King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 36:4 Mean?

Jeremiah 36:4 in the King James Version says “Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, wh...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book.”

Jeremiah 36:4 · KJV

Context

2

Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.

3

It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

4

Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book.

5

And Jeremiah commanded Baruch, saying, I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of the LORD:

6

Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD'S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.

Read Jeremiah 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD. This verse introduces Baruch ben Neriah, Jeremiah's faithful scribe and companion. The name Baruch (בָּרוּךְ) means 'blessed,' while Neriah (נֵרִיָּה) means 'lamp of Yahweh.' Baruch was from a distinguished family—his brother Seraiah served as quartermaster to King Zedekiah (Jeremiah 51:59). Wrote from the mouth translates mippi (מִפִּי, from my mouth), indicating direct dictation. This wasn't Baruch's composition but verbatim transcription of God's words through Jeremiah.

Upon a roll of a book describes a scroll (megillah, מְגִלָּה) made of leather or papyrus. This scroll contained Jeremiah's prophecies from Josiah's 13th year (626 BC) through Jehoiakim's 4th year (605 BC)—approximately 21 years of prophetic ministry (Jeremiah 36:2). The act of writing preserved God's word beyond oral proclamation, creating a permanent witness that could be read repeatedly to multiple audiences. This demonstrates the importance of written Scripture as authoritative, enduring testimony to God's revelation (Deuteronomy 31:24-26, 2 Timothy 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This event occurred in Jehoiakim's 4th year (605 BC), the same year Nebuchadnezzar defeated Egypt at Carchemish and began asserting Babylonian dominance. Jeremiah had prophesied Babylon would conquer Judah, making him deeply unpopular. Baruch came from Jerusalem's scribal elite—educated, literate, and trained in Hebrew composition. His role as scribe was crucial for preserving Jeremiah's oracles. After King Jehoiakim burned this scroll (Jeremiah 36:23), God commanded its rewriting with additional material (36:32). Baruch faithfully accompanied Jeremiah through persecution, imprisonment, and forced exile to Egypt. Extrabiblical texts ('Baruch's Apocalypse') testify to his lasting significance in Jewish tradition. The preservation of Jeremiah's prophecies through Baruch's faithful scribal work demonstrates God's sovereignty in preserving His written word.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Baruch's faithful service as scribe teach about the importance of supporting roles in God's kingdom work?
  2. How does the careful preservation of God's words in written form validate the authority and reliability of Scripture?
  3. In what ways does Jeremiah's use of a scribe demonstrate wisdom in multiplying ministry impact beyond personal limitations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּקְרָ֣א1 of 20

“called”

H7121

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

יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ2 of 20

“Then Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

בָּר֜וּךְ4 of 20

“Baruch”

H1263

baruk, the name of three israelites

בֶּן5 of 20

“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

נֵֽרִיָּ֑ה6 of 20

“of Neriah”

H5374

nerijah, an israelite

וַיִּכְתֹּ֨ב7 of 20

“wrote”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בָּר֜וּךְ8 of 20

“Baruch”

H1263

baruk, the name of three israelites

מִפִּ֣י9 of 20

“from the mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ10 of 20

“Then Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

אֵ֣ת11 of 20
H853

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

כָּל12 of 20
H3605

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

דִּבְרֵ֧י13 of 20

“all the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֛ה14 of 20

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁר15 of 20
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֥ר16 of 20

“which he had spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָ֖יו17 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַל18 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מְגִלַּת19 of 20

“unto him upon a roll”

H4039

a roll

סֵֽפֶר׃20 of 20

“of a book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

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 36:4 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 36:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 32:12Jeremiah 36:32Ezekiel 2:9Jeremiah 43:3Zechariah 5:1Jeremiah 36:21

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