Jeremiah 36:28

Translation
King James Version
Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
Take H3947 thee again H7725 another H312 roll H4039, and write H3789 in it all the former H7223 words H1697 that were in the first H7223 roll H4039, which Jehoiakim H3079 the king H4428 of Judah H3063 hath burned H8313.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
"Take another scroll, and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Y'hoyakim the king of Y'hudah burned up.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
“Take another scroll and rewrite on it the very words that were on the original scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah has burned.
Ask
American Standard Version
Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
Take again another scroll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Take thee againe another roule and write in it all ye former words that were in the first roule which Iehoiakim the King of Iudah hath burnt,
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
`Turn, take to thee another roll, and write on it all the former words that were on the first roll, that Jehoiakim king of Judah burnt,
Ask
See also
Zechariah 1:5Zechariah 1:62 Timothy 2:13Jeremiah 28:13Jeremiah 28:14Job 23:13Jeremiah 44:28
In the KJVVerse 19,871 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Jeremiah 36:28 records the Lord's direct and unwavering command to the prophet Jeremiah, instructing him to recreate the prophetic scroll that King Jehoiakim of Judah had defiantly burned. This divine decree underscores the invincibility of God's word against human opposition, demonstrating that no act of rebellion or suppression can nullify the divine message or alter its intended fulfillment. It is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, His persistence in delivering His truth, and the certainty of His promised judgments and blessings, regardless of human defiance.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is a pivotal moment within the dramatic narrative of Jeremiah chapter 36. Earlier in the chapter, the Lord commanded Jeremiah to dictate all the words He had spoken against Israel, Judah, and all nations since Josiah's reign onto a scroll, hoping that the people would turn from their evil ways upon hearing it (Jeremiah 36:1-3). Jeremiah, being imprisoned, had his scribe Baruch read the scroll publicly at the temple and later to the officials. When the scroll was eventually brought before King Jehoiakim, he responded with contemptuous defiance, cutting and burning sections of it as they were read (Jeremiah 36:20-23). Jeremiah 36:28 is God's immediate and resolute response to this act of sacrilege, directly following the account of the burning, emphasizing that the divine word cannot be thwarted by human will. The subsequent verses detail the specific judgment pronounced upon Jehoiakim for his rebellion (Jeremiah 36:30-31).
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The events of Jeremiah chapter 36 occurred during the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign (c. 605 BC), a tumultuous period in Judah's history. Babylon had recently defeated Egypt at the Battle of Carchemish, solidifying its dominance in the region, and Judah was caught between these two great powers. Jehoiakim, installed as king by Pharaoh Neco II, was generally hostile to Jeremiah's prophecies, which consistently warned of impending Babylonian invasion and urged submission to God's judgment. The act of burning a prophetic scroll was not merely an act of censorship but a profound symbolic rejection of God's authority and a desperate, futile attempt to negate the divine message. Scrolls were the primary means of recording and preserving important texts, including divine revelations, making their destruction a grave act of rebellion against the source of the words. The king's actions reflect the deep spiritual apostasy and political folly prevalent in Judah's leadership at this time, setting the stage for the nation's eventual destruction and exile.
  • Key Themes: Jeremiah 36:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the Indestructibility and Efficacy of God's Word. Despite human attempts to suppress or destroy it, God's word stands firm and will accomplish its purpose, as affirmed in Isaiah 55:11. The burning of the scroll did not erase the prophecy; it merely necessitated its re-writing, often with added severity. Secondly, the verse underscores Divine Sovereignty and Persistence. God's plans and judgments are not subject to human defiance. Jehoiakim's rebellion only confirmed the certainty of the impending judgment, demonstrating that the "counsel of the Lord stands forever" (Psalm 33:11). Thirdly, it illustrates the Consequences of Rebellion and Hardheartedness. Jehoiakim's contempt for God's word brought severe and specific judgment upon himself and his dynasty, serving as a stark warning against rejecting divine truth. Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes Faithful Obedience in the Face of Opposition. Jeremiah's immediate compliance to rewrite the scroll, despite the danger, exemplifies the prophet's unwavering commitment to his divine calling, even when facing a powerful, hostile king.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • roll (Hebrew, mᵉgillâh', H4039): From the root gâlal (to roll), this word specifically refers to a scroll or volume, typically made of parchment or papyrus, rolled up for storage and reading. In this context, it signifies the tangible vessel of God's inspired word, a physical representation of divine revelation. The command to "take another roll" emphasizes the replacement and reiteration of the divine message, highlighting that the physical destruction of the first scroll did not diminish the spiritual reality or authority of the words contained within it.
  • words (Hebrew, dâbâr', H1697): This highly versatile Hebrew term encompasses not only spoken "words" but also "matters," "things," "affairs," "decrees," or "commands." Here, it refers to the prophetic utterances and divine messages dictated by God through Jeremiah. The use of dâbâr underscores the authoritative and active nature of God's communication, which carries inherent power and purpose, distinct from mere human speech. The "former words" are not just information but divine pronouncements of judgment and truth that demand a response.
  • burned (Hebrew, sâraph', H8313): This primitive root means "to be (causatively, set) on fire" or "to burn up utterly." It denotes a complete and deliberate act of destruction by fire. In Jehoiakim's case, it was an act of profound contempt and defiance, an attempt to obliterate the divine message and, by extension, the authority of God Himself. However, the Lord's command in this verse demonstrates the futility of such an act, as the very act of burning only led to the re-creation and amplification of the message.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Take thee again another roll,": This opening command from the Lord to Jeremiah signifies a divine imperative for action. The phrase "again another" (Hebrew: shûwb ʼachêr) emphasizes not just a replacement, but a renewed effort, a second iteration of the divine message. It immediately establishes that Jehoiakim's act of destruction was futile and would not deter God's purpose. This highlights God's persistence and sovereignty over human defiance.
  • "and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll,": This clause specifies the content to be replicated: "all the former words." This ensures the integrity and continuity of the divine message. The emphasis on "all" suggests that nothing was lost or forgotten by God, even if physically destroyed by man. The reference to "the first roll" directly links this new command to the preceding narrative of Jehoiakim's rebellion, underscoring the direct divine response to the king's sacrilegious act.
  • "which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.": This concluding phrase explicitly names the perpetrator and his action, serving as both a factual statement and an implicit condemnation. It reiterates the severity of Jehoiakim's sin—not just burning a scroll, but burning the very words of the Lord delivered through His prophet. This act of defiance is the direct catalyst for the divine command to rewrite, ensuring that the king's rebellion would not silence God but rather provoke a stronger, more enduring declaration of His truth.

