Jeremiah 38:7 Meaning and Explanation
“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;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ebed-melech, a foreigner and court official, learns that Jeremiah has been imprisoned.
The Context of Jeremiah 38:7
Introduction of the man who will rescue Jeremiah.
What Does Jeremiah 38:7 Mean?
Ebed-melech is identified as Ethiopian, a eunuch of the royal household—a foreigner and person of no political power in Judah's eyes. Yet he alone takes action to save the prophet. His ethnicity and status are likely included to emphasize God's providential use of the unlikely.
The note that the king sits at Benjamin's gate indicates Zedekiah's public position, perhaps held in judgment or council. Ebed-melech must approach from outside the circle of power to plead Jeremiah's case. The contrast sets up a moment of reversal: the powerless will show more justice than the powerful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 38:7
What does Jeremiah 38:7 mean?
Ebed-melech, a foreigner and court official, learns that Jeremiah has been imprisoned.
What is the context of Jeremiah 38:7?
Introduction of the man who will rescue Jeremiah.