King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 36:16 Mean?
“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.”
Jeremiah 36:16 · KJV
Context
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?
18
Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryNow it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid (פָּחַד, pachad—to fear, dread, be in awe). This is appropriate reverence before divine judgment. Both one and other (אִישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵהוּ, ish el-re'ehu)—literally "each man to his neighbor," suggesting they exchanged fearful looks, confirming each other's alarm. We will surely tell the king (נַגֵּד נַגִּיד, naged nagid—emphatic repetition meaning "we will certainly declare").
Their fear is genuine but incomplete. True fear of the LORD produces repentance (Proverbs 1:7); their fear produces only duty to inform the king. They recognize the gravity of the message without yielding to its demands. This is the tragedy of conviction without conversion—seeing truth clearly yet failing to submit to it.
Their fear is genuine but incomplete. True fear of the LORD produces repentance (Proverbs 1:7); their fear produces only duty to inform the king. They recognize the gravity of the message without yielding to its demands. This is the tragedy of conviction without conversion—seeing truth clearly yet failing to submit to it.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Royal officials had obligations to inform the king of significant developments, especially prophetic messages claiming divine authority. Their fear was both religious (awareness of divine judgment) and political (concern for national crisis). The year 604 BC was perilous—Babylon was conquering the region, and Jehoiakim's pro-Egyptian policy was increasingly dangerous.
Reflection Questions
- When was the last time Scripture filled you with holy fear—and did that fear lead to repentance or merely acknowledgment?
- What's the difference between being afraid of God's word and actually obeying it?
- How do you move from intellectual conviction about biblical truth to actual submission and life change?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 19 wordsוַיְהִ֗י1 of 19
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּשָׁמְעָם֙2 of 19
“Now it came to pass when they had heard”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת3 of 19
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל4 of 19
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים5 of 19
“all the words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
פָּחֲד֖וּ6 of 19
“they were afraid”
H6342to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general
אִ֣ישׁ7 of 19
“one”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
נַגִּיד֙13 of 19
“We will surely”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
נַגִּיד֙14 of 19
“We will surely”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֵ֥ת16 of 19
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל17 of 19
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים18 of 19
“all the words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
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 36:16 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 36:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge