Jeremiah 36:18

KJV

Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote [them] with ink in the book.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Baruch {H1263} answered {H559} them, He pronounced {H7121} all these words {H1697} unto me with his mouth {H6310}, and I wrote {H3789} them with ink {H1773} in the book {H5612}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Barukh answered them, "He said all these words to me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the scroll."

Berean Standard Bible

“It was at his dictation,” Baruch replied. “He recited all these words to me and I wrote them in ink on the scroll.”

American Standard Version

Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:18 presents Baruch's unequivocal testimony to the Judean princes, confirming the divine origin and meticulous transcription of Jeremiah's prophetic scroll. In direct response to their inquiry, Baruch clarifies that every word contained within the scroll was personally dictated by the prophet Jeremiah, who spoke them directly from his mouth, and that Baruch himself faithfully recorded them with ink onto the scroll. This verse is crucial for establishing the authenticity and authority of the prophetic message, emphasizing the prophet's role as God's direct mouthpiece and the scribe's diligent preservation of divine revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 36:18 is strategically placed within a pivotal chapter that chronicles the initial written compilation of Jeremiah's extensive prophecies. The narrative commences with a divine command to Jeremiah to record all the words God had spoken to him concerning Israel, Judah, and all nations, spanning from the reign of Josiah up to that very day ([Jeremiah 36:2](/jeremiah/36-2 "Jeremiah 36:2 - God Commands Jeremiah to Write His Prophecies")). Due to Jeremiah's restricted movement, possibly due to imprisonment or a ban from the Temple, he enlisted his loyal scribe, Baruch son of Neriah, to meticulously transcribe the prophecies as Jeremiah dictated them. Baruch subsequently read this scroll publicly in the Temple during a fast, and later, to the assembly of princes in the scribe's chamber. Deeply troubled by the scroll's ominous pronouncements, the princes summoned Baruch to inquire about its creation. Verse 18 serves as Baruch's direct and authoritative answer to their query, confirming the oral dictation by Jeremiah and his own role as the precise recorder, thereby solidifying the scroll's prophetic authenticity just before its fateful encounter with King Jehoiakim ([Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - King Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 36 unfold during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period characterized by profound political instability and the escalating dominance of the Babylonian Empire following the decline of Assyrian power. Judah found itself precariously positioned between the formidable empires of Egypt and Babylon. Jehoiakim, in stark contrast to his righteous father Josiah, was an impious and oppressive ruler, whose actions led to a severe spiritual decline that Jeremiah vehemently denounced. In this era, prophets functioned as God's direct spokespersons, delivering divine messages—often unpopular and challenging—to kings and the populace. Scribes like Baruch were indispensable figures, highly skilled in literacy and record-keeping, responsible for drafting official documents, legal contracts, and sacred texts. The "book" referenced in the verse refers to a scroll, typically fashioned from papyrus or specially treated animal skins, which was the standard format for written documents, including prophetic oracles, throughout the ancient Near East. The public reading of such a scroll was a customary and authoritative method for disseminating crucial messages, particularly those bearing legal or prophetic weight.

