King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 36:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 36:6 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 36:6 · KJV

Context

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.

7

It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great is the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people. they: Heb. their supplication shall fail

8

And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading in the book the words of the LORD in the LORD'S house.

Read Jeremiah 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Jeremiah commissions Baruch for public ministry despite his own restriction. The phrase in the ears of the people emphasizes oral proclamation—Scripture was primarily heard, not read silently. Upon the fasting day (yom tsom, יוֹם צוֹם) indicates a specially called assembly for national repentance, ensuring maximum attendance. The fast likely related to Babylon's threat after Carchemish (605 BC).

And also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities. The audience expanded beyond Jerusalem residents to include pilgrims from throughout Judah. This created opportunity for God's warning to reach the nation comprehensively. The repetition of read... read emphasizes the imperative—this was urgent proclamation, not optional sharing. The scroll contained 21 years of prophecies calling for repentance; the fast day provided the perfect opportunity for the nation to hear and respond.

This public reading demonstrates the communal nature of God's word—it addresses not just individuals but the covenant community. The fast day context shows Scripture should inform corporate response to crisis, calling God's people to repentance rather than merely religious performance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Public reading of Scripture was essential in ancient societies where literacy was limited. The Mosaic law commanded public reading of Torah every seven years (Deuteronomy 31:10-13), and Ezra later revived this practice (Nehemiah 8). Fast days were called during drought, military threat, or other crises, gathering people for prayer and seeking God's favor. This particular fast (605/604 BC) occurred as Babylon's conquest of Judah seemed imminent after defeating Egypt. The temple courts could accommodate thousands; Baruch's location in the 'chamber of Gemariah' (v. 10) provided visibility and audibility for public reading. Despite hearing God's warning, King Jehoiakim responded with contempt, burning the scroll (v. 23)—demonstrating that access to God's word doesn't guarantee obedient response. The people's opportunity to repent was real but squandered.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why was public, communal reading of God's word important in ancient Israel, and what application exists for corporate Scripture engagement today?
  2. How does the timing on a fast day demonstrate wisdom in seeking moments when people are most receptive to God's truth?
  3. What responsibility do God's people have when granted opportunity to hear His word clearly proclaimed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
הַבָּאִ֥ים1 of 23

“Therefore go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אַתָּ֡ה2 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּקְרָאֵֽם׃3 of 23

“and also thou shalt read”

H7121

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

בַמְּגִלָּ֣ה4 of 23

“in the roll”

H4039

a roll

אֲשֶׁר5 of 23
H834

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

כָּתַֽבְתָּ6 of 23

“which thou hast written”

H3789

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

מִפִּי֩7 of 23

“from my mouth”

H6310

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

אֶת8 of 23
H853

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

דִּבְרֵ֨י9 of 23

“the words”

H1697

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

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 23

“in the LORD'S”

H3068

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

בְּאָזְנֵ֧י11 of 23

“in the ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

הָעָ֛ם12 of 23

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בֵּ֥ית13 of 23

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 23

“in the LORD'S”

H3068

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

בְּי֣וֹם15 of 23

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

צ֑וֹם16 of 23

“upon the fasting”

H6685

a fast

וְגַ֨ם17 of 23
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בְּאָזְנֵ֧י18 of 23

“in the ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

כָל19 of 23
H3605

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

יְהוּדָ֛ה20 of 23

“of all Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הַבָּאִ֥ים21 of 23

“Therefore go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מֵעָרֵיהֶ֖ם22 of 23

“of their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

תִּקְרָאֵֽם׃23 of 23

“and also thou shalt read”

H7121

to 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 36:6 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 36:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 36:8-9Jeremiah 7:2Jeremiah 26:2Leviticus 16:29-31Jeremiah 22:2Ezekiel 2:3-7

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