Jeremiah 18:20
Jeremiah 18:20 in Multiple Translations
Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them.
Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.
Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember how I stood before thee to speak good for them, to turn away thy wrath from them.
Is evil to be the reward of good? for they have made a deep hole for my soul. Keep in mind how I took my place before you, to say a good word for them so that your wrath might be turned away from them.
Should good be paid back with evil? Yet they have dug a pit to trap me! Remember how I stood before you to plead on their behalf, to stop you being angry with them?
Shall euill be recompensed for good? for they haue digged a pit for my soule: remember that I stood before thee, to speake good for the, and to turne away thy wrath from them.
Is evil recompensed instead of good, That they have dug a pit for my soul? Remember my standing before Thee to speak good of them, To turn back Thy wrath from them.
Should evil be recompensed for good? For they have dug a pit for my soul. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn away your wrath from them.
Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.
Shall evil be rendered for good, because they have digged a pit for my soul? Remember that I have stood in thy sight, so speak good for them, and turn away thy indignation from them.
I am doing things that are good, so it is disgusting that [RHQ] they are paying me back by doing evil things to me. It is as though they have dug a pit for me to fall into and die. Do not forget that one time I stood in front of you and pleaded for you to help them, and I tried to prevent you from punishing them [MTY], even though you were very angry with them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 18:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 18:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/יְשֻׁלַּ֤ם
תַּֽחַת
טוֹבָה֙
רָעָ֔ה
כִּֽי
כָר֥וּ
שׁוּחָ֖ה
לְ/נַפְשִׁ֑/י
זְכֹ֣ר
עָמְדִ֣/י
לְ/פָנֶ֗י/ךָ
לְ/דַבֵּ֤ר
עֲלֵי/הֶם֙
טוֹבָ֔ה
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
אֶת
חֲמָתְ/ךָ֖
מֵ/הֶֽם
הַ/יְשֻׁלַּ֤ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
Part | V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
תַּֽחַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
טוֹבָה֙
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
רָעָ֔ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כָר֥וּ
kârâh
H3738
to dig
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שׁוּחָ֖ה
shûwchâh
H7745
pit
N-fs
לְ/נַפְשִׁ֑/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
זְכֹ֣ר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
עָמְדִ֣/י
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
לְ/פָנֶ֗י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
לְ/דַבֵּ֤ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
עֲלֵי/הֶם֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
טוֹבָ֔ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֲמָתְ/ךָ֖
chêmâh
H2534
rage
N-fs | Suff
מֵ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 18:20
הַ/יְשֻׁלַּ֤ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
Part | V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
תַּֽחַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
טוֹבָה֙
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
רָעָ֔ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כָר֥וּ
kârâh
H3738
"to dig"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to dig or pierce, and is used in various contexts, including excavating the earth or plotting against someone, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to dig, excavate, dig through, cut 1a) (Qal) to dig
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dig, [idiom] make (a banquet), open. See also: Genesis 26:25; Psalms 22:17; Psalms 7:16.
שׁוּחָ֖ה
shûwchâh
H7745
"pit"
N-fs
A pit is a deep hole in the ground, often used to describe a place of danger or confinement. In the Bible, pits were sometimes used to trap animals or as a prison. The word can also be used figuratively.
Definition: pit
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: ditch, pit. See also: Proverbs 22:14; Jeremiah 2:6; Proverbs 23:27.
לְ/נַפְשִׁ֑/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
זְכֹ֣ר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
עָמְדִ֣/י
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לְ/פָנֶ֗י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לְ/דַבֵּ֤ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עֲלֵי/הֶם֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
טוֹבָ֔ה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֲמָתְ/ךָ֖
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
N-fs | Suff
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
מֵ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Jeremiah 18:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 18:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:20
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:20
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:20
- Sermons on Jeremiah 18:20
Context — Another Plot against Jeremiah
18Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”
19Attend to me, O LORD. Hear what my accusers are saying!
20Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them.
21Therefore, hand their children over to famine; pour out the power of the sword upon them. Let their wives become childless and widowed; let their husbands be slain by disease, their young men struck down by the sword in battle. 22Let a cry be heard from their houses when You suddenly bring raiders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 35:7 | For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul. |
| 2 | Psalms 57:6 | They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah |
| 3 | Psalms 106:23 | So He said He would destroy them— had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 24:17–19 | and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. And you have shown this day how well you have dealt with me; for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day. |
| 5 | Psalms 35:12 | They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:95 | The wicked wait to destroy me, but I will ponder Your testimonies. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 18:22 | Let a cry be heard from their houses when You suddenly bring raiders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 10:8 | He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. |
| 9 | Proverbs 26:27 | He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. |
| 10 | Psalms 109:4–5 | In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love. |
Jeremiah 18:20 Summary
[Jeremiah 18:20 shows us that even when we do good for others, they might not always respond with kindness. Jeremiah had prayed for the people, asking God to spare them from judgment, but they responded by trying to harm him. This reminds us that we should continue to do good and pray for others, even if they don't appreciate it, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44. We can trust that God sees our hearts and will reward our faithfulness, as promised in Hebrews 11:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jeremiah lamenting in this verse?
