Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.

JEREMIAH 39:16KJV
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Jeremiah 39:16 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 39:16 mean?

Jeremiah 39:16 records God’s message to Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian official, telling him that God’s warnings about disaster for Jerusalem will come true very soon, just as God has said. Ebedmelech is singled out to hear this message directly from God, showing that God notices individuals even in times of judgment.

In this verse, God instructs Jeremiah to speak to Ebedmelech (a foreigner who had helped Jeremiah earlier) during the siege of Jerusalem. The city is about to experience the fulfillment of God’s words—destruction rather than good fortune. The verse highlights that God’s promises, whether for judgment or for good, will certainly happen, and that He communicates personally with those who trust Him.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 39:16

  • אֶבֶד־מֶלֶךְ (ʾeved-melekh): This name means “servant of the king.” Ebedmelech was not an Israelite but an Ethiopian (כּוּשִׁי, kushí), showing that God’s concern extends beyond ethnic boundaries.
  • רָעָה (ra‘ah): Translated as “evil” or “disaster,” this word emphasizes that what is coming upon the city is not just misfortune, but a divinely decreed judgment.
  • דָּבָר (davar): Meaning “word” or “message,” this term underlines that what is happening is the direct result of God’s spoken promises, not random events.

Why Jeremiah 39:16 matters

  • Jeremiah 39:16 clarifies that God’s warnings are not empty threats—His words will be fulfilled exactly as spoken, even when the outcome is severe.
  • The verse highlights God’s attention to individuals like Ebedmelech, who acted justly, even when surrounded by widespread disobedience and disaster.
  • This message connects to the wider context by showing that God’s justice and mercy can reach anyone, regardless of their background, and that He communicates personally with those who seek Him.

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 38:11 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.

“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;