Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Ebed-Melek the Cushite said to Jeremiah, “Put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so, New Living Translation Ebed-melech called down to Jeremiah, “Put these rags under your armpits to protect you from the ropes.” Then when Jeremiah was ready, English Standard Version Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.” Jeremiah did so. Berean Standard Bible Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, “Put these worn-out rags and clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so, King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Please put these old clothes and rags under your armpits, under the ropes.” And Jeremiah did so. New American Standard Bible Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Now put these worn-out clothes and rags under your armpits under the ropes”; and Jeremiah did so. NASB 1995 Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Now put these worn-out clothes and rags under your armpits under the ropes"; and Jeremiah did so. NASB 1977 Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Now put these worn-out clothes and rags under your armpits under the ropes”; and Jeremiah did so. Legacy Standard Bible Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Now put these worn-out clothes and rags under your armpits under the ropes”; and Jeremiah did so. Amplified Bible Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Now put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your armpits, then place the ropes under the padding”; and Jeremiah did so. Christian Standard Bible Ebed-melech the Cushite called down to Jeremiah, “Place these old rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.” Jeremiah did this. Holman Christian Standard Bible Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, “Place these old rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.” Jeremiah did so, American Standard Version And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these rags and worn-out garments under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. Contemporary English Version Then he said, "Put these rags under your arms so the ropes won't hurt you." After I did, English Revised Version And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. GOD'S WORD® Translation Ebed Melech from Sudan said to Jeremiah, "Put these rags and torn clothes under your arms to protect you from the ropes." Jeremiah did. Good News Translation He told me to put the rags under my arms, so that the ropes wouldn't hurt me. I did this, International Standard Version Ebed-melech the Ethiopian told Jeremiah, "Put the worn out rags and clothes under your armpits under the ropes," and Jeremiah did as he said. NET Bible Ebed Melech called down to Jeremiah, "Put these rags and worn-out clothes under your armpits to pad the ropes. Jeremiah did as Ebed Melech instructed. New Heart English Bible Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, "Put now these rags and worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords." Jeremiah did so. Webster's Bible Translation And Ebed-melech the Cushite said to Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and decayed rags under thy arm-holes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEbed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, “Put these worn-out rags and clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so, World English Bible Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Now put these rags and worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords.” Jeremiah did so. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Ebed-Melech the Cushite says to Jeremiah, “Now put the worn-out pieces of cloth and rags under your arms, at the place of the cords,” and Jeremiah does so, Young's Literal Translation And Ebed-Melech the Cushite saith unto Jeremiah, 'Put, I pray thee, the worn-out clouts and rags under thine arm-holes, at the place of the cords,' and Jeremiah doth so, Smith's Literal Translation And the king's servant the Cushite will say to Jeremiah, Put now the old rags torn and rubbed small, under the joints of thy hands from under the cords; and Jeremiah will do so. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Abdemelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremias: Put these old rags and these rent and rotten things under thy arms, and upon the cords: and Jeremias did so. Catholic Public Domain Version And Ebedmelech, the Ethiopian, said to Jeremiah: “Place these old garments, and these cut and decaying cloths, under your arms and over the ropes.” And Jeremiah did so. New American Bible Then he said to Jeremiah, “Put these old, tattered rags between your armpits and the ropes.” Jeremiah did so, New Revised Standard Version Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Just put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.” Jeremiah did so. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put these old towels and rags under your armpits under the rope. And Jeremiah did so. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Ebed Melek the Kushite said to Jeremiah: “Put the old rags of refuse and of towels under your armpits under the rope, and Jeremiah did so” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah: 'Put now these worn clouts and rags under thine armholes under the cords.' And Jeremiah did so. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said, Put these under the ropes. And Jeremias did so. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jeremiah Rescued…11Then 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. 