Jeremiah 45:1

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} that Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} spake {H1696} unto Baruch {H1263} the son {H1121} of Neriah {H5374}, when he had written {H3789} these words {H1697} in a book {H5612} at the mouth {H6310} of Jeremiah {H3414}, in the fourth {H7243} year {H8141} of Jehoiakim {H3079} the son {H1121} of Josiah {H2977} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what Yirmeyahu said to Barukh the son of Neriyah when he wrote these words in a book at Yirmeyahu's dictation, in the fourth year of Y'hoyakim the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y'hudah:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch son of Neriah when he wrote these words on a scroll at the dictation of Jeremiah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah:

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 45:1 serves as a precise and poignant superscription, introducing a unique divine oracle specifically addressed to Baruch, the prophet Jeremiah's faithful scribe. This verse meticulously dates the message to the tumultuous fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, immediately following Baruch's arduous and perilous task of transcribing Jeremiah's extensive prophecies onto a scroll. It sets the stage for a deeply personal word of comfort, warning, and reassurance from the Lord to His diligent servant, underscoring God's profound attentiveness to individuals amidst national upheaval and affirming the critical role of those who faithfully preserve and transmit His divine word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 45:1 functions as a distinct and intentional literary break, serving as a precise superscription that sets apart a personal prophecy directed to Baruch from the broader oracles concerning nations and Judah's judgment found in surrounding chapters. Its placement immediately after the detailed narrative of [Jeremiah 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - Baruch Writes Jeremiah's Prophecy") is crucial. In that chapter, Baruch meticulously recorded Jeremiah's prophecies on a scroll, which was then read publicly in the temple and later defiantly burned by King Jehoiakim ([Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")). This chronological and thematic proximity strongly suggests that the divine word to Baruch in chapter 45 is a direct, compassionate response to the immense distress, weariness, and potential fear he experienced during that dangerous and demanding task, offering a personal divine intervention amidst the larger, often disheartening, prophetic narrative of Judah's impending doom. It highlights that God sees and responds to the individual struggles of His servants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specified "fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah" (circa 605 BC) marks an exceptionally pivotal and volatile period in Judah's history. This was the year of the decisive [Battle of Carchemish](/jeremiah/46-2 "Jeremiah 46:2 - Battle of Carchemish"), where Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, utterly defeated Egypt, thereby solidifying its position as the dominant regional superpower and initiating its relentless westward expansion towards Judah. This period also coincided with Nebuchadnezzar's first deportation of Judeans, including prominent figures like Daniel and his companions, to Babylon ([Daniel 1:1-6](/daniel/1-1 "Daniel 1:1-6 - Daniel and His Friends Taken to Babylon")). King Jehoiakim, a puppet king initially installed by Egypt and later a reluctant vassal of Babylon, was notorious for his wickedness, oppressive rule, and open defiance of God's prophetic warnings, culminating in his infamous act of burning Jeremiah's inspired scroll. In such a politically unstable and spiritually hostile environment, Baruch's role as a scribe was far from a mere administrative duty; it was a highly perilous undertaking, as he was entrusted with recording and disseminating divine messages that directly challenged and condemned the ruling authorities and the prevailing national apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Preservation**, emphasizing that God's authoritative word is not only spoken through His chosen prophets but is also meticulously recorded and divinely preserved, even in the face of intense human opposition and attempts at suppression. Secondly, it highlights the profound **Value of Faithful Service**, particularly acknowledging the often-overlooked yet indispensable contributions of those in supporting roles. Baruch, though not a prophet himself, is personally recognized and addressed by God for his diligent and dangerous work in transmitting the divine message, affirming that all faithful service in God's kingdom is seen and valued. Thirdly, the precise historical dating reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty in History**, demonstrating that God's redemptive and judgmental plans unfold within concrete, verifiable historical events, actively shaping the destinies of both nations and individuals. Lastly, and perhaps most pastorally, it introduces the theme of **God's Personal Care Amidst National Crisis**, showing that even as Judah faces impending doom and widespread suffering, God intimately sees and cares for the individual distress and weariness of His loyal servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term is far more expansive than a mere spoken utterance; it encompasses a matter, an affair, a message, a thing, or even an event. In this context, it signifies the authoritative, divinely-given message itself, carrying inherent weight, intention, and often implying action or consequence. Baruch's task was to faithfully capture this potent, living _dâbâr_, which was not just information but a dynamic force.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîy'_):** Denotes an inspired man, one who speaks for God, conveying His will and message. Jeremiah's identity as "the prophet" establishes him as God's designated mouthpiece, lending undeniable divine authority to the words Baruch recorded. The term emphasizes that Jeremiah's words were not his own opinions but a direct communication from the Almighty.
* **Baruch (Hebrew, _Bârûwk'_):** This proper noun, derived from the root "to bless," literally means "blessed." It is profoundly significant that a personal word from God is directed to a man whose very name signifies blessing. This linguistic connection subtly foreshadows the divine assurance, comfort, and preservation he is about to receive, despite his current distress and the perilous circumstances of his service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word that Jeremiah the prophet spake unto Baruch the son of Neriah":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative transmission of the message. It is God's "word" (_dâbâr_), delivered through His appointed "prophet" Jeremiah, and specifically directed to Baruch, whose full name, including his father Neriah, grounds him in his identity and lineage. This personal address highlights the unique and intimate nature of the oracle that follows, distinguishing it from general prophecies.
* **"when he had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah":** This clause provides the immediate historical and literary context for the divine message to Baruch. It explicitly links this personal oracle to Baruch's prior, arduous, and dangerous work as Jeremiah's scribe. The crucial phrase "at the mouth of Jeremiah" emphasizes that Baruch was not merely transcribing or summarizing but faithfully recording the prophet's direct dictation, reinforcing the authenticity, directness, and divine inspiration of the revelation.
* **"in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,":** This precise chronological marker firmly anchors the prophecy in a specific, turbulent period of Judah's history. It is a crucial detail that highlights the historical reality of God's active involvement in human affairs and the volatile political backdrop against which Jeremiah's prophecies, and now Baruch's personal word, were delivered. The mention of Jehoiakim, a king known for his defiance and apostasy, further underscores the challenging and perilous environment in which Baruch served, making God's personal attention to him all the more remarkable.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 45:1 functions primarily as an **introductory superscription** or **framing device** for the entire chapter. It meticulously sets the scene by identifying the divine messenger (Jeremiah), the specific recipient (Baruch), and the exact historical context. This precise dating and identification lend significant **verisimilitude** and historical weight to the prophecy that follows, emphasizing that these are not abstract theological musings but concrete divine interventions in real human events. The repetition of "Jeremiah" and "word" (_dâbâr_) also serves as a subtle **literary echo**, reinforcing the prophetic authority and the nature of the message being conveyed. The detailed genealogical and chronological information provides robust **historical anchoring**, grounding the spiritual message in a tangible, verifiable reality, thereby enhancing its credibility and impact on the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 45:1 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for both His divine word and His faithful servants. It reveals a God who not only speaks through His prophets to entire nations, delivering messages of judgment and hope, but also attends intimately to the personal distress, weariness, and anxieties of those who diligently serve Him, even in the most challenging and dangerous circumstances. The very act of writing down the "word" underscores the divine intent for revelation to be preserved, transmitted, and made enduring across generations, highlighting the steadfast nature of God's truth despite human opposition and attempts at destruction. This verse sets the stage for a unique moment where the Lord pauses His broader prophetic pronouncements to address the individual needs of a diligent and often overlooked servant, affirming the inherent value of every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes, to His kingdom.

