Jeremiah 36:17
Jeremiah 36:17 in Multiple Translations
“Tell us now,” they asked Baruch, “how did you write all these words? Was it at Jeremiah’s dictation?”
And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?
And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?
And questioning Baruch, they said, Say now, how did you put all these words down in writing from his mouth?
Then they asked Baruch, “Now tell us, how did you come to write all this? Did Jeremiah dictate it to you?”
And they examined Baruch, saying, Tell vs nowe, howe diddest thou write all these wordes at his mouth?
And they asked Baruch, saying, 'Declare, we pray thee, to us, how didst thou write all these words — from his mouth?'
They asked Baruch, saying, “Tell us now, how did you write all these words at his mouth?”
And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?
And they asked him, saying: Tell us how didst thou write all these words from his mouth.
Then they asked Baruch, “How did you get this scroll? Did Jeremiah dictate to you all the messages on this scroll?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 36:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 36:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶ֨ת
בָּר֔וּךְ
שָׁאֲל֖וּ
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
הַגֶּד
נָ֣א
לָ֔/נוּ
אֵ֗יךְ
כָּתַ֛בְתָּ
אֶת
כָּל
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
מִ/פִּֽי/ו
וְ/אֶ֨ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בָּר֔וּךְ
Bârûwk
H1263
Baruch
N-proper
שָׁאֲל֖וּ
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַגֶּד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
לָ֔/נוּ
Prep | Suff
אֵ֗יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
כָּתַ֛בְתָּ
kâthab
H3789
to write
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
מִ/פִּֽי/ו
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 36:17
וְ/אֶ֨ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בָּר֔וּךְ
Bârûwk
H1263
"Baruch"
N-proper
Baruch was a man who lived during the Divided Monarchy and was a friend of Jeremiah. His name means 'blessed' and he helped the prophet with his work.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.32.12; son of: Neriah (H5374); brother of: Seraiah (H8304N) § Baruch = "blessed" 1) friend, amanuensis, and faithful attendant of Jeremiah 2) a priest, the son of Zabbai who assisted Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem 3) a priest, or family of priests, who signed the covenant with Nehemiah 4) son of Col-hozeh, a descendant of Perez or Pharez, the son of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Baruch. See also: Nehemiah 3:20; Jeremiah 36:15; Jeremiah 32:12.
שָׁאֲל֖וּ
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַגֶּד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
לָ֔/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
אֵ֗יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
כָּתַ֛בְתָּ
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
מִ/פִּֽי/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 36:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 36:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 36:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 36:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:17
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 36:17
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 36:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:17
Context — Jeremiah’s Scroll Read in the Palace
15“Please sit down,” they said, “and read it in our hearing.” So Baruch read it in their hearing.
16When they had heard all these words, they turned to one another in fear and said to Baruch, “Surely we must report all these words to the king.”
17“Tell us now,” they asked Baruch, “how did you write all these words? Was it at Jeremiah’s dictation?”
18“It was at his dictation,” Baruch replied. “He recited all these words to me and I wrote them in ink on the scroll.” 19Then the officials said to Baruch, “You and Jeremiah must hide yourselves and tell no one where you are.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 9:15 | So the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. The man answered, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.” |
| 2 | John 9:10–11 | “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. He answered, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and anointed my eyes, and He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and received my sight.” |
| 3 | John 9:26–27 | “What did He do to you?” they asked. “How did He open your eyes?” He replied, “I already told you, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” |
Jeremiah 36:17 Summary
[This verse shows how the officials were concerned about the source of the written words they had just heard, and they asked Baruch if he had written them down at Jeremiah's dictation. This highlights the importance of understanding the origin of God's word, as seen in Jeremiah 36:18. In simple terms, the officials wanted to know if Jeremiah was the one who had given Baruch the words to write down, which would help them determine how to respond to the prophecies. This verse also reminds us of the importance of written scripture, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 17:18-20 and Jeremiah 30:2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the context in which Baruch was asked about writing the words of Jeremiah?
