Judges
Judges front
Introduction to Judges
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Judges
- History of the judges of Israel (1:1–16:31)
- Introduction (1:1–3:6)
- Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar (3:7–31)
- Deborah and Barak (4:1–5:31)
- Gideon (6:1–8:35)
- Abimelech, Tola, and Jair (9:1–10:5)
- Jephthah (10:6–12:7)
- Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon (12:8–15)
- Samson (13:1–16:31)
- The account of Micah and his idols (17:1–18:31)
- The account of Gibeah; the other Israelites take revenge (19:1–21:25)
What is the Book of Judges about?
The Book of Judges tells of events that occurred after the Israelites settled in the Promised Land. The events in this book happened over a period of about 150 years.
This book describes how the Israelites repeatedly sinned against Yahweh during this time. They worshiped false gods and did the same wicked things as the peoples who lived around them. Therefore, God would allow enemies to defeat and oppress the Israelites. Eventually, the Israelites would call to Yahweh for help. Yahweh would then cause someone to help the Israelites defeat their enemies. This person was called a “judge.” The Israelites would live in peace until the judge died.
After that judge died, the Israelites would start sinning again. So this pattern of events would repeat.
How should the title of this book be translated?
This book traditionally has the title “Judges” because it gives accounts of some of the main leaders or judges in Israel before there were any kings over the people. Unless there are good reasons for following the title in other Bible versions, the translator should probably use the title “Judges” or a title such as “The Book about the Leaders in Israel.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What kind of leaders were the judges?
These were men and women whom God chose to help the Israelites defeat their enemies. After defeating their enemies, these leaders usually continued to help the people by deciding disputes among them. They also helped them make important decisions. Many of these leaders served all the people of Israel, but some of these leaders may have served only certain tribes.
What kind of society was Israel during the time of the judges?
During this time, the twelve tribes of Israel were independent of one another. They were not a unified nation with one ruler. The tribes would sometimes help each other when enemies were threatening them.
These tribes were descended from the same ancestors: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They shared in the same covenant with Yahweh.
What spiritual struggles did Israel experience during the time of the judges?
During this time, Israel struggled to remain faithful to Yahweh. The best judges encouraged Israel to be faithful to him, but some of the judges failed to do so. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)
Judges 1
Judges 1 General Notes
Structure and formatting
“After the death of Joshua”
This statement creates a seamless transition from the book of Joshua.
Special concepts in this chapter
Finishing the conquest of the Promised Land
Israel fought to clear the land of the Canaanites, but they also made treaties with other peoples and made some of them do hard labor. This was against God’s instruction to completely remove the Canaanite people from the land.
Judges 1:1
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The book of Judges continues the story about Joshua and is also the beginning of a new part of the story.
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Quote: Yahweh (0)This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
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Quote: will attack the Canaanites for us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word “us” refers to the people of Israel, but not to Yahweh.
Judges 1:2
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Quote: Judah will attack (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Judah” represents the men of the tribe of Judah. Yahweh is commanding these men to attack first. Alternate translation: “The men of Judah must attack first”
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Quote: this land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the land where the Canaanites lived. Alternate translation: “the land of the Canaanites”
Judges 1:3
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Quote: their brothers (0)Alternate translation: “their fellow Israelites” or “their relatives”
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Quote: Come up with us (0)The people of the tribes of Judah and Simeon were camped with the rest of the Israelite people in the valley of the Jordan River. The land given to Judah was in the hills above the valley. Some languages do not usually indicate whether people were going up or down. Alternate translation: “Come with us” or “Go with us”
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Quote: that was assigned to us … that was assigned to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh assigned to us … that Yahweh assigned to you”
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Quote: We will likewise go with you (0)Alternate translation: “We will also go with you” or “In the same way, we will go with you”
Judges 1:4
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Quote: The men of Judah attacked (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the men of Simeon attacked with the men of Judah.
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Quote: They killed ten thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“They killed about 10,000” or “They killed a large number”
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Quote: of them (0)Alternate translation: “soldiers of the Canaanites and Perizzites” or “enemies”
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Quote: Bezek (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is an area in the mountains of Canaan.
Judges 1:5
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Quote: Adoni-Bezek (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This man was the leader of the army of the Canaanites and the Perizzites.
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Quote: they fought against him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “him” actually refers to Adoni-Bezek and his army. Alternate translation: “they fought against him and his army”
Judges 1:6
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Quote: pursued him (0)Alternate translation: “chased him”
Judges 1:7
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Quote: Seventy kings (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70 kings”
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Quote: who had their thumbs and their big toes cut off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whose thumbs and big toes I told my men to cut off” or “whose thumbs and big toes we cut off”
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Quote: gathered their food from under my table (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Forcing these kings to eat scraps of food represents all the ways that Adoni-Bezek humiliated these kings. Here “gathering” food represents eating it. Alternate translation: “ate scraps of food from under my table”
Judges 1:8
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Quote: the city of Jerusalem and took it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in Jerusalem and defeated them”
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Quote: They attacked it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “it” refers to the city which represents the people of the city. Alternate translation: “They attacked the people of the city”
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Quote: with the edge of the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“with the point of the sword.” Here “sword” represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle. Alternate translation: “with their swords” or “with their weapons”
Judges 1:9
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Quote: the men of Judah went down to fight (0)It was common to use the word “down” when it refers to traveling from Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the men of Judah went to fight”
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Quote: in the Negev (0)Alternate translation: “in the southern Judean wilderness”
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Quote: foothills (0)hills at the base of a mountain or mountain range
Judges 1:10
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Quote: the name of Hebron was previously Kiriath Arba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information. Some people who first read this book had probably heard of Kiriath Arba but did not know that it was the same as the city that they called Hebron.
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Quote: Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of three Canaanite leaders of Hebron. Each leader represents his army. Alternate translation: “Sheshai, Ahiman, Talmai, and their armies” (See also: Metonymy)
Judges 1:11
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Quote: the name of Debir was previously Kiriath Sepher (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
The author probably wrote this because his readers knew the city as Debir. But at the time Israel attacked it, it was called Kiriath Sepher. Alternate translation: “which used to be called Kiriath Sepher”
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Quote: was previously (0)Alternate translation: “was in times past” or “was at an earlier time”
Judges 1:12
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Quote: Whoever attacks Kiriath Sepher and takes it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Kiriath Sepher” represents the people. Alternate translation: “Whoever attacks and defeats the people of Kiriath Sepher and takes their city”
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Quote: Aksah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of Caleb’s daughter.
Judges 1:13
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Quote: Othniel, son of Kenaz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
Judges 1:14
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Quote: she urged him (0)Alternate translation: “Aksah urged Othniel”
Judges 1:15
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Quote: Give me a blessing (0)Alternate translation: “Do a favor for me” or “Do this for me”
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Quote: Since you have given me the land of the Negev (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Caleb gave Aksah in marriage to Othniel, so she lived with Othniel in the city that he had captured in the Negev. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Since you have given me in marriage to live in the Negev”
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Quote: Since you have given me the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that Caleb did give her the field when she asked him for it (verse 14). She is now asking for springs of water in addition to that field.
Judges 1:16
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Quote: of Moses’ father-in-law (0)Alternate translation: “of the father of Moses’ wife”
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Quote: father-in-law the Kenite went up (0)Alternate translation: “father-in-law, who was one of the Ken people, went up”
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Quote: went up from the City of Palms … into the wilderness (0)Alternate translation: “left the City of Palms … and went into the wilderness”
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Quote: City of Palms (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is another name for the city of Jericho.
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Quote: Arad (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city in Canaan.
Judges 1:17
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Quote: the men of Simeon their brothers (0)Here “brothers” means relatives who were in another tribe of Israel.
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Quote: Zephath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city in Canaan.
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Quote: The name of the city was called Hormah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
After the Israelites destroyed Zephath, they changed its name to “Hormah.” The name “Hormah” means “complete destruction.” (See also: How to Translate Names)
Judges 1:19
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Quote: Yahweh was with the people of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “was with” means that Yahweh helped the people of Judah.
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Quote: plains (0)a very large area of level, treeless ground
Judges 1:20
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Quote: Hebron was given to Caleb (like Moses had said) (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses had given Hebron to Caleb”
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Quote: three sons of Anak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The leaders of the people groups are used to refer to the entire group. Alternate translation: “three sons of Anak and their people”
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Quote: Anak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man. Anak and his descendants were famous for being very tall.
Judges 1:21
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Quote: to this day (0)“until now.” This refers to the time the book of Judges was written.
Judges 1:22
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Quote: The house of Joseph (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents descendants. Manasseh and Ephraim were sons of Joseph, and the “house of Joseph” can refer to the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim. Alternate translation: “The descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim” or “The men of the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim”
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Quote: to attack Bethel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Bethel” represents the people who live in Bethel.
Judges 1:23
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Quote: spy (0)to get information secretly
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Quote: the city that was formerly called Luz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information. Some people who first read this book had probably heard of Luz but did not know that it was the same as the city that they called Bethel. (See also: How to Translate Names)
Judges 1:24
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Quote: spies (0)people who get information secretly
Judges 1:25
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Quote: they attacked the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “they attacked the people of the city”
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Quote: with the edge of the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“with the point of the sword.” Here “sword” represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle. Alternate translation: “with their swords” or “with their weapons”
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Quote: get away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “escape”
Judges 1:26
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Quote: Luz (0)This new town started in the land of the Hittites was named after the town of Luz, near Bethel, that the man had left.
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Quote: which is its name to this day (0)“which is still its name.” Here “to this day” refers to the time when the book of Judges was written.
Judges 1:27
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Quote: Beth Shan … Taanach … Dor … Ibleam … Megiddo (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
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Quote: because the Canaanites were determined to live in that land (0)To “determine” is to firmly decide something. Alternate translation: “because the Canaanites firmly decided not to leave that land”
Judges 1:28
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Quote: When Israel became strong (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Israel” represents the people. Alternate translation: “When the people of Israel became stronger”
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Quote: they forced the Canaanites to serve them with hard labor (0)Alternate translation: “they forced the Canaanites to do hard work for them”
Judges 1:29
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Quote: Ephraim did not (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Ephraim” the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Ephraim.
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Quote: Gezer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The name of one of the cities in the Ephraim area.
Judges 1:30
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Quote: Zebulun did not drive out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Zebulun” represents the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Zebulun.
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Quote: Kitron … Nahalol (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities in the land of Canaan.
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Quote: but Zebulun forced (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Zebulun” represents the people of the tribe of Zebulun.
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Quote: hard labor (0)Alternate translation: “difficult labor”
Judges 1:31
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Quote: Asher did not drive (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Asher” represents the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Asher.
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Quote: Akko … Sidon … Ahlab, Akzib, Helbah, Aphek … Rehob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities in the land of Canaan.
Judges 1:33
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Quote: Beth Shemesh … Beth Anath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
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Quote: the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and Beth Anath were forced into hard labor for Naphthali (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people of Naphtali forced the people of Beth Shemesh and Beth Anath to work for them as slaves”
Judges 1:34
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Quote: not allowing them to come down (0)Alternate translation: “stopping them from coming down”
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Quote: plain (0)a very large area of flat land without trees
Judges 1:35
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Quote: Mount Heres (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a large hill on which the city of Aijalon was built.
