עֶבֶד
Eved
Servant, slave, worshiper
Eved (עֶבֶד) is a Hebrew word meaning “servant, slave, worshiper,” pronounced “EH-ved.” Derived from the root ע-ב-ד, eved appears 800 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H5650).
| Hebrew | עֶבֶד |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Eved |
| Pronunciation | EH-ved |
| Meaning | Servant, slave, worshiper |
| Root Letters | ע-ב-ד |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 800× |
| Key Verse | Isaiah 53:11 |
| Strong's Number | H5650 |
| Category | Covenant & Theology |
One of the most profound paradoxes in the Hebrew Bible is hidden in the word eved (עֶבֶד). It means both 'servant' and 'worshiper' — because in Hebrew, to serve God and to worship God are the same verb: avad. The highest title a human being can receive in Scripture is not king, priest, or prophet — it is 'eved YHWH,' servant of the LORD. Moses is called 'My servant Moses' (Numbers 12:7). David is 'My servant David' (2 Samuel 7:5). Abraham, Jacob, Joshua, Isaiah, and the prophets are all honored with this title. But nowhere is the word eved more powerful than in Isaiah's four 'Servant Songs' (Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52-53), which describe a mysterious figure who will bear the sins of the world through suffering. Isaiah 53:11 declares that this righteous eved will 'make many to be accounted righteous' by bearing their iniquities. Jewish tradition has debated whether this servant is Israel as a nation or an individual Messiah. Christians see in these passages a breathtaking portrait of Jesus — the Servant-King who came 'not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many' (Mark 10:45). Understanding eved demolishes the human obsession with power and status. In God's kingdom, greatness is measured not by how many serve you, but by how many you serve. The cross is the ultimate act of avodah — divine worship expressed through radical, self-giving service.
Key Bible Verse: Isaiah 53:11
“Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant (eved), make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.”
What Is the Root of Eved in Hebrew?
Eved comes from the root ע-ב-ד (ayin-bet-dalet), meaning 'to serve, to work, to worship.' The identical root yields 'avodah' (service/worship) and 'avdut' (servitude/slavery). The linguistic fusion of service and worship reveals that in Hebrew, authentic worship is always expressed through serving.
What Does Eved Mean in the Bible?
Eved appears over 800 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes slaves/servants in human households, Israel as God's collective servant (Isaiah 41:8), individuals honored as 'servant of the LORD' (Moses, David, Job), and the messianic Suffering Servant of Isaiah 42-53. The Ten Commandments reference Israel's former status as avadim (slaves) in Egypt as motivation for obedience.
How Is Eved Used in Modern Hebrew?
The concept of being God's eved deeply influenced Jewish ethics. The Passover Haggadah declares, 'Avadim hayinu' — 'We were slaves (avadim)' — remembering Egyptian bondage as the foundation for treating all people with dignity. The phrase 'eved Hashem' (servant of God) remains an honorific in Jewish communities. Modern Israeli culture uses 'avodah' for work/labor as well as worship.
How to Use Eved in Prayer & Worship
Pray for the heart of an eved — choosing service over status, surrender over control. Ask Jesus, the ultimate Eved, to form in you the same mind described in Philippians 2: 'He made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant.' Your highest calling is not to be served, but to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eved
How do you say “Servant” in Hebrew?
“Servant” in Hebrew is Eved (עֶבֶד), pronounced “EH-ved.” Eved comes from the root ע-ב-ד (ayin-bet-dalet), meaning 'to serve, to work, to worship.' The identical root yields 'avodah' (service/worship) and 'avdut' (servitude/slavery). The linguistic fusion of service and worship reveals that in Hebrew, authentic worship is always expressed through serving.
What does Eved mean in the Bible?
Eved (עֶבֶד) means “Servant, slave, worshiper” in Biblical Hebrew. Eved appears over 800 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes slaves/servants in human households, Israel as God's collective servant (Isaiah 41:8), individuals honored as 'servant of the LORD' (Moses, David, Job), and the messianic Suffering Servant of Isaiah 42-53. The Ten Commandments reference Israel's former status as avadim (slaves) in Egypt as motivation for obedience.
How do you pronounce Eved?
Eved is pronounced “EH-ved.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ע-ב-ד.
Who is the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53?
Isaiah 53 describes a servant (eved) who is 'despised and rejected,' who 'bore our griefs and carried our sorrows,' who was 'pierced for our transgressions,' and whose suffering would 'make many righteous.' Jewish interpretation has traditionally identified this servant as the nation of Israel, suffering vicariously among the nations. Christian interpretation identifies the servant as Jesus, whose crucifixion fulfills every detail of the passage. The Ethiopian eunuch asked Philip this exact question in Acts 8:34, and Philip 'beginning with this Scripture, told him the good news about Jesus.'
Why does serving God and worshiping God use the same Hebrew word?
The Hebrew root avad means both 'to serve' and 'to worship' because in Hebrew theology, there is no distinction between the two. You cannot truly worship God without serving, and true service to God is worship. When Jesus washed His disciples' feet (John 13), He demonstrated this Hebrew principle: the greatest act of worship is the humblest act of service. Romans 12:1 — presenting your body as a 'living sacrifice' — is calling for avodah: worship through service.
What is the significance of being called 'servant of the LORD'?
Being called 'eved YHWH' (servant of the LORD) is the highest honor in the Hebrew Bible. It signifies direct, personal appointment by God for a sacred mission. Moses (Deuteronomy 34:5), Joshua (Joshua 24:29), David (Psalm 89:3), and the prophets all received this title. It implies intimate access to God, total obedience, and a willingness to suffer for His purposes. Jesus embraced this title fully — Philippians 2:7 says He 'took the form of a servant (doulos/eved).'
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H5650: Eved
- Bible Gateway — Isaiah 53:11 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ע-ב-ד
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