King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 36:25 Mean?
“Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.”
Jeremiah 36:25 · KJV
Context
23
And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife , and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.
24
Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.
25
Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.
26
But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them. of Hammelech: or, of the king
27
Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the roll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryNevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll. This verse reveals a crucial moment of moral courage within King Jehoiakim's court. Three officials—Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah—interceded (paga, פָּגַע) with the king, pleading that he not destroy God's written word. The Hebrew verb suggests urgent, fervent entreaty, even confrontation.
Gemariah was the son of Shaphan the scribe, from a family known for supporting godly reform under King Josiah (2 Kings 22:8-13). This detail indicates that remnants of faithful leadership remained even in this apostate period. Their intercession demonstrates that even in corrupt systems, individuals can stand for truth and righteousness, though they may not prevail.
The phrase "but he would not hear them" (lo shama, לֹא שָׁמַע) uses the Hebrew verb for hearing that implies obedience and response, not just auditory reception. Jehoiakim's refusal reveals hardened rebellion against both human counsel and divine revelation. This scene foreshadows the king's fate and Judah's destruction—rejecting God's word leads to judgment. The officials' failed intercession parallels Christ's rejection by religious and political leaders who refused to hear His message (John 1:11, Acts 4:18-20).
Gemariah was the son of Shaphan the scribe, from a family known for supporting godly reform under King Josiah (2 Kings 22:8-13). This detail indicates that remnants of faithful leadership remained even in this apostate period. Their intercession demonstrates that even in corrupt systems, individuals can stand for truth and righteousness, though they may not prevail.
The phrase "but he would not hear them" (lo shama, לֹא שָׁמַע) uses the Hebrew verb for hearing that implies obedience and response, not just auditory reception. Jehoiakim's refusal reveals hardened rebellion against both human counsel and divine revelation. This scene foreshadows the king's fate and Judah's destruction—rejecting God's word leads to judgment. The officials' failed intercession parallels Christ's rejection by religious and political leaders who refused to hear His message (John 1:11, Acts 4:18-20).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This event occurred in 605/604 BCE during the fourth year of Jehoiakim's reign, shortly after Nebuchadnezzar's first invasion of Judah. Jeremiah had dictated God's prophecies to his scribe Baruch, who then read them publicly in the temple. When the scroll reached the king's winter house, Jehoiakim methodically cut and burned it section by section as it was read—an act of supreme contempt for God's word.
King Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE) was installed by Egypt and proved to be one of Judah's most wicked kings. Unlike his father Josiah who honored God's word (2 Kings 22-23), Jehoiakim practiced oppression, injustice, and idolatry (Jeremiah 22:13-19). His burning of the scroll represented official royal rejection of prophetic authority and divine warning.
The three officials who interceded came from influential families. Their opposition shows that even in Jehoiakim's corrupt administration, some retained respect for prophecy and feared the consequences of defying God. Their failed intercession illustrates the tragic reality that individual righteousness cannot avert national judgment when leadership persists in rebellion. Within decades, Jehoiakim's actions would contribute to Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian exile.
King Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE) was installed by Egypt and proved to be one of Judah's most wicked kings. Unlike his father Josiah who honored God's word (2 Kings 22-23), Jehoiakim practiced oppression, injustice, and idolatry (Jeremiah 22:13-19). His burning of the scroll represented official royal rejection of prophetic authority and divine warning.
The three officials who interceded came from influential families. Their opposition shows that even in Jehoiakim's corrupt administration, some retained respect for prophecy and feared the consequences of defying God. Their failed intercession illustrates the tragic reality that individual righteousness cannot avert national judgment when leadership persists in rebellion. Within decades, Jehoiakim's actions would contribute to Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian exile.
Reflection Questions
- What does the failed intercession of these officials teach us about standing for truth in corrupt systems?
- How does Jehoiakim's response to God's word illustrate the danger of hardened hearts toward Scripture?
- In what ways might we subtly "burn" God's word today by ignoring or rejecting what it says?
- What responsibility do those with influence have to speak truth to power, even when it may be rejected?
- How does this passage inform our understanding of God's patience and the limits of His forbearance with willful rebellion?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוְגַם֩1 of 13
H1571properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
הִפְגִּ֣עוּ5 of 13
“had made intercession”
H6293to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
לְבִלְתִּ֥י7 of 13
H1115properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
אֶת9 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלֹ֥א11 of 13
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֖ע12 of 13
“but he would not hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
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 36:25 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 36:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge