Old Testament
Jeremiah 36:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the officials told Baruch, "You and Jeremiah need to go into hiding right now. Don't let anyone know where you are."
Compare translations
Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye be.
What Jeremiah 36:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the officials are advising Baruch, who is the scribe for the prophet Jeremiah, to go into hiding along with Jeremiah. This instruction comes after they learn about the content of the scroll that Baruch had read to the people, which contained prophecies of judgment against Judah. The officials are concerned for their safety, fearing that the king might react negatively to the message. This moment highlights the tension between God's message and the political climate of the time. It shows the lengths to which people must go to protect themselves when they are involved in delivering difficult truths. The urgency of their situation emphasizes the seriousness of the message they are conveying and the potential consequences they face for being faithful to God's word.
How to apply Jeremiah 36:19 to your life
This verse reminds us that standing up for truth can sometimes lead to danger or opposition. We should be prepared to seek wisdom and protection when sharing difficult messages. Trusting in God’s guidance and being aware of our surroundings can help us navigate challenging situations while remaining faithful to our convictions.
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 36:19
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 36:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 36:19 teach about fear of authority?
Jeremiah 36:19 illustrates the fear that the officials had regarding the king's reaction to the scroll's message. Their advice to Baruch and Jeremiah to hide signifies the tension between obeying God's message and the potential backlash from political leaders. This teaches us that standing for truth can sometimes lead to fear of authority, and we must navigate these situations with wisdom and discernment.
Why did Baruch and Jeremiah need to go into hiding?
Baruch and Jeremiah were advised to go into hiding because the scroll Baruch read contained prophecies of judgment against Judah, which could provoke a hostile reaction from the king. The officials recognized the danger posed by the king's potential anger and sought to protect them from possible repercussions for delivering such a challenging message.
How can we apply the message of Jeremiah 36:19 in our lives?
The message of Jeremiah 36:19 encourages us to be courageous when sharing difficult truths, even in the face of opposition. It reminds us to seek God's guidance and protection when we find ourselves in challenging situations. We should be aware of our surroundings and the potential consequences of our actions, while remaining faithful to our convictions and the truths we believe in.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 36:19?
Jeremiah 36:19 encompasses several themes, including Divine Protection, as the officials seek to protect Baruch and Jeremiah; Fear of Authority, reflecting the tension between God's message and political power; Faithfulness to God's Message, as Baruch and Jeremiah remain committed to delivering the truth; Political Tension, highlighting the risks involved in prophetic ministry; and Courage in Adversity, as they navigate the dangers of their situation.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.