Jeremiah 36:32

KJV

Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah; who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then took {H3947} Jeremiah {H3414} another {H312} roll {H4039}, and gave {H5414} it to Baruch {H1263} the scribe {H5608}, the son {H1121} of Neriah {H5374}; who wrote {H3789} therein from the mouth {H6310} of Jeremiah {H3414} all the words {H1697} of the book {H5612} which Jehoiakim {H3079} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} had burned {H8313} in the fire {H784}: and there were added {H3254} besides unto them many {H7227} like {H1992} words {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yirmeyahu took another scroll and gave it to Barukh the scribe, the son of Neriyah. At Yirmeyahu's dictation he wrote in it all the words of the scroll which Y'hoyakim king of Y'hudah had burned up in the fire, and to those he added many similar words.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and at Jeremiah’s dictation he wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.

American Standard Version

Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire; and there were added besides unto them many like words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:32 vividly portrays God's unwavering resolve and the indestructible nature of His divine word in the face of human defiance. Following King Jehoiakim's rebellious act of burning the first prophetic scroll, this verse records the immediate and powerful response: Jeremiah, aided by Baruch, meticulously re-creates the scroll, not merely duplicating the original message but significantly expanding it with additional pronouncements, thereby underscoring the futility of human opposition against God's sovereign will and the amplified consequences of rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a pivotal chapter in the book of Jeremiah, serving as the climax of the confrontation between God's prophetic word and King Jehoiakim's hardened heart. Preceding this verse, [Jeremiah 36:1-3](/jeremiah/36-1 "Jeremiah 36:1-3 - God Commands Jeremiah to Write") details God's command to Jeremiah to record all His words concerning Judah's sin and the impending judgment, with the hope that they might repent. [Jeremiah 36:4-19](/jeremiah/36-4 "Jeremiah 36:4-19 - Baruch Writes and Reads the Scroll") describes Baruch's diligent work as scribe and the initial reading of the scroll to the officials. The dramatic turning point occurs in [Jeremiah 36:20-26](/jeremiah/36-20 "Jeremiah 36:20-26 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll"), where King Jehoiakim, upon hearing only a few columns, defiantly cuts and burns the scroll, demonstrating his utter contempt for God's message. Jeremiah 36:32, therefore, is God's direct and powerful counter-response to this act of rebellion, proving that His word cannot be silenced or destroyed. It sets the stage for the fulfillment of the judgments pronounced, particularly against Jehoiakim himself, as detailed in [Jeremiah 36:30-31](/jeremiah/36-30 "Jeremiah 36:30-31 - Prophecy Against Jehoiakim").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 36 occurred during the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period of intense political instability and moral decline in Judah. Jehoiakim was a vassal king, initially appointed by Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt, and later subjected to Babylonian rule. His reign was marked by injustice, oppression, and idolatry, directly contrasting with the righteous reign of his father, Josiah (cf. [Jeremiah 22:13-19](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13-19 - Prophecy Against Jehoiakim")). Culturally, the burning of a scroll was an act of extreme defiance and contempt, equivalent to a modern-day public burning of a constitution or sacred text. It was a symbolic rejection of the authority and content of the document. Scribes like Baruch played a crucial role in ancient Near Eastern societies, serving as secretaries, record-keepers, and administrators, often in close association with prophets or kings. The act of rewriting and expanding the scroll underscored the divine authority that transcended human political power and cultural norms, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty over the king and the nation.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:32 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **The Indestructible Nature of God's Word**. King Jehoiakim's attempt to nullify the prophecy by burning the scroll proved utterly futile, demonstrating that divine revelation cannot be thwarted by human will or power. God's word, unlike human decrees, stands firm and accomplishes its purpose (cf. [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")). Secondly, it illustrates the **Futility and Amplified Consequences of Rebellion**. Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll was an overt rejection of God's message and a display of his hardened heart. Instead of silencing the prophecy, his defiance led to a more severe and expanded reiteration of the very message he sought to suppress, emphasizing that persistent rebellion often leads to intensified judgment. This principle is also seen in God's dealings with Pharaoh in [Exodus 7:3-5](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3-5 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart"). Finally, the verse underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**. Despite human attempts to resist, God's plan and pronouncements prevail. The addition of "many like words" signifies God's righteous judgment, ensuring that His warnings are not only re-issued but also intensified to match the escalating defiance of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **roll (Hebrew, _mᵉgillâh'_):** From the root meaning "to roll," this term refers to a scroll or volume, typically made of papyrus or parchment. In this context, it is the physical embodiment of God's prophetic word, meticulously written down by Baruch. The fact that "another roll" was taken signifies the immediate and deliberate re-establishment of the divine message, demonstrating its inherent resilience and the impossibility of its annihilation by human hands.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This highly significant Hebrew term encompasses not just spoken utterances but also matters, affairs, decrees, and even deeds. Here, it refers to the entirety of God's message delivered through Jeremiah—prophecies, warnings, and judgments. The emphasis on "all the words" underscores the comprehensive nature of the original revelation, while the addition of "many like words" highlights the expansion and intensification of that divine communication, signifying that God's message is dynamic and responsive to human actions.
* **added (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** A primitive root meaning "to add or augment," often adverbially implying "to continue to do a thing." In this verse, it explicitly states that the second scroll was not merely a copy but contained more content than the first. This "addition" is crucial, as it signifies an intensification of the prophetic message, likely including more severe judgments against Jehoiakim and Judah due to their continued and blatant rebellion. It demonstrates God's incremental revelation and judgment in response to escalating sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then took Jeremiah another roll,"**: This phrase marks the immediate and decisive action taken by Jeremiah, prompted by divine instruction (implied from the preceding verses). The act of taking "another roll" signifies that the destruction of the first scroll did not end the prophetic message but necessitated its re-creation, underscoring the unstoppable nature of God's word.
* **"and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah;"**: This highlights the continued partnership between the prophet and his faithful scribe. Baruch's role is indispensable; he is the instrument through whom the divine word is physically recorded and preserved, emphasizing the human agency involved in the transmission of God's revelation.
* **"who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire:"**: This clause confirms the complete restoration of the original message that Jehoiakim attempted to obliterate. It explicitly links the new scroll to the one that was destroyed, serving as a direct divine response to the king's act of defiance. The phrase "from the mouth of Jeremiah" stresses the divine origin and authority of the words, as Jeremiah was merely the conduit for God's message.
* **"and there were added besides unto them many like words."**: This is the critical amplifying element of the verse. The new scroll was not merely a duplicate but an expanded version. The "many like words" indicate additional prophecies, likely detailing more severe judgments or further elaborations on the consequences of Judah's sin and Jehoiakim's rebellion. This demonstrates God's righteous response to increased defiance, where continued rejection of His warnings leads to intensified pronouncements of judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:32 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Repetition**, not just of the act of writing the scroll, but of the divine word itself. Jehoiakim's burning of the scroll is met with a re-issuance of the same words, emphasizing the indestructible nature of God's message. This act of re-creation also carries significant **Symbolism**: the burning of the scroll symbolizes human rebellion and the futile attempt to silence divine truth, while the rewriting and expansion of the scroll symbolize God's sovereignty, His word's enduring power, and the amplified consequences of disobedience. There is also profound **Irony** in this verse; Jehoiakim's intention was to destroy the message and escape its judgment, but his action directly led to the message being re-affirmed and even intensified, bringing about a more severe judgment upon himself and his kingdom. This ironic outcome underscores the futility of fighting against God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:32 stands as a profound testament to the enduring power and authority of God's word, a truth that echoes throughout the biblical narrative. It teaches us that no human power, no act of defiance, and no amount of rebellion can ultimately silence or nullify the divine decree. God's word, once spoken, is sure to accomplish its purpose, whether for judgment or salvation. This principle is foundational to understanding God's character as sovereign and faithful, and it serves as a stark warning against the folly of rejecting His truth. The addition of "many like words" further illustrates a divine principle: God's warnings are often incremental, but persistent rebellion will lead to intensified consequences, demonstrating His justice alongside His patience.

* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God")
* [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Never Pass Away")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:32 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it calls us to a deeper reverence for the Scriptures. If God's written word is so resilient that no human act can destroy it, how much more should we cherish, study, and obey it? It reminds us that the Bible is not merely a collection of ancient texts but the living, active, and enduring word of God, carrying divine authority and power. Our response to it should be one of humble submission and diligent application, not casual dismissal or outright defiance. Secondly, this verse serves as a powerful warning against hardening our hearts to God's truth. Jehoiakim's defiance led not to freedom from judgment but to its amplification. In our own lives, when God speaks through His word, through wise counsel, or through circumstances, we are called to listen and respond with repentance and obedience. To ignore or reject God's warnings is to invite potentially graver consequences, as God's patience, while vast, is not infinite. May we be those who tremble at His word, allowing it to shape our lives and guide our steps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the indestructibility of God's word in Jeremiah 36:32 encourage your faith in its truth and authority today?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "burn" or dismiss God's word, perhaps by ignoring its commands or rationalizing disobedience?**
* **What might the "many like words" mean for us today in terms of God's response to persistent rebellion, both individually and corporately?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater reverence and obedience to God's word in your daily life, learning from Jehoiakim's negative example?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important that "another roll" was taken and rewritten?**

Answer: It was critically important because it demonstrated the absolute sovereignty and indefatigable nature of God's word. King Jehoiakim's act of burning the scroll was a defiant attempt to nullify God's message and escape its impending judgment. By immediately commanding Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll, God proved that His word cannot be destroyed or silenced by human will. The divine message is not dependent on a physical scroll or the whims of a king; it originates from God Himself and will accomplish its intended purpose, regardless of human opposition. This act underscored God's ultimate authority over human rulers and their futile attempts to thwart His plans, as seen in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.").

**What is the significance of "many like words" being added to the second scroll?**

Answer: The addition of "many like words" signifies an intensification and expansion of the original prophetic message, directly in response to Jehoiakim's blatant act of rebellion. The second scroll was not merely a verbatim copy but contained more severe judgments and pronouncements against the king and Judah. This illustrates a divine principle: while God is patient and provides warnings, persistent and defiant rejection of His word leads to amplified consequences. It demonstrates God's righteous justice, where increased sin is met with increased judgment, reinforcing the truth that God is not mocked and His word will not return to Him void (cf. [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:32, with its powerful portrayal of the indestructible and amplifying word of God, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the Living Word of God (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word")). Just as Jehoiakim sought to burn and silence the written prophecy, humanity, in its rebellion, sought to silence God's ultimate revelation by crucifying Jesus. Yet, the cross, far from being the end, became the very means by which God's word of salvation was amplified and extended to all nations. The resurrection of Jesus was God's definitive "rewriting" and "adding many like words" to His message, demonstrating that death itself could not contain the divine truth. The gospel, the good news of Christ, cannot be burned, suppressed, or destroyed; it is proclaimed with ever-increasing power through the Holy Spirit, reaching the ends of the earth (cf. [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses...")). Jesus himself declared that "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Never Pass Away")), echoing the divine resilience seen in Jeremiah. In Christ, God's word is not merely re-issued; it is embodied, fulfilled, and eternally established, offering not just judgment for rebellion but also grace and new life to those who believe.

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 36:18

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

Exodus 4:15

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

Exodus 4:16

And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, [even] he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

Leviticus 26:24

Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

Leviticus 26:28

Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

Exodus 34:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon [these] tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.