Jeremiah 36:27-32 · Bible study
Jeremiah 36:27-32 Commentary: God’s Word Endures
Hebrew · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does God immediately replace the burned scroll?
Research Summary
- Meaning: Human attempts to suppress God’s word fail; God preserves and even expands his message, while judgment falls on those who resist.
- Key words: “Another scroll” (מְגִלָּה אַחֶרֶת), a new physical copy; “many similar words added” (וְעוֹד נוֹסַף עֲלֵיהֶם דְּבָרִים רַבִּים כָּהֵמָּה), the second scroll is expanded.
- Main debate: Did Jehoiakim have a successor on David’s throne? Jehoiachin reigned only three months; most commentators see this as too brief to fulfill the prophecy meaningfully.
- Theological theme: The invincibility of God’s word; judgment on those who reject it; God’s sovereignty over human rebellion.
- Best use: A reminder that Scripture cannot be silenced, and a warning against hardening one’s heart to difficult truths.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
27After the king had burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:
28“Take another scroll and rewrite on it the very words that were on the original scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah has burned.
29You are to proclaim concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah that this is what the LORD says: You have burned the scroll and said, ‘Why have you written on it that the king of Babylon would surely come and destroy this land and deprive it of man and beast?’
30Therefore this is what the LORD says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: He will have no one to sit on David’s throne, and his body will be thrown out and exposed to heat by day and frost by night.
31I will punish him and his descendants and servants for their iniquity. I will bring on them, on the residents of Jerusalem, and on the men of Judah, all the calamity about which I warned them but they did not listen.”
32Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and at Jeremiah’s dictation he wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.
WEB World English Bible 2000
27Then Yahweh’s word came to Jeremiah, after the king had burned the scroll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying,
28“Take again another scroll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned.
29Concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah you shall say, ‘Yahweh says: “You have burned this scroll, saying, ‘Why have you written therein, saying, “The king of Babylon will certainly come and destroy this land, and will cause to cease from there man and animal”?’”
30Therefore Yahweh says concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: “He will have no one to sit on David’s throne. His dead body will be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.
31I will punish him, his offspring, and his servants for their iniquity. I will bring on them, on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and on the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them, but they didn’t listen.”’”
32Then Jeremiah took another scroll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire; and many similar words were added to them.
KJV King James Version 1769
27Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the roll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying,
28Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.
29And thou shalt say to Jehoiakim king of Judah, Thus saith the Lord; Thou hast burned this roll, saying, Why hast thou written therein, saying, The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease from thence man and beast?
30Therefore thus saith the Lord of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.
31And I will punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity; and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them; but they hearkened not.
32Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah; who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
27Then the word of Jehovah came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the roll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying,
28Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.
29And concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah thou shalt say, Thus saith Jehovah: Thou hast burned this roll, saying, Why hast thou written therein, saying, The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease from thence man and beast?
30Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David; and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.
31And I will punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity; and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them, but they hearkened not.
32Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire; and there were added besides unto them many like words.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
27And there is a word of Jehovah unto Jeremiah--after the king's burning the roll, even the words that Baruch hath written from the mouth of Jeremiah--saying:
28`Turn, take to thee another roll, and write on it all the former words that were on the first roll, that Jehoiakim king of Judah burnt,
29and unto Jehoiakim king of Judah thou dost say: Thus said Jehovah, Thou hast burnt this roll, saying, Wherefore hast thou written on it, saying, The king of Babylon surely cometh in, and hath destroyed this land, and caused to cease from it man and beast?
30`Therefore, thus said Jehovah, concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: He hath none sitting on the throne of David, and his carcase is cast out to heat by day, and to cold by night;
31and I have charged on him, and on his seed, and on his servants, their iniquity; and I have brought in on them, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto the men of Judah, all the evil that I have spoken unto them, and they hearkened not.'
32And Jeremiah hath taken another roll, and giveth it unto Baruch son of Neriah the scribe, and he writeth on it from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book that Jehoiakim king of Judah hath burnt in the fire; and again there were added unto them many words like these.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
27And after that the king had burned the roll, and the words that Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, the word of Jehovah came to Jeremiah, saying,
28Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.
