Jeremiah 20:3 - On the next day, Pashhur released Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then Jeremiah said to him, “Yahweh has not called your name Pashhur, but Magormissabib.

Generated Verse: Jeremiah 20:3

What does "Jeremiah 20:3" mean?


This verse from Jeremiah 20:3 describes an interaction between Jeremiah and Pashhur, and it's packed with meaning:

Context: Pashhur was a priest and chief officer in the house of the Lord (Jeremiah 20:1-2). He was angry at Jeremiah for prophesying against the people and the city, so he had Jeremiah beaten and put in the stocks (a wooden frame with holes for the hands and feet).

"On the next day, Pashhur released Jeremiah out of the stocks." This indicates that Pashhur's anger cooled down, or perhaps he faced pressure to release Jeremiah. Whatever the reason, Jeremiah was freed.

"Then Jeremiah said to him, 'Yahweh has not called your name Pashhur, but Magormissabib.'" This is the heart of the verse. Jeremiah, empowered by God, gives Pashhur a new name, a symbolic and prophetic act. Let's break down that new name:

Pashhur: Likely means "freedom around" or "prosperity around." It was a positive, hopeful name.
Magormissabib: This is a Hebrew term that means "Terror on every side" or "Surrounded by terror." It is not a proper name but a designation of Pashhur's coming fate.

The Meaning: Jeremiah's declaration is a judgment. By changing Pashhur's name, Jeremiah prophesies that:
Pashhur's life would no longer be characterized by freedom and prosperity (the meaning of his original name).
Instead, Pashhur would be surrounded by terror, experiencing fear and dread. This wasn't just a curse; it was a prophecy about the consequences of Pashhur's actions. It likely refers to the coming Babylonian invasion.

In essence, the verse signifies a shift in Pashhur's destiny. He went from being a man of influence and perhaps prosperity to one destined for fear and terror. This renaming underscores the power of God's word through Jeremiah and serves as a stark warning about the consequences of opposing God's message.

Further context from the following verses confirms this interpretation: Jeremiah continues to prophesy about the destruction and exile that would come upon Pashhur and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

What categories does "Jeremiah 20:3" have?