What Is 4 Baruch?
Also known as the Paralipomena of Jeremiah (“Things Left Out of Jeremiah”), 4 Baruch is an ancient Jewish text written sometime between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. It survives in Greek, Ethiopic, Armenian, and Slavonic manuscripts, and holds a special place in the Ethiopian Orthodox canon.
The Story of 4 Baruch
This short but powerful book picks up where the biblical book of Jeremiah leaves off. It tells the story of Jeremiah, Baruch (his scribe), and the faithful remnant in the aftermath of Jerusalem’s destruction by Babylon. The text is a meditation on:
- Grief and lament — how God’s people process devastating loss
- Faithful waiting — trusting God through exile and silence
- Divine restoration — God does not abandon His covenant people forever
Why Read 4 Baruch?
For Christians, 4 Baruch provides valuable background on the Jewish world between the Testaments. It shows how God’s people wrestled with suffering, exile, and hope in the centuries before Christ. Its themes of faithful endurance and trust in God’s promises resonate deeply with the New Testament message. Whether you consider it Scripture or early religious literature, it’s a moving witness to the faith that sustained God’s people through their darkest days.