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Jeremiah 38:11

Jeremiah 38:11 in Multiple Translations

Then Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the king’s palace, to a place below the storehouse. From there he took old rags and worn-out clothes and lowered them with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern.

So Ebed-melech 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.

So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence rags and worn-out garments, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went into the house of the king, to the place where the clothing was kept, and got from there old clothing and bits of old cloth, and let them down by cords into the water-hole where Jeremiah was.

Ebed-melech took the men and went to the storehouse under the palace. He took some rags and old clothes from there and then went to the cistern where he lowered them with ropes to Jeremiah.

So Ebed-melech tooke the men with him and went to the house of the King vnder the treasurie, and tooke there olde rotten ragges, and olde worne cloutes, and let them downe by coards into the dungeon to Ieremiah.

And Ebed-Melech taketh the men with him, and entereth the house of the king, unto the place of the treasury, and taketh thence worn-out clouts, and worn-out rags, and sendeth them unto Jeremiah unto the pit by cords.

So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took from there rags and worn-out garments, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

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

So Abdemelech taking the men with him, went into the king’s house that was under the storehouse: and he took from thence old rags, and old rotten things, and he let them down by cords to Jeremias into the dungeon.

So Ebed-Melech took thirty men with him and they went into a room in the palace below the room where they stored very valuable things. There they found some old rags and discarded clothing. They took those things and went to the well. They fastened them to a rope and lowered the rope to me.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 38:11

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 38:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח עֶֽבֶד מֶ֨לֶךְ אֶת הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֜ים בְּ/יָד֗/וֹ וַ/יָּבֹ֤א בֵית הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ אֶל תַּ֣חַת הָ/אוֹצָ֔ר וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח מִ/שָּׁם֙ בְּלוֹיֵ֣ ה/סחבות סְחָב֔וֹת וּ/בְלוֹיֵ֖ מְלָחִ֑ים וַ/יְשַׁלְּחֵ֧/ם אֶֽל יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ אֶל הַ/בּ֖וֹר בַּ/חֲבָלִֽים
וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֶֽבֶד ʻEbed Melek H5663 Ebed-melech N-proper
מֶ֨לֶךְ ʻEbed Melek H5663 Ebed-melech N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֜ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp
בְּ/יָד֗/וֹ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בֵית bayith H1004 place N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep
הָ/אוֹצָ֔ר ʼôwtsâr H214 treasure Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/שָּׁם֙ shâm H8033 there Prep | Adv
בְּלוֹיֵ֣ bᵉlôwʼ H1094 old N-mp
ה/סחבות çᵉchâbâh H5499 rag Art | N-fp
סְחָב֔וֹת çᵉchâbâh H5499 rag N-fp
וּ/בְלוֹיֵ֖ bᵉlôwʼ H1094 old Conj | N-mp
מְלָחִ֑ים mâlâch H4418 rag N-mp
וַ/יְשַׁלְּחֵ֧/ם shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
אֶֽל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ Yirmᵉyâh H3414 Jeremiah N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/בּ֖וֹר bôwr H953 pit Art | N-ms
בַּ/חֲבָלִֽים chebel H2256 cord Prep | N-cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 38:11

וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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.
מֶ֨לֶךְ 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.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֜ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּ/יָד֗/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בֵית bayith H1004 "place" 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/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 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.
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.
תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הָ/אוֹצָ֔ר ʼôwtsâr H214 "treasure" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for treasure refers to a storehouse or depository, like a treasure house or armory, as seen in 1 Kings 7:51.
Definition: 1) treasure, storehouse 1a) treasure (gold, silver, etc) 1b) store, supplies of food or drink 1c) treasure-house, treasury 1c1) treasure-house 1c2) storehouse, magazine 1c3) treasury 1c4) magazine of weapons (fig. of God's armoury) 1c5) storehouses (of God for rain, snow, hail, wind, sea)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y). See also: Deuteronomy 28:12; Nehemiah 10:39; Psalms 33:7.
וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
מִ/שָּׁם֙ shâm H8033 "there" Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בְּלוֹיֵ֣ bᵉlôwʼ H1094 "old" N-mp
This word refers to old or worn-out things, such as rags. It describes items that are no longer useful or have been discarded, often due to age or damage.
Definition: worn out things, rags
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: old. See also: Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:12.
ה/סחבות çᵉchâbâh H5499 "rag" Art | N-fp
This word refers to a rag or a clout, which is a piece of cloth that has been pulled or dragged around. It is often translated as 'cast clout' in the Bible.
Definition: rag, clout (stuff pulled or dragged about)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cast clout. See also: Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:12.
סְחָב֔וֹת çᵉchâbâh H5499 "rag" N-fp
This word refers to a rag or a clout, which is a piece of cloth that has been pulled or dragged around. It is often translated as 'cast clout' in the Bible.
Definition: rag, clout (stuff pulled or dragged about)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cast clout. See also: Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:12.
וּ/בְלוֹיֵ֖ bᵉlôwʼ H1094 "old" Conj | N-mp
This word refers to old or worn-out things, such as rags. It describes items that are no longer useful or have been discarded, often due to age or damage.
Definition: worn out things, rags
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: old. See also: Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:12.
מְלָחִ֑ים mâlâch H4418 "rag" N-mp
This word describes a rag or old garment that is worn out and rotten. It symbolizes something worthless or of little value, as seen in its use to describe worthless or corrupt things. The word emphasizes the idea of something being completely useless.
Definition: rag
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: rotten rag. See also: Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:12.
וַ/יְשַׁלְּחֵ֧/ם shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֶֽל 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.
יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ Yirmᵉyâh H3414 "Jeremiah" N-proper
Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.
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/בּ֖וֹר bôwr H953 "pit" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.
בַּ/חֲבָלִֽים chebel H2256 "cord" Prep | N-cp
A cord or rope, also a measured area of land or a group of people tied together. In the Bible, it appears in books like Joshua and Psalms. It can also mean a company or region.
Definition: 1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company 1a) a rope, cord 1b) a measuring-cord or line 1c) a measured portion, lot, part, region 1d) a band or company § destruction
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: band, coast, company, cord, country, destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion, region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling. See also: Deuteronomy 3:4; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 16:6.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 38:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Jeremiah 38:11 Summary

