Jeremiah 36:20
Jeremiah 36:20 in Multiple Translations
So the officials went to the king in the courtyard. And having stored the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, they reported everything to the king.
¶ And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king.
And they went in to the king into the court; but they had laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe; and they told all the words in the ears of the king.
Then they went into the open square to the king; but the book they put away in the room of Elishama the scribe; and they gave the king an account of all the words.
Then the officials went to see the king in the courtyard. They had kept the scroll safe in Elishama the secretary's room while they gave a full report to the king.
And they went in to the King to the court, but they layde vp the roule in the chamber of Elishama the Chancellour and tolde the King all the wordes, that he might heare.
And they go in unto the king, to the court, and the roll they have laid up in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and they declare in the ears of the king all the words.
They went in to the king into the court, but they had laid up the scroll in the room of Elishama the scribe. Then they told all the words in the hearing of the king.
And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king.
And they went in to the king into the court: but they laid up the volume in the chamber of Elisama the scribe: and they told all the words in the hearing of the king.
They put the scroll in the room of Elishama, the king’s secretary. Then they went to the king, who was in the courtyard, and reported to him everything that Baruch had read to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 36:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 36:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֤אוּ
אֶל
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
חָצֵ֔רָ/ה
וְ/אֶת
הַ/מְּגִלָּ֣ה
הִפְקִ֔דוּ
בְּ/לִשְׁכַּ֖ת
אֱלִישָׁמָ֣ע
הַ/סֹּפֵ֑ר
וַ/יַּגִּ֨ידוּ֙
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
אֵ֖ת
כָּל
הַ/דְּבָרִֽים
וַ/יָּבֹ֤אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
חָצֵ֔רָ/ה
châtsêr
H2691
court
N-cs | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מְּגִלָּ֣ה
mᵉgillâh
H4039
scroll
Art | N-fs
הִפְקִ֔דוּ
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
בְּ/לִשְׁכַּ֖ת
lishkâh
H3957
chamber
Prep | N-fs
אֱלִישָׁמָ֣ע
ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ
H476
Elishama
N-proper
הַ/סֹּפֵ֑ר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּגִּ֨ידוּ֙
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Prep | N-fd
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/דְּבָרִֽים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 36:20
וַ/יָּבֹ֤אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
חָצֵ֔רָ/ה
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
N-cs | Suff
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מְּגִלָּ֣ה
mᵉgillâh
H4039
"scroll"
Art | N-fs
A scroll is a rolled-up book, like the one Ezekiel eats in Ezekiel 3:3 or the scroll Jesus reads in Luke 4:17. It contains written words from God.
Definition: roll, book, writing Aramaic equivalent: me.gil.lah (מְגִלָּה "scroll" H4040)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: roll, volume. See also: Psalms 40:8; Jeremiah 36:27; Jeremiah 36:2.
הִפְקִ֔דוּ
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
בְּ/לִשְׁכַּ֖ת
lishkâh
H3957
"chamber"
Prep | N-fs
A room or chamber in a building, like a storage room or a bedroom. This word is used in 1 Kings 20:30 to describe a room in the king's palace.
Definition: room, chamber, hall, cell
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chamber, parlour. Compare H5393 (נִשְׁכָּה). See also: 1 Samuel 9:22; Jeremiah 36:20; Jeremiah 35:2.
אֱלִישָׁמָ֣ע
ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ
H476
"Elishama"
N-proper
Elishama was a man from the tribe of Judah and one of King David's sons, mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:15.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.15; son of: David (H1732); brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); also called Elishama at 1Ch.3.6; Another name of e.li.shu.a (אֱלִישׁוּעַ "Elishua" H0474) § Elishama = "my God has heard" 1) an Ephraimite chief in the wilderness 2) a son of David 3) Jehoiakim's secretary 4) a priest who taught the law 5) a man of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Elishama. See also: Numbers 1:10; 1 Chronicles 3:6; Jeremiah 36:12.
הַ/סֹּפֵ֑ר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
וַ/יַּגִּ֨ידוּ֙
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Prep | N-fd
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/דְּבָרִֽים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 36:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 36:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 36:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 36:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:20
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 36:20
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 36:20
Context — Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll
18“It was at his dictation,” Baruch replied. “He recited all these words to me and I wrote them in ink on the scroll.”
