Jeremiah 36:11

KJV

When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,

KJV (with Strong's)

When Michaiah {H4321} the son {H1121} of Gemariah {H1587}, the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227}, had heard {H8085} out of the book {H5612} all the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068},

Complete Jewish Bible

When Mikhay'hu the son of G'maryahu, the son of Shafan, had heard from the scroll all the words of ADONAI,

Berean Standard Bible

When Micaiah son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, heard all the words of the LORD from the scroll,

American Standard Version

And when Micaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of Jehovah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:11 introduces Michaiah, a pivotal figure whose immediate and discerning response to the public reading of Jeremiah's prophetic scroll stands in stark contrast to the subsequent defiance of King Jehoiakim. This verse marks a critical turning point in the narrative, highlighting the profound impact of hearing God's authoritative word and setting in motion a chain of events that would reveal the spiritual state of Judah's leadership and people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 36 details the dramatic events surrounding the writing and public reading of Jeremiah's prophecies during the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign. Having been commanded by the Lord to record all the messages He had given him against Israel, Judah, and all nations, Jeremiah dictated these "words of the LORD" to his scribe, Baruch son of Neriah. The immediate preceding verses explain that Baruch was then instructed to read this scroll in the temple courts on a fast day, a public assembly where many people would be present. Michaiah's hearing of the scroll's contents in verse 11 is the direct result of Baruch's obedience to this divine command, initiating the crucial sequence of events that leads to the scroll being brought before the princes and eventually the king. This verse serves as a narrative hinge, moving the story from the preparation and public delivery of the word to its reception and the subsequent reactions of those in power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 36 unfold during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. Jehoiakim was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Neco II after the death of his father, King Josiah, and he largely reversed Josiah's reforms, leading Judah back into idolatry and injustice. The public reading of prophetic scrolls was a recognized method of disseminating divine messages in ancient Israel, often occurring in significant public spaces like the temple courts where large gatherings could hear. The lineage of Michaiah, "the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan," is particularly significant. His grandfather, Shaphan, was a respected royal scribe who played a crucial role in the discovery and reading of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's revival ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Shaphan Discovers the Book of the Law")). His father, Gemariah, was one of the princes who later interceded with King Jehoiakim on behalf of Baruch and Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 36:25](/jeremiah/36-25 "Jeremiah 36:25 - Gemariah's Plea to the King")). This family's history suggests a tradition of engagement with and respect for God's word, setting Michaiah apart from the general spiritual apathy of the time and highlighting his receptive posture.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:11 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah. The primary theme is **Divine Revelation and Authority**, as the phrase "all the words of the LORD" underscores that the message on the scroll was not merely human wisdom but a direct, authoritative utterance from God Himself. This divine origin gave the message its immense power and significance, demanding attention and a response from all who heard it. Another crucial theme is the **Reception and Rejection of God's Word**. Michaiah's attentive hearing and subsequent action stand in stark contrast to King Jehoiakim's later contemptuous burning of the scroll ([Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")). This juxtaposition highlights the varied human responses to divine truth, from humble reception to defiant rejection. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Intergenerational Legacy of Faith and Discipleship**. Michaiah's family lineage, particularly his grandfather Shaphan's role in Josiah's reforms, suggests a positive spiritual heritage, demonstrating that even in times of widespread apostasy, there were individuals and families who maintained a reverence for God's law and prophets. This verse sets the stage for the unfolding drama of God's word encountering human hearts and the consequences of their choices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** (H8085) This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying not just auditory perception but also attention, comprehension, and even obedience. In this context, Michaiah's "hearing" is not passive; it signifies an active reception of the message, leading to understanding and a subsequent, responsible action. It contrasts sharply with those who hear but do not heed.
* **book (Hebrew, _çêpher'_):** (H5612) Properly, "writing" or "a document," and by implication, "a book" or "scroll." Here, it refers to the tangible, written collection of Jeremiah's prophecies dictated to Baruch. The word emphasizes the concrete, preserved form of divine revelation, which could be read publicly and repeatedly, underscoring its authoritative and enduring nature.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This multifaceted Hebrew term means "a word," but by implication, it can also refer to "a matter," "thing," "affair," "message," or "decree." In the phrase "all the words of the LORD," _dâbâr_ signifies the comprehensive and authoritative divine message, encompassing prophecies, warnings, commands, and promises. It conveys the full weight and import of God's communication, not just individual utterances but the entire corpus of His revealed will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan,":** This clause meticulously identifies Michaiah by his paternal and grandparental lineage. This detailed genealogy is not merely for identification but serves to connect Michaiah to a family known for its involvement with the royal court and, more importantly, for its past association with the discovery and reading of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign. This background sets an expectation of spiritual discernment and a potential receptiveness to God's word, distinguishing Michaiah from others in the corrupt court.
* **"had heard out of the book":** This phrase describes the pivotal action. Michaiah's hearing is presented as a completed action ("had heard"), indicating a full and attentive reception of the message. The phrase "out of the book" confirms that the message was not merely spoken but was read from a written scroll, emphasizing its authoritative and formal nature as a divine document. This public reading in the temple court ensured that the message was accessible to all who gathered.
* **"all the words of the LORD,":** This final clause specifies the content and source of what Michaiah heard. "All the words" stresses the comprehensive nature of the message, indicating that no part of God's revelation was omitted. Crucially, these are identified as "the words of the LORD" (Yahweh), affirming their divine origin and absolute authority. This declaration elevates the message from human opinion to divine decree, demanding a response from all who hear it, whether in obedience or defiance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Genealogy** and **Contrast**. The detailed genealogical listing of Michaiah ("the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan") serves to establish his identity and, more significantly, to link him to a family with a known history of engagement with God's law and the royal court. This lineage subtly foreshadows his positive response, setting him apart from the general apostasy. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast**, preparing the reader for the stark difference between Michaiah's immediate and responsible reaction to God's word (reporting it to the princes) and King Jehoiakim's later defiant rejection and destruction of the scroll. This literary setup highlights the theme of how individuals respond to divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:11 serves as a powerful illustration of the living and active nature of God's word and the varying responses it elicits. Michaiah's attentive hearing and immediate action underscore the biblical emphasis on the importance of not just passively receiving but actively engaging with divine revelation. The "words of the LORD" are presented as a potent force, capable of piercing hearts and demanding a decision, whether for repentance or rebellion. This verse highlights the responsibility that comes with exposure to God's truth, demonstrating that genuine hearing leads to a response, particularly when the message carries such grave implications for the nation. It sets a precedent for discerning hearts even in a corrupt environment, showing that God always preserves a remnant sensitive to His voice.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Michaiah's response to hearing "all the words of the LORD" in Jeremiah 36:11 provides a timeless model for believers today. In an age saturated with information, the challenge is not merely to hear but to hear with discernment and a readiness to act. Michaiah, from a family with a legacy of respecting God's law, immediately recognized the gravity and authority of the message. His swift action to report what he heard to the princes demonstrates a profound sense of responsibility and a desire for the divine warning to be heeded by those in power. This calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and attentiveness when engaging with Scripture, recognizing that it is the very voice of God speaking to us. Our hearing should lead to understanding, conviction, and a willingness to respond in obedience, even when the message is challenging or unpopular.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How attentively do I listen when God's word is proclaimed or when I read it personally?**
* **What is my immediate response when I encounter a challenging or convicting truth from Scripture?**
* **In what ways can I emulate Michaiah's responsible engagement with God's word in my own life and community?**
* **Do I recognize the "words of the LORD" as authoritative and demanding a response, or do I treat them as mere suggestions?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Michaiah's family background?**

