Old Testament

Jeremiah 20:11

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

But the LORD stands with me like a mighty and fearsome one. So my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper, and their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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.

What Jeremiah 20:11 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah expresses his confidence in God's protection amid persecution. He describes the Lord as a powerful and fearsome presence, suggesting that God is a strong defender against those who oppose him. Jeremiah reassures himself that his enemies will ultimately fail and be ashamed of their actions. Their attempts to harm him will not succeed, and their disgrace will be lasting. This reflects a deep faith in God's justice and the assurance that evil will not triumph over righteousness. The imagery of God as a mighty warrior emphasizes His strength and ability to support His followers in times of trouble. Jeremiah's declaration serves as a reminder that, despite challenges and opposition, believers can find solace in the knowledge that God stands with them, ensuring that their adversaries will not prevail.

How to apply Jeremiah 20:11 to your life

When facing challenges or opposition, remember that God is your defender. Trust in His strength and presence, knowing that He will help you overcome difficulties. Stay faithful and confident, as God will ensure that justice prevails in your life.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Ruth

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

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.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Beersheba

Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Jeremiah 20:11

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Jeremiah 20:11

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 20:11 mean?

Jeremiah 20:11 expresses the prophet's confidence in God's protection during times of persecution. He portrays God as a powerful defender who ensures that his enemies will fail and be ashamed of their actions.

What is the significance of God as a 'mighty terrible one' in Jeremiah 20:11?

The phrase 'mighty terrible one' highlights God's strength and fearsome nature, emphasizing His ability to protect and support His followers against their adversaries.

How does Jeremiah 20:11 relate to facing adversity?

Jeremiah 20:11 reassures believers that, despite challenges and opposition, God stands with them as a defender, ensuring that justice prevails and that their enemies will not succeed.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 20:11?

Key themes in Jeremiah 20:11 include God's protection, perseverance in faith, justice against oppressors, and the ultimate shame of the wicked.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.