Home › Glossary › Letter E

Ebed

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

The father of Gaal, a minor biblical figure who opposed Abimelech’s rule in Shechem, mentioned in the Book of Judges.

Detailed Definition
Ebed is mentioned only as Gaal’s father in Judges 9:26–28, during a Shechemite uprising. Though minor, his name (“servant”) contrasts with his son’s ambition. In poetry, Ebed evokes the anonymity of rebellion’s origins and the irony of lineage—where a “servant” sires a would-be king, underscoring themes of pride and divine sovereignty.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Ebed is part of the genealogical or tribal framework of Israel; In George Herbert’s "The Temple," obscure names like Ebed affirm God’s attention to all; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "The Seraphim," Ebed’s mention underscores the dignity of lineage; In John Keble’s "The Christian Year," Ebed symbolizes the faithful unknown; In Christina Rossetti’s devotional poetry, Ebed’s name evokes the communion of saints; In T.S. Eliot’s "Four Quartets," minor figures like Ebed illustrate the pattern of providence.
Additional Notes
Ebed: Hebrew word for “servant”; also name of father of Gaal (Judges 9:26). In poetry, “Ebed” as a name invites reflection on servanthood as identity. In prophetic literature (e.g., “Servant of the Lord” in Isaiah), the concept is central. Use the name to explore humility, mission, or the paradox of power in service—especially in Christological readings of the Suffering Servant.
Also Known As
Ebed servant of Gaal
Skip to main content