* [Jeremiah 36:4](/jeremiah/36-4 "Baruch Writes Jeremiah's Words")
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "All Scripture is God-Breathed")
* [Psalm 119:89](/psalms/119-89 "God's Word is Forever Settled in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 45:1 offers a powerful and deeply encouraging reminder that God sees and values every act of faithful service, particularly those performed diligently and often thanklessly behind the scenes. Baruch's unwavering commitment to meticulously recording Jeremiah's unpopular and dangerous prophecies, even when it put his own life at considerable risk, serves as an enduring example of steadfast dedication and courage. This passage encourages us to find profound significance and divine purpose in our own "behind-the-scenes" contributions within God's kingdom, knowing that God's personal attention and compassionate care extend to every individual who seeks to advance His purposes. It also powerfully reinforces the enduring and indestructible power of God's word, which, despite all human attempts to suppress, distort, or destroy it, is miraculously preserved through the faithfulness of His people, providing a steadfast and unchanging anchor in turbulent and uncertain times.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Baruch's diligent role as a scribe encourage us in our own seemingly "behind-the-scenes" service to God, reminding us that no act of faithfulness is unnoticed by Him?**
* **In what specific ways do we see God's personal care for individuals, even amidst widespread national or global crisis, reflected in this verse and the subsequent divine oracle to Baruch?**
* **Considering the historical context of intense opposition and the burning of the scroll, how does the ultimate preservation of Jeremiah's prophecies through Baruch affirm the enduring power and authority of God's word in our lives today?**

