Old Testament
Jeremiah 36:23
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And it happened that when Jehudi had read three or four columns, he cut them with a penknife and threw them into the fire on the hearth, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire on the hearth.
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And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.
What Jeremiah 36:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jehudi reads from a scroll containing God's message to the people of Judah. However, instead of heeding the warning, he shows contempt by cutting the scroll with a penknife and throwing it into the fire. This act symbolizes rejection of God's word and a refusal to listen to divine guidance. The scroll represents God's communication, and its destruction signifies the people's disregard for His messages. This moment highlights the seriousness of ignoring God's warnings and the consequences that can follow. The act of burning the scroll illustrates a complete rejection of God's authority and a desire to erase His words from memory. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting and responding to God's messages rather than dismissing them.
How to apply Jeremiah 36:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how we respond to God's messages in our lives. Instead of ignoring or dismissing His guidance, we should actively seek to understand and apply His teachings. Respecting God's word can lead to wisdom and a deeper relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Burned Scroll (Jeremiah 36:1–32)
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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.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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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 36:23 mean?
Jeremiah 36:23 describes Jehudi reading a scroll from God and then cutting it up and burning it, symbolizing a rejection of God's message and authority. This act illustrates the people's contempt for divine guidance and the seriousness of ignoring God's warnings.
What is the significance of the scroll in Jeremiah 36:23?
The scroll in Jeremiah 36:23 represents God's communication to the people of Judah. Its destruction by fire signifies the people's disregard for God's messages and their refusal to heed His warnings.
What does cutting the scroll with a penknife symbolize in Jeremiah 36:23?
Cutting the scroll with a penknife symbolizes a deliberate act of rejection and contempt for God's word. It shows a refusal to listen to divine guidance and an attempt to erase God's message from memory.
What are the consequences of disobedience in Jeremiah 36:23?
Jeremiah 36:23 highlights that rejecting God's word can lead to serious consequences. The act of burning the scroll signifies the dangers of ignoring divine warnings and the potential fallout from such actions.
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