Old Testament
Jeremiah 36:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, King Jehoiakim sends Jehudi to retrieve a scroll that contains the words of the prophet Jeremiah.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll. He retrieved it from Elishama the scribe's room, and Jehudi read it aloud to the king and all the officials standing around him.
So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe’s chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, King Jehoiakim sends Jehudi to retrieve a scroll that contains the words of the prophet Jeremiah. The scroll is kept in the room of Elishama, who is a scribe. Jehudi reads the scroll aloud to the king and his officials, indicating the importance of the message contained within. This moment highlights the king's desire to hear the prophetic words, which were meant to guide and warn him and his leaders. The act of reading the scroll publicly emphasizes the significance of God's message and the accountability of the king and his officials to heed it. It also sets the stage for the king's reaction to the words of Jeremiah, which will unfold in the following verses. This event illustrates the tension between divine authority and human leadership, as well as the responsibility of those in power to listen to God's guidance. Explore related prayer.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 36:21 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of listening to God's word and seeking guidance from it. Just as the king and his officials were called to pay attention to the scroll, we too should prioritize reading and understanding scripture in our lives. It encourages us to be open to divine messages that can guide our decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 36:21 mean?
Jeremiah 36:21 describes King Jehoiakim sending Jehudi to retrieve a scroll containing the words of the prophet Jeremiah. The act of reading the scroll aloud to the king and his officials signifies the importance of God's message and their responsibility to heed it.
What is the significance of the scroll in Jeremiah 36:21?
The scroll in Jeremiah 36:21 contains prophetic messages meant to guide and warn King Jehoiakim and his officials. Its retrieval and public reading highlight the importance of divine communication and the accountability of leaders to listen to God's guidance.
Who is Jehudi in Jeremiah 36:21?
Jehudi is the messenger sent by King Jehoiakim to fetch the scroll from Elishama the scribe's room. His role is crucial as he reads the prophetic words aloud to the king and his officials.
What does the public reading of the scroll indicate in Jeremiah 36:21?
The public reading of the scroll in Jeremiah 36:21 indicates the significance of God's message and the need for the king and his officials to be aware of it. It emphasizes the accountability of leaders to listen to and act upon divine guidance.
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