Jeremiah 36:13
Then Michaiah declared unto them all the words that he had heard, when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד
declared
H5046
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד
declared
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 13
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 #:
5 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
unto them all the words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
unto them all the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁמֵ֑עַ
that he had heard
H8085
שָׁמֵ֑עַ
that he had heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
8 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בִּקְרֹ֥א
read
H7121
בִּקְרֹ֥א
read
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בַּסֵּ֖פֶר
the book
H5612
בַּסֵּ֖פֶר
the book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern courts, messengers were expected to deliver messages verbatim. Altering a royal message could mean death. Michaiah applies this same fidelity to God's word, treating the prophetic scroll with the reverence due to divine communication. His role bridges the gap between public proclamation and private governmental deliberation.
Questions for Reflection
- When sharing biblical truth with others, how can you ensure you're communicating the complete message rather than selective portions?
- What gives you the courage to declare "all the words" of Scripture, including uncomfortable truths?
- How do you balance wisdom in communication with fidelity to the full counsel of God's word?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then Michaiah declared unto them all the words that he had heard (נָגַד, nagad—to declare, announce, make known). Michaiah functions as a faithful reporter, ensuring the princes receive the complete prophetic message. When Baruch read the book in the ears of the people—The repetition of public reading emphasizes the transparency of prophetic ministry; this was no secret conspiracy but open proclamation.
The phrase "all the words" appears again, stressing comprehensive communication. Michaiah doesn't sanitize or summarize; he delivers the full weight of divine judgment. This contrasts sharply with false prophets who spoke smooth words (Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11). True ministry requires courage to communicate hard truth without dilution.