Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye be.

JEREMIAH 36:19KJV
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Jeremiah 36:19 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 36:19 mean?

Jeremiah 36:19 describes how the officials advised Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe, to hide himself along with Jeremiah so that no one would know where they were. The officials recognized the danger both men faced after delivering a message that angered the king and his court.

In this scene, the "princes" or officials are speaking directly to Baruch after he has read Jeremiah’s scroll to them. They realize that the message from God, delivered through Jeremiah and written by Baruch, could put both men’s lives at risk. Their instruction to hide shows both the seriousness of the message and the real threat from those in power who opposed Jeremiah’s prophecies.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 36:19

  • "Princes" (שָׂרִים, sarim): This word refers to the leading officials or nobles in the king’s court. Their involvement shows that Jeremiah’s message reached the highest levels of authority, and their reaction is significant—they are not dismissive but instead take steps to protect Jeremiah and Baruch.
  • "Hide" (סָתַר, satar): This verb means to conceal or keep out of sight. The officials’ use of this word highlights the real danger and urgency, as they believe that secrecy is necessary for Jeremiah and Baruch’s safety.
  • "Know" (יָדַע, yada): This word means to know or be aware. The officials specifically instruct that no one should know their location, emphasizing the need for complete secrecy.

Why Jeremiah 36:19 matters

  • Jeremiah 36:19 clarifies that not all officials were hostile to Jeremiah; some were concerned for his safety and took his message seriously enough to act.
  • The verse highlights the real risks prophets and their supporters faced when delivering unpopular messages, especially those that challenged the king or the status quo.
  • This moment sets up the tension for the following events, showing that the message of Jeremiah was not just a religious issue but a matter of political and personal danger.

Where else these words appear

“where” Hebrew H375 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 37:16 And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.
  • 1 Samuel 19:22 Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.
  • Job 38:4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

“Baruch” Hebrew H1263 · used in 24 verses

  • Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
  • Jeremiah 36:5 And Jeremiah commanded Baruch, saying, I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of the LORD:
  • Jeremiah 36:18 Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.

“hide” Hebrew H5641 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
  • Psalms 10:11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.
  • Proverbs 27:12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

“Jeremiah” Hebrew H3414 · used in 133 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
  • Jeremiah 28:15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
  • Jeremiah 38:9 My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.