29And thou shalt say to Jehoiakim king of Judah, Thus saith Jehovah: Thou hast burned this roll, saying, Why hast thou written therein, saying, The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease from it man and beast?
30Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David; and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.
31And I will visit their iniquity upon him, and upon his seed, and upon his servants; and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them; and they have not hearkened.
32And Jeremiah took another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Nerijah; and he wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah, all the words of the book that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire; and there were added besides unto them many like words.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
27And the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, after that the king had burnt the volume, and the words that Baruch had written from the mouth of Jeremiah, saying:
28Take thee again another volume: and write in it all the former words that were in the first volume which Joakim the king of Juda both burnt.
29And thou shalt say to Joakim the king of Juda: Thus saith the Lord: Thou hast burnt that volume, saying: Why hast thou written therein, and said: The king of Babylon shall come speedily, and shall lay waste this land: and shall cause to cease from thence man and beast?
30Therefore thus saith the Lord against Joakim the king of Juda: He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out to the heat by day, and to the frost by night.
31And I will punish him, and his seed and his servants, for their iniquities, and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Juda all the evil that I have pronounced against them, but they have not heard.
32And Jeremiah took another volume, and gave it to Baruch the son of Nerias the scribe: who wrote in it from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Joakim the king of Juda had burnt with fire: and there were added besides many more words than had been before.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Jeremiah 36:27
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that this passage shows human efforts to suppress God’s word are futile. After Jehoiakim burns the scroll containing Jeremiah’s prophecies, God commands a second scroll with the same words, plus additional judgment against the king. Adam Clarke notes that God “inspired the prophet with the same matter,” and Jamieson-Fausset-Brown adds that “not one of His words shall fall to the ground.” The new scroll is not merely a copy; it is an expanded version, as Keil and Delitzsch observe: “many other words like them” were added. The king’s act only increases his guilt and punishment. Calvin remarks that the ungodly “gain nothing but additional punishment by setting aside the word of Jehovah.” The consensus thus holds that God’s word cannot be erased; it is preserved and even augmented when opposed.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Literal historical fulfillment: Jehoiachin’s short reign is seen as fulfilling the prophecy because he did not rule permanently; the line then passed to Zedekiah, not Jehoiakim’s direct descendant. (Barnes, Wesley)
- Symbolic or hyperbolic reading: Some interpret “none to sit on the throne” as rhetorical hyperbole, meaning no lasting dynasty from Jehoiakim. (Cambridge Bible, Keil & Delitzsch)
- Prophetic conditional: A minority view holds that the prophecy assumed immediate full destruction, which was postponed due to repentance (not seen here), so the fulfillment was partial but still valid.
What is clear: God responded to the burning of the scroll by commanding a new scroll with all the former words, showing that his word cannot be silenced and that opposition only brings judgment.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Fulfillment of “no one to sit on David’s throne” | Jehoiakim’s dynasty did not continue in lasting power; his son Jehoiachin reigned only three months and was exiled. | Some Christians (e.g., Keil, Cambridge) argue the three-month reign is too brief to count as “sitting on the throne”; others maintain it was a partial fulfillment before the line ended with Zedekiah. |
| Meaning of “many similar words added” | The second scroll contained all the content of the first plus additional material. | Some see this as divinely inspired expansion (Calvin, Clarke); others suggest it includes prophecies of merely temporary importance that the Holy Spirit did not preserve for the canon (Clarke). |
| Whether Jeremiah directly confronted Jehoiakim | The prophecy was delivered through the written scroll, not in person, since Jeremiah was in hiding. | Some commentators (Gill, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown) note that the address is written “concerning” the king, not to his face; the Cambridge Bible sees no contradiction in considering it an indirect message. |
| Jehoiakim’s guilt and punishment | The king’s act of burning the scroll was a defiant rejection of God’s word, incurring judgment. | Traditions differ on whether this judgment was fully realized in history: some point to Jehoiakim’s death and dishonorable burial (Jeremiah 22:19), while others emphasize the ongoing consequences for Judah. |
