Old Testament
Jeremiah 20:1
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Now Pashur son of Immer, a priest who served as the chief officer in the LORD's temple, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things.
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Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.
What Jeremiah 20:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we are introduced to Pashur, the son of Immer, who is a priest and holds a significant position as the chief officer in the temple of the Lord. His role indicates that he is responsible for overseeing the temple's activities and ensuring that worship practices are conducted properly. When Pashur hears Jeremiah prophesying, it suggests that he is aware of the messages being delivered by the prophet, which often included warnings about the consequences of the people's disobedience to God. This moment sets the stage for conflict, as Pashur's authority and the prophetic messages of Jeremiah may clash. The verse highlights the tension between religious leaders and prophets, especially when the messages challenge the status quo or call for repentance. It also emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word, even when it comes from unexpected sources. Pashur's reaction to Jeremiah's prophecies will be crucial in understanding the broader narrative of Jeremiah's ministry and the challenges he faced in delivering God's messages to a resistant audience.
How to apply Jeremiah 20:1 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of being open to God's messages, even when they come from unexpected sources. It encourages us to listen carefully to what God may be saying through others, especially when it challenges our beliefs or practices. Staying humble and receptive can lead to growth and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Clay Jar (Jeremiah 19:1–20:6)
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Jeremiah

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 20:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 20:1 mean?
Jeremiah 20:1 introduces Pashur, a priest and chief officer in the temple, who hears Jeremiah's prophecies. This sets up a potential conflict between Pashur's authority and Jeremiah's messages from God, highlighting the tension between religious leaders and prophets.
Who is Pashur in Jeremiah 20:1?
Pashur, the son of Immer, is a priest and the chief officer in the temple of the Lord. His role indicates he is responsible for overseeing temple activities and represents the religious authority during Jeremiah's prophetic ministry.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 20:1?
Key themes in Jeremiah 20:1 include prophecy, religious authority, conflict, and obedience to God. The verse illustrates the struggle between prophetic messages and the established religious leadership.
How does Jeremiah 20:1 relate to the broader narrative of Jeremiah's ministry?
This verse sets the stage for the challenges Jeremiah faces as a prophet, particularly in delivering messages that may conflict with the views of religious leaders like Pashur. It highlights the resistance Jeremiah encounters in his mission to call for repentance.
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