King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 36:14 Mean?

Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them.

Jeremiah 36:14 · KJV


Context

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.

14

Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them.

15

And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears.

16

Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi—The four-generation genealogy of this messenger (rare in Scripture) may indicate his importance or mixed heritage ("Cushi" suggests Ethiopian ancestry). Take in thine hand the roll (מְגִלָּה, megillah—scroll). Wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come—The princes want to examine the source document themselves, not rely on secondhand reports.

Baruch's compliance—took the roll in his hand, and came—shows he has nothing to hide. The physical scroll becomes the focal point, a tangible witness to God's word. The princes' investigative approach contrasts with Jehoiakim's coming contempt (v.23). At this stage, they're conducting due diligence, not yet committed to rebellion or obedience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient scrolls were valuable objects, made from prepared animal skins or papyrus. A complete prophetic scroll represented significant time and expense. The princes' request to see the actual document reflects standard administrative procedure for verifying reports. Jehudi's complex genealogy may indicate a family of court servants spanning multiple generations and ethnicities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when your faith or biblical convictions come under official scrutiny?
  2. What does Baruch's willingness to bring the scroll teach about transparency in Christian witness?
  3. In what ways should we welcome honest investigation of Scripture rather than fear it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 32 words
וַיִּשְׁלְח֨וּ1 of 32

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

כָל2 of 32
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַשָּׂרִ֜ים3 of 32

Therefore all the princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

אֶל4 of 32
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בָּר֨וּךְ5 of 32

So Baruch

H1263

baruk, the name of three israelites

אֶת6 of 32
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוּדִ֡י7 of 32

Jehudi

H3065

jehudi, an israelite

בֶּן8 of 32

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נְ֠תַנְיָהוּ9 of 32

of Nethaniah

H5418

nethanjah, the name of four israelites

בֶּן10 of 32

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שֶׁלֶמְיָ֣הוּ11 of 32

of Shelemiah

H8018

shelemjah, the name of nine israelites

בֶּן12 of 32

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

כּוּשִׁי֮13 of 32

of Cushi

H3570

cushi, the name of two israelites

לֵאמֹר֒14 of 32

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמְּגִלָּה֙15 of 32

the roll

H4039

a roll

אֲשֶׁ֨ר16 of 32
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

קָרָ֤אתָ17 of 32

wherein thou hast read

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בָּהּ֙18 of 32
H0
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י19 of 32

in the ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

הָעָ֔ם20 of 32

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַ֠יִּקַּח21 of 32

Take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בְּיָד֔וֹ22 of 32

in his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וָלֵ֑ךְ23 of 32
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַ֠יִּקַּח24 of 32

Take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בָּר֨וּךְ25 of 32

So Baruch

H1263

baruk, the name of three israelites

בֶּן26 of 32

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֵרִיָּ֤הוּ27 of 32

of Neriah

H5374

nerijah, an israelite

אֶת28 of 32
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמְּגִלָּה֙29 of 32

the roll

H4039

a roll

בְּיָד֔וֹ30 of 32

in his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיָּבֹ֖א31 of 32

and came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃32 of 32
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to


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 36:14 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 36:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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