Jeremiah 36:14
Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלְח֨וּ
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלְח֨וּ
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 32
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 32
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַשָּׂרִ֜ים
Therefore all the princes
H8269
הַשָּׂרִ֜ים
Therefore all the princes
Strong's:
H8269
Word #:
3 of 32
a head person (of any rank or class)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 32
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 32
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
קָרָ֤אתָ
wherein thou hast read
H7121
קָרָ֤אתָ
wherein thou hast read
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
17 of 32
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
in the ears
H241
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
in the ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
19 of 32
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
20 of 32
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בְּיָד֔וֹ
in his hand
H3027
בְּיָד֔וֹ
in his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
22 of 32
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וָלֵ֑ךְ
H1980
וָלֵ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
23 of 32
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
26 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
28 of 32
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּיָד֔וֹ
in his hand
H3027
בְּיָד֔וֹ
in his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
30 of 32
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Historical Context
Ancient scrolls were valuable objects, made from prepared animal skins or papyrus. A complete prophetic scroll represented significant time and expense. The princes' request to see the actual document reflects standard administrative procedure for verifying reports. Jehudi's complex genealogy may indicate a family of court servants spanning multiple generations and ethnicities.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when your faith or biblical convictions come under official scrutiny?
- What does Baruch's willingness to bring the scroll teach about transparency in Christian witness?
- In what ways should we welcome honest investigation of Scripture rather than fear it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi—The four-generation genealogy of this messenger (rare in Scripture) may indicate his importance or mixed heritage ("Cushi" suggests Ethiopian ancestry). Take in thine hand the roll (מְגִלָּה, megillah—scroll). Wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come—The princes want to examine the source document themselves, not rely on secondhand reports.
Baruch's compliance—took the roll in his hand, and came—shows he has nothing to hide. The physical scroll becomes the focal point, a tangible witness to God's word. The princes' investigative approach contrasts with Jehoiakim's coming contempt (v.23). At this stage, they're conducting due diligence, not yet committed to rebellion or obedience.