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Quote: Aijalon … Shaalbim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
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Quote: the military might of the house of Joseph conquered them (0)Alternate translation: “the tribes of people who descended from Joseph were able to conquer them because of their powerful army”
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Quote: house of Joseph (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents descendants. Manasseh and Ephraim were sons of Joseph, and the “house of Joseph” can refer to the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim” or “the men of the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim”
Judges 1:36
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Quote: the hill of Akrabbim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This was a pass southwest of the Dead Sea. It is also called the “Scorpion Pass.”
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Quote: Sela (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Judges 2
Judges 2 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh tests Israel
Yahweh said, “Because this nation has broken the terms of my covenant.” Completely removing the Canaanites from the land was a test from Yahweh. While Yahweh displayed covenant faithfulness, Israel did not. (See: test, tested, testing, testing in the fire and covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty, covenant love)
Judges 2:1
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Quote: angel of Yahweh (0)This could mean: (1) “angel who represents Yahweh” or (2) “messenger who serves Yahweh” or (3) it may refer to Yahweh himself, who looked like an angel as he talked to a person. Either one of these meanings would explain the angel’s use of “I” as if Yahweh himself were talking.
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Quote: went up from Gilgal to Bokim (0)Alternate translation: “left Gilgal and went to Bokim”
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Quote: Bokim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is what the Israelites named this place in 2:5 after the angel rebukes the people. “Bokim” means “crying.”
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Quote: and said (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It is understood that the angel of Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “and said to the people of Israel”
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Quote: brought you up from Egypt (0)Alternate translation: “led you from Egypt”
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Quote: your fathers (0)Alternate translation: “your ancestors” or “your forefathers”
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Quote: break my covenant with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “fail to do what I said I would do for you”
Judges 2:2
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Quote: you have not listened to my voice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “voice” represents what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: “you have not obeyed my commands”
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Quote: What is this that you have done? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is asked to cause the people of Israel to realize they have disobeyed Yahweh and will suffer because of it. Alternate translation: “You have done a terrible thing.”
Judges 2:3
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Quote: So now I say, ‘I will not … trap for you.’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
This has a quotation within a quotation. This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “So now I tell you that I will not … trap for you.’” (See also: Direct and Indirect Quotations)
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Quote: become thorns in your sides (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Canaanites troubling the Israelites is spoken of as if the Canaanites would be thorns in the side of the Israelites. Alternate translation: “cause you trouble”
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Quote: thorns (0)sharp pieces of wood up to 7 centimeters long that stick out from some plants
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Quote: their gods will become a trap for you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Israelites worshiping the Canaanite gods is spoken of as if the false gods were a hunter’s trap that catches an animal and causes it harm.
Judges 2:4
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Quote: shouted and wept (0)Alternate translation: “cried many tears”
Judges 2:6
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Quote: Now when Joshua (0)Here “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator begins a summary that explains how the generations of Israelites after Joshua sinned and worshiped false gods so that Yahweh punished them, but then he would send judges to rescue them. This summary ends in 2:23.
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Quote: when Joshua … of their land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
The events of 1:1–2:5 happened after Joshua died. This is recounting events that happened at the end of the book of Joshua.
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Quote: to the place assigned (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may want to help your readers by stating who assigned this place to them. Alternate translation: “to the place Yahweh gave them”
Judges 2:7
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundThe background information that begins with the words “Now when Joshua” in verse 6 continues.
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Quote: during the lifetime (0)This means the time that someone lived. Alternate translation: “during the life”
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Quote: outlived him (0)This means to live longer than someone else. Alternate translation: “lived longer than he did”
Judges 2:8
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundThe background information that begins with the words “Now when Joshua” in verse 6 continues.
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Quote: Joshua son of Nun … died at the age of 110 years old (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
The background information that begins with the words “Now when Joshua” in verse 6 ends. The events of 1:1–2:5 happened after Joshua died.
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Quote: Nun (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
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Quote: 110 years old (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one hundred and ten years old”
Judges 2:9
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Quote: he was assigned (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God gave him”
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Quote: Timnath Heres (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of an area of land.
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Quote: Mount Gaash (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a mountain.
Judges 2:10
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Quote: All that generation was also gathered to their fathers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The phrase “was also gathered to their fathers” means that as the people of that generation died, their souls went to the same place as their ancestors who died before them. It is a polite way of saying they died.
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Quote: fathers (0)Here this means the ancestors of a certain person or people group.
Judges 2:11
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Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil”
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Quote: Baals (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the plural of Baal. While “Baal” was generally the name of one false god, the word was also used for various other gods that were often worshiped along with Baal.
Judges 2:12
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Quote: their fathers (0)Alternate translation: “their ancestors” or “their forefathers”
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Quote: They went after other gods (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Israelites starting to worship false gods is spoken of as if the Israelites walked and went after the false gods.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bowed down to them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is an act of worship and giving honor to someone.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They provoked Yahweh to anger (0)Alternate translation: “They caused Yahweh to become angry”
Judges 2:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ashtoreths (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the plural of Ashtoroth, who was worshiped as a goddess in many different forms.
