Old Testament
Jeremiah 20:6
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As for you, Pashur, you and everyone in your household will be taken captive. You will go to Babylon, and that's where you'll die and be buried — you and all the friends you fed lies to.'"
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And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies.
What Jeremiah 20:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God delivers a harsh message to Pashur, a priest and false prophet. He is warned that he and his family will be taken captive to Babylon, where they will die and be buried. This punishment is a direct consequence of Pashur's deceitful prophecies that misled the people. Instead of speaking the truth, he chose to comfort them with lies, leading them away from God's true message. The verse highlights the seriousness of false prophecy and the inevitable consequences that come from leading others astray. Pashur's fate serves as a warning to those who prioritize their own comfort and reputation over God's truth. It emphasizes that God sees and judges those who manipulate His word for personal gain, ensuring that justice is served even if it takes time.
How to apply Jeremiah 20:6 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of speaking truthfully and responsibly, especially in spiritual matters. We should be cautious about the messages we share and ensure they align with God's truth. Misleading others can have serious consequences, both for ourselves and those we influence.
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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Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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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 20:6 mean?
Jeremiah 20:6 conveys God's judgment against Pashur, a priest who falsely prophesied to the people. It warns that he and his family will be taken captive to Babylon, where they will die and be buried, highlighting the consequences of misleading others with lies.
What is the significance of captivity in Jeremiah 20:6?
The captivity mentioned in Jeremiah 20:6 signifies God's punishment for Pashur's false prophecies. It serves as a reminder that those who lead others astray will face serious consequences, reinforcing the importance of truth in spiritual leadership.
Who is Pashur in Jeremiah 20:6?
Pashur is identified as a priest and false prophet in Jeremiah 20:6. He is criticized for comforting the people with lies instead of delivering God's true message, which ultimately leads to his condemnation.
What does the phrase 'prophesied lies' mean in Jeremiah 20:6?
The phrase 'prophesied lies' in Jeremiah 20:6 refers to Pashur's false messages that misled the people. Instead of sharing God's truth, he provided comforting but untrue prophecies, which resulted in dire consequences for him and his followers.
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