֙
H854
אוֹתִי֙
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
כְּגִבּ֣וֹר
is with me as a mighty
H1368
כְּגִבּ֣וֹר
is with me as a mighty
Strong's:
H1368
Word #:
3 of 19
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֛ן
H3651
כֵּ֛ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
רֹדְפַ֥י
therefore my persecutors
H7291
רֹדְפַ֥י
therefore my persecutors
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
7 of 19
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
יִכָּשְׁל֖וּ
shall stumble
H3782
יִכָּשְׁל֖וּ
shall stumble
Strong's:
H3782
Word #:
8 of 19
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֻכָ֑לוּ
and they shall not prevail
H3201
יֻכָ֑לוּ
and they shall not prevail
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
10 of 19
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
בֹּ֤שׁוּ
ashamed
H954
בֹּ֤שׁוּ
ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
מְאֹד֙
they shall be greatly
H3966
מְאֹד֙
they shall be greatly
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ
for they shall not prosper
H7919
הִשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ
for they shall not prosper
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
15 of 19
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
עוֹלָ֖ם
their everlasting
H5769
עוֹלָ֖ם
their everlasting
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:19And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.Jeremiah 1:8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 15:20And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Jeremiah 17:18Let 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.Psalms 6:10Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.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.Psalms 35:26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.Jeremiah 23:40And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.Isaiah 45:16They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- How can we cultivate Jeremiah's confidence in God's presence even when circumstances seem overwhelming?
- What biblical promises sustain believers when facing opposition for proclaiming God's truth?
- How does understanding God as our 'mighty terrible one' change our perspective on enemies and obstacles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.