Judges 2:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The anger of Yahweh is described as burning like a fire. Alternate translation: “Yahweh became very angry with the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he gave them to the raiders who stole their possessions from them (0)Alternate translation: “he let raiders steal their possessions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He sold them as slaves who were held by the strength of their enemies around them, so they could no longer defend themselves against their enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh allowing the enemies to take the Israelites as slaves is spoken of as if he sold them into slavery. The phrase “who were held by” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He allowed their enemies to conquer them and take them as slaves, and they could no longer resist their powerful enemies” (See also: Active or Passive)
Judges 2:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh’s hand was against them to defeat them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh helped their enemies defeat them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were in terrible distress (0)Alternate translation: “they were suffering terribly”
Judges 2:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then Yahweh raised up judges (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh appointing persons to be judges is spoken of as if he were raising or lifting the persons up.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of the hand of those (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “from the power of the enemies”
Judges 2:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they would not listen to their judges (0)Alternate translation: “they would not obey their judges”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave themselves like prostitutes to other gods and worshiped them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The people betraying Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if the people were prostitutes. Alternate translation: “betrayed him by worshiping false gods”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their fathers (0)Alternate translation: “their ancestors” or “their forefathers”
Judges 2:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When Yahweh raised up judges (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh appointing persons to be judges is spoken of as if he raised or lifted up the persons.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: judges for them … rescued them (0)The word “them” refers to the Israelites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of their enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power of the enemies to hurt Israel. Alternate translation: “the power of their enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the days the judge lived (0)Alternate translation: “as long as the judge lived”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pity (0)to have compassion for someone or something
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as they groaned (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The sound made by a person who suffers is used to describe the pain of the Israelites as they suffer. Alternate translation: “as they suffered”
Judges 2:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they would turn away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people no longer obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they would physically turn away from Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their fathers (0)Alternate translation: “their ancestors” or “their forefathers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They would go after other gods to serve them and worship them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Israelites worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they were walking and going after other gods. Alternate translation: “They would serve and worship other gods”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They refused to give up any of their evil practices or their stubborn ways (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
“They refused to stop doing evil things and being stubborn.” This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “They continued doing evil things and being stubborn”
Judges 2:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The anger of Yahweh is described as burning like a fire. See how you translated this phrase in Judges 2:14.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this nation has broken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nation” represents the people. Alternate translation: “these people have broken” or “the Israelites have broken”
Judges 2:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: any of the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nations” represents the people groups that lived in Canaan before the Israelites.
Judges 2:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will keep the way of Yahweh and walk in it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
How Yahweh wants people to live or behave is spoken of as if it were a way or road. A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they were walking in his way.
Judges 2:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did not drive them out quickly and give them into the hand of Joshua (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: “he did not let Joshua quickly conquer them and drive them out”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into the hand of Joshua (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” is a metonym for power, and “Joshua” represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “into the power of Joshua and his army” (See also: Synecdoche)
Judges 3
Judges 3 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
The people worship false gods
Israel worshiped idols and false gods. Because of this, Yahweh allowed Aram and Moab to rule over them. In the period of Judges, when Israel sinned, they were often placed under the rule of a foreign power. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Judges 3:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now Yahweh (0)Here “Now” begins a new section of the story.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: these nations (0)This refers to the people groups that the narrator will list in 3:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who had not experienced any of the wars fought in Canaan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who had not fought in any of the wars in Canaan”
Judges 3:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He did this to teach warfare to the new generation of the Israelites who had not known it before (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This breaks from the main story line. The narrator gives background information about why Yahweh left some of the people groups in Canaan. Alternate translation: “Yahweh left nations among the Israelites to teach the young men who had not fought in battle before how to fight”
Judges 3:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mount Baal Hermon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the highest mountain in Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hamath Pass (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of an area at the northern boundary of Canaan.
Judges 3:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: These nations were left (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh left these nations in Canaan” or “Yahweh allowed these nations to continue to live in Canaan”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as a means (0)Alternate translation: “as a way”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whether they would … gave their ancestors (0)The words “they” and “their” refer to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the commands he gave (0)Alternate translation: “the commands Yahweh gave”
Judges 3:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in Judges 2:11. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forgot Yahweh their God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “forgot” is an idiom that means “they stopped obeying.”
Judges 3:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the anger of Yahweh was set on fire (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh becoming very angry is spoken of as if his anger were something that could be set on fire. Alternate translation: “Yahweh became very angry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sold them into the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Allowing the people of Israel to be conquered is spoken of as if Yahweh sold them to Cushan-Rishathaim. Alternate translation: “allowed Cushan-Rishathaim and his army to defeat them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” is a metonym that represents power or control. Also, “Cushan-Rishathaim” is a synechdoche that represents himself and his army. (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Cushan-Rishathaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aram Naharaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a country.
Judges 3:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh raised up someone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh appointing someone to do a special work for him is spoken of as if Yahweh raised or lifted up the person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Othniel … Kenaz (0)See how you translated these men’s names in Judges 1:13.
Judges 3:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he judged Israel (0)Here “judged” means he led the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he went out to war (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “he” refers to Othniel who represents himself and the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “Othniel and the Israelite soldiers went to fight against the army of Cushan-Rishathaim”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh gave him victory over Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Cushan-Rishathaim” represents his army. Alternate translation: “Yahweh helped the Israelite army defeat the army of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The hand of Othniel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” is a metonym for army. Alternate translation: “The army of Othniel”
Judges 3:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The land had peace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“The land” is used to refer to the people who lived in the land. Alternate translation: “The people lived peacefully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“40 years”
Judges 3:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in Judges 2:11. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh gave strength to Eglon king of Moab (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Yahweh made Eglon king of Moab strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to Eglon king of Moab to overpower the Israelites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Eglon king of Moab” represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “to Eglon king of Moab and his soldiers as they attacked the Israelite army”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Eglon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a king.
Judges 3:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the City of Palms (0)This is another name for the city of Jericho. See how you translated this in Judges 1:16.
Judges 3:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighteen years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“18 years”
Judges 3:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called out to Yahweh (0)Here this means to shout or speak loudly to someone far away. It can also mean to ask someone for help, especially God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: raised up someone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh appointing someone to do a special service for him is spoken of as if he raised or lifted up the person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ehud … Gera (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: left-handed (0)Ehud was better able to hold a sword with his left hand.
Judges 3:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one cubit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
If it is necessary to use a modern measurement of length, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “46 centimeters” or “about one half meter”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he strapped it on under his clothing on his right thigh (0)Alternate translation: “he tied it to his right thigh under his clothing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thigh (0)the part of the leg between the knee and the hip
Judges 3:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now Eglon was a very fat man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
Here “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator tells background information about Eglon.
