Jeremiah 36:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Jeremiah {H3414} called {H7121} Baruch {H1263} the son {H1121} of Neriah {H5374}: and Baruch {H1263} wrote {H3789} from the mouth {H6310} of Jeremiah {H3414} all the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, which he had spoken {H1696} unto him, upon a roll {H4039} of a book {H5612}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Yirmeyahu summoned Barukh the son of Neriyah; and Barukh wrote down on a scroll, at Yirmeyahu's dictation, all the words that ADONAI had said to him.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and at the dictation of Jeremiah, Baruch wrote on a scroll all the words that the LORD had spoken to Jeremiah.

American Standard Version

Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah; and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of Jehovah, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:4 details a crucial moment in the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah, where he commissions his trusted scribe, Baruch son of Neriah, to meticulously record all the divine pronouncements God had spoken to him. This act of transcription transforms ephemeral oral prophecies into a tangible, enduring scroll, underscoring the divine imperative for the preservation and dissemination of God's authoritative word amidst a spiritually rebellious nation on the precipice of judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 36:4 is embedded within a significant narrative block (Jeremiah 36) that marks a turning point in Jeremiah's ministry. Immediately preceding this verse, the LORD explicitly commands Jeremiah to gather "all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah even to this day" and to write them in a scroll ([Jeremiah 36:2](/jeremiah/36-2 "Jeremiah 36:2 - God Commands Jeremiah to Write")). This divine directive highlights the urgency and comprehensive nature of the message. The subsequent verses describe Baruch's diligent execution of this command, the public reading of the scroll in the Temple, and King Jehoiakim's defiant act of burning it, ultimately leading to a second, expanded scroll ([Jeremiah 36:27-32](/jeremiah/36-27 "Jeremiah 36:27-32 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")). This chapter, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and authority of God's word, even when faced with human rejection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event unfolds during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period characterized by political instability and spiritual apostasy in Judah. Jehoiakim was a vassal king under Egypt, later submitting to Babylon, and he actively resisted Jeremiah's prophetic warnings. The nation was steeped in idolatry and injustice, mirroring the very sins Jeremiah had been commissioned to condemn. Literacy was not widespread in ancient Israel, making scribes like Baruch highly skilled and essential figures for legal, administrative, and religious documentation. Scrolls were the primary medium for written communication, typically made from papyrus or prepared animal skins, and their creation was a laborious and costly process. The act of publicly reading a scroll was a common means of disseminating important messages, often in formal settings like the Temple courts, as seen later in this chapter ([Jeremiah 36:6-10](/jeremiah/36-6 "Jeremiah 36:6-10 - Baruch Reads the Scroll in the Temple")).