12 Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, “Put these worn-out rags and clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so, 13and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard.… Cross References Genesis 37:28 So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. 2 Kings 25:7 And they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. Lamentations 3:34-36 To crush underfoot all the prisoners of the land, / to deny a man justice before the Most High, / to subvert a man in his lawsuit—of these the Lord does not approve. Psalm 40:2 He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. Psalm 69:14-15 Rescue me from the mire and do not let me sink; deliver me from my foes and out of the deep waters. / Do not let the floods engulf me or the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me. Psalm 86:13 For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol. Psalm 130:1 A song of ascents. Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD! Isaiah 51:14 The captive will soon be freed; he will not die in the dungeon, and his bread will not be lacking. Isaiah 63:9 In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Ezekiel 3:7 But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted. Matthew 12:11 He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? Matthew 18:12-14 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. Luke 14:5 And He asked them, “Which of you whose son or ox falls into a pit on the Sabbath day will not immediately pull him out?” John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Acts 7:9-10 Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. Treasury of Scripture And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under your armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. Put. Romans 12:10,15 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; … Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Jump to Previous Armholes Arm-Holes Arms Bits Cast Cloth Clothes Clouts Cords Cushite Decayed Ebedmelech Ebed-Melech E'bed-Mel'ech Ethiopian Garments Jeremiah Rags Ropes Rotten Worn Worn-OutJump to Next Armholes Arm-Holes Arms Bits Cast Cloth Clothes Clouts Cords Cushite Decayed Ebedmelech Ebed-Melech E'bed-Mel'ech Ethiopian Garments Jeremiah Rags Ropes Rotten Worn Worn-OutJeremiah 38 1. Jeremiah, by a false suggestion, is put into the dungeon of Malchiah.7. Ebed-Melech, by suit, gets him some enlargement. 14. Upon secret conference, he counsels the king by yielding to save his life. 24. By the king's instructions he conceals the conference from the princes. Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah Ebed-melech, whose name means "servant of the king," was a Cushite, indicating he was from the region of Cush, often associated with modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia. This highlights the diverse ethnic backgrounds present in the biblical narrative and God's use of individuals from various nations. Ebed-melech's actions demonstrate courage and compassion, as he intervenes on behalf of Jeremiah, who was unjustly imprisoned. His role as a foreigner in the royal court of Judah underscores the theme of God's concern for justice and righteousness, regardless of nationality. This moment also foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, as seen in the New Testament. “Put these worn-out rags and clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies of judgment and hope. In this context, he is imprisoned in a cistern. 2. Ebed-melech A Cushite servant in the king's palace who shows compassion and courage by rescuing Jeremiah from the cistern. His name means "servant of the king." 3. Cistern A pit or well used to collect water, often used as a prison in ancient times. Jeremiah was thrown into one as punishment for his prophecies. 4. King Zedekiah The last king of Judah, under whose reign Jerusalem fell to Babylon. He is indirectly involved in Jeremiah's imprisonment. 5. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, under siege by the Babylonians during this event. Teaching Points Courage in CompassionEbed-melech's actions demonstrate the courage required to stand up for what is right, even when it involves personal risk. Believers are called to act justly and show mercy. God's Providence This passage illustrates God's providence in using unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. Trust that God can use anyone to accomplish His will. Practical Wisdom Ebed-melech's use of old rags to protect Jeremiah shows practical wisdom and care. Believers should seek to be thoughtful and considerate in their actions. Faithfulness Rewarded Ebed-melech's faithfulness is later rewarded by God. This encourages believers to remain faithful, knowing that God sees and rewards our actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 38:12?2. How does Jeremiah 38:12 demonstrate God's provision through unexpected means? 3. What can we learn about compassion from Ebed-melech's actions in Jeremiah 38:12? 4. How does Jeremiah 38:12 connect to God's faithfulness in Psalm 91:14-15? 5. In what ways can we show courage like Ebed-melech in our lives? 6. How does Ebed-melech's obedience inspire us to trust God's plans today? 7. What does Jeremiah 38:12 reveal about God's provision in times of distress? 8. How does Jeremiah 38:12 illustrate the theme of compassion and mercy? 9. What historical context surrounds Jeremiah 38:12, and how does it impact its interpretation? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 38? 11. Jeremiah 10:12: How can this claim that God 'stretched out the heavens' align with scientific cosmology regarding the universe's expansion? 