אֱוִיל מְרֹדַךְ (e.vil me.ro.dakh)
e.vil me.ro.dakh
Evil-merodach
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Evil-merodach identifies the second ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, who reigned for only two years from 562 to 560 BC. He was the son and immediate successor of Nebuchadnezzar II, the king who had destroyed Jerusalem and exiled its people. The Hebrew form of his name translates to "man of Merodach," referencing Marduk, the chief deity of Babylon.
Despite his brief reign and lack of major military achievements recorded in Scripture, he appears in two specific verses: 2 Kings 25:27 and Jeremiah 52:31. In these passages, his historical significance lies entirely in a single act of political mercy. He released Jehoiachin, the former king of Judah, from prison after thirty-seven years of captivity.
This event marks the end of the royal line’s imprisonment, offering a small but concrete glimpse of grace within the narrative of exile. The text notes that Jehoiachin was given a seat of honor above other captive kings and provided for daily until his death. Evil-merodach’s name thus serves as a historical marker for this specific moment of relief for the Judean monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Evil-merodach appears only twice in Scripture, yet his brief mention carries a quiet weight. He was the son of Nebuchadnezzar, the king who destroyed Jerusalem, and he ruled for just two years. Yet in that short time, he made a decision that changed the fate of Jehoiachin, the former king of Judah, who had been imprisoned for thirty-seven years.
This act of releasing Jehoiachin from prison offers a glimpse of grace in the middle of exile. It reminds us that history is not just about power and conquest; it also includes moments of unexpected mercy. Even in the darkest seasons, God’s providence can work through unlikely people to bring relief and hope.
For believers today, this story encourages trust in God’s timing. When life feels long and heavy, remember that God sees your captivity—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—and He can bring release when the time is right. His mercy often comes in ways we do not expect, through people who may not even know they are instruments of His kindness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Merodach2×
- Evil-2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְרֹדַךְ֩2×
- אֱוִ֣יל2×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 25:27
In the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, Evilmerodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, released Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison,
This verse records the exact moment Evil-merodach released Jehoiachin from prison, ending decades of royal captivity.
-
Jeremiah 52:31
In the thirty-seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the twenty-fifth day of the month, Evilmerodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and released him from prison.
Here the text emphasizes that Evil-merodach lifted up Jehoiachin’s head, showing honor and restoration rather than continued humiliation.