Jeremiah 36:8
And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading in the book the words of the LORD in the LORD'S house.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֗עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֗עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כְּכֹ֥ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֥ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִרְמְיָ֣הוּ
according to all that Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֣הוּ
according to all that Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
8 of 15
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
לִקְרֹ֥א
him reading
H7121
לִקְרֹ֥א
him reading
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
10 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בַסֵּ֛פֶר
in the book
H5612
בַסֵּ֛פֶר
in the book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
דִּבְרֵ֥י
the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
12 of 15
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָֹֽה׃
in the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָֹֽה׃
in the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
This occurred in 604 BC during Jeremiah's confinement. Baruch served as Jeremiah's amanuensis (professional scribe), a common practice in the ancient Near East. The temple courtyards were public spaces where prophetic oracles were traditionally delivered. Baruch's family belonged to Jerusalem's scribal elite, giving him access to official circles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Baruch's faithful obedience challenge you to proclaim God's word accurately, even when it's unpopular?
- What does it mean for you to speak "the words of the LORD" rather than your own opinions in ministry?
- How can you cultivate the kind of loyalty Baruch showed to Jeremiah in your relationships with spiritual leaders?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him—The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (shama, to hear/obey) underlies Baruch's faithful obedience. As Jeremiah's scribe and loyal disciple, Baruch becomes the physical voice of the imprisoned prophet. Reading in the book the words of the LORD in the LORD'S house (קָרָא בַּסֵּפֶר, qara basepher)—The public reading of Scripture in the temple precinct establishes a pattern seen throughout redemptive history: God's word must be proclaimed, not merely possessed.
Baruch's role prefigures the work of all faithful ministers who proclaim God's word exactly as given. The phrase "words of the LORD" (דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה) emphasizes divine authorship—these are not Jeremiah's opinions but Yahweh's covenant lawsuit against Judah. The temple setting intensifies the confrontation: God's indictment is read in His own house.