Nebuchadnezzar
Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible — King of Babylon (2KI 23:37). Referenced in 11 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “Nebuchadrezzar, tears and groans of judgment”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 11 references
- Known Names
- 7 names
- Relationships
- 4 connections
Biography
Nebuchadnezzar was a male king of Babylon, known primarily for his role as a powerful ruler during the period recorded in 2 Kings 23:37. While no tribal affiliation or additional personal notes are given, his position as king marks him as a significant figure in biblical history.
Names & Titles
The name Nebuchadnezzar means 'Nebo protect my boundary stone; Nebo protect my son!' indicating a connection to the Babylonian deity Nebo. His titles include 'King of Babylon,' 'King of the Chaldeans,' 'King of Sheshach,' and 'king of kings,' all reflecting his royal authority over Babylon and surrounding regions. Additionally, Jeremiah refers to him as 'My servant,' a title given by God, highlighting his role in divine purposes despite his pagan kingship.
Family
Scripture records Nebuchadnezzar as the father of Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1). He is also identified as the king who exiled Jehoiachin (Esther 2:6) and is described as a servant of YHVH in Jeremiah 25:9. Ashpenaz is mentioned in connection with Nebuchadnezzar as his king (Daniel 1:3).
Significance
Nebuchadnezzar is a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative as the Babylonian king who executed God's judgment by exiling the people of Judah, including King Jehoiachin. Despite his pagan background, God refers to him as 'My servant,' indicating that Nebuchadnezzar's reign served divine purposes in the unfolding plan of redemption. His rulership over Babylon and the Chaldeans situates him at the center of God's disciplinary actions upon Israel.
Names & Labels (7)
- Hebrew
- נְבוּכַדְרֶאצּוֹר
- Transliteration
- nəbukhadəretsor
- Meaning
- Nebo protect my boundary stone; Nebo protect my son!
- Greek
- Ναβουχοδονοσορ
- Reference
- 2KI 24:1
- Strong's
- H5019
- Hebrew
- מֶֽלֶךְ־בָּבֶ֛ל
- Transliteration
- melek bavel
- Meaning
- king of Babel
- Greek
- βασιλεὺς Βαβυλῶνος
- Reference
- 2KI 20:12
- Strong's
- H4428, H894
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ נְבֻכַדְנֶאצַּר
- Transliteration
- melek nəbukhadənetsor
- Meaning
- king Nebuchadnezzar
- Greek
- Ναβουχοδονοσορ
- Reference
- 2KI 25:8
- Strong's
- H4428, H5019
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ כַּשְׂדִּיִּים
- Transliteration
- melek kasədiyym
- Meaning
- king [of] Kasdim
- Greek
- βασιλέα Χαλδαίων
- Reference
- 2CH 36:17
- Strong's
- H4428, H3778
- Hebrew
- עַבְדִּי
- Transliteration
- avədiy
- Meaning
- [my] servant
- Greek
- [none]
- Reference
- JER 25:9
- Strong's
- H5650
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ שֵׁשַׁךְ
- Transliteration
- melek sheshakh
- Meaning
- king of Sheshach
- Greek
- [none]
- Reference
- JER 25:26
- Strong's
- H4428, H8347
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ מְלָכִים
- Transliteration
- melek məlakiym
- Meaning
- king [of] kings
- Greek
- βασιλεὺς βασιλέων
- Reference
- EZK 26:7
- Strong's
- H4428, H4428
Family & Relationships (4)
exiled
servant
king
father
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible?
Nebuchadnezzar was a male king of Babylon, known primarily for his role as a powerful ruler during the period recorded in 2 Kings 23:37. While no tribal affiliation or additional personal notes are given, his position as king marks him as a significant figure in biblical history.
What does the name Nebuchadnezzar mean?
The name Nebuchadnezzar means “Nebuchadrezzar, tears and groans of judgment” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.