Historical & Cultural Context
This passage sits within a dramatic confrontation between King Jehoiakim and the prophet Jeremiah, likely occurring around 605-604 BC. Judah was a vassal of Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar’s first campaign, but Jehoiakim was rebellious at heart. The first scroll (Jeremiah 36:4) contained the prophet’s oracles of judgment, precisely the message the king could not bear to hear. When Jehudi read the scroll in the winter palace, the king cut it up with a penknife and threw it into the fire (v.23). His courtiers, unlike earlier officials who trembled at the words (v.16), showed no fear and did not tear their garments in repentance (v.24). Only three princes, Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah, pleaded with the king not to burn it, but in vain (v.25). The king then ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch, but “Yahweh hid them” (v.26). Into this volatile situation, God’s word comes again to Jeremiah (v.27). The command to “take again another scroll” uses the Hebrew verb shuv (“return,” “do again”), indicating a fresh start that deliberately echoes the first prophetic commission. The immediate re-issuing of the message underscores that God’s resolve has not changed. The king’s rejection does not nullify divine judgment, it confirms it. The new scroll includes a specific oracle against Jehoiakim: he will have no permanent successor on David’s throne, his body will be exposed to the elements (v.30), and he, his offspring, and his servants will be punished for their iniquity (v.31). This fulfills earlier prophecy (Jeremiah 22:18-19) and makes clear that burning a scroll does not annul God’s words. The phrase “many similar words were added” (v.32) suggests the second scroll was more comprehensive, perhaps including additional warnings and details. The narrative thus demonstrates that God’s word is alive and active, it cannot be silenced, only resisted to the hearer’s own harm.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for Jeremiah 36:27-32. The Hebrew text is well preserved across manuscripts, and the differences among English translations (e.g., “roll” vs. “scroll”) reflect translation choices rather than manuscript disagreement. The Masoretic Text forms the basis of all consulted translations, and the passage’s meaning is not affected by any known variant.
Reception History
Throughout church history, Jeremiah 36:27-32 has been read as a vivid example of God’s word surviving human opposition. Early commentators like Jerome saw it as proof that Scripture cannot be destroyed by persecution. The passage has often been linked to the rewriting of the Law after Moses broke the tablets (Exodus 34:1), a connection made explicitly by Jamieson-Fausset-Brown. Reformers such as Calvin used it to argue that the ungodly gain nothing by resisting God; their opposition only brings heavier judgment. In later centuries, the story served as encouragement for persecuted believers: no matter how powerful the enemy, God’s message endures. The image of the king cutting and burning the scroll has been a warning against willful ignorance of divine truth. Today, it remains a favorite for teaching the indestructibility of Scripture and the futility of censorship against God’s word.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Human rebellion cannot destroy God’s word. Jehoiakim burns the scroll, but God immediately commands a new one. The message survives, even expands. As Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
- Opposition brings heavier judgment. The king’s attempt to suppress the prophecy leads to a specific sentence: no heir on David’s throne, a dishonored corpse, and punishment on his whole house. Resistance to God’s word does not cancel it, it accelerates judgment.
- God’s word is sometimes expanded through conflict. The second scroll includes “many similar words” (v.32). What was meant to silence the prophet actually produced a fuller record. God can use opposition to deepen and clarify his message.
Five-point outline
- A defiant king vs. an unstoppable God. Jehoiakim thought he could silence God by destroying the scroll. He was wrong.
- God’s word is not fragile. It can be burned, but not abolished. The second scroll proves the message is from God, not Jeremiah.
- Judgment is directed at the resisters. Jehoiakim, his family, and his officials face punishment. Calvin notes that the ungodly “kick against the goad” and are torn apart by it.
- The new scroll has more content. God adds words, showing that his response to opposition is not retreat but fuller revelation.
- Application: we cannot suppress truth. People today still try to ignore, mock, or censor God’s word. But it remains; only the hearer’s fate is at stake.
Illustration hooks
- An unread email. You delete a critical message thinking it will go away. But the sender resends it, stronger, and the consequences of ignoring it remain. Burning the scroll didn’t remove the problem; it made it worse.
- Court order served again. Imagine a defendant tearing up a summons. The court does not cancel the case; it issues a new summons with added contempt charges. God does the same with Jehoiakim.
- A seed crushed into soil. The more you try to destroy a seed, the deeper it goes; sometimes it sprouts stronger. God’s word, like seed, cannot be killed, only planted.