19Then the officials said to Baruch, “You and Jeremiah must hide yourselves and tell no one where you are.”
20So the officials went to the king in the courtyard. And having stored the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, they reported everything to the king.
21Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the scribe. And Jehudi read it in the hearing of the king and all the officials who were standing beside him. 22Since it was the ninth month, the king was sitting in his winter quarters with a fire burning before him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 36:12 | he went down to the scribe’s chamber in the king’s palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 36:21 | Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the scribe. And Jehudi read it in the hearing of the king and all the officials who were standing beside him. |
Jeremiah 36:20 Summary
[This verse shows how some officials took a scroll with a message from God and stored it safely before telling the king about it. They wanted to make sure the king knew what God was saying, even if it was hard to hear. This is similar to how God wants us to share His message with others, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20. By storing the scroll safely, the officials showed that they respected God's word and wanted to preserve it for others to hear.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the officials store the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe before reporting to the king?
The officials likely stored the scroll in a safe place to preserve it, as they knew the king might react negatively to its contents, similar to how the king of Judah later cut up and burned the scroll in Jeremiah 36:23. This act shows their respect for the word of God, as seen in Psalm 138:2.
What can we learn from the officials' decision to report everything to the king?
The officials' decision to report everything to the king demonstrates their commitment to honesty and transparency, even when the message is difficult to share, as seen in Ezekiel 3:18-20. This is an important lesson for believers today, as we are called to be truthful and faithful in our witness, regardless of the cost.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Jeremiah 36?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Jeremiah 36, which emphasizes the importance of preserving and proclaiming God's word, even in the face of opposition, as seen in Jeremiah 1:17-19. The officials' actions in this verse contribute to this theme by showing their respect for the word of God and their willingness to share it with others.
What can we infer about the character of Elishama the scribe from this verse?
From this verse, we can infer that Elishama the scribe was a trusted and respected figure, as the officials felt comfortable storing the scroll in his chamber. This may suggest that Elishama was a man of integrity and faithfulness, similar to other scribes in the Bible, such as Baruch in Jeremiah 36:4-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate respect for God's word in my own life, just as the officials did by storing the scroll in a safe place?
- How can I balance the need to be honest and transparent with the potential risks and challenges of sharing difficult messages, as the officials did in this verse?
- What are some lessons I can learn from the officials' commitment to reporting everything to the king, and how can I apply those lessons in my own relationships and interactions?
- In what ways can I be more like the officials in this verse, who prioritized the preservation and proclamation of God's word, even when it was difficult or unpopular?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 36:20
And they went in to the king into the court,.... The inner court, the king's court, where he usually resided; though very probably they did not rush in at once; but first sent to know whether the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 36:20
And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king. In the chamber of Elishama.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:20
They were obliged by their office as counsellors to the king to acquaint him with what they heard, which might be prejudicial to him and his nation; and indeed this was the very end why God had commanded the enrolling of these prophecies, that both the king, and princes, and people might take notice of them; but they did not carry the book with them, but laid it up in the secretary’ s chamber.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:20
Jeremiah 36:20 And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king.Ver. 20. And they went in to the king.] God by his providence so disposed it, that both king and princes, whether they would or not, should hear their doom; and as for some of the princes, they seem to have some good affections wrought in them, but too weak to work unto true "repentance to salvation."
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 36:20
(20) They laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama . . .—The step was a material one, from the official standpoint. If either the prophet or the disciple were to be prosecuted for what had been spoken, it was important that the corpus delicti should itself be ready for reference, whether on behalf of the accusers or accused. The precaution taken by the princes of lodging it with Elishama, as the scribe or keeper of the archives, indicates an apprehension that the king, in his passionate waywardness, might act as he actually did. They accordingly content themselves with reporting from memory the substance of what they had heard.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 36:20
20. the court] This would of course be an open place. Cf. Jeremiah 36:22. Read therefore (changing one consonant in MT.) the word which occurs in MT. of 1 Kings 1:15 (“chamber”) and render cabinet. (So Gi., Du., Co.)
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 36:20
The court - i. e., The inner quadrangle of the palace, in which was the royal residence. They laid up the roll - They left the scroll in charge, i. e., in the care of someone.