Judges 3:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when he reached the place where the carved images were made near Gilgal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when he arrived at the place near Gilgal where people made carved images”
Judges 3:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the coolness of the upper room (0)This is a room above the lower level that was used for rest and to remain cool during the hot part of the day.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The king got up out of his seat (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Standing up was a sign of honoring God will listening to his message.
Judges 3:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The tip of the sword came out of his back (0)Alternate translation: “The sharp end of the sword came out of his back”
Judges 3:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: porch (0)an outside room with low walls and a roof covering
Judges 3:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surely he is relieving himself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way to speak about a person having a bowel movement (defecating) or urinating.
Judges 3:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until they felt they were neglecting their duty (0)They waited until they became worried that something was wrong and it was their duty to open the doors to their king’s private room.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took the key and opened them (0)Alternate translation: “took the key and opened the doors”
Judges 3:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: While the servants were waiting … Ehud escaped (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events
This tells what happened before the servants opened the doors to the upper room and found the king dead. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile, as the servants were still waiting outside of the upper room … Ehud escaped”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Seirah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Judges 3:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When he arrived (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
You may want to help your readers by stating where he arrived. Alternate translation: “When he arrived in Seirah”
Judges 3:28
General Information:
Ehud speaks to the people of Israel in Ephraim.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for Yahweh is about to defeat your enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh helping the Israelites to defeat their enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight and defeat their enemies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: captured the fords (0)Alternate translation: “gained control of the fords”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fords (0)the areas of a river where it is shallow and easy to walk across to the other side
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did not allow anyone to cross (0)Alternate translation: “did not let anyone cross”
Judges 3:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten thousand men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“10,000 men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: capable men (0)Alternate translation: “able men” or “men able to fight well”
Judges 3:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Moab was subdued by the strength of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Israelite army defeated the Moabites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the strength of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “strength” represents the Israelite army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land had rest (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “land” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the Israelites lived peacefully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighty years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“80 years”
Judges 3:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: judge (0)God appointed judges to lead the people of Israel in times of trouble after they entered the Promised Land and before they had kings. Often judges rescued the Israelites from their enemies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shamgar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Anath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 600 men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“six hundred men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a stick used to goad cattle (0)Cattle farmers would poke their cattle with a sharp stick to make them move. AT “a stick used to urge cattle to move” or “a stick used to direct cattle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He also delivered Israel from danger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “danger” refers to enemies that tried to harm the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “He also delivered the people of Israel from their enemies”
Judges 4
Judges 4 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Chapters 4 and 5 form one section about Barak and Deborah.
Special concepts in this chapter
Barak’s leadership
At this time, it was very unusual for a woman to be a leader, especially a military leader. Barak lacked the strength to go into battle without Deborah. This indicates that Barak was a poor leader. If a woman won the battle for him, it would have brought Barak shame. It also indicates that Deborah was very well respected. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Judges 4:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ehud (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Judges 3:15.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in Judges 2:11. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil”
Judges 4:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to Jabin’s power over Israel. Yahweh’s decision to give Jabin power over them is spoken of as if Yahweh had sold them to Jabin. Alternate translation: “Yahweh allowed them to be defeated by the power of Jabin king of Canaan” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jabin … Sisera (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hazor … Harosheth Haggoyim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities or places
Judges 4:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nine hundred iron chariots (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“900 iron chariots”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty years (0)Alternate translation: “20 years”
Judges 4:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator tells background information about Deborah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Deborah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lappidoth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: judge (0)God appointed judges to lead the Israelites in times of trouble. Often the judges rescued them from their enemies.
Judges 4:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: palm of Deborah (0)This tree was named after Deborah.
Judges 4:6
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesGeneral Information:
The writer of Judges refers to men, a city, a mountain, and a river by their names.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Barak … Abinoam (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mount Tabor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a mountain.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten thousand men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“10,000 men”
Judges 4:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will draw out (0)Here “I” refers to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: draw out Sisera (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Sisera” represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “draw out Sisera and his army”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: draw out (0)to cause people to come away from a safe location
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sisera … Jabin (0)See how you translated these men’s names in Judges 4:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kishon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a river.
Judges 4:8
General Information:
Barak has a discussion with Deborah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Barak (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Judges 4:6.
Judges 4:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the road on which you are going will not lead to your honor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The choice Barak makes is spoken of as if Barak were choosing a road on which to travel. And, “honor” is spoken of as if it were a destination to which one travels. Alternate translation: “no one will honor you for what you do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for Yahweh will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to her power to kill him. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh will cause a woman to defeat Sisera”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sisera (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Judges 4:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Deborah (0)See how you translated this woman’s name in Judges 4:4.
Judges 4:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ten thousand men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“10,000 men”
Judges 4:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator tells background information about Heber the Kenite.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Heber … Hobab (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kenite (0)See how you translated this in Judges 1:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Moses’ father-in-law (0)Alternate translation: “the father of Moses’ wife”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zaanannim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Judges 4:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When they told Sisera (0)Here “they” does not identify anyone specifically. Alternate translation: “When someone told Sisera”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sisera (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Judges 4:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Barak … Abinoam … Mount Tabor (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.
Judges 4:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sisera called out all his chariots (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “chariots” represents the soldiers who drove the chariots.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nine hundred iron chariots (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“900 iron chariots”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Harosheth Haggoyim (0)See how you translated the name of this city in Judges 4:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kishon River (0)See how you translated this in Judges 4:7.