Questions your congregation is asking
- If God’s word is so powerful, why does it seem like evil people get away with ignoring it?
- How do we know the Bible we have today is reliable, especially after centuries of opposition?
- What does this story say about our own resistance to uncomfortable truths in Scripture?
Leading a Discussion
This passage shows a king who tried to silence God’s word and failed. God’s response is immediate: a new scroll, the same message, and added judgment. As you discuss, think about times when you or others have wanted to avoid or suppress a hard truth. What happened?
Discussion questions
- Observation: What did Jehoiakim do with the first scroll (vv.23-24)? How did the court react?
- Observation: What does God command Jeremiah to do after the burning (vv.27-28)? What is different about the second scroll?
- Interpretation: Why does God include a specific judgment against Jehoiakim (vv.30-31)? What does this tell us about the seriousness of rejecting God’s word?
- Interpretation: Some commentators note that Jehoiakim’s son Jehoiachin did reign, but only for three months. How do you understand the prophecy “He will have no one to sit on David’s throne”?
- Application: In what ways do people today try to “burn” or dismiss parts of Scripture they find uncomfortable? How should Christians respond?
- Application: The new scroll had “many similar words added.” How can times of opposition actually strengthen and clarify our faith?
- Reflection: What does this passage teach about the character of God, especially his patience, justice, and the power of his word?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Jeremiah 36:4 | Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah; and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all Yahweh’s words, which he had spoken to him, on a scroll of a book. |
| Job 23:13 | But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does. |
| Jeremiah 28:13 | “Go, and tell Hananiah, saying, ‘Yahweh says, “You have broken the bars of wood, but you have made in their place bars of iron.” |
| Jeremiah 28:14 | For Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel says, “I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they will serve him. I have also given him the animals of the field.”’” |
| Jeremiah 44:28 | Those who escape the sword will return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah few in number. All the remnant of Judah, who have gone into the land of Egypt to live there, will know whose word will stand, mine or theirs. |
| Zechariah 1:5 | Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? |
| Zechariah 1:6 | But my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, didn’t they overtake your fathers? “Then they repented and said, ‘Just as Yahweh of Armies determined to do to us, according to our ways and according to our practices, so he has dealt with us.’” |
| Matthew 24:35 | Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes that when God commanded Jeremiah to write a second roll, the new material was not simply a duplicate but included added judgment specifically against Jehoiakim and his court. He also observes that the many additional threats recorded were of temporary and local importance, which is why the Holy Spirit did not preserve them all in Scripture.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes clarifies that the prophecy against Jehoiakim does not rule out an earlier Babylonian invasion that made him a vassal. The real force of the prediction is that Jehoiakim's rebellion would bring a later, utterly devastating attack, not simply the first one. The brief, powerless reign of his son does not contradict this.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentary defends the passage against critics who see it as a later addition, calling that objection overly critical. The threat that Jehoiakim would have no son "sit" on his throne is explained by taking that word to mean sit permanently, so Jehoiachin's three-month reign is simply overlooked.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes stress that Jehoiakim’s burning of the scroll does not destroy God’s word but instead brings severe judgment. The king will have no heir on David’s throne and his body will lie exposed to heat and frost, while the same words are rewritten with further additions.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill stresses that burning the scroll did not destroy God's word; the same Spirit who first inspired Jeremiah could and did bring the prophecies back to his mind. Jehoiakim's defiance only added guilt, bringing a heavier sentence: no heir on David's throne, his corpse exposed, and all the threatened evils fulfilled.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB emphasizes that resisting God's word is futile: not one of His words will fail. Jehoiakim's punishment included no proper succession (his son's brief reign counted as nothing) and his body exposed to harsh temperature extremes. Sinners gain only added judgment by setting aside God's word, much like the law was rewritten after the broken tablets.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch argues that the threat against Jehoiakim of having no one sit on David's throne is literally fulfilled. Though his son Jehoiachin became king, his three-month reign ended in immediate siege and exile, which cannot count as sitting on the throne in any real sense.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley explains that "none to sit" means no one will remain king for any meaningful length of time, not that no descendant will ever occupy the throne. He points to Jeconiah, who was made king but held his position only three months.