Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 20:8

8 For since I spake, I cried out , I cried violence, and spoil , because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision daily .

If the particle be translated since, as we translate it, the meaning is, since I first began to be a Prophet, I have faithfully discharged my Prophetical Office, and that with some warmth and zeal.

Some understand it of the violence which he himself experienced; others understand it of those Acts of injustice and violence which were found amongst the People, he cried out against them. Others understand it as a denunciation of judgment. He prophesied that violence and spoil was coming upon them.

Because of that scorn and derision with which they treated him. But others think that it were better translated surely than because, as it is in many texts, Isa. 60.9. & 63.16. &c. It is not much material which way we translate it, for it appeareth from 2 Chron. 36.16. That this peoples mocking of Gods messengers, despising his words, and misusing his Prophets, was one great cause of the wrath of God coming upon them: and it is certain that Ieremy was made such a scorn and derision to them.