Jeremiah 36:23 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As Jehudi reads from the scroll, King Jehoiakim violently cuts it apart with his penknife and burns it entirely in the fire.
The Context of Jeremiah 36:23
King Jehoiakim destroys the scroll by cutting it up and burning it completely.
What Does Jeremiah 36:23 Mean?
The act is methodical and defiant. After hearing three or four columns of text, the king cannot bear more. He seizes a penknife—a tool of writing, now a weapon—and tears the scroll to shreds. Each piece feeds the fire until the entire document is ash.
This is not mere destruction; it is an act of rebellion against God. The king attempts to erase the word of the LORD by burning the physical medium. Yet he fails to understand that the word survives. The burning reveals his heart: he rejects God's message and spurns the call to repent.
Jeremiah 36:23 in the Original Language
The penknife (סַפִּיר, sapir, 'scribe's knife') was used to sharpen writing implements, here perverted to destroy the written word.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 36:23
What does Jeremiah 36:23 mean?
As Jehudi reads from the scroll, King Jehoiakim violently cuts it apart with his penknife and burns it entirely in the fire.
What is the context of Jeremiah 36:23?
King Jehoiakim destroys the scroll by cutting it up and burning it completely.