King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 36:11 Mean?
“When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,”
Jeremiah 36:11 · KJV
Context
9
And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem.
10
Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house, in the ears of all the people. entry: or, door
11
When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,
12
Then he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and, lo, all the princes sat there, even Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes.
13
Then Michaiah declared unto them all the words that he had heard, when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhen Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan—The genealogy is significant: Shaphan was Josiah's secretary who discovered the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8). This family had spiritual DNA of responding rightly to Scripture. Had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD (שָׁמַע מֵעַל הַסֵּפֶר אֶת־כָּל־דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה, shama me'al hasepher et-kol-divrei YHWH)—The verb שָׁמַע (shama) appears repeatedly in Jeremiah 36, creating a motif: will they hear unto obedience?
Michaiah represents the faithful remnant who hears and acts. Unlike the majority who heard without heeding, he immediately takes action. The phrase "all the words" emphasizes he grasped the complete message, not selective listening. This verse sets up the contrast between faithful hearing (Shaphan's family) and rebellious hearing (Jehoiakim).
Michaiah represents the faithful remnant who hears and acts. Unlike the majority who heard without heeding, he immediately takes action. The phrase "all the words" emphasizes he grasped the complete message, not selective listening. This verse sets up the contrast between faithful hearing (Shaphan's family) and rebellious hearing (Jehoiakim).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Michaiah belonged to the third generation of Shaphan's family serving in government. His grandfather Shaphan had been instrumental in Josiah's reforms (640-609 BC). This family represented the best of Judah's scribal-prophetic tradition, bridging official circles and authentic faith. Their consistent support of Jeremiah across decades shows covenant faithfulness.
Reflection Questions
- How does your family's spiritual heritage influence your response to Scripture, and how are you shaping the next generation?
- What does Michaiah's immediate action after hearing God's word teach about authentic biblical response?
- In what ways do you practice selective hearing of Scripture rather than receiving "all the words of the LORD"?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsוַ֠יִּשְׁמַ֗ע1 of 12
“had heard”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בֶן3 of 12
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶן5 of 12
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶת7 of 12
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל8 of 12
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּבְרֵ֥י9 of 12
“all the words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֖ה10 of 12
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵעַ֥ל11 of 12
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַסֵּֽפֶר׃12 of 12
“out of the book”
H5612properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Jeremiah 36:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Jeremiah 36:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge