King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 36:8 Mean?
“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.”
Jeremiah 36:8 · KJV
Context
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.
9
And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem.
10
Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house, in the ears of all the people. entry: or, door
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him—The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (shama, to hear/obey) underlies Baruch's faithful obedience. As Jeremiah's scribe and loyal disciple, Baruch becomes the physical voice of the imprisoned prophet. Reading in the book the words of the LORD in the LORD'S house (קָרָא בַּסֵּפֶר, qara basepher)—The public reading of Scripture in the temple precinct establishes a pattern seen throughout redemptive history: God's word must be proclaimed, not merely possessed.
Baruch's role prefigures the work of all faithful ministers who proclaim God's word exactly as given. The phrase "words of the LORD" (דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה) emphasizes divine authorship—these are not Jeremiah's opinions but Yahweh's covenant lawsuit against Judah. The temple setting intensifies the confrontation: God's indictment is read in His own house.
Baruch's role prefigures the work of all faithful ministers who proclaim God's word exactly as given. The phrase "words of the LORD" (דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה) emphasizes divine authorship—these are not Jeremiah's opinions but Yahweh's covenant lawsuit against Judah. The temple setting intensifies the confrontation: God's indictment is read in His own house.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This occurred in 604 BC during Jeremiah's confinement. Baruch served as Jeremiah's amanuensis (professional scribe), a common practice in the ancient Near East. The temple courtyards were public spaces where prophetic oracles were traditionally delivered. Baruch's family belonged to Jerusalem's scribal elite, giving him access to official circles.
Reflection Questions
- How does Baruch's faithful obedience challenge you to proclaim God's word accurately, even when it's unpopular?
- What does it mean for you to speak "the words of the LORD" rather than your own opinions in ministry?
- How can you cultivate the kind of loyalty Baruch showed to Jeremiah in your relationships with spiritual leaders?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsבֶּן3 of 15
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כְּכֹ֥ל5 of 15
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר6 of 15
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִרְמְיָ֣הוּ8 of 15
“according to all that Jeremiah”
H3414jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
לִקְרֹ֥א10 of 15
“him reading”
H7121to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בַסֵּ֛פֶר11 of 15
“in the book”
H5612properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
דִּבְרֵ֥י12 of 15
“the words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָֹֽה׃13 of 15
“in the LORD'S”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בֵּ֥ית14 of 15
“house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָֹֽה׃15 of 15
“in the LORD'S”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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 36:8 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 36:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge