Jeremiah 20:8
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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִדֵּ֤י
For since
H1767
מִדֵּ֤י
For since
Strong's:
H1767
Word #:
2 of 16
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
אֲדַבֵּר֙
I spake
H1696
אֲדַבֵּר֙
I spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 16
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶזְעָ֔ק
I cried out
H2199
אֶזְעָ֔ק
I cried out
Strong's:
H2199
Word #:
4 of 16
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
חָמָ֥ס
violence
H2555
חָמָ֥ס
violence
Strong's:
H2555
Word #:
5 of 16
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
אֶקְרָ֑א
I cried
H7121
אֶקְרָ֑א
I cried
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
7 of 16
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָיָ֨ה
H1961
הָיָ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
because the word
H1697
דְבַר
because the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
10 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Jeremiah 6:10To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.2 Chronicles 36:16But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
Historical Context
Jeremiah prophesied during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah—a period of political instability when Judah vacillated between Egypt and Babylon. His message to submit to Babylon rather than rebel was politically unpopular and seemingly unpatriotic. Yet history vindicated him: those who followed his counsel (including Daniel) survived and prospered in exile, while those who rebelled suffered devastating losses when Jerusalem fell in 586 BC.
Questions for Reflection
- How should we respond when proclaiming biblical truth brings mockery rather than acceptance?
- What does Jeremiah's experience teach us about measuring ministry success by faithfulness rather than popularity?
- In what ways does contemporary culture mock those who proclaim the full biblical message about sin, judgment, and repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jeremiah explains why his prophetic ministry has become such a burden—every time he speaks God's word, he must proclaim 'violence and spoil,' announcing coming judgment. The Hebrew construction emphasizes continual action: he keeps crying out, keeps proclaiming destruction. This relentless negative message has made him a laughingstock; 'the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.'
The prophet's dilemma captures the tension between truth and popularity. God's word was genuinely harsh—Jerusalem would be destroyed, the temple razed, the people exiled. No amount of diplomatic softening could change this reality. Jeremiah could not trim his message to gain acceptance without betraying his calling. This presents every faithful minister with a crucial question: Will we proclaim the whole counsel of God, including unpopular truths about sin and judgment, or will we seek human approval?
The daily mockery Jeremiah endured anticipates Christ's experience—despised and rejected, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief. Like Jesus, Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed truth despite personal cost. This establishes the principle that if the world hated the prophets and crucified the Messiah, we should expect opposition when proclaiming biblical truth (John 15:18-20).