[In this verse, Ebed-melech is taking action to rescue Jeremiah from the cistern, where he was left to starve. Ebed-melech gathers old rags and clothes to help make Jeremiah's rescue less painful, showing kindness and compassion. This verse reminds us of the importance of treating others with love and respect, as taught in verses like Matthew 22:39, and trusting God to provide for our needs, even in difficult situations, as seen in Psalms 23:4. By looking at Ebed-melech's actions, we can learn about the value of obedience, kindness, and trust in God's plan.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ebed-melech take old rags and worn-out clothes to Jeremiah in the cistern?

Ebed-melech took old rags and worn-out clothes to Jeremiah to help pad the ropes, making it less painful for Jeremiah to be pulled out of the cistern, as seen in Jeremiah 38:12, where Ebed-melech instructs Jeremiah to put the rags under his arms.

What role did Ebed-melech play in rescuing Jeremiah from the cistern?

Ebed-melech, a Cushite servant, was instructed by the king to rescue Jeremiah from the cistern, and he took the initiative to gather men and materials to safely pull Jeremiah out, as commanded in Jeremiah 38:10.

Why was it necessary for Jeremiah to be pulled out of the cistern?

Jeremiah was in danger of starving to death in the cistern, as mentioned in Jeremiah 38:9, and needed to be rescued to prevent his death, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the importance of Ebed-melech's actions.

What can we learn from Ebed-melech's actions in this verse?

Ebed-melech's actions demonstrate obedience to authority, as seen in his response to the king's command, and also show compassion and kindness towards Jeremiah, reflecting the importance of treating others with love and respect, as taught in verses like Matthew 22:39 and Luke 6:31.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I demonstrate obedience to God's will, even when it's difficult, just like Ebed-melech obeyed the king's command?
  2. What are some ways I can show compassion and kindness to those in need, just like Ebed-melech showed to Jeremiah?
  3. How can I trust God to provide for my needs, even in difficult situations, just like Jeremiah had to trust God while he was in the cistern?
  4. What can I learn from Jeremiah's experience in the cistern about God's sovereignty and provision in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:11

So Ebedmelech took the men with him,.... The thirty men, as the king ordered: as soon as ever he had got the grant, he immediately set about the work, and lost no time to save the prophet's life: and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:11

So Ebed-melech 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.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:11

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.Ver. 11. So Ebedmelech took the men with him and went.] The labour of love that this Ethiopian performed to the man of God is particularly and even partly described, for his eternal commendation, and all men’ s imitation.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:11

(11) Under the treasury . . .—This was obviously what we should call the “lumber-room” of the palace. Nothing could show the acuteness of the prophet’s sufferings more vividly than the precautions which the thoughtful kindness of the Eunuch thus suggested. The pit was so deep that ropes were needed to draw him up, as they had been to let him down, and lest they should cut into the flesh of Jeremiah’s emaciated form, improvised cushions had to be fastened to the ropes, that he might rest his arm-pits on them. He was, however, at last rescued, and re-instated in his former position, as a prisoner under the king’s protection. “Clout” in old English was used for a patch of cloth as distinct from the “rags,” which were of linen. So Spenser, “His garments nought but many ragged clouts.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:11

Verse 11. Went into the house of the king - and took thence] The eastern kings had their wardrobes always well furnished; as garments were a usual present to ambassadors, c. I cannot think that, in the proper acceptation of the words, these were in any part of the king's house. Old cast clouts, and old rotten rags] The fact seems to be this: there were several garments that had been used, and would not be used again and there were others which, through continuing long there, had by insects, &c., been rendered useless. These he took, tied to the cord, let down to the prophet, that he might roll them round the ropes, and place them under his arm-pits, so that in being hauled up he might not suffer injury from the ropes, which in this case must sustain the whole weight of his body.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:11

11. under the treasury] to a room under the treasury, a sort of lumber-room. old cast clouts and old rotten rags] worn out pieces of torn and ragged garments, to ease the pressure of the ropes.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 38:11

Old cast clouts ... - Rags of torn garments and rags of worn-out garments.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:11

11. Old cast clouts and old rotten rags — The same word is used for “clouts” and “rags.” Hence the better translation would be, rags of torn garments and rags of worn out garments.

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