Jeremiah is lamenting the fact that despite his prayers for the people's welfare, they have repaid his kindness with evil, seeking to harm him, as seen in Jeremiah 18:20 and reminiscent of the betrayal in Psalms 41:9.
How does Jeremiah's statement relate to the concept of reciprocity?
Jeremiah's statement in Jeremiah 18:20 highlights the principle of reciprocity, where good deeds are met with evil, contrary to the expectation of kindness being repaid with kindness, as taught in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12.
What can we learn from Jeremiah's example of praying for his enemies?
Jeremiah's example in Jeremiah 18:20 teaches us to pray for those who persecute us, as instructed in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:28, demonstrating God's heart of love and forgiveness towards all people.
How does God respond to those who seek to harm His prophets?
God takes seriously the harm inflicted upon His prophets, as seen in Jeremiah 18:21-22, and will bring judgment upon those who seek to harm them, similar to the warnings in Matthew 18:6 and Mark 9:42.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I repaid God's kindness with disobedience or disregard, and how can I make amends?
- How can I, like Jeremiah, pray for those who have wronged me, and what does this reveal about God's character?
- What are some 'pits' that others may have dug for me, and how can I trust God to deliver me from them?
- In what ways can I stand before God to intercede for others, as Jeremiah did, and what does this say about my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:20
Shall evil be recompensed for good?.... For all the good that I have done them, shall this be all the recompence I shall have, to be evilly treated by them, to have my good name, and even life, taken away by them?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:20
Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them. Shall evil be recompensed for good?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:20
Shall evil be recompensed for good? to requite good for evil is divine, God maketh his sun to shine, and his rain to fall, upon the just and unjust; to requite evil for evil, or good for good, is but human, what the nature of reasonable men prompt them to; but to requite evil for good is diabolical, and the character of those that are the children of the evil one. For they have digged a pit for my soul; Lord, saith the prophet, these men have done thus, they have laid snares for my life; though thou knowest that as a prophet I stood before thee, both preaching and praying for their good. Their wrath is kindled to a great height against me, and thou knowest my business was, both in my preachings to them, and prayers for them, to turn away thy wrath from them. Lord, remember this, both for good to me, and for vengeance upon them.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:20
Jeremiah 18:20 Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, [and] to turn away thy wrath from them.Ver. 20. Shall evil be recompensed for good?] q.d., That is greatest disingenuity and unthankfulness. To render good for evil is divine; good for good is human; evil for evil is brutish; but evil for good devilish. Lo, with such breathing devils had Jeremiah here to do; and, indeed, what good man hath not? See 1 Samuel 24:17 Psalms 35:12; Psalms 109:5.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:20
(20) They have digged a pit for my soul.—The image has become so familiar that we have all but lost its vividness. What it meant here (as in Psalms 57:6) was that the man was treated as a beast, the prophet who sought their good as the wolf or the jackal whom they entrapped and slew. Remember that I stood before thee.—The phrase is used frequently, though not uniformly, of the act of worship, of the communion of the soul with God (comp. Jeremiah 7:10; Deuteronomy 10:8; Deuteronomy 19:17; Deuteronomy 29:10; 1 Kings 19:11), and is clearly used in this sense here. The prophet refers to his repeated though fruitless entreaties for the people in Jeremiah 14, 15. It is interesting to note the description of Jeremiah, in 2Ma 15:14, as “a lover of the brethren who prayeth much for the people and the holy city.” Men had come to recognise that the spirit of intercession had been the prophet’s dominant characteristic.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:20
Verse 20. They have digged a pit for my soul.] For my life; this they wish to take away. Stood before thee to speak good for them] I was their continual intercessor.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:20
20. Shall evil be recompensed for good?] Jeremiah had interceded for the people in times past, e.g. ch. Jeremiah 14:7; Jeremiah 14:21.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:20
Jeremiah had been laboring earnestly to avert the ruin of his country, but the Jews treated him as farmers do some noxious animal which wastes their fields, and for which they dig pitfalls.
Sermons on Jeremiah 18:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 107 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the mercies of God as seen in the Psalms, emphasizing the importance of experiencing God's goodness personally to truly appreciate His praises. The Psalms |
|
Righteousness in the Old Testament by Art Katz | Art Katz explores the concept of righteousness in the Old Testament, emphasizing that it is fundamentally about fulfilling the demands of relationships, particularly with God and t |
|
A Christlike Home (1) Christlike Husbands and Wives by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a Christ-like home, focusing on the roles of a Christ-like husband, wife, father, and mother to raise Christ-like children. It hig |
|
Snake Handlers by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of taking risks for Christ, likening the challenges faced by believers to handling serpents. He points out that while the wicked are like p |
|
|
(The Full Gospel) 21. Helping God!! by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the dangers of using human reasoning and trying to help God according to our own understanding, as seen in the stories of Abraham, Moses, and Uzzah. He empha |
|
|
(Sex, Love & Marriage) 9. the Highway of Happiness by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of choosing to walk on God's Highway of Happiness in the realms of sex, love, and marriage, emphasizing the need for obedience to God and r |
|
Letter 79 by James Bourne | James Bourne encourages his friend to be vigilant in their spiritual walk, warning against the deceitfulness of the heart and the dangers of breaking through the hedge of God's pro |