Jeremiah 36:11
When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,
Original Language Analysis
וַ֠יִּשְׁמַ֗ע
had heard
H8085
וַ֠יִּשְׁמַ֗ע
had heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שָׁפָ֛ן
of Shaphan
H8227
שָׁפָ֛ן
of Shaphan
Strong's:
H8227
Word #:
6 of 12
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּבְרֵ֥י
all the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
all the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
9 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Michaiah belonged to the third generation of Shaphan's family serving in government. His grandfather Shaphan had been instrumental in Josiah's reforms (640-609 BC). This family represented the best of Judah's scribal-prophetic tradition, bridging official circles and authentic faith. Their consistent support of Jeremiah across decades shows covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your family's spiritual heritage influence your response to Scripture, and how are you shaping the next generation?
- What does Michaiah's immediate action after hearing God's word teach about authentic biblical response?
- In what ways do you practice selective hearing of Scripture rather than receiving "all the words of the LORD"?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan—The genealogy is significant: Shaphan was Josiah's secretary who discovered the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8). This family had spiritual DNA of responding rightly to Scripture. Had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD (שָׁמַע מֵעַל הַסֵּפֶר אֶת־כָּל־דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה, shama me'al hasepher et-kol-divrei YHWH)—The verb שָׁמַע (shama) appears repeatedly in Jeremiah 36, creating a motif: will they hear unto obedience?
Michaiah represents the faithful remnant who hears and acts. Unlike the majority who heard without heeding, he immediately takes action. The phrase "all the words" emphasizes he grasped the complete message, not selective listening. This verse sets up the contrast between faithful hearing (Shaphan's family) and rebellious hearing (Jehoiakim).