Jeremiah 36:18
Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.
Original Language Analysis
מִפִּיו֙
unto me with his mouth
H6310
מִפִּיו֙
unto me with his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 15
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יִקְרָ֣א
them He pronounced
H7121
יִקְרָ֣א
them He pronounced
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
5 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 15
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 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
all these words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
all these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
9 of 15
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כֹּתֵ֥ב
and I wrote
H3789
כֹּתֵ֥ב
and I wrote
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
12 of 15
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Jeremiah 36:4Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book.Jeremiah 36:2Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.
Historical Context
Ancient inks were made from carbon (lampblack) or iron-gall mixtures mixed with gum arabic as a binder. Scribes wrote on prepared leather (parchment) or papyrus using reed pens. Professional scribes underwent extensive training in writing, grammar, and legal-administrative practices. Baruch's family background prepared him for this crucial role as Jeremiah's secretary and literary executor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding the human process of biblical writing (dictation, transcription, preservation) affect your view of Scripture's authority?
- What gifts and training has God given you to faithfully preserve and communicate His word in your context?
- In what ways are you called to be a "Baruch"—faithfully recording and transmitting truth you've received from others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth (מִפִּיו יִקְרָא, mipiv yiqra—"from his mouth he called/proclaimed"). And I wrote them with ink in the book (בַּדְּיוֹ עַל־הַסֵּפֶר, badyo al-hasepher). Baruch's straightforward answer confirms direct dictation and mechanical transcription using דְּיוֹ (deyo, ink)—likely carbon-based ink on a leather scroll.
This verse provides rare insight into biblical writing process: oral proclamation by the inspired prophet, faithful recording by the trained scribe. Baruch doesn't claim independent revelation; he's a conduit, not a source. The phrase "all these words" (repeated throughout chapter 36) emphasizes complete preservation of the prophetic message. This partnership between prophet and scribe models the dual authorship of Scripture—divine and human.