* **Key Themes:** This verse makes a profound contribution to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **divine inspiration and authority of God's word**. Baruch's testimony unequivocally clarifies that the words were not his own invention or even Jeremiah's personal musings, but rather direct utterances from the prophet, who served as God's chosen mouthpiece. This emphasizes that the message originated with the Almighty, not with human will or intellect. Secondly, it highlights the **crucial role of faithful scribes** in the preservation and transmission of divine revelation. Baruch exemplifies diligence, integrity, and fidelity, ensuring that God's message was accurately captured "with ink in the book," even when it contained unpopular and challenging truths. This meticulous recording was essential for the **preservation of God's truth**, a theme that becomes even more poignant when King Jehoiakim later attempts to destroy the scroll ([Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - King Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")). Despite this act of defiance, God's word ultimately prevailed and was re-written ([Jeremiah 36:32](/jeremiah/36-32 "Jeremiah 36:32 - The Rewritten Scroll")). Finally, Baruch's statement serves as an **attestation to the authenticity of prophecy**, confirming that the scroll contained Jeremiah's genuine prophetic utterances, not a fabrication, thereby lending irrefutable credibility to its dire warnings and calls for repentance. The entire narrative of [Jeremiah 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - The Scroll of Jeremiah") culminates in this verse, reinforcing the enduring power and unyielding nature of God's revealed word, even in the face of human resistance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pronounced (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This verb (H7121) means "to call out," "to proclaim," "to read," or "to summon." In this specific context, it vividly describes Jeremiah's active role in speaking forth the prophecies. It emphasizes an oral, public, and authoritative utterance, indicating that Jeremiah was not merely contemplating or composing, but actively delivering the words. This highlights the nature of prophetic revelation as a spoken word directly from God, conveyed through His chosen messenger.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The Hebrew term (H1697) is highly significant, encompassing "a word," "a matter," "a thing," "an affair," or "a message." It is frequently used in the Old Testament to refer to divine pronouncements, commandments, or decrees. Here, "all these words" signifies the entire body of prophetic revelation Jeremiah had received and was now dictating. The use of _dâbâr_ elevates the content of the scroll beyond mere human communication to a divinely authoritative message, underscoring its profound weight and importance.
* **wrote (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** This primitive root (H3789) means "to grave," "to inscribe," "to describe," or "to write." It denotes the physical act of committing something to a permanent record. Baruch's use of this word emphasizes his diligent and precise role as the scribe, meticulously capturing every spoken word. It signifies the transformation of an oral message into a tangible, enduring document, ensuring its preservation and potential for wider dissemination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Baruch answered them,"**: This introductory clause immediately places Baruch's statement in direct response to the princes' inquiry. They had specifically asked him, "Tell us now, how did you write all these words?" ([Jeremiah 36:17](/jeremiah/36-17 "Jeremiah 36:17 - The Princes Question Baruch")). Baruch's answer is not a defensive retort but a clear, factual account, designed to establish his credibility and the authentic origin of the scroll.
* **"He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth,"**: This is the core of Baruch's testimony regarding the ultimate source of the message. "He" refers unequivocally to Jeremiah. The phrase "pronounced... with his mouth" emphasizes the oral dictation process in the most direct terms. It means Jeremiah literally spoke the words aloud, one after another, to Baruch. This highlights Jeremiah's role as the active, verbal conduit of God's message, not merely a passive recipient, and confirms that the scroll's content was neither Baruch's own invention nor interpretation, but a direct transcription of Jeremiah's divinely inspired prophetic utterance.
* **"and I wrote [them] with ink in the book."**: This clause details Baruch's precise and faithful execution of his scribal duty. "I wrote" signifies his personal involvement in the physical act of recording. "With ink in the book" specifies both the method and the medium: ink for writing and a scroll (the "book") as the durable material. This detail underscores the meticulousness of the process and the tangible nature of the resulting document, which was intended for public reading and long-term preservation. It affirms the accuracy of the transcription and the material reality of the prophetic scroll as a permanent record.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to underscore its message and enhance its impact. **Verbal Testimony** is central, as Baruch's direct, first-person statement serves as an authoritative witness to the scroll's origin. This firsthand account lends significant credibility and weight to the prophetic message. There is also a clear use of **Emphasis** through specificity and directness: the phrases "all these words" and "with his mouth" underscore the comprehensive and direct nature of Jeremiah's dictation. The phrase "with his mouth" can also be interpreted as a form of **Metonymy**, where "mouth" stands in for the act of speaking or uttering. This device vividly portrays the oral transmission of the prophecy from Jeremiah to Baruch, reinforcing the divine source of the words and the directness of their delivery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:18 offers profound insights into the nature of divine revelation and the inherent authority of scripture. It unequivocally establishes that the prophetic message originated not from human ingenuity or personal opinion, but directly from God, spoken through His chosen prophet, Jeremiah. Baruch's faithful transcription underscores the meticulous care taken in the preservation of God's word, ensuring its accurate transmission across generations. This process mirrors the broader biblical understanding that scripture is "God-breathed" and delivered through human instruments, yet retains its divine authority and truthfulness. The verse is a powerful reminder that the Bible we hold today is not merely a collection of ancient writings but the very words of God, preserved through careful human stewardship and intended to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and Profitable")
* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God's Promise of a Prophet Like Moses")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:18 invites us to reflect deeply on the immense privilege and profound responsibility of possessing God's written word. Baruch's diligent and faithful act of recording every word reminds us of the divine origin and unwavering reliability of the scriptures. In a world saturated with fleeting information, subjective opinions, and shifting truths, this verse calls us back to the enduring, authoritative truth of God's revelation. It encourages us to approach the Bible with reverence, recognizing that its words are not merely human constructs but divinely inspired messages intended to guide, correct, rebuke, and nourish our souls. Furthermore, Baruch's role as a faithful scribe serves as a powerful model for all who are called to communicate God's truth today, whether through teaching, preaching, writing, or simply sharing the Gospel. Our mission, like Baruch's, is to accurately convey the message, not to invent, distort, or dilute it, ensuring that the pure, unadulterated word of God reaches hungry hearts. This verse challenges each of us to consider our own faithfulness in receiving, preserving, and sharing the precious words that God has graciously entrusted to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Baruch's faithfulness in transcribing Jeremiah's words inspire your own commitment to the accurate handling and communication of God's truth?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the ultimate authority and divine origin of the biblical text we read today?**
* **In what ways can we, like Baruch, ensure that we are not just hearing God's word but diligently "writing" it on the tablets of our hearts and living it out in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Who was Baruch and what was his significance in the book of Jeremiah?**

