Old Testament
Jeremiah 36:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Baruch answered them, saying, "He spoke all these words to me, and I wrote them with ink in the book."
Compare translations
Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.
What Jeremiah 36:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Baruch, the scribe, is responding to a group of people who are inquiring about the words of prophecy he has recorded. He clarifies that he did not create these words himself; rather, he received them from the prophet Jeremiah, who spoke them aloud. Baruch's role was to faithfully transcribe what he heard, using ink to write it down in a book. This highlights the importance of accurate communication and preservation of God's messages. Baruch's actions demonstrate obedience and diligence in fulfilling his responsibilities as a scribe, ensuring that the words of God are documented for future generations. This verse emphasizes the collaborative nature of prophetic ministry, where the prophet speaks, and the scribe records, ensuring that God's messages are shared and remembered.
How to apply Jeremiah 36:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to be diligent in our responsibilities, whether in sharing God's word or in other areas of life. It reminds us of the importance of accurately conveying messages we receive, whether from God or others. We should strive to be faithful in our roles, ensuring that truth is preserved and communicated effectively.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Burned Scroll (Jeremiah 36:1–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jeremiah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 36:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 36:18
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 36:18 teach about the role of a scribe?
Jeremiah 36:18 highlights the important role of a scribe, exemplified by Baruch, who faithfully transcribes the words spoken by the prophet Jeremiah. This verse illustrates that the scribe's responsibility is to accurately record and preserve the messages received, ensuring that God's words are documented for future generations. It emphasizes diligence and obedience in fulfilling one's duties.
How does Baruch's response in Jeremiah 36:18 reflect obedience?
In Jeremiah 36:18, Baruch's response reflects obedience by acknowledging that he did not originate the words he wrote; instead, he faithfully transcribed what he heard from Jeremiah. This act of obedience demonstrates his commitment to God's message and his role as a scribe, ensuring that the prophetic words are preserved and communicated accurately.
What can we learn about communication from Jeremiah 36:18?
Jeremiah 36:18 teaches us the importance of clear and accurate communication. Baruch's role as a scribe emphasizes that messages, especially those from God, must be conveyed faithfully. This verse encourages us to be diligent in how we share information, ensuring that we represent the original message correctly and maintain its integrity.
Why is documentation important according to Jeremiah 36:18?
Documentation is crucial as highlighted in Jeremiah 36:18 because it preserves important messages for future generations. Baruch's act of writing down Jeremiah's words ensures that God's prophecies are not lost over time. This underscores the significance of recording and sharing truth, allowing it to be accessible and remembered by others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.