Literary Devices

Jeremiah 36:28 is rich in Irony, as Jehoiakim's attempt to destroy God's word inadvertently leads to its reiteration and even expansion, demonstrating the futility of human rebellion against divine decree. The king's act of burning, intended to silence, instead amplifies the message. There is also clear Repetition of the word "roll" (mᵉgillâh), first referring to the burned scroll and then to the new one to be written. This repetition underscores the continuity and indestructibility of the divine message despite its physical destruction. The verse functions as a Divine Fiat, a powerful declaration of God's will and command, emphasizing His absolute authority and control over events, even in the face of human opposition. Furthermore, the act of burning the scroll and the subsequent command to rewrite it serve as Symbolism for the enduring nature of God's truth; while its physical manifestation may be attacked, its spiritual reality and power remain untouched and ultimately prevail.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Jeremiah 36:28 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's word and His sovereignty. It teaches us that divine revelation is not merely a human artifact subject to destruction, but a living, active, and indestructible force that accomplishes God's purposes regardless of human resistance. Jehoiakim's act was a futile attempt to negate truth, but God's immediate response demonstrates that His word cannot be bound or broken. This passage reinforces the biblical principle that while human agents may reject or suppress truth, God will always ensure its preservation and ultimate fulfillment, often with increased clarity and severity for those who defy Him. It is a powerful reminder that God's truth will always prevail, and those who stand against it do so to their own peril.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Jeremiah 36:28 offers a timeless and profound lesson for believers today: God's word is immutable and indestructible. In a world where truth is often challenged, dismissed, or actively suppressed, this verse provides immense encouragement and a firm foundation for faith. It reminds us that no human authority, political power, or cultural trend can ultimately nullify the divine decrees or silence the voice of God. For those who proclaim God's truth, it is an exhortation to persevere, knowing that the message itself carries divine authority and will accomplish its intended purpose, even in the face of fierce opposition. For those who hear God's word, it serves as a sobering warning against the dangers of spiritual rebellion and hardheartedness, illustrating that rejecting divine counsel inevitably leads to more severe consequences. Our response to God's word—whether in obedience or defiance—determines our destiny, but it never alters the word itself.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the indestructibility of God's word, as demonstrated in this passage, encourage you in times when biblical truth is challenged or rejected in society?
  • In what ways might we, subtly or overtly, attempt to "burn" or diminish God's word in our own lives or communities today?
  • What specific actions can you take to ensure that God's word is not only heard but also honored and obeyed in your personal life and sphere of influence?

