Old Testament
Jeremiah 20:2
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Then Pashur struck Jeremiah the prophet and put him in the stocks at the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.
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Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.
What Jeremiah 20:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment in the life of the prophet Jeremiah. Pashur, a priest and chief officer in the temple, physically attacked Jeremiah, showing the hostility that prophets often faced for delivering God's messages. After striking him, Pashur placed Jeremiah in stocks, a form of punishment and humiliation, at the high gate of Benjamin, which was near the temple. This act symbolizes the rejection of God's word and the persecution of those who speak it. Jeremiah's experience reflects the broader theme of suffering for faithfulness to God, as he was called to deliver difficult messages to a people who were largely unresponsive. The high gate's location near the house of the LORD emphasizes the contrast between the sacred space and the violent actions taken against God's messenger. This incident illustrates the challenges faced by those who stand for truth in a world that often resists it.
How to apply Jeremiah 20:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when facing opposition or ridicule. It reminds us that standing for truth may lead to challenges, but we should not be discouraged. Instead, we can find strength in our commitment to God and His message.
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 20:2
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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 20:2 mean?
Jeremiah 20:2 describes how Pashur, a priest, physically attacked the prophet Jeremiah and imprisoned him in stocks at the high gate of Benjamin. This act illustrates the hostility prophets faced for delivering God's messages and symbolizes the rejection of God's word.
What is the significance of the stocks in Jeremiah 20:2?
The stocks mentioned in Jeremiah 20:2 were a form of punishment and humiliation used to restrain Jeremiah. This symbolizes the physical and emotional suffering that prophets endured for their faithfulness to God and their messages.
Who is Pashur in Jeremiah 20:2?
Pashur is identified as a priest and chief officer in the temple who struck Jeremiah and imprisoned him. His actions reflect the conflict between religious authority and the prophetic message from God.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 20:2?
Jeremiah 20:2 highlights themes such as the persecution of prophets, the rejection of God's message, and the suffering that comes from standing for truth. It emphasizes the conflict between divine calling and earthly authority.
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