Jeremiah 36:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} thee a roll {H4039} of a book {H5612}, and write {H3789} therein all the words {H1697} that I have spoken {H1696} unto thee against Israel {H3478}, and against Judah {H3063}, and against all the nations {H1471}, from the day {H3117} I spake {H1696} unto thee, from the days {H3117} of Josiah {H2977}, even unto this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you against Isra'el, Y'hudah and all the other nations, from the day I started speaking to you, back in the time of Yoshiyahu, until today.

Berean Standard Bible

“Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you during the reign of Josiah until today.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:2 records a direct divine imperative given to the prophet Jeremiah, instructing him to transcribe all the messages God had delivered to him since the inception of his prophetic ministry during the reign of King Josiah, extending up to the current day under King Jehoiakim. This command highlights the critical importance of preserving God's authoritative word in a tangible, accessible form, serving as a comprehensive and final warning to the rebellious kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as well as the surrounding nations, urging them to repentance before the impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 36 opens with a precise chronological marker, placing this event in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, approximately 605 BC. This command to write down the prophecies follows a long period of Jeremiah's spoken ministry, which had largely been met with indifference or hostility. The act of writing marks a significant shift in God's strategy for delivering His message, transforming transient spoken words into a permanent, public record. The immediate subsequent verses detail Baruch's role as scribe and the public reading of the scroll, setting the stage for Jehoiakim's defiant act of burning the scroll, which then leads to the re-writing and expansion of the prophecies, emphasizing the futility of resisting God's word and the unwavering nature of divine truth, as seen in [Jeremiah 36:3](/jeremiah/36-3 "Jeremiah 36:3 - Purpose of the Scroll: Repentance") and the subsequent events of [Jeremiah 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Jeremiah 36 was one of immense political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. King Josiah, a righteous reformer, had died in 609 BC, and his successors, Jehoahaz and then Jehoiakim, reversed many of his reforms, leading Judah back into idolatry and moral corruption. The geopolitical landscape was dominated by the declining Assyrian Empire, the rising power of Babylon (which had just defeated Egypt at Carchemish in 605 BC, solidifying its regional dominance), and a weakened Egypt. Judah was caught between these superpowers, often making ill-advised alliances. In this volatile environment, God's word, delivered through Jeremiah, served as a consistent warning against trusting in human alliances or false gods, calling the nation to return to covenant faithfulness. The act of writing on a scroll was a common method of recording important documents, laws, and prophecies in the ancient Near East, lending authority and permanence to the message.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Authority and Preservation of God's Word**, emphasizing that divine revelation is not fleeting but intended to endure, as seen in the command to record "all the words" God had spoken. This act also highlights the theme of **Divine Patience and Persistent Warning**, as God, despite Judah's persistent rebellion, offers one final, comprehensive opportunity for repentance before judgment. The scope of the prophecies, directed "against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations," reveals God's **Sovereignty Over All Peoples**, demonstrating that His judgment and salvation extend beyond His covenant people to encompass the entire world, a theme echoed in the universal scope of God's redemptive plan (e.g., [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant Blessing for All Nations") or [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Servant as Light to the Nations")). The ultimate purpose of this written word, as revealed in [Jeremiah 36:3](/jeremiah/36-3 "Jeremiah 36:3 - Purpose of the Scroll: Repentance"), is a **Call to Repentance and Forgiveness**, demonstrating God's desire for His people to turn from their evil ways and receive His mercy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **roll (Hebrew, _mᵉgillâh'_):** From the root _gâlal_ (to roll), this term (H4039) specifically denotes a "roll" or "volume"—the standard form of ancient books, typically made of papyrus or parchment sheets sewn together and rolled up. The command to take a "roll of a book" emphasizes the physical medium, signifying that God's message was to be given a tangible, permanent, and authoritative form, suitable for public reading and long-term preservation, unlike transient oral proclamations.
* **write (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** This primitive root (H3789) means "to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)." The divine command to "write therein" underscores the deliberate and intentional act of committing God's spoken words to a durable medium. This act transforms the prophetic utterances from ephemeral sounds into a fixed, unalterable record, ensuring their accurate transmission and emphasizing the gravity and permanence of God's pronouncements and warnings.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From דָבַר (H1696, _dâbar_), a primitive root meaning "to speak," this noun (H1697) signifies "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." In this context, "all the words" refers to the totality of God's divine messages, pronouncements, commands, and prophecies delivered through Jeremiah. The comprehensive nature of this command ("all the words") highlights the completeness and sufficiency of God's revelation, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of Judah's sin or the certainty of God's impending judgment if repentance did not occur.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee":** This opening clause is a direct, imperative command from Yahweh to Jeremiah. It instructs the prophet to acquire the necessary writing material—a scroll—and to meticulously record every single word that God had previously communicated to him. This emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message, ensuring its precise and comprehensive preservation.
* **"against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations":** This specifies the broad scope and targets of God's prophetic messages. "Israel" refers to the northern kingdom, already in exile, whose history served as a cautionary tale. "Judah" is the southern kingdom, Jeremiah's immediate audience, facing imminent judgment. "All the nations" demonstrates God's universal sovereignty, indicating that His divine decrees and judgments extend beyond His covenant people to encompass all humanity, highlighting the global implications of His righteousness and justice.
* **"from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day":** This final clause provides the temporal scope of the compilation. It mandates that Jeremiah record all prophecies from the very beginning of his ministry, which commenced in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign (c. 627 BC), up to the present moment in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim (c. 605 BC). This period spans over two decades, signifying a comprehensive collection of God's persistent warnings and calls to repentance over a significant historical duration.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:2 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, expressed through the imperative verbs "Take" and "write." This direct address from God to Jeremiah immediately establishes the absolute authority and urgency of the message. The phrase "all the words that I have spoken unto thee" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the comprehensive nature of God's revelation and ensuring that no part of His message is omitted. The use of **Parallelism** in "against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations" highlights the universal scope of God's judgment, encompassing both His covenant people and the Gentile world. Finally, the **Temporal Framing** ("from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day") serves to underscore the long-suffering patience of God and the consistent nature of His warnings over an extended period, emphasizing the cumulative weight of Judah's disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:2 profoundly underscores the enduring nature and critical importance of divine revelation. God's command to Jeremiah to commit His spoken words to a permanent scroll reveals His intention for His message to be preserved, studied, and heeded across generations. This act is a testament to God's faithfulness in communicating His will and His desire for humanity to know and respond to His truth. It highlights the principle that God's word is not ephemeral but possesses an inherent authority and permanence, serving as a reliable guide for life, a source of warning, and a pathway to repentance and restoration. The comprehensive scope of the message—against Israel, Judah, and all nations—further emphasizes God's universal sovereignty and His righteous governance over all creation.

