from עָבַד and אֵל; serving God; Abdeel, an Israelite; Abdeel. Compare עַבְדִיאֵל.
Transliteration:ʻAbdᵉʼêl
Pronunciation:ab-deh-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H5655}}` (עַבְדְּאֵל, *ʻAbdᵉʼêl*) is a compound name derived from two fundamental Hebrew roots: `{{H5647}}`, *ʻābad* (to serve, work, worship), and `{{H410}}`, *ʼēl* (God, a mighty one). Consequently, the name's base definition is "Servant of God" or "Worshipper of God." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily defined by this etymological meaning, pointing to an individual whose identity or aspiration was linked to divine service. It reflects a common ancient Near Eastern naming convention where personal names often conveyed theological statements or parental hopes for their children's character and destiny.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H5655}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* **[[Jeremiah 36:26]]**: "And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king's son, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them."
In this sole occurrence, Abdeel is identified as the father of Shelemiah, one of King Jehoiakim's officials. This event takes place during a critical period when Jeremiah's prophetic words, written by Baruch, are being read and subsequently destroyed by the king. Shelemiah, as an agent of the king, is tasked with apprehending Jeremiah and Baruch, who are delivering God's message. The context reveals that Shelemiah, the son of "Servant of God," is actively participating in actions that oppose God's will and His prophets. This creates a striking, almost ironic, juxtaposition between the meaning of the father's name and the son's actions. The name Abdeel itself remains neutral, simply identifying the father, but the narrative highlights a tension between an ideal identity suggested by a name and the reality of human behavior.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of `{{H5655}}` naturally link it to a broader semantic field:
* **`{{H5647}}` (עָבַד, *ʻābad*)**: This root is central to biblical theology, encompassing various forms of service, labor, and worship. It describes the relationship of humanity to God (e.g., serving the Lord), as well as human labor and servitude. Names like Obadiah ("Servant of Yahweh") directly reflect this root.
* **`{{H410}}` (אֵל, *ʼēl*)**: A generic term for God, often used as a component in divine names (e.g., Elohim) and personal names (e.g., Israel, Daniel, Samuel, Ezekiel), signifying a connection to the divine.
* **`{{H5660}}` (עַבְדִיאֵל, *ʻAbdîʼēl*)**: This is another proper noun with the identical meaning "Servant of God," appearing in [[1 Chronicles 5:15]] as the father of Ahi, a Gadite chief. The existence of `{{H5660}}` and `{{H5655}}` demonstrates the popularity and theological significance of names expressing devotion to God in ancient Israel.
* **Concepts**: The name `{{H5655}}` is conceptually related to themes of divine service, obedience, worship, and the covenant relationship between God and His people. It also implicitly touches upon the tension between ideal identity and the reality of human free will and potential for rebellion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5655}}` lies primarily in its etymological meaning, "Servant of God." This name encapsulates a foundational theological concept in the Old Testament: humanity's intended role as servants or worshippers of Yahweh. From the call of Abraham to the giving of the Law, God consistently establishes a covenant relationship where His people are called to serve Him exclusively (`{{H5647}}` in the context of worship). The name Abdeel thus represents an ideal of devotion and allegiance to the divine.
However, the singular biblical appearance of Abdeel in [[Jeremiah 36:26]] introduces a profound theological irony. While the father's name signifies "Servant of God," his son, Shelemiah, is found in the service of a king who actively opposes God's prophetic word and seeks to harm His messengers. This narrative detail underscores several important theological truths:
1. **Personal Responsibility**: A godly name or lineage does not guarantee righteous conduct. Each individual is accountable for their own choices and actions in relation to God.
2. **The Nature of Service**: The passage highlights the stark contrast between serving God and serving an earthly authority that stands in opposition to God. It forces a consideration of who one ultimately serves.
3. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency**: Despite the king's command and Shelemiah's participation, God ultimately protects Jeremiah and Baruch, demonstrating His overarching sovereignty even amidst human rebellion.
The name Abdeel, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of the call to true service to God, a call that transcends mere nomenclature and demands genuine obedience and allegiance.
### Summary
`{{H5655}}` (עַבְדְּאֵל, *ʻAbdᵉʼêl*) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Servant of God" or "Worshipper of God," formed from `{{H5647}}` (serve) and `{{H410}}` (God). Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Jeremiah 36:26]], where Abdeel is identified as the father of Shelemiah, an official of King Jehoiakim who was commanded to arrest Jeremiah and Baruch. The name itself reflects the theological ideal of devotion to God, a common theme in Israelite naming conventions. However, the context of its appearance presents a powerful irony: the son of "Servant of God" is found serving a king who opposes God's word. This narrative detail underscores the critical theological principle that true service to God requires personal obedience and commitment, independent of one's lineage or a name's inherent meaning, and highlights the tension between ideal identity and lived reality. The name `{{H5655}}` is closely related to `{{H5660}}` (Abdiel), which shares the identical meaning.
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