Judges 4:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh has given you victory (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Because Deborah is certain of victory, she speaks as if Barak had already won the battle. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will give you victory”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is not Yahweh leading you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Deborah asks this question to remind Barak that they fight on the side of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Remember, Yahweh is leading you.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with ten thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“with 10,000”
Judges 4:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh confused Sisera and all his chariots and all his army (0)Alternate translation: “Yahweh made Sisera and all his chariots and all his army unable to think clearly” or “Yahweh made Sisera and all his chariots and all his army panic”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all his chariots (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “chariots” is a metonym for the soldiers driving the chariots. Alternate translation: “all the men driving chariots”
Judges 4:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Barak pursued (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Barak” represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “Barak and his soldiers chased”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Harosheth (0)Translate this the same way you did in Judges 4:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the whole army of Sisera was killed by the edge of the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “sword” represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Barak and his soldiers killed Sisera’s whole army with their swords” (See also: Active or Passive)
Judges 4:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sisera … Jabin … Hazor (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 4:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ran away on foot (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means he was walking rather than riding a horse or in a chariot.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jael (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Heber (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Judges 4:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kenite (0)See how you translated this in Judges 1:16.
Judges 4:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn aside (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means to change course during a journey in order to rest. Alternate translation: “Come here”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blanket (0)a large covering for the body to sleep under for warmth, made of wool or animal skins
Judges 4:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He said to her (0)Alternate translation: “Sisera said to Jael”
Judges 4:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tent peg (0)a pointed piece of wood or metal, like a large nail, that is hammered into the ground to hold down a corner of a tent
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hammer (0)a heavy tool made of wood used to hit a tent peg into the ground
Judges 4:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Barak was pursuing (0)Alternate translation: “Barak was chasing” or “Barak was following after”
Judges 4:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God defeated Jabin, the king of Canaan, before the people of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God causing the Israelites to defeat Jabin and his army is spoken of as is God himself defeated Jabin as the people of Israel watched.
Judges 4:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The might (0)Alternate translation: “The military power”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they destroyed him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “him” refers to Jabin who represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “they destroyed Jabin and his army”
Judges 5
Judges 5 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The account of Deborah and Barak continues in this chapter.
Some translations prefer to set apart quotations, prayers, and songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of Chapter 5, which is a song, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.
Judges 5:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: On that day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “On the day the Israelites defeated the army of King Jabin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Deborah (0)See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Barak … Abinoam (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.
Judges 5:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when the people gladly volunteer for war (0)Alternate translation: “when the men agree to fight in battle”
Judges 5:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Listen, you kings! Pay attention, you leaders (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Deborah and Barak speak to the kings and leaders as if they were there listening to the song.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you kings … you leaders (0)This refers to kings and leaders in general, not to specific kings or leaders.
Judges 5:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when you went out from Seir, when you marched from Edom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This refers to the time when the Israelites left Edom to start conquering the people in Canaan. Yahweh empowering his people to defeat the people of Canaan is spoken of as if he were a warrior leading the Israelite army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Seir (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Seir is a mountain on the border of the land of Israel and Edom.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the earth shook, and the skies also trembled; also the clouds poured down water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) this is poetic language that emphasizes Yahweh’s power by describing it as causing earthquakes and storms or (2) the people of Canaan being terrified as the Israelites were about to attack them is spoken of as if the earth and sky were shaking.
Judges 5:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The mountains quaked (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This probably refers to earthquakes and gives the impression that the mountains quaked because they were very afraid of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “The mountains trembled in fear” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before the face of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” refers Yahweh’s presence. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even Mount Sinai quaked (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Moses and Israel were at Mount Sinai, it quaked. Alternate translation: “long ago, even Mount Sinai quaked”
Judges 5:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the days of (0)Alternate translation: “During the lifetime of”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shamgar … Anath … Jael (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of people. See how you translated Shamgar and Anath in Judges 3:31 and Jael in Judges 4:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: son of Anath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
Shamgar’s father is mentioned to help identify Shamgar and when he lived.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the main roads were abandoned (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated in active form and you can make explicit why the roads were abandoned Alternate translation: “people stopped using the main roads; because they were afraid of Israel’s enemies” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the winding paths (0)This refers to smaller roads that fewer people traveled on.
Judges 5:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I, Deborah, arose—arose as a mother in Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Deborah speaks of becoming a leader in Israel as if she were a mother taking care of young children. Alternate translation: “I, Deborah, began to lead—I took care of the Israelites as a mother takes care of her children”
Judges 5:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they chose new gods (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel worshiped new gods”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there was fighting at the city gates (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “gates” represents the entire city. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “enemies attacked the people within the Israelite cities” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there were no shields or spears seen among forty thousand in Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This statement is probably an exaggeration about how few weapons the Israelites had. Alternate translation: “few weapons for battle remained in Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty thousand in Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“40,000 in Israel”
Judges 5:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “heart” represents a person’s emotions. The phrase “My heart goes out to” is a way of saying that Deborah feels gratitude or appreciation. Alternate translation: “I appreciate the commanders of Israel” (See also: Idiom)
Judges 5:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you who ride on white donkeys … you who walk along the road (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This contrast probably refers to rich people and poor people. Alternate translation: “you rich people who ride on white donkeys … you poor people who walk along the road”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sitting on rugs for saddles (0)These rugs were probably used as saddles on the donkey’s back to make the rider more comfortable.
Judges 5:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hear the voices of those (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “voices” represents the people singing. Alternate translation: “Listen to those”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went down to the city gates (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “gates” represents the whole city. Alternate translation: “returned to their cities”
Judges 5:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Awake, awake (0)Possible speakers are: (1) the people of Israel or (2) Deborah who is speaking to herself or (3) the poet who wrote the song.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Deborah (0)See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Barak … Abinoam (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.
Judges 5:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to me with the warriors (0)The word “me” refers to Deborah.