Baruch was asked about writing the words of Jeremiah after he read the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies to the officials, as seen in Jeremiah 36:15, and they were concerned about reporting the words to the king, as mentioned in Jeremiah 36:16.
Was Baruch the original author of the words he wrote on the scroll?
No, Baruch was not the original author, as he wrote the words at Jeremiah's dictation, as he himself explained in Jeremiah 36:18, similar to how secretaries wrote down the words of prophets and kings in other parts of the Bible, such as in Jeremiah 32:12.
Why did the officials ask Baruch about the origin of the written words?
The officials asked Baruch about the origin of the written words because they were afraid of the king's reaction to the prophecies, as seen in Jeremiah 36:16, and they wanted to know if Jeremiah was the source of the words, which would help them determine how to proceed, as they eventually decided to report the words to the king.
How does this verse relate to the importance of written scripture?
This verse highlights the importance of written scripture, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, where the king was commanded to write a copy of the law, and in Jeremiah 30:2, where Jeremiah was commanded to write the words of the Lord in a book.
Reflection Questions
- What role do you think Baruch played in the preservation of God's word, and how can we apply that to our own lives?
- How do you think the officials felt when they heard the words of Jeremiah, and what can we learn from their reaction about the power of God's word?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when it is difficult or scary, as seen in Jeremiah 1:7-10?
- How can we, like Baruch, be faithful recorders and proclaimers of God's word in our own lives, as encouraged in Psalm 119:113-116?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 36:17
And they asked Baruch,.... The following question, which may seem at first sight an odd, needless, and trifling one, as some have called it: saying, tell us now, how didst thou write all these words at his mouth?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 36:17
And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth? How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:17
This now seemed but a reasonable question, considering they were the substance of what he had been prophesying for so many years. The thing seemed strange to the princes, prophets being not used to study and pen their discourses, but to speak them extempore.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:17
Jeremiah 36:17 And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?Ver. 17. Tell us, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?] Praeposteram movent interrogationem; they put an odd question, saith one, when they should rather have bethought themselves of breaking off their sins by repentance. God loves obedience and not questioners, saith Luther.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:17
(17-19) Tell us now, How didst thou write . . .?—The question was clearly put as a judicial interrogatory. The princes were anxious to ascertain how far each of the parties concerned was responsible. Had Baruch exercised any discretion in writing so that the words were his, though the substance was Jeremiah’s? or had he, on his own responsibility, and without the prophet’s will, published what had been written privately? or had every syllable as it was read come from the prophet’s lips? The scribe’s answer showed that the last hypothesis answered to the facts of the case. On hearing this they, obviously with a friendly regard, advise him and the prophet to hide themselves till they should see what effect the report would have on the king’s mind. It would appear from Jeremiah 36:19 that Jeremiah, though “shut up” and unable to go into the house of the Lord (Jeremiah 36:5), was not actually so imprisoned as to hinder him from concealing himself. Either, therefore, we must assume that he was in a “libera custodia,” that gave him facilities for an escape, which the princes connived at, or that by “shut up” he meant only hindered by some cause or other. The latter seems the more probable hypothesis. In the concealment of the prophet we find a parallel to that of Elijah and the other prophets under Ahab (1 Kings 17:3; 1 Kings 18:4), of Polycarp (Mart. Polyc. c. 5), perhaps also of Luther in the Wartburg.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:17
Verse 17. How didst thou write all these words? - At his mouth?] So the text should be pointed. They wished to know whether he had not copied them, or whether he wrote as Jeremiah prophesied.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 36:17
17. How didst thou write] They desired to know how far the words might be Baruch’s own, so as to be able to state to the king to what extent, if any, the prophet’s amanuensis was responsible. at his mouth] omit with LXX, as a gloss spoiling the sense here, and introduced from Jeremiah 36:17.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 36:17
The scroll might have been drawn up by Baruch from memoranda of his own without the prophet’s direct authority. The princes therefore did not ask from curiosity, but to obtain necessary information.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:17
17. How didst thou write — Two points seem to be involved in this question, which is not one of mere curiosity, but of earnest interest: namely, authority and accuracy. As to both the answer was most conclusive.