Jeremiah 36:17

KJV

And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?

KJV (with Strong's)

And they asked {H7592} Baruch {H1263}, saying {H559}, Tell {H5046} us now, How didst thou write {H3789} all these words {H1697} at his mouth {H6310}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they asked Barukh, "Tell us now, how did you write all these words? At his dictation?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Tell us now,” they asked Baruch, “how did you write all these words? Was it at Jeremiah’s dictation?”

American Standard Version

And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:17 captures a pivotal moment in the transmission of divine revelation, where the princes of Judah, having heard the scroll's contents, directly question Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe. Their inquiry, "Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?", reflects a profound curiosity and concern regarding the origin and authenticity of the powerful prophetic message, emphasizing the direct, dictated nature of the words delivered through Jeremiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a critical narrative in [Jeremiah chapter 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - The Scroll of Jeremiah Read in the Temple"). Following God's command to Jeremiah to record all the prophecies spoken against Israel, Judah, and the nations since Josiah's reign ([Jeremiah 36:2](/jeremiah/36-2 "Jeremiah 36:2 - God's Command to Write Prophecies")), Jeremiah, being restricted, enlisted Baruch as his scribe ([Jeremiah 36:4](/jeremiah/36-4 "Jeremiah 36:4 - Baruch Writes Jeremiah's Prophecies")). Baruch subsequently read the scroll publicly in the temple during a fast ([Jeremiah 36:8-10](/jeremiah/36-8 "Jeremiah 36:8-10 - Baruch Reads the Scroll in the Temple")), and then to the assembled princes in the scribe's chamber ([Jeremiah 36:14-15](/jeremiah/36-14 "Jeremiah 36:14-15 - The Princes Hear the Scroll")). The princes' reaction to the scroll's terrifying message—fear and a desire for verification—leads directly to their question in verse 17, demonstrating their initial awe and the profound impact of the prophetic word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Jeremiah chapter 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - The Scroll of Jeremiah Read in the Temple") unfold during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim (c. 605-604 BC), a period marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. Judah was caught between the declining Assyrian empire, the rising power of Babylon, and the influence of Egypt. Jehoiakim, unlike his father Josiah, was a wicked king who openly defied God's commands and persecuted His prophets. In this cultural milieu, scribes like Baruch played a crucial role in documenting legal, administrative, and religious texts. The public reading of scrolls was a recognized method of disseminating important information, especially prophetic pronouncements, which often carried significant political and theological weight, demanding a response from both leaders and the populace.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:17 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Inspiration**, highlighting that God's word is not a human invention but originates directly from Him, conveyed through His chosen prophet. The meticulous process of dictation and transcription emphasizes the **Authority and Reliability of God's Word**, reinforcing that these are not mere human opinions but divine decrees. Furthermore, the princes' inquiry points to the theme of **Authenticity and Verification**, as they seek to confirm the true source of the message before presenting it to the king. This narrative also implicitly showcases the **Role of the Prophet and Scribe** as faithful conduits of God's message, even in the face of widespread rejection, a theme echoed in [Jeremiah 1:7-9](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7-9 - God Calls Jeremiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** This primitive root means "to inquire," "to request," or "to demand." In this context, it signifies a formal and serious inquiry from the princes, not a casual question. Their asking implies a desire for clarification and verification, indicating the weight they attributed to the words they had just heard. It suggests a process of cross-examination or seeking testimony.
* **write (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to grave," "to inscribe," "to describe," or "to prescribe." Here, it refers specifically to the act of recording text, emphasizing the physical process of putting words onto a scroll. The princes' question about *how* Baruch wrote points to their interest in the method of transcription, particularly given the profound nature of the message.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root דָבַר, meaning "to speak," this noun refers to a "word," "matter," "thing," or "affair." In a prophetic context, it often denotes a divine utterance or message. The use of "all these words" highlights the comprehensive nature of the prophecy and its divine origin, signifying not just individual words but the entire body of revelation that had been dictated.
* **mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** This noun literally refers to the physical mouth, but often figuratively denotes "speech," "utterance," "command," or "source of speaking." The phrase "at his mouth" (מִפִּיו, _mippîw_) is a crucial idiom, signifying direct dictation or speaking from the source. It underscores that the words originated directly from Jeremiah's spoken word, not from Baruch's own composition or interpretation, thereby emphasizing the immediate and unmediated nature of the prophetic transmission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they asked Baruch, saying":** This introduces the direct interaction between the Judean princes and Baruch, the scribe. The princes, having been deeply affected by the scroll's contents, initiate a formal inquiry, indicating their serious concern and desire for understanding.
* **"Tell us now":** This imperative phrase conveys urgency and a demand for immediate disclosure. It highlights the princes' pressing need for an explanation regarding the scroll's creation, reflecting their initial fear and awe at the message.
* **"How didst thou write all these words":** This is the core of their inquiry, focusing on the *method* of transcription. They are not questioning *if* Baruch wrote them, but *how* he managed to record such a comprehensive and impactful message, implying a recognition of the extraordinary nature of the task and the words themselves.
* **"at his mouth?":** This crucial phrase specifies the source and manner of dictation. It confirms that the words were not Baruch's own composition or even Jeremiah's independent writing, but were directly spoken by Jeremiah and recorded verbatim by Baruch. This emphasizes the direct, dictated nature of the divine revelation, underscoring its authority and authenticity as God's message delivered through His prophet.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Discourse**, presenting the exact words of the princes' inquiry to Baruch. This technique immediately draws the reader into the scene, enhancing the dramatic tension and highlighting the urgency and directness of their question. The phrase "at his mouth" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "mouth" stands for the act of speaking or dictation, emphasizing the direct verbal transmission of the prophetic message from Jeremiah to Baruch. Furthermore, the entire interaction serves as a form of **Inquiry**, a literary device where characters seek information, which in this context, underscores the princes' desire to verify the authenticity and origin of the terrifying prophecies they have just heard.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:17 offers profound insights into the nature of divine revelation and the meticulous process by which God's word was preserved. The princes' question about the method of writing underscores the biblical understanding of inspiration—that God's message is not merely human insight but originates directly from Him, conveyed through chosen human instruments. Baruch's role as a faithful scribe, meticulously recording "at his mouth," exemplifies the human agency involved in the transmission of Scripture, yet always subservient to the divine source. This passage affirms the authority and reliability of the prophetic word, emphasizing that its power and truth derive from its divine origin, not from the human conduit. It challenges us to consider the seriousness with which we approach and receive God's inspired word today.

* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy Not of Private Interpretation")
* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God Will Raise Up a Prophet Like Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:17 invites us to reflect on the profound privilege and responsibility of receiving God's word. Just as the princes were compelled to inquire about the source and method of the scroll's writing, we too should approach Scripture with a deep reverence for its divine origin. This passage reminds us that the Bible is not merely human literature but the very breath of God, meticulously preserved through faithful scribes and prophets. Our response to God's word should not be one of casual dismissal or selective acceptance, but rather one of humble submission and earnest inquiry into its truth. It also encourages us to emulate Baruch's faithfulness in our own spheres, whether by diligently studying, teaching, or sharing the Scriptures, ensuring its accurate transmission to future generations. We are called to treat God's word as a living, active, and authoritative guide for our lives, recognizing its power to convict, transform, and direct us in righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the princes' inquiry about the origin of the words challenge or affirm your own understanding of biblical inspiration?**
* **In what ways can you emulate Baruch's faithfulness and diligence in your engagement with God's word today?**
* **What is your typical response when confronted with a challenging or convicting message from Scripture? Do you seek to understand its divine origin, or do you dismiss it?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the princes asking "How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?"**

Answer: The question was highly significant because it sought to verify the authenticity and direct origin of the prophetic message. The phrase "at his mouth" (מִפִּיו, _mippîw_) explicitly refers to direct dictation. The princes were not merely curious about the mechanics of writing; they wanted to confirm that the terrifying words they had heard truly came from Jeremiah, and by extension, from the Lord Himself, as a verbatim utterance. This inquiry underscores their initial awe and fear in response to the divine warning, before King Jehoiakim's subsequent defiance in [Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll").

**Why was Baruch, not Jeremiah, reading and writing the scroll?**

Answer: [Jeremiah 36:5](/jeremiah/36-5 "Jeremiah 36:5 - Jeremiah is Confined") states that Jeremiah was "shut up," meaning he was restricted from entering the house of the Lord or public spaces where he could deliver the message himself. This restriction likely stemmed from his previous prophetic pronouncements that had angered the authorities. Therefore, Jeremiah called upon Baruch, his trusted scribe and assistant ([Jeremiah 32:12-16](/jeremiah/32-12 "Jeremiah 32:12-16 - Baruch Records Jeremiah's Land Purchase")), to act as his proxy, both in writing down the dictated prophecies and in reading them publicly in the temple and to the officials. Baruch's role was crucial for the transmission of God's word during Jeremiah's confinement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:17, though set in the Old Testament, points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's revelation in Jesus Christ. The meticulous care taken to record Jeremiah's words "at his mouth" foreshadows the perfect and complete revelation found in the Incarnate Word. While Jeremiah was a prophet through whom God spoke, Jesus is the very **Word of God made flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the direct and ultimate expression of God's character and will. No longer is divine truth merely dictated through a human prophet; it is embodied in a divine Person. Jesus is the one through whom God has "spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")), transcending the need for scribes to record words from a prophet's mouth because He Himself is the living, breathing, and perfect revelation. The princes' desire for authenticity finds its ultimate answer in Christ, who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Him, the divine message is not merely heard but seen, touched, and experienced, fulfilling all prophecy and establishing a new covenant where God's law is written on hearts, not just on scrolls ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")).

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

John 9:15

Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

John 9:10

Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

John 9:11

He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

John 9:26

Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

John 9:27

He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear [it] again? will ye also be his disciples?