Answer: Michaiah's family background was highly significant because it connected him to a legacy of respect for God's word and involvement in the royal court. His grandfather, Shaphan, was the royal scribe who played a crucial role in the discovery and reading of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Shaphan and the Book of the Law")). His father, Gemariah, was also a prince and scribe whose chamber in the temple was where Baruch read the scroll. This lineage suggests a family tradition of spiritual awareness and a willingness to engage with divine truth, setting Michaiah apart from the prevalent apostasy and explaining his immediate, discerning response to Jeremiah's message.

**Why was it important that Michaiah "heard out of the book" and not just heard a spoken message?**

Answer: The phrase "heard out of the book" emphasizes that the message was read from a written scroll, which carried significant authority and permanence in ancient Near Eastern culture. A written document was considered a formal and authoritative declaration, unlike a casual spoken word. This underscores that the message was not merely a spontaneous utterance but a carefully recorded, divinely inspired revelation, intended for public dissemination and serious consideration. It also ensured accuracy and allowed for repeated readings, as seen later when the scroll is read to the princes and the king ([Jeremiah 36:15](/jeremiah/36-15 "Jeremiah 36:15 - The Princes Hear the Scroll")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:11, with Michaiah's attentive hearing of "all the words of the LORD," foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's word in the person of Jesus Christ. While Michaiah heard the written and spoken prophecies of judgment and salvation, the New Testament declares that God, "in these last days has spoken to us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Jesus Himself is the living Word, the full and final embodiment of God's truth and revelation ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as Michaiah responded with discernment and action to the prophetic scroll, believers are called to hear and obey the words of Jesus, who proclaimed the kingdom of God and offered eternal life. The rejection of Jeremiah's words by Jehoiakim finds its ultimate parallel in the world's rejection of Christ, who came to His own but His own did not receive Him ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Michaiah's example thus serves as a type for those who truly hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow Him ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")), recognizing in Christ the authoritative and saving "words of the LORD" that lead to life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 22:12

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

2 Kings 22:14

So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

2 Kings 25:22

¶ And [as for] the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.

2 Chronicles 34:20

And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,

Jeremiah 36:10

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.