King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 36:15 Mean?
“And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears.”
Jeremiah 36:15 · KJV
Context
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.
17
And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears—The courteous invitation (שֵׁב־נָא, shev-na, "sit down, please") and request for oral reading suggests initial respect. So Baruch read it in their ears—For the third time, the scroll is read aloud, each reading expanding the circle of accountability: first the people (v.10), then Michaiah's private hearing (v.11-13), now the governmental leadership.
This pattern of progressive reading demonstrates how God's word should penetrate every level of society—from common people to political elite. Each audience must hear and respond. The repetition also builds narrative tension: with each reading, the stakes increase. Oral reading in Hebrew culture was the primary means of engaging texts; literacy was limited, making public reading essential.
This pattern of progressive reading demonstrates how God's word should penetrate every level of society—from common people to political elite. Each audience must hear and respond. The repetition also builds narrative tension: with each reading, the stakes increase. Oral reading in Hebrew culture was the primary means of engaging texts; literacy was limited, making public reading essential.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient texts were designed for oral performance. Reading aloud allowed verification of content and created communal engagement with the message. The princes' request for Baruch to sit suggests a formal audience, treating him with dignity despite his association with the controversial prophet. Court protocol typically required standing before royalty, so "sit" indicates a working session rather than judgment.
Reflection Questions
- How does public reading and hearing of Scripture in your church compare to the practice demonstrated here?
- What happens in your heart when you sit under the reading of God's word—do you listen with the attentiveness these princes initially showed?
- How can Christian communities recover the practice of careful, repeated engagement with biblical texts?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsשֵׁ֣ב3 of 9
“unto him Sit down”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
נָ֔א4 of 9
H4994'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
וַיִּקְרָ֥א5 of 9
“now and read”
H7121to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַיִּקְרָ֥א7 of 9
“now and read”
H7121to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
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 36:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.