So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

JEREMIAH 38:11KJV
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Jeremiah 38:11 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 38:11 mean?

Jeremiah 38:11 describes how Ebedmelech took some men with him, went to a part of the king’s house under the treasury, gathered old discarded cloths and rags, and lowered them by ropes into the dungeon where Jeremiah was being held. This verse shows Ebedmelech’s practical effort to help Jeremiah, who had been thrown into a cistern and left to sink in the mud.

Ebedmelech, an official in the king’s palace, is acting after receiving permission from King Zedekiah to rescue Jeremiah. The verse highlights the careful and compassionate way Ebedmelech prepares for Jeremiah’s rescue, using old rags to protect him as he is pulled out of the dungeon. The setting is tense, as Jeremiah is in danger and Ebedmelech must act quickly but thoughtfully.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 38:11

  • אֶבֶד־מֶלֶךְ (Ebedmelech): This name means "servant of the king." Ebedmelech is not an Israelite but a Cushite, showing that someone outside the main community is the one who acts with courage and compassion.
  • בְּגָדִים בָּלוֹאִים (begadim balo’im, "old cast clouts") and סְחוּבוֹת בָּלוֹאִים (sechuvot balo’im, "old rotten rags"): These phrases emphasize that Ebedmelech did not use fine or new materials, but what was available and worn out. This detail shows resourcefulness and care, as the soft rags would protect Jeremiah’s body from injury as he was lifted out.
  • בַּחֲבָלִים (bachavalim, "by cords"): The use of cords or ropes is practical, showing the depth of the dungeon and the need for a real rescue effort, not just a symbolic gesture.

Why Jeremiah 38:11 matters

  • Jeremiah 38:11 clarifies that Ebedmelech’s rescue of Jeremiah was not rushed or careless; he took time to gather materials that would keep Jeremiah from being hurt during the rescue.
  • The verse highlights the compassion and courage of Ebedmelech, who acts when others do not, and does so thoughtfully.
  • This moment connects to the larger story by showing how God can use unexpected people and humble means to provide help and deliverance.

Where else these words appear

“old” Hebrew H1094 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“clouts” Hebrew H5499 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“rags” Hebrew H4418 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“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.