Answer: Baruch son of Neriah was Jeremiah's faithful scribe, assistant, and loyal companion, playing a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of Jeremiah's prophecies. His significance is multifaceted: he meticulously recorded Jeremiah's oracles as dictated, often at great personal risk, ensuring that God's message was captured in written form. He also served as Jeremiah's public representative, reading the scroll to the people and the princes when Jeremiah was unable to do so personally. Baruch's unwavering loyalty, diligence, and courage were essential for the transmission and continuity of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry during a period of intense opposition. God even gave Baruch a personal promise of protection amidst the coming judgment ([Jeremiah 45:5](/jeremiah/45-5 "Jeremiah 45:5 - God's Promise to Baruch")), acknowledging his faithful service. His role highlights the indispensable importance of those who serve behind the scenes to preserve and communicate divine truth.

**Why was it important that Jeremiah "pronounced" the words and Baruch "wrote" them, rather than Baruch simply composing them himself?**

Answer: This distinction is critically important for establishing the divine origin and ultimate authority of the message. Jeremiah "pronounced" the words because he was God's chosen prophet, acting as a direct mouthpiece for divine revelation. This emphasizes that the content of the scroll came directly from God through Jeremiah, not from Jeremiah's own thoughts, opinions, or human wisdom. Baruch "wrote" them, signifying his role as a faithful and accurate transcriber. His task was to meticulously record precisely what was spoken, ensuring that the divine message was preserved without alteration, personal interpretation, or embellishment. This precise process underscores the integrity of the prophetic word, demonstrating that it was neither a human fabrication nor a scribe's invention, but truly "the word of the Lord" delivered through His prophet and faithfully documented for posterity. It validates the scroll's authenticity and its claim to divine authority, a claim that King Jehoiakim defiantly rejected when he burned the scroll ([Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - King Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:18, with its profound emphasis on the divine origin and faithful transmission of God's word through a prophet and a scribe, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect revelation of God in Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah was God's mouthpiece, speaking "all these words... with his mouth," Jesus is the very [Word (Logos) incarnate](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom God has spoken most fully, completely, and finally. The Old Testament prophets, including Jeremiah, delivered fragmented messages and partial revelations, but in Christ, all of God's revelation finds its perfect embodiment and consummate fulfillment ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Jesus did not merely pronounce words; He *is* the Word, the living embodiment of God's truth, grace, and salvation. His teachings were not merely human wisdom but "words of eternal life" ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")), spoken with unparalleled divine authority. Furthermore, just as Baruch meticulously recorded Jeremiah's words, the apostles and evangelists faithfully bore witness to Christ's life, teachings, miraculous deeds, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, ensuring that the good news was accurately preserved for all generations. The meticulous care in recording Jeremiah's prophecy points to the even greater divine intention and human faithfulness in preserving the Gospel accounts, which testify to the One who came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them in every detail ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets")). Thus, Jeremiah 36:18, in its portrayal of God's word coming forth and being preserved, ultimately points to Christ as the living, eternal, and perfectly revealed Word of God, the ultimate and final message from the Father to humanity.

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

Jeremiah 36:4

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.

Jeremiah 36:2

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.

Jeremiah 43:2

Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:

Jeremiah 43:3

But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon.

Proverbs 26:4

¶ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

Proverbs 26:5

Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.