Bible Strands
Jeremiah 38:12
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,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Ebed-melech the Cushite speaks to Jeremiah at the cistern beneath the king’s palace, just after lowering old rags and ropes. He issues a direct command moments before the rescue operation begins.
The words — The imperative שִׂים (sim) means “put” or “place,” and the particle נָא (na’) functions as “please.” Together they frame a practical instruction to position the rags against the ropes.
The thread — This physical preparation for rescue aligns with the New Testament pattern of tangible compassion (Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:32; Romans 12:15). The text links concrete aid to the broader biblical mandate of bearing others’ burdens.
Why it lands — The verse requires that concern for life move into immediate physical preparation. It asks the reader to act practically to prevent harm before rescue can succeed.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James 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.
Cross-references
- Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
- Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
- Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.