Jeremiah 38:11 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ebed-melech gathers old cloth scraps and lowers them into the dungeon for Jeremiah's use.
The Context of Jeremiah 38:11
Ebed-melech prepares for the rescue with protective materials.
What Does Jeremiah 38:11 Mean?
Ebed-melech's preparation is both practical and compassionate. He collects discarded rags and worn cloth from the royal stores—worthless to the palace but essential for protecting a man's skin from rope burns during a rescue from a miry pit. His foresight shows care for Jeremiah's physical suffering.
The detail of going to the treasury and selecting items to reuse emphasizes humility and resourcefulness. Even in a royal palace during siege, materials are scarce and nothing is wasted. Ebed-melech's thoughtfulness in preparing these small comforts for a condemned prisoner reveals a character that contrasts sharply with the princes' cruelty.
Jeremiah 38:11 in the Original Language
suchot (סוּחוֹת), 'clouts'—shreds or strips of cloth, worn and worthless, yet repurposed with compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 38:11
What does Jeremiah 38:11 mean?
Ebed-melech gathers old cloth scraps and lowers them into the dungeon for Jeremiah's use.
What is the context of Jeremiah 38:11?
Ebed-melech prepares for the rescue with protective materials.