Pashhur, Pashur
## Introduction Pashhur (Hebrew: פַּשְׁחוּר) is a name borne by multiple individuals in the Old Testament, primarily appearing during the late monarchy and post-exilic periods. The name's etymology is debated but may relate to meanings like "splitter" or "cleaver," possibly indicating a role or characteristic. The most prominent figure bearing this name is a priest who directly confronted the prophet Jeremiah, making the name synonymous with religious opposition to God's prophetic message.
## Pashhur, Son of Immer: The Persecutor of Jeremiah The most detailed biblical narrative concerns Pashhur son of Immer, a priest who served as "chief officer in the house of the Lord" (Jeremiah 20:1). Around 605–604 BC, after Jeremiah prophesied Jerusalem's coming destruction at the Temple gate (Jeremiah 7, 19), Pashhur had the prophet beaten and placed in stocks near the Benjamin Gate for a night (Jeremiah 20:2). Upon his release, Jeremiah delivered a stark oracle against Pashhur. He declared that God would change Pashhur's name to "Terror on Every Side" (Magor-missabib), prophesying that Pashhur, his friends, and all Judah would be taken captive to Babylon where Pashhur would die and be buried (Jeremiah 20:3-6). This confrontation highlights the intense conflict between Judah's religious establishment and Jeremiah's unpopular message of judgment.
## Other Pashhurs in the Book of Jeremiah Two other men named Pashhur appear in Jeremiah. Pashhur son of Malkijah was a royal official sent by King Zedekiah to inquire of Jeremiah during Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 21:1, 38:1). He was later among the officials who heard Jeremiah's counsel to surrender and, believing the prophet was demoralizing the troops, had him thrown into a cistern (Jeremiah 38:1-6). Another Pashhur is listed among those who heard Jeremiah's words in the court of the guard (Jeremiah 38:1). These figures represent the political leadership of Judah who rejected divine warning.
## Post-Exilic Pashhurs: Priestly Families After the Babylonian exile, the name Pashhur reappears in connection with priestly families. A priestly clan called "the descendants of Pashhur" returned from exile with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:38; Nehemiah 7:41). Some men from this family were found to have married foreign women, contrary to the post-exilic reforms (Ezra 10:22). A Pashhur also appears among the priests who sealed the covenant of renewal under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:3). These references indicate that Pashhur became the name of an established priestly line that continued into the Second Temple period.
## Significance and Legacy The various Pashhurs represent different facets of Judah's leadership. The priest Pashhur son of Immer symbolizes religious authority that, while zealous for the Temple's sanctity, opposed God's true prophet. His story illustrates the danger of institutional religion silencing uncomfortable truth. The political Pashhurs around King Zedekiah embody the failed diplomacy and resistance that led to national catastrophe. Finally, the post-exilic Pashhurs show the continuity and challenges of the priesthood in restoring the community. Collectively, they serve as case studies in leadership, obedience, and the consequences of rejecting God's word.
Biblical Context
The name Pashhur appears primarily in the prophetic and historical books of the Old Testament. The key narratives are found in Jeremiah 20, 21, and 38, where Pashhur son of Immer persecutes Jeremiah, and Pashhur son of Malkijah participates in political decisions during the Babylonian siege. The name also appears in post-exilic lists in Ezra 2:38, Ezra 10:22, Nehemiah 7:41, Nehemiah 10:3, and Nehemiah 11:12, and in a genealogical list in 1 Chronicles 9:12. These individuals play roles as priests, temple officials, royal delegates, and heads of returning families.
Theological Significance
The story of Pashhur son of Immer teaches profound lessons about true and false religion. It shows that holding a position of religious authority does not guarantee alignment with God's will. Pashhur's attempt to silence Jeremiah demonstrates how religious institutions can become opposed to God's prophetic word when challenged. Jeremiah's name-change oracle (from Pashhur to "Terror on Every Side") underscores God's sovereignty to judge and redefine human destinies. The narrative warns against persecuting God's messengers and highlights that divine judgment falls even on religious leaders who oppose His purposes.
Historical Background
Pashhur son of Immer lived during the final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th–early 6th century BC), a period of political upheaval as Babylon ascended. The title "chief officer in the house of the Lord" suggests he was a high-ranking temple official, possibly responsible for maintaining order. Archaeological evidence from this period, including the Lachish letters, confirms the Babylonian threat and internal divisions within Judah. The post-exilic Pashhurs belong to the Persian period (5th century BC), when returning exiles reestablished priestly lines. Names similar to Pashhur appear in extra-biblical sources like the Elephantine papyri, confirming it as a known personal name.