King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 36:17 Mean?
“And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?”
Jeremiah 36:17 · KJV
Context
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.
19
Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye be.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?—The question probes the scroll's origin and authenticity. At his mouth (מִפִּיו, mipiv) emphasizes direct dictation. The princes need to verify this is genuinely Jeremiah's prophecy, not Baruch's invention or interpretation.
Their investigation is procedurally sound: authenticating the source before presenting it to the king. The question also reflects ancient understanding of prophetic inspiration—the prophet speaks what God reveals, the scribe records what the prophet speaks. This chain of transmission (God → Jeremiah → Baruch → scroll) establishes authority while acknowledging human instrumentality in Scripture's production.
Their investigation is procedurally sound: authenticating the source before presenting it to the king. The question also reflects ancient understanding of prophetic inspiration—the prophet speaks what God reveals, the scribe records what the prophet speaks. This chain of transmission (God → Jeremiah → Baruch → scroll) establishes authority while acknowledging human instrumentality in Scripture's production.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Scribal practices in ancient Israel involved careful dictation and copying. The question about composition addresses potential charges of forgery or unauthorized prophecy. False prophecy was a capital offense (Deuteronomy 18:20), so verification was crucial. The princes' care in investigating suggests they took prophetic claims seriously, unlike the cynical dismissal characteristic of later leadership.
Reflection Questions
- How important is the doctrine of biblical inspiration (God's word through human authors) to your confidence in Scripture?
- What does Baruch's role as faithful scribe teach about preserving and transmitting God's word accurately?
- How do you verify that what you're hearing or reading is authentic biblical truth rather than human invention?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsוְאֶ֨ת1 of 14
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שָׁאֲל֖וּ3 of 14
“And they asked”
H7592to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
הַגֶּד5 of 14
“Tell”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
נָ֣א6 of 14
H4994'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
לָ֔נוּ7 of 14
H0כָּתַ֛בְתָּ9 of 14
“us now How didst thou write”
H3789to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
אֶת10 of 14
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל11 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֥ים12 of 14
“all these words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
מִפִּֽיו׃14 of 14
“at his mouth”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
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 36:17 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 36:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge