Jeremiah 38:8
Jeremiah 38:8 in Multiple Translations
Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and said to the king,
Ebed-melech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king, saying,
Ebed-melech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king, saying,
And Ebed-melech went out from the king's house and said to the king,
so Ebed-melech left the palace and went to talk to the king
And Ebed-melech went out of the Kings house, and spake to the King, saying,
and Ebed-Melech goeth forth from the king's house, and speaketh unto the king, saying,
Ebedmelech went out of the king’s house, and spoke to the king, saying,
Ebed-melech went out of the king's house, and spoke to the king, saying,
And Abdemelech went out of the king’s house, and spoke to the king, saying:
Ebed-Melech went out of the palace and said to the king,
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 38:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 38:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
עֶֽבֶד
מֶ֖לֶךְ
מִ/בֵּ֣ית
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
אֶל
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֶֽבֶד
ʻEbed Melek
H5663
Ebed-melech
N-proper
מֶ֖לֶךְ
ʻEbed Melek
H5663
Ebed-melech
N-proper
מִ/בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 38:8
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
עֶֽבֶד
ʻEbed Melek
H5663
"Ebed-melech"
N-proper
Ebed-Melek was an Ethiopian eunuch serving King Zedekiah, who helped Jeremiah out of prison. He is first mentioned in Jeremiah 38:7. His name means 'servant of the king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.38.7 § Ebed-melech = "servant of the king" an Ethiopian eunuch in the service of king Zedekiah, through whose interference Jeremiah was released from prison
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ebed-melech. See also: Jeremiah 38:7; Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:8.
מֶ֖לֶךְ
ʻEbed Melek
H5663
"Ebed-melech"
N-proper
Ebed-Melek was an Ethiopian eunuch serving King Zedekiah, who helped Jeremiah out of prison. He is first mentioned in Jeremiah 38:7. His name means 'servant of the king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.38.7 § Ebed-melech = "servant of the king" an Ethiopian eunuch in the service of king Zedekiah, through whose interference Jeremiah was released from prison
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ebed-melech. See also: Jeremiah 38:7; Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:8.
מִ/בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 38:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern
6So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud.
7Now Ebed-melech the Cushite, a court official in the royal palace, heard that Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin,
8Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and said to the king,
9“My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have dropped him into the cistern, where he will starve to death, for there is no more bread in the city.” 10So the king commanded Ebed-melech the Cushite, “Take thirty men from here with you and pull Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.”Jeremiah 38:8 Summary
[This verse shows us that Ebed-melech, a man who worked in the king's palace, was brave enough to go to the king and tell him about the bad things that had happened to Jeremiah, similar to how we are called to stand up for what is right in Matthew 5:10-12. He wanted to help Jeremiah and make sure he was safe, demonstrating the kind of love and concern for others that Jesus teaches us to have in John 13:34-35. We can learn from Ebed-melech's example by being courageous and kind to those around us, especially those who are struggling or in need. By doing so, we reflect the heart of God and live out our faith in a way that honors Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ebed-melech and what was his role in the royal palace?
Ebed-melech was a Cushite, a court official in the royal palace, who heard about Jeremiah's situation and decided to intervene, as seen in Jeremiah 38:7-8, similar to other faithful servants in the Bible like Obadiah in 1 Kings 18:3-4.
Why did Ebed-melech go out from the king's palace to speak to the king?
Ebed-melech went out to speak to the king because he was concerned about Jeremiah's well-being and wanted to inform the king about the prophet's situation, demonstrating his courage and compassion, as encouraged in Proverbs 24:23-25.
What can we learn from Ebed-melech's actions in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it's difficult, and showing kindness to those in need, just like Ebed-melech did for Jeremiah, reflecting the heart of God as seen in Psalm 41:1.
How does Ebed-melech's character relate to our walk with God?
Ebed-melech's actions demonstrate a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others and willing to take risks to do what is right, characteristics that are pleasing to God and encouraged throughout the Bible, such as in Micah 6:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate courage and compassion like Ebed-melech in my daily life?
- How can I be more aware of the needs of those around me, like Ebed-melech was aware of Jeremiah's situation?
- What are some risks I can take to stand up for what is right, even if it's difficult, and how can I trust God to guide me?
- In what ways can I show kindness to those who are struggling or persecuted, reflecting the heart of God?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:8
And Ebedmelech went forth out of the king's house,.... As soon as he heard of the prophet's distress, he immediately went out from his apartments in the king's palace, where he performed his office,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:8
Ebed-melech went forth out of the king's house, and spake to the king, saying, Ebed-melech went forth ... and spake to the king - not privately, but in public; a proof of fearless magnanimity.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:8
Jeremiah 38:8 Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’ s house, and spake to the king, saying,Ver. 8. Ebedmelech.] Not more the king’ s servant (so his name signifieth) than God’ s. Joseph of Arimathea was such another, who went boldly to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. Faith quelleth and killeth distrustful fear.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:8
7–13. See introd. summary to section.