עֶ֫בֶד מֶ֫לֶךְ (e.ved me.lekh)
e.ved me.lekh
Ebed-melech
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Ebed-melech is not a common noun but a proper name meaning "servant of the king." It identifies an Ethiopian eunuch who served in the court of King Zedekiah during the final days of Jerusalem. The name itself highlights his official position within the royal administration, distinguishing him from ordinary citizens.
He appears six times in the book of Jeremiah, most notably in chapter 38. While other officials watched Jeremiah languish in a muddy cistern, Ebed-melech intervened to secure the prophet's release. His actions demonstrate that loyalty to God’s messenger could coexist with service to a corrupt king, making him a rare figure of compassion in a time of political collapse.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ebed-melech was an Ethiopian eunuch serving in King Zedekiah’s court when Jerusalem faced its final days. While other officials watched Jeremiah languish in a muddy cistern, Ebed-melech intervened to secure the prophet's release (Jeremiah 38:10). His actions demonstrate that loyalty to God’s messenger could coexist with service to a corrupt king.
This story reminds us that compassion often requires quiet courage. Even in times of political collapse, one person can make a difference by standing up for what is right. Ebed-melech’s name means 'servant of the king,' yet his true loyalty was to God. His example shows us that serving those in authority does not mean ignoring injustice.
When we face difficult situations where doing the right thing seems risky, Ebed-melech’s story encourages us to act with kindness and integrity. We may not always see immediate results, but our faithful actions matter deeply to God. May we find strength to stand for justice in our own contexts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Melech6×
- Ebed5×
- to/ Ebed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֶֽבֶד\־4×
- מֶ֨לֶךְ4×
- עֶבֶד\־1×
- מֶ֥לֶךְ1×
- מֶ֖לֶךְ1×
- לְ/עֶבֶד\־1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 38:7
Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon (the king was then sitting in Benjamin’s gate),
This verse introduces Ebed-melech as an Ethiopian eunuch serving in the king's house, highlighting his unique position and awareness of Jeremiah's suffering.
-
Jeremiah 38:10
Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take from here thirty men with you, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he dies.”
Here Ebed-melech directly challenges the king's decision, showing his moral courage by requesting Jeremiah's rescue before it is too late.
-
Jeremiah 38:12
Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Now put these rags and worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords.” Jeremiah did so.
Ebed-melech gives practical advice to protect Jeremiah from injury during the rescue, demonstrating thoughtful compassion in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ebed-melech mean?
Why is Ebed-melech important in Jeremiah's story?
What can we learn from Ebed-melech's example?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Jeremiah 6 verses
Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the…
Jeremiah 38:8Ebedmelech went out of the king’s house, and spoke to the king, saying,
Jeremiah 38:10Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take from here thirty men with you, and take up Jeremiah the…
Jeremiah 38:11So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took from there rags…
Jeremiah 38:12Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Now put these rags and worn-out garments under your armpits under the…
Jeremiah 39:16“Go, and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will bring…