Jeremiah 36:10
Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house, in the ears of all the people.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֨א
Then read
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֨א
Then read
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 23
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בַּסֵּ֛פֶר
in the book
H5612
בַּסֵּ֛פֶר
in the book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
3 of 23
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֥י
the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 23
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
of Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
of Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
6 of 23
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
בֵּית
house
H1004
בֵּית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 23
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּלִשְׁכַּ֡ת
in the chamber
H3957
בְּלִשְׁכַּ֡ת
in the chamber
Strong's:
H3957
Word #:
9 of 23
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שָׁפָ֨ן
of Shaphan
H8227
שָׁפָ֨ן
of Shaphan
Strong's:
H8227
Word #:
12 of 23
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
הַסֹּפֵ֜ר
the scribe
H5608
הַסֹּפֵ֜ר
the scribe
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
13 of 23
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
בֶּחָצֵ֣ר
court
H2691
בֶּחָצֵ֣ר
court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
14 of 23
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
הָעֶלְי֗וֹן
in the higher
H5945
הָעֶלְי֗וֹן
in the higher
Strong's:
H5945
Word #:
15 of 23
an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme
פֶּ֣תַח
at the entry
H6607
פֶּ֣תַח
at the entry
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
16 of 23
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
בֵּית
house
H1004
בֵּית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
18 of 23
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
19 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּאָזְנֵ֖י
in the ears
H241
בְּאָזְנֵ֖י
in the ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
21 of 23
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
Cross References
Jeremiah 36:11When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,Jeremiah 52:25He took also out of the city an eunuch, which had the charge of the men of war; and seven men of them that were near the king's person, which were found in the city; and the principal scribe of the host, who mustered the people of the land; and threescore men of the people of the land, that were found in the midst of the city.Jeremiah 26:10When the princes of Judah heard these things, then they came up from the king's house unto the house of the LORD, and sat down in the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house.Jeremiah 35:4And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door:Jeremiah 36:25Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.2 Samuel 8:17And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
Historical Context
Temple architecture featured multiple courtyards with ascending levels. The "higher court" was closer to the sanctuary, accessible to Jewish males. Scribes like Gemariah had chambers in the temple complex for administrative work. The "new gate" may refer to the gate restored under King Jotham (2 Kings 15:35) or Josiah's building projects.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the physical positioning of Scripture reading (in the higher court, at the gate) inform how we should approach biblical proclamation today?
- What role do supportive relationships (like Gemariah providing his chamber) play in sustaining faithful biblical ministry?
- How can you ensure you're not just hearing Scripture "in your ears" but allowing it to penetrate your heart?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah—The public reading (קָרָא, qara) continues the prophetic tradition of oral proclamation. In the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan—Shaphan's family consistently supported Jeremiah (26:24, 39:14), providing safe space for the prophet's ministry. In the higher court, at the entry of the new gate—This strategic location in the temple's upper courtyard ensured maximum public exposure.
In the ears of all the people (בְּאָזְנֵי כָל־הָעָם, be'oznei khol-ha'am)—The Hebrew emphasizes auditory reception. God's word demands hearing that leads to obedience (Deuteronomy 6:4). The "new gate" (likely built during Josiah's reforms) ironically frames this moment: reformation architecture cannot substitute for heart transformation.