Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

JEREMIAH 38:10KJV
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Jeremiah 38:10 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 38:10 mean?

Jeremiah 38:10 describes how the king ordered Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian official, to take thirty men and rescue the prophet Jeremiah from the dungeon before Jeremiah died. The king gave this command because Jeremiah was in danger of dying from mistreatment and neglect in the pit.

In this verse, King Zedekiah is speaking to Ebedmelech, who had just pleaded for Jeremiah’s life. The king’s command shows a sudden concern for Jeremiah’s safety after Ebedmelech pointed out the injustice. The situation takes place in Jerusalem during a time of siege, and Jeremiah had been thrown into a cistern (dungeon) by officials who opposed his prophecies.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 38:10

  • אֶבֶד־מֶלֶךְ (ʾeved-melekh, Ebedmelech): This name means "servant of the king." Ebedmelech is identified as the Ethiopian (כּוּשִׁי, kushí), highlighting that he was a foreigner and not a native Israelite, which adds significance to his act of compassion.
  • בּוֹר (bor, dungeon): This word refers to a pit or cistern, often used for storing water but here used as a prison. The term emphasizes the harsh and life-threatening conditions Jeremiah faced.
  • מֵת (mēt, die): The king’s concern that Jeremiah might "die" (מֵת) in the dungeon underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation.

Why Jeremiah 38:10 matters

  • Jeremiah 38:10 clears up that not everyone in power wanted Jeremiah silenced; the king, though often indecisive, took action to save him when prompted.
  • The verse highlights the courage and compassion of Ebedmelech, a foreigner, who intervened for Jeremiah’s life when others would not.
  • This moment connects to the larger story of Jeremiah’s suffering for speaking God’s message and shows how God can use unexpected people to bring about rescue and justice.

Where else these words appear

“Ebedmelech” Hebrew H5663 · used in 6 verses

  • Jeremiah 38:7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;
  • Jeremiah 38:8 Ebedmelech went forth out of the king's house, and spake to the king, saying,
  • Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.

“Ethiopian” Hebrew H3569 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:9 And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.
  • Jeremiah 38:7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;

“dungeon” Hebrew H953 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 37:20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,
  • Jeremiah 6:7 As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds.

“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 38:7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;