Jeremiah 20:12 net — O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, you test and prove the righteous. You see into people’s hearts and minds. Pay them back for…

NET Bible

"O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, you test and prove the righteous. You see into people’s hearts and minds. Pay them back for what they have done because I trust you to vindicate my cause."

— Jeremiah 20:12, NET Bible

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Jeremiah 20:12 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Jeremiah 20 — Context

9

Sometimes I think,“I will make no mention of his message. I will not speak as his messenger any more.” But then his message becomes like a fire locked up inside of me, burning in my heart and soul. I grow weary of trying to hold it in; I cannot contain it.

10

I hear many whispering words of intrigue against me. Those who would cause me terror are everywhere! They are saying,“Come on, let’s publicly denounce him!” All my so-called friends are just watching for something that would lead to my downfall. They say,“Perhaps he can be enticed into slipping up, so we can prevail over him and get our revenge on him.

11

But the LORD is with me to help me like an awe-inspiring warrior. Therefore those who persecute me will fail and will not prevail over me. They will be thoroughly disgraced because they did not succeed. Their disgrace will never be forgotten.

12

O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, you test and prove the righteous. You see into people’s hearts and minds. Pay them back for what they have done because I trust you to vindicate my cause.

13

Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For he rescues the oppressed from the clutches of evildoers.

14

Cursed be the day I was born! May that day not be blessed when my mother gave birth to me.

15

Cursed be the man who made my father very glad when he brought him the news that a baby boy had been born to him!

Jeremiah 20:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Jeremiah 20:12 say?
Jeremiah 20:12 in the NET Bible reads: “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, you test and prove the righteous. You see into people’s hearts and minds. Pay them back for what they have done because I trust you to vindicate my cause.”
Where is Jeremiah 20:12 in the Bible?
Jeremiah 20:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Jeremiah, chapter 20, verse 12.
Who wrote Jeremiah?
Jeremiah is traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, with scribal help from Baruch. It was written c. 627–580 BC.
What is the book of Jeremiah about?
Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet," ministered through Judah's slow-motion collapse — pleading with kings and people to repent, suffering imprisonment for his message, and ultimately watching Jerusalem fall. Yet in the midst of judgment he promises a new covenant written on the heart.
What are the major themes of Jeremiah?
Jeremiah explores themes including Judgment, Repentance, New Covenant, Suffering Prophet, Hope. These themes shape the meaning and context of Jeremiah 20:12.
What translation should I read Jeremiah 20:12 in?
Jeremiah 20:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Jeremiah 20:12?
Jeremiah 20:12 reads (NET): “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, you test and prove the righteous. You see into people’s hearts and minds. Pay them back for what they have done because I trust you to vindicate my cause.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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