Jeremiah 20:4
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.
Jeremiah 20:4 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah in the Bible illustrates a message from the LORD warning of consequences for disobedience. The LORD speaks of making Judah a terror to themselves and their friends, as they will ultimately fall by the sword of their enemies, specifically the king of Babylon. This punishment is a result of the people turning away from God and engaging in idolatry and sin. The LORD's judgment will lead to the captivity of the people of Judah in Babylon, where many will be slain with the sword. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God and the consequences that may arise from turning away from Him. It also highlights the power and sovereignty of God, who can bring about judgment and punishment for those who stray from His ways.
Theological Overview
Jeremiah 20:4 conveys a message of judgment and destruction from the LORD. The verse outlines the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God's commands. The phrase "I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends" highlights the idea that those who turn away from God will bring fear and destruction upon themselves and those around them. The mention of falling by the sword of their enemies emphasizes the violent nature of the judgment that will befall them. The reference to Judah being handed over to the king of Babylon and taken captive into Babylon serves as a warning of the impending exile and suffering that the people will face as a result of their disobedience. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to His will.
Jeremiah 20:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
For thus saith Jehovah, 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 to Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword.
World English Bible
For thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will make you a terror to yourself, and to all your friends; and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and your eyes shall see it; and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive to Babylon, and shall kill them with the sword.
Douay-Rheims
For thus saith the Lord: Behold I will deliver thee up to fear, thee and all thy friends: and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thy eyes shall see it, and I will give all Juda into the hand of the king of Babylon: and he shall carry them away to Babylon, and shall strike them with the sword.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will make thee to be a terrour to thy self, and to al thy friends, and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thine eyes shall beholde it, and I will giue all Iudah into the hande of the King of Babel, and he shall cary them captiue into Babel, and shall slay them with the sworde.