Judges 5:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from Ephraim, whose root is in Amalek (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people of Ephraim living in the land where the descendants of Amalek originally lived is spoken of as if the people of Ephraim were planted and their roots grew into the land. Alternate translation: “from Ephraim, that land where the descendants of Amalek once lived”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: followed you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “you” refers to the people of Ephraim. It can be stated in third person. Alternate translation: “followed them” (See also: First, Second or Third Person)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Machir (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the place where the descendants of Machir live. Machir was the son of Manasseh and the grandson of Joseph.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from Zebulun those who carry an officer’s staff (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Military leaders are described by the staff, a symbol of their authority. Alternate translation: “military leaders from Zebulun”
Judges 5:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My princes in Issachar were with Deborah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here “My” refers to Deborah. This whole statement can be translated in first person. Alternate translation: “My princes in Issachar were with me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Deborah (0)See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Issachar was with Barak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Issachar” refers to the tribe of Issachar. Alternate translation: “the tribe of Issachar was with Barak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Barak (0)See how you translated this name in Judges 4:6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rushing after him into the valley under his command (0)Alternate translation: “obeying his command and rushing after him into the valley”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rushing after (0)Alternate translation: “following after” or “hurrying after”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there were great searchings of heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents thoughts. The people discussing with each other but being unable to decide what they should do is spoken of as if they were searching their heart. Alternate translation: “there was a lot of discussing about what they should do” (See also: Metaphor)
Judges 5:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fireplaces (0)Some versions of the Bible have the translation “the sheepfolds” or “the sheep pens.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there were great searchings of heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents thoughts. The people discussing with each other but being unable to decide what they should do is spoken of as if they were searching their heart. See how you translated this in Judges 5:15. (See also: Metaphor)
Judges 5:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gilead stayed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Gilead” the men from Gilead who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: “The men of Gilead stayed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the other side of the Jordan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the east side of the Jordan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Dan, why did he wander about on ships? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is asked to express anger because the people of the tribe of Dan would not fight for Israel. Alternate translation: “the men of Dan should not have remained on their ships!” or “the people of the tribe of Dan did not help us in the battle. Instead they were wandering around on the sea in ships!” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Dan, why did he (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Dan” represents the men from Dan who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: “the men of Dan, why did they”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wander about on ships (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The tribe of Dan was located near the Mediterranean sea. They sailed on the sea to make money through trade and fishing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Asher remained on the coast and lived close to his harbors (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “The people of the tribe of Asher also failed to help us, they just remained on the coast near their harbors”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Asher remained (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Asher” represents the men who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: “The men of Asher remained”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: harbors (0)places at the seacoast with deeper water where ships were kept
Judges 5:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The kings came, they fought … the kings of Canaan fought (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The king of a people group is used to refer to himself and the army he commands. Alternate translation: “The kings and their armies came and fought … the kings of Canaan and their armies fought”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they fought … fought (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “us” is understood. Alternate translation: “they fought us … fought us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Taanach … Megiddo (0)Translate the names of these places as you did in Judges 1:27.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no silver as plunder (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “silver” represents any treasure in general. Alternate translation: “no silver or other treasures as plunder”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plunder (0)things taken by force, usually in battle or by thieves
Judges 5:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: From heaven the stars fought, from their paths across the heavens they fought against Sisera (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh helping the Israelite to defeat Sisera and his army is spoken of as if the stars themselves fought against Sisera and his army. This may refer to Yahweh using natural elements, specifically rain storms, to defeat Sisera.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against Sisera (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Sisera” represents himself and his whole army. Alternate translation: “Sisera and his army”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sisera (0)See how you translated this name in Judges 4:2.
Judges 5:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Kishon River swept them away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Because of the heavy rain the river flooded quickly causing the chariots to be stuck in the mud and drowning many soldiers. Alternate translation: “The Kishon River flooded and swept away Sisera’s soldiers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kishon (0)See how you translated this in Judges 4:6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: March on my soul, be strong (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “soul” refers to the whole person. The word “my” refers to Deborah. Alternate translation: “I tell myself to march on and to be strong”
Judges 5:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then came the sound of horses’ hooves—galloping, the galloping of his mighty ones (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This describes the sound of many horses running away from the battle. Alternate translation: “Then I heard the sound of horses running away. Sisera’s mighty horses were running away”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: galloping (0)running quickly
Judges 5:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Curse Meroz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Meroz” represents the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “Curse the people of Meroz”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Meroz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Judges 5:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jael (0)See how you translated this name in Judges 4:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Heber (0)See how you translated this name in Judges 4:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kenite (0)Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 1:16.
Judges 5:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a dish fit for princes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase means the dish was of the best quality because princes were given the best things.
Judges 5:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: She put her hand to the tent peg (0)Alternate translation: “Jael grabbed the tent peg with her left hand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tent peg (0)This is a pointed piece of wood or metal, like a large nail, that is hammered into the ground to hold down a corner of a tent. See how you translated this in Judges 4:21.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her right hand to the workman’s hammer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “she grabbed a hammer with her right hand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hammer (0)This is a heavy tool made of wood used to hit a tent peg into the ground. See how you translated this in Judges 4:21.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sisera (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Judges 4:2.