FAQ

What was King Jehoiakim's motivation for burning the scroll?

Answer: King Jehoiakim's motivation for burning the scroll was primarily one of defiance and rebellion against God's prophetic word, which he perceived as a threat to his authority and a condemnation of his policies. The scroll contained messages of impending judgment, including invasion by Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem, which Jehoiakim, as an Egyptian vassal, found politically inconvenient and personally offensive. His act was a desperate, albeit futile, attempt to negate the divine message and avoid accountability, reflecting a hardhearted refusal to repent and submit to God's will (Jeremiah 36:23-24).

Did Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll succeed in stopping God's message?

Answer: Absolutely not. Jeremiah 36:28 explicitly states God's immediate command to Jeremiah to "Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words... which Jehoiakim... hath burned." Not only was the message replicated, but additional words of judgment were also added, specifically targeting Jehoiakim and his dynasty for his egregious act of defiance (Jeremiah 36:30-31). This incident powerfully demonstrates the futility of human attempts to thwart God's sovereign will or silence His word.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Jeremiah 36:28, while detailing an Old Testament event, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate triumph and enduring nature of God's Word, which finds its fullest embodiment in Jesus Christ. Just as Jehoiakim sought to destroy the written word, humanity, in its rebellion, sought to silence the living Word, Jesus, through crucifixion. However, the resurrection of Christ, like the rewriting of the scroll, demonstrates that no power, human or demonic, can ultimately extinguish God's truth or thwart His redemptive plan. Jesus Himself declared, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Matthew 24:35), echoing the divine persistence seen in Jeremiah. The rewritten scroll, with its added judgments, also points to the increased severity of judgment for those who reject the light of Christ, for "this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light" (John 3:19). Ultimately, Jesus is the "Word made flesh" (John 1:14), the living revelation of God who cannot be burned, silenced, or destroyed, and through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Copy as

Commentary on Jeremiah 36 verses 20–32

We have traced the roll to the people, and to the princes, and here we are to follow it to the king; and we find,

I. That, upon notice given him concerning it, he sent for it, and ordered it to be read to him, Jer 36:20, Jer 36:21. He did not desire that Baruch would come and read it himself, who could read it more intelligently and with more authority and affection than any one else; nor did he order one of his princes to do it (though it would have been no disparagement to the greatest of them), much less would he vouchsafe to read it himself; but Jehudi, one of his pages now in waiting, who was sent to fetch it, is bidden to read it, who perhaps scarcely knew how to make sense of it. But those who thus despise the word of God will soon make it to appear, as this king did, that they hate it too, and have not only low, but ill thoughts of it.

II. That he had not patience to hear it read through as the princes had, but, when he had heard three or four leaves read, in a rage he cut it with his penknife, and threw it piece by piece into the fire, that he might be sure to see it all consumed, Jer 36:22, Jer 36:23. This was a piece of as daring impiety as a man could lightly be guilty of, and a most impudent affront to the God of heaven, whose message this was. 1. Thus he showed his impatience of reproof; being resolved to persist in sin, he would by no means bear to be told of his faults. 2. Thus he showed his indignation at Baruch and Jeremiah; he would have cut them in pieces, and burnt them, if he had had them in his reach, when he was in this passion. 3. Thus he expressed an abstinent resolution never to comply with the designs and intentions of the warnings given him; he will do what he will, whatever God by his prophets says to the contrary. 4. Thus he foolishly hoped to defeat the threatenings denounced against him, as if God knew not how to execute the sentence when the roll was gone in which it was written. 5. Thus he thought he had effectually provided that the things contained in this roll should spread no further, which was the care of the chief priests concerning the gospel, Act 4:17. They had told him how this roll had been read to the people and to the princes. "But," says he, "I will take a course that shall prevent its being read any more." See what an enmity there is against God in the carnal mind, and wonder at the patience of God, that he bears with such indignities done to him.

