Jeremiah 36:16
Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words.
Jeremiah 36:16 · King James Version
Meaning
After hearing the prophet Jeremiah's words, Baruch and those with him were gripped with fear and immediately knew they had to inform the king about the prophecies that had been revealed. The words spoken by Jeremiah were powerful and struck a chord with the listeners, causing them to feel a sense of urgency to share these revelations with the ruler of the land. This verse serves as a reminder of the weight and importance of the prophetic messages delivered by God's messengers. It shows the impact that God's word can have on those who hear it, compelling them to take action and spread the message further. The fear and urgency displayed by Baruch and his companions highlight the seriousness of the message and the need to heed the warnings and instructions given by the Lord through His chosen servants. It emphasizes the responsibility that comes with receiving God's word and the duty to share it with others, especially those in positions of power and influence.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the phrase "they were afraid both one and other" is significant when considering the theological interpretation. The fear that the people experienced after hearing the words of the prophet Jeremiah through Baruch is a reflection of their recognition of the power and authority of God's word. It underscores the theme of reverence and obedience to divine revelation found throughout the Bible. The response of the people to tell the king about the words they heard also demonstrates the weight and importance they placed on the message, emphasizing the role of prophecy in the communication of God's will to his people. The word study of "afraid" in this context highlights not just a simple fear, but a deep sense of awe and respect for the message being conveyed. This verse serves as a reminder of the profound impact that hearing and responding to God's word can have on individuals and communities.
Jeremiah 36:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they turned in fear one toward another, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words.
World English Bible
Now when they had heard all the words, they turned in fear one toward another, and said to Baruch, “We will surely tell the king of all these words.”
Douay-Rheims
And when they had heard all the words, they looked upon one another with astonishment, and they said to Baruch: We must tell the king all these words.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Now when they had heard all the wordes, they were afraid both one and other, and said vnto Baruch, We will certifie the King of all these wordes.