* [Deuteronomy 31:19](/deuteronomy/31-19 "Deuteronomy 31:19 - Command to Write the Song")
* [Isaiah 30:8](/isaiah/30-8 "Isaiah 30:8 - Write It Down for Future Generations")
* [Habakkuk 2:2](/habakkuk/2-2 "Habakkuk 2:2 - Write the Vision Plainly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:2 serves as a powerful reminder of the immense value and enduring relevance of God's written Word. In an age of fleeting information and transient communication, this ancient command calls us to recognize the divine intentionality behind the preservation of Scripture. Just as God ensured His messages to Jeremiah were meticulously recorded for a rebellious generation, so too has He provided us with the Bible—a comprehensive, authoritative, and unchanging revelation of His character, His will, and His redemptive plan. This verse challenges us to approach the Bible not as a mere historical document, but as the living, active, and inspired voice of God, intended to shape our lives, correct our paths, and draw us into deeper relationship with Him. Our response to God's written word should mirror His earnest desire for us to hear, understand, and obey, leading to genuine repentance and a life transformed by His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine command to "write therein all the words" impact your understanding of the Bible's authority and permanence?**
* **Considering God's persistent warnings through Jeremiah, what areas in your own life might God be calling you to greater repentance and obedience?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate a deeper value for God's written Word in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary for Jeremiah to write down the prophecies, especially since he had already been speaking them for years?**

Answer: The act of writing God's prophecies down, rather than solely relying on oral proclamation, served several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provided a permanent and authoritative record of God's words, ensuring their precise preservation and preventing distortion or forgetfulness over time. Oral traditions could be altered or lost, but a written scroll offered a tangible, immutable witness to divine truth. Secondly, it allowed for wider dissemination and public reading, making the message accessible to a larger audience, including those who might not have heard Jeremiah directly. As seen in [Jeremiah 36:6](/jeremiah/36-6 "Jeremiah 36:6 - Baruch Reads the Scroll"), the scroll was intended for public reading in the temple. Thirdly, the written word carried a greater weight of legal and prophetic authority in ancient cultures, signifying a formal and final declaration. It underscored the gravity of God's warnings and His persistent call to repentance, leaving Judah without excuse for their disobedience. Finally, it ensured the message would endure for future generations, even after Jeremiah's death, serving as a perpetual testimony to God's faithfulness and justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:2, with its emphasis on the comprehensive and enduring nature of God's spoken word being committed to a written scroll, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God. Just as Jeremiah was commanded to record "all the words" God had spoken, so too is Jesus the perfect and complete revelation of God's character and will, embodying the very essence of divine communication (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The prophecies written by Jeremiah and other prophets, warning of judgment and promising restoration, ultimately point to Christ, who perfectly fulfills the Law and the Prophets (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The warnings against Israel, Judah, and the nations find their resolution in Christ's universal offer of salvation, extending God's grace to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike (cf. [Romans 10:12](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12 - No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile")). The purpose of Jeremiah's scroll was to bring about repentance and forgiveness; similarly, Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice, provides the ultimate means for humanity to turn from sin and receive complete forgiveness (cf. [Acts 5:31](/acts/5-31 "Acts 5:31 - Jesus, the Prince and Savior, Grants Repentance and Forgiveness")). Thus, the written word of Jeremiah, preserved for generations, ultimately directs our gaze to the incarnate Word, Jesus, who not only embodies God's message but also accomplishes His redemptive purpose for all time.

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 30:2

Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

Exodus 17:14

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this [for] a memorial in a book, and rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

Jeremiah 25:3

From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that [is] the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened.

Jeremiah 1:10

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Jeremiah 36:6

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.

Jeremiah 51:60

So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon, [even] all these words that are written against Babylon.

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.