Jeremiah 36:16
Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּשָׁמְעָם֙
Now it came to pass when they had heard
H8085
כְּשָׁמְעָם֙
Now it came to pass when they had heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 19
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 19
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 #:
4 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
all the words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
all the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
פָּחֲד֖וּ
they were afraid
H6342
פָּחֲד֖וּ
they were afraid
Strong's:
H6342
Word #:
6 of 19
to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general
אִ֣ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
נַגִּיד֙
We will surely
H5046
נַגִּיד֙
We will surely
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
נַגִּיד֙
We will surely
H5046
נַגִּיד֙
We will surely
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
14 of 19
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 #:
16 of 19
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 #:
17 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Historical Context
Royal officials had obligations to inform the king of significant developments, especially prophetic messages claiming divine authority. Their fear was both religious (awareness of divine judgment) and political (concern for national crisis). The year 604 BC was perilous—Babylon was conquering the region, and Jehoiakim's pro-Egyptian policy was increasingly dangerous.
Questions for Reflection
- When was the last time Scripture filled you with holy fear—and did that fear lead to repentance or merely acknowledgment?
- What's the difference between being afraid of God's word and actually obeying it?
- How do you move from intellectual conviction about biblical truth to actual submission and life change?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid (פָּחַד, pachad—to fear, dread, be in awe). This is appropriate reverence before divine judgment. Both one and other (אִישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵהוּ, ish el-re'ehu)—literally "each man to his neighbor," suggesting they exchanged fearful looks, confirming each other's alarm. We will surely tell the king (נַגֵּד נַגִּיד, naged nagid—emphatic repetition meaning "we will certainly declare").
Their fear is genuine but incomplete. True fear of the LORD produces repentance (Proverbs 1:7); their fear produces only duty to inform the king. They recognize the gravity of the message without yielding to its demands. This is the tragedy of conviction without conversion—seeing truth clearly yet failing to submit to it.