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 36:4 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **divine origin and authority of prophecy**, emphasizing that the words are not Jeremiah's own, but "all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him." This highlights the concept of divine inspiration, where God communicates His will through human agents. Secondly, the verse illuminates the **indispensable role of faithful ministry and collaboration** in God's redemptive plan. Baruch's diligent work as a scribe is crucial for the preservation and transmission of God's message, demonstrating that various gifts and roles are necessary for the advancement of God's kingdom. This echoes the New Testament emphasis on the body of Christ working together ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). Thirdly, the act of writing the prophecies down speaks to the **permanence and enduring nature of God's word**. Unlike fleeting oral pronouncements, a written record provides a lasting testimony, ensuring that God's warnings and promises remain accessible across generations, even when human memory fails or opposition arises. This foreshadows the ultimate preservation of the entire biblical canon, a testament to God's providence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baruch (Hebrew, _Bârûwk'_):** From H1263, meaning "blessed." This name is highly significant for the scribe who faithfully records God's words. His very name, "blessed," subtly foreshadows the blessedness associated with those who handle and preserve the divine word, and perhaps even the blessedness that would have come to Judah had they heeded the message. Baruch's life and service, though often in the shadow of Jeremiah, were indeed blessed by God for his crucial role in the transmission of Scripture.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." This term is central to the verse, indicating the content that Baruch is recording. It encompasses not just individual utterances but the entire corpus of divine communication—God's message, His decrees, His warnings, and His promises. The use of "all the words" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the revelation, leaving no part of God's message unrecorded or unheeded by the prophet.
* **wrote (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** From H3789, a primitive root meaning "to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)." This verb describes Baruch's action, highlighting the physical act of committing the spoken word to a tangible form. It implies a deliberate, careful, and authoritative process of inscription, transforming the oral tradition into a permanent record. The act of writing ensures the precision and enduring nature of the divine message, making it accessible for future generations and preventing distortion.
* **roll (Hebrew, _mᵉgillâh'_):** From H4039, meaning "a roll; volume." This term refers to the physical medium upon which the words were written. In ancient times, a "roll" or "scroll" was the standard format for books and important documents, typically made from papyrus or parchment. The choice of this medium signifies the formal, authoritative, and public nature of the document. It was not a casual note but a significant volume intended for preservation and public proclamation, underscoring the weight and importance of the divine message it contained.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah:"** This opening clause establishes the direct command and the key human agents. Jeremiah, the prophet, initiates the action, demonstrating his obedience to God's earlier instruction. Baruch, identified by his lineage, is presented as the chosen and trusted scribe, highlighting his specific role and relationship to Jeremiah. The calling signifies a deliberate commissioning for a vital task.
* **"and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah"** This clause describes the method of transmission and Baruch's active role. Baruch acts as the amanuensis, meticulously recording the words as Jeremiah verbally dictates them. The phrase "from the mouth of Jeremiah" emphasizes that Jeremiah is the direct conduit of the divine message, speaking what God has revealed to him, and Baruch is faithfully transcribing that exact utterance.
* **"all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him,"** This is the core content of the transcription, asserting its divine origin and comprehensive scope. The phrase "all the words of the LORD" unequivocally declares that the message originates from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, lending it ultimate authority and truth. The qualification "which he had spoken unto him" clarifies that Jeremiah is merely relaying what he has received directly from God, underscoring his role as a faithful messenger and not the originator of the message.
* **"upon a roll of a book."** This final clause specifies the physical medium for the recorded message. The "roll of a book" (Hebrew: _megillâh sefer_) indicates a formal, durable document, a scroll. This act of committing the words to a physical scroll ensures their preservation, portability, and public accessibility, transforming transient spoken words into a permanent, authoritative record for the nation and for posterity.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:4 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Divine Dictation**, a motif that emphasizes the direct, authoritative origin of the message from God. Although Baruch writes, the words are "of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him," establishing a clear chain of communication from Yahweh to Jeremiah, and then through Baruch to the written scroll. This device elevates the text's authority. There is also a subtle use of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy** in the phrase "from the mouth of Jeremiah," where "mouth" stands for the entirety of Jeremiah's spoken words or his verbal communication. This highlights the direct, unmediated nature of the dictation process. Furthermore, the "roll of a book" functions as a powerful **Symbolism**. It is not merely a physical object but symbolizes the permanence, authority, and preservation of God's word. In a culture where oral tradition was strong but vulnerable to distortion, the written scroll represented an unchangeable, enduring testimony. The entire narrative of Jeremiah 36, initiated by this verse, serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the importance of the written canon of Scripture, demonstrating God's providential care in ensuring His word endures despite human opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:4 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of divine revelation and its transmission. It powerfully illustrates God's commitment to communicating His will clearly and enduringly to humanity. The process of dictation and transcription underscores the divine origin and authority of the prophetic word, demonstrating that the words are not merely human insights but God's very own message. This act of writing down the prophecies ensures their preservation across generations, serving as a permanent witness to God's character, His covenant faithfulness, and His righteous judgments. It highlights the collaborative nature of God's work, where a prophet speaks and a scribe records, each playing an essential role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The verse also implicitly points to the mercy of God, who, even in the face of persistent rebellion, provides a clear, tangible record of His warnings and calls to repentance, offering His people every opportunity to turn back to Him before judgment falls.