12. In Jeremiah 38:17-23, why does the prophecy of doom seem to contradict other biblical passages where repentance and prayer avert catastrophe? 13. Isaiah 18:7: Why would the prophecy single out gifts from Ethiopia if there's no clear historical account of such tribute being delivered to Mount Zion? 14. In 2 Kings 25:8, the city falls on the seventh day of the fifth month, while Jeremiah 52:12 reports the tenth day--how can these differing dates be reconciled? What Does Jeremiah 38:12 Mean Ebed-melech the Cushite• A foreign servant in the royal palace (Jeremiah 38:7) steps forward when native leaders have turned against God’s prophet. • His very name—“servant of the king”—reminds us that God values faithfulness over pedigree; just as Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 2:11–12) and the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:10) were honored for faith, so this Cushite will be (Jeremiah 39:16–18). • The scene shows that the Lord keeps “a remnant” even in dark courts (1 Kings 18:3–4; Philippians 2:15). cried out to Jeremiah • He raises his voice from the cistern’s edge, acting immediately (compare Proverbs 31:8–9, “Speak up for those who have no voice”). • Courage overcomes protocol: the palace servant addresses the imprisoned prophet while hostile princes watch, echoing Esther 4:14—one person may avert disaster when God prompts. • His plea illustrates Isaiah 58:1, where true righteousness is not silent about injustice. Put these worn-out rags and clothes • Ebed-melech brings what he has—no silken cords or royal linens, just discarded garments. God delights to use the humble and “foolish” things (1 Corinthians 1:27). • The rags foreshadow how seemingly insignificant resources become instruments of deliverance: five loaves (John 6:9), a widow’s oil (2 Kings 4:2). • Their “worn-out” condition underscores that mercy, not luxury, rescues Jeremiah (cf. Psalm 34:18). under your arms • The instruction is specific and thoughtful; it protects the tender flesh most likely to tear. Love pays attention to details (Luke 10:34, where the Samaritan “bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine”). • God often “upholds” His own “with His hand” (Psalm 37:24), and here He does so through human hands arranging padding beneath the prophet’s arms. • It pictures the Lord’s gentleness in rescue—“In all their distress, He too was distressed” (Isaiah 63:9). to pad the ropes • Ropes alone could save, yet padding shows compassion beyond bare necessity (James 2:15–16). • The extra care illustrates Galatians 6:2—“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” • Physical tenderness conveys spiritual truth: God’s salvation is not rough or careless; it is merciful, mindful of our frame (Psalm 103:13–14). Jeremiah did so • The prophet obeys without argument. Though weary and mud-soaked, he trusts the means God provides (Jeremiah 38:13). • His compliance mirrors earlier obedience in harsher commands (Jeremiah 27:2–3) and models submissive faith much like Paul grasping Ananias’s hand after blindness (Acts 9:8–19). • Deliverance comes through cooperation—God ordains both the rescuer’s initiative and the sufferer’s response (Philippians 2:12–13). summary Jeremiah 38:12 reveals that God’s providence often arrives through unexpected people, humble materials, and compassionate details. A foreign servant risks status to rescue God’s prophet, using cast-off rags to prevent injury while lifting him from a pit. The verse teaches that genuine faith speaks up, acts practically, and attends tenderly to the needs of others, reflecting the Lord’s own gentle yet powerful salvation. Hebrew Ebed-melechמֶ֨לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5663: Ebed-melech -- 'servant of a king', an official under King Zedekiah the Cushite הַכּוּשִׁ֜י (hak·kū·šî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3569: Cushite -- descendant of Cush cried out וַיֹּ֡אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Jeremiah, יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ (yir·mə·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3414: Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites “Put שִׂ֣ים (śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set these worn-out בְּלוֹאֵ֨י (bə·lō·w·’ê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1094: Worn-out things, rags rags הַסְּחָב֤וֹת (has·sə·ḥā·ḇō·wṯ) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5499: A rag and clothes וְהַמְּלָחִים֙ (wə·ham·mə·lā·ḥîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4418: A rag, old garment under your arms אַצִּל֣וֹת (’aṣ·ṣi·lō·wṯ) Noun - common plural construct Strong's 679: A joint of the hand, a party-wall to pad the ropes.” לַחֲבָלִ֑ים (la·ḥă·ḇā·lîm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2256: A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin Jeremiah יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ (yir·mə·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3414: Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites did וַיַּ֥עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make so, כֵּֽן׃ (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus Links Jeremiah 38:12 NIVJeremiah 38:12 NLT Jeremiah 38:12 ESV Jeremiah 38:12 NASB Jeremiah 38:12 KJV Jeremiah 38:12 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 38:12 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 38:12 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 38:12 French Bible Jeremiah 38:12 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 38:12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah Put (Jer.) |
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