III. That neither the king himself nor any of his princes were at all affected with the word: They were not afraid (Jer 36:24), no, not those princes that trembled at the word when they heard it the first time, Jer 36:16. So soon, so easily, do good impressions wear off. They showed some concern till they saw how light the king made of it, and then they shook off all that concern. They rent not their garments, as Josiah, this Jehoiakim's own father, did when he had the book of the law read to him, though it was not so particular as the contents of this roll were, nor so immediately adapted to the present posture of affairs.

IV. That there were three of the princes who had so much sense and grace left as to interpose for the preventing of the burning of the roll, but in vain, Jer 36:25. If they had from the first shown themselves, as they ought to have done, affected with the word, perhaps they might have brought the king to a better mind and have persuaded him to bear it patiently; but frequently those that will not do the good they should put it out of their own power to do the good they would.

V. That Jehoiakim, when he had thus in effect burnt God's warrant by which he was arrested, as it were in a way of revenge, now that he thought he had got the better, signed a warrant for the apprehending of Jeremiah and Baruch, God's ministers (Jer 36:26): But the Lord hid them. The princes bade them abscond (Jer 36:19), but it was neither the princes' care for them nor theirs for themselves that secured them; it was under the divine protection that they were safe. Note, God will find out a shelter for his people, though their persecutors be ever so industrious to get them into their power, till their hour be come; nay, and then he will himself be their hiding place.

VI. That Jeremiah had orders and instructions to write in another roll the same words that were written in the roll which Jehoiakim had burnt, Jer 36:27, Jer 36:28. Note, Though the attempts of hell against the word of God are very daring, yet not one iota or tittle of it shall fall to the ground, nor shall the unbelief of man make the word of God of no effect. Enemies may prevail to burn many a Bible, but they cannot abolish the word of God, can neither extirpate it nor defeat the accomplishment of it. Though the tables of the law were broken, they were renewed again; and so out of the ashes of the roll that was burnt arose another Phoenix. The word of the Lord endures for ever.

VII. That the king of Judah, though a king, was severely reckoned with by the King of kings for this indignity done to the written word. God noticed what it was in the roll that Jehoiakim took so much offense at. Jehoiakim was angry because it was written therein, saying, Surely the king of Babylon shall come and destroy this land, Jer 36:29. And did not the king of Babylon come two years before this, and go far towards the destroying of this land? He did so (Ch2 36:6, Ch2 36:7) in his third year, Dan 1:1. So that God and his prophets had therefore become his enemies because they told him the truth, told him of the desolation that was coming, but at the same time putting him into a fair way to prevent it. But, if this be the thing he takes so much amiss, let him know, 1. That the wrath of God shall come upon him and his family, in the first place, by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. He shall be cut off, and in a few weeks his son shall be dethroned, and exchange his royal robes for prison-garments, so that he shall have none to sit upon the throne of David; the glory of that illustrious house shall be eclipsed, and die in him; his dead body shall lie unburied, or, which comes all to one, he shall be buried with the burial of an ass, that is, thrown into the next ditch; it shall lie exposed to all weathers, heat and frost, which will occasion its putrefying and becoming loathsome the sooner. "Not that his body" (says Mr. Gataker) "could be sensible of such usage, or himself, being deceased, of aught that should befal his body; but that the king's body in such a condition should be a hideous spectacle, and a horrid monument of God's heavy wrath and indignation against him, unto all that should behold it." Even his seed and his servants shall fare the worse for their relation to him (Jer 36:31), for they shall be punished, not for his iniquity, but so much the sooner for their own. 2. That all the evil pronounced against Judah and Jerusalem in that roll shall be brought upon them. Though the copy be burnt, the original remains in the divine counsel, which shall again be copied out after another manner in bloody characters. Note, There is no escaping God's judgments by struggling with them. Who ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered?

VIII. That, when the roll was written anew, there were added to the former many like words (Jer 36:32), many more threatenings of wrath and vengeance; for, since they will yet walk contrary to God, he will heat the furnace seven times hotter. Note, As God is in one mind, and none can turn him, so he has still more arrows in his quiver; and those who contend with God's woes do but prepare for themselves heavier of the same kind.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–32. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Jeremiah 36:28 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.