* [Deuteronomy 31:19](/deuteronomy/31-19 "Deuteronomy 31:19, 24-26 - Moses Writes the Law")
* [Isaiah 30:8](/isaiah/30-8 "Isaiah 30:8 - Write It Down for the Future")
* [Habakkuk 2:2](/habakkuk/2-2 "Habakkuk 2:2 - Write the Vision Clearly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:4 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that the Bible we hold in our hands is not a collection of human ideas, but "all the words of the LORD," divinely inspired and providentially preserved. This should cultivate in us a deep reverence for Scripture, recognizing its absolute authority and truthfulness in every area of life. Just as Baruch diligently recorded Jeremiah's words, we are called to be diligent in receiving, studying, and applying God's written Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, guide our decisions, and transform our lives. Furthermore, the verse highlights the often-unsung heroes of faith, like Baruch, who faithfully serve behind the scenes. Not everyone is called to be a public prophet or preacher, but every believer is called to contribute to the spread and preservation of God's truth, whether through teaching, supporting ministries, or simply living out the Word authentically. Finally, the context of God's persistent call to repentance through His written word challenges us to consider our own responsiveness to divine warnings and invitations to draw near.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin and careful preservation of Scripture, as seen in Jeremiah 36:4, impact your view of the Bible's authority and relevance today?**
* **In what ways can you, like Baruch, faithfully serve God's purposes, even if your role is not in the public spotlight?**
* **What specific "words of the LORD" have you recently encountered that you need to "write upon the roll of your heart" and live out more fully?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Baruch's role in Jeremiah's ministry?**

Answer: Baruch's role was profoundly significant and indispensable. As Jeremiah's trusted scribe, he served as the physical hand that recorded the prophet's divinely inspired messages. Given that Jeremiah was often restricted from public access or imprisoned ([Jeremiah 36:5](/jeremiah/36-5 "Jeremiah 36:5 - Jeremiah Is Confined")), Baruch acted as his proxy, reading the scroll publicly in the Temple courts. His meticulous transcription ensured the accurate preservation and dissemination of God's word, transforming oral prophecies into a permanent, authoritative written record. Without Baruch's faithful service, much of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry might have been lost to history, underscoring his vital contribution to the biblical canon.

**Why was it necessary for Jeremiah's prophecies to be written down?**

Answer: The act of writing down Jeremiah's prophecies was essential for several critical reasons. Firstly, it ensured the **permanence and integrity** of God's message, preventing its distortion or loss through oral transmission over time. Secondly, it provided a **tangible, authoritative record** that could be publicly read and referenced, giving the people of Judah a clear and undeniable account of God's warnings and calls to repentance ([Jeremiah 36:7](/jeremiah/36-7 "Jeremiah 36:7 - The Purpose of the Scroll")). Thirdly, it served as a **legal and prophetic testimony** against the nation's rebellion, solidifying the divine judgment that would follow if they did not repent. Finally, the written word ensured that God's message would **endure for future generations**, providing a historical and theological anchor for understanding God's faithfulness and justice, even after the Babylonian exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:4, with its emphasis on the divine word being spoken, written, and preserved, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the Living Word of God. Just as Jeremiah received "all the words of the LORD" to speak to a rebellious people, Jesus is the perfect embodiment and ultimate expression of God's revelation ([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")). He is not merely a messenger of God's words, but the Word made flesh, perfectly revealing the Father's character and will ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The act of writing down the prophecies in Jeremiah 36 foreshadows the enduring nature of God's truth, which culminates in the New Testament Scriptures, inspired by the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Christ ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit Will Teach You All Things") and [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You")). Jesus Himself affirmed the authority of the written Word, declaring that "Scripture cannot be broken" ([John 10:35](/john/10-35 "John 10:35 - Scripture Cannot Be Broken")) and that all the prophecies concerning Him "must be fulfilled" ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - All Things Written About Me Must Be Fulfilled")). Thus, the meticulous care taken to preserve Jeremiah's words points forward to the divine intentionality behind the entire biblical canon, all of which ultimately testifies to Christ and His redemptive work.

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 32:12

And I gave the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, the son of Maaseiah, in the sight of Hanameel mine uncle's [son], and in the presence of the witnesses that subscribed the book of the purchase, before all the Jews that sat in the court of the prison.

Jeremiah 36:32

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.

Ezekiel 2:9

And when I looked, behold, an hand [was] sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book [was] therein;

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.

Romans 16:22

I Tertius, who wrote [this] epistle, salute you in the Lord.

Jeremiah 36:21

So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe's chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king.

Jeremiah 45:1

¶ The word that Jeremiah the prophet spake unto Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,