Old Testament
Jeremiah 36:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Jeremiah 36:21 means
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.
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
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 36:21
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 36:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 36:21 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.