### FAQ
**Who was Baruch, and what was his significance?**

Answer: Baruch, the son of Neriah, was Jeremiah's faithful scribe, personal assistant, and confidant. His significance lies in his absolutely crucial role in the preservation and transmission of God's prophetic word through Jeremiah. He meticulously wrote down Jeremiah's prophecies, often at great personal risk, ensuring their survival and eventual inclusion in the biblical canon. Jeremiah 45:1 specifically highlights his indispensable work, setting the stage for a unique and personal divine message directed specifically to him, acknowledging his distress and affirming God's profound care for him amidst the national crisis. His diligent service was vital for the book of Jeremiah as we have it today, as he was the primary human instrument for recording much of its content.

**Why is the date "fourth year of Jehoiakim" important for understanding this verse?**

Answer: The "fourth year of Jehoiakim" (circa 605 BC) is a critical historical marker that profoundly shapes the context of this verse. This was the year of Nebuchadnezzar's decisive victory over Egypt at the [Battle of Carchemish](/jeremiah/46-2 "Jeremiah 46:2 - Battle of Carchemish"), which irrevocably established Babylonian dominance and initiated the period of Judah's subjugation and eventual exile. It was also the year of the first deportation of Judeans, including Daniel ([Daniel 1:1-6](/daniel/1-1 "Daniel 1:1-6 - Daniel and His Friends Taken to Babylon")). This precise dating firmly anchors the prophecy in a period of intense political upheaval, national decline, and impending judgment for Judah, providing a vivid and perilous backdrop for Baruch's distress and the deeply personal nature of God's word to him. It powerfully illustrates that God's prophecies are not abstract but deeply intertwined with real, unfolding historical events.

**What does "at the mouth of Jeremiah" imply about the message Baruch wrote?**

Answer: The phrase "at the mouth of Jeremiah" signifies that the words Baruch wrote were not his own interpretations, summaries, or even Jeremiah's personal thoughts, but a direct, verbatim dictation from the prophet. This emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. Jeremiah was God's chosen mouthpiece, faithfully delivering the divine utterance, and Baruch was the diligent and faithful recorder of that divinely inspired revelation. It underscores the concept of verbal inspiration, where the very words spoken by the prophet were considered God's own, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and absolute authority of the transmitted revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 45:1, with its profound emphasis on the divine "word" faithfully transmitted and meticulously preserved through a human agent like Baruch, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the pre-existent [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the perfect, complete, and final revelation of God to humanity ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"), [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Just as Baruch meticulously recorded Jeremiah's words, the apostles and evangelists, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, faithfully bore witness to and recorded the very words and saving deeds of Jesus, ensuring the preservation of the New Covenant message for all generations ([John 21:24](/john/21-24 "John 21:24 - The Disciple Who Testified"), [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy Came Through the Holy Spirit")). Furthermore, the personal care God shows Baruch amidst the overwhelming national crisis profoundly foreshadows Christ's intimate knowledge and compassionate care for His own disciples, promising them an abiding peace and divine preservation even in a hostile and turbulent world ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - My Peace I Give You"), [Matthew 10:29-31](/matthew/10-29 "Matthew 10:29-31 - God Cares for Sparrows")). Ultimately, while Jehoiakim's earthly kingdom crumbled and his attempts to destroy God's word failed, Christ's words, unlike the burned scroll, will never pass away, for [heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will not](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Not").

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 36:1

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, [that] this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

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 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.

Jeremiah 25:1

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that [was] the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;

2 Chronicles 36:5

Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

Jeremiah 32:16

¶ Now when I had delivered the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed unto the LORD, saying,