Old Testament
Jeremiah 20:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God communicates a dire warning to Jeremiah about the fate of Judah.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"Because this is what the LORD says: 'I'm going to make you a source of terror — to yourself and to everyone you know. Your friends will fall by the swords of their enemies, and you'll watch it happen with your own eyes. I will hand all of Judah over to the king of Babylon, and he will drag them off as captives to Babylon and slaughter them with the sword.
For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends: and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thine eyes shall behold it: and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God communicates a dire warning to Jeremiah about the fate of Judah. He tells Jeremiah that he will become a source of fear, not only for himself but also for his friends. This fear stems from the impending destruction that will come upon Judah at the hands of the Babylonian king. The people will face death and captivity, and Jeremiah will witness these tragic events unfold. This message highlights the seriousness of Judah's disobedience to God and the consequences that follow. It serves as a reminder of the weight of prophetic responsibility, as Jeremiah must bear the burden of this grim news while also experiencing the pain of seeing his people suffer. The verse emphasizes God's sovereignty in determining the fate of nations and the reality of judgment for those who turn away from Him.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 20:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the seriousness of our actions and their consequences. It reminds us that turning away from God can lead to dire outcomes, not just for ourselves but for those around us. We should strive to remain faithful and heed God's warnings.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 20:4 mean?
Jeremiah 20:4 conveys God's warning to Jeremiah about the impending destruction of Judah. It indicates that Jeremiah will experience fear and witness the suffering of his friends and people as they face captivity and death at the hands of the Babylonian king.
What is the significance of being a 'source of terror' in Jeremiah 20:4?
Being a 'source of terror' in Jeremiah 20:4 signifies the heavy burden of prophetic responsibility. It highlights how Jeremiah will not only feel fear himself but will also see the fear and suffering of those around him due to the consequences of their disobedience to God.
What does the phrase 'fall by the sword of their enemies' mean in Jeremiah 20:4?
The phrase 'fall by the sword of their enemies' in Jeremiah 20:4 refers to the violent deaths that the people of Judah will face as a result of their disobedience. It emphasizes the severity of the judgment that will come upon them from the Babylonian forces.
What is the context of Jeremiah 20:4?
Jeremiah 20:4 is set in a context where God is revealing to Jeremiah the fate of Judah due to their unfaithfulness. It serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and the judgment that will follow.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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