Judges 5:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: limp (0)without strength or movement
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he was violently killed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “she killed him” or “he died”
Judges 5:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the lattice (0)This is a frame in the window made of crossed wood.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why has it taken his chariot so long to come? Why have the hoofbeats of the horses that pull his chariots been delayed? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these questions mean the same thing. These two statements can be combined. Alternate translation: “Why is it taking Sisera so long to arrive home”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: taken his chariot … Why have the hoofbeats of the horses that pull his chariots (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Both of these represent Sisera. Alternate translation: “taken Sisera … Why has he”
Judges 5:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wisest princesses (0)A “princess” is the daughter of a king, but a “princess” can also mean female advisers to the king’s family. Alternate translation: “wisest ladies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: she gave herself the same answer (0)Alternate translation: “she said to herself the same thing”
Judges 5:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have they not found and divided up the plunder—a womb … plunder? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The women use a question to emphasize that they believe this is what certainly happened. Alternate translation: “They must have so much plunder that it is taking a long time to divide it. They have … plunder.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a womb, two wombs for every man … of those who plunder? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The women use a question to emphasize that they believe this is what certainly happened. Alternate translation: “There must be a womb, two wombs for every man … of those who plunder.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a womb, two wombs for every man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “womb” represents a woman. Sisera’s mother believes Sisera’s men have captured many women. Alternate translation: “Each soldier will receive a woman or two”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dyed fabric (0)Alternate translation: “colored cloth” or “colored clothes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: embroidered (0)having designs made of colored threads
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the necks of those who plunder (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “necks” represents Sisera’s soldiers. Alternate translation: “for the soldiers who plunder to wear”
Judges 5:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like the sun when it rises in its might (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The people of Israel wish to be like the sun that rises because no nation’s army is powerful enough to stop the sunrise.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land had peace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the land” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “and the people of Israel lived peacefully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for forty years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“for 40 years”
Judges 6
Judges 6 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins a section about Gideon. (Chapters 6–8)
Special concepts in this chapter
Israel’s punishment
In Judges, Israel’s actions are connected to their obedience to Yahweh. When Israel does evil, they are oppressed. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant and INVALID bible/other/oppress)
Judges 6:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in Judges 2:11. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Also, “hand” represents control. Alternate translation: “the control of the people of Midian” or “the control of the Midianites”
Judges 6:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The power of Midian oppressed Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the power of Midian” refers to the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “The people of Midian were more powerful than the people of Israel and they oppressed them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dens (0)places in the rocky cliffs that would provide shelter
Judges 6:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They would set up their army (0)Alternate translation: “The army would encamp” or “The army would set up their tents”
Judges 6:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Whenever they and their livestock and tents came up (0)The land of Midian was south of the land of Israel, near the Red Sea. It was common to use the phrase “came up” when speaking of traveling from Midian to Israel. Alternate translation: “Whenever the Midianites brought their livestock and tents to the land of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they would come as a swarm of locusts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The Midianites are compared to a swarm of locusts because they came in with a great number of people and their livestock ate everything that grew.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it was impossible to count (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is an exaggeration, a hyperbole, showing the number is very great.
Judges 6:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Midian weakened (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian.
Judges 6:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called out to Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “prayed to Yahweh for help”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “because of the Midianites”
Judges 6:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I brought you up from Egypt (0)Alternate translation: “I led you out of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of slavery (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate translation: “the place where you were slaves”
Judges 6:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In this phrase “hand” represents power or control.
Judges 6:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: obeyed my voice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my voice” represents what Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: “obeyed my command” or “obeyed me”
Judges 6:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)This word is used here to mark a break in the story line. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ophrah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abiezrite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a people group named after their ancestor Abiezer.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was separating out the wheat by beating it on the floor (0)This is a process called “threshing.” Gideon was beating the wheat against the floor to separate the wheat grain from the rest of the wheat plant.
Judges 6:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: appeared to him (0)Alternate translation: “went to him”
Judges 6:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my master (0)Gideon uses the word “master” as a polite way to greet a stranger. He does not realize he is speaking to Yahweh in the form of an angel or a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers told us about, when they said, ‘Did not Yahweh bring us up from Egypt?’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Gideon uses a question to challenge the stranger’s statement that Yahweh was with him. Also, the direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “We have not seen any wonderful deeds like the ones our fathers told us about when Yahweh brought them up from Egypt.” (See also: Direct and Indirect Quotations)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave us into the hand of Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “gave us into” means Yahweh allowed the Israelites to be defeated. Alternate translation: “allowed the Midianites to defeat us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave us into the hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power or control.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “of the Midianites”
Judges 6:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh looked at him (0)Alternate translation: “Yahweh looked at Gideon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power or control.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “of the Midianites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have I not sent you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses a question to ensure Gideon that he is sending him. Here “sent” means Yahweh has appointed Gideon with a specific task. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am sending you!”
Judges 6:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Please, Lord (0)Gideon now calls the person “Lord” instead of “my master” as in Judges 6:13. Here it seems Gideon either knows or suspects that he is speaking with Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: how can I deliver Israel? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Gideon uses a question to emphasize that he does not think he can rescue the Israelites. Alternate translation: “I cannot possibly rescue the Israelites!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, my family (0)Alternate translation: “Look at my family and me and you will see that it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Manasseh (0)Alternate translation: “in the tribe of Manasseh”
Judges 6:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “be with you” is an idiom that means Yahweh will help and bless Gideon.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as one man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You can state the full meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “as easily as if you were fighting only one man”
Judges 6:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set it before you (0)Alternate translation: “place it in front of you”
Judges 6:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from an ephah of flour (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
If it is necessary to use a modern measurement; here is one way of doing it. Alternate translation: “with 22 liters of flour”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: broth (0)water that has had food, such as meat, cooked in it
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: them to him (0)Alternate translation: “them to the angel of God”
Judges 6:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: angel of God (0)This is the same as the angel of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “God, who was in the form of an angel” or “God”
Judges 6:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: angel of Yahweh (0)In 6:11–24 Yahweh appears to Gideon in the form of an angel. See how you translated this in Judges 6:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went away (0)Alternate translation: “disappeared”
Judges 6:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: angel of Yahweh (0)In 6:11–24 Yahweh appears to Gideon in the form of an angel. See how you translated this in Judges 6:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ah, Lord Yahweh! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The word “Ah” here shows that Gideon was very frightened.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seen the angel of Yahweh face to face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase refers to two people being close to each other. Alternate translation: “really seen the angel of Yahweh”
Judges 6:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh said to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Apparently Yahweh spoke to Gideon from heaven.
Judges 6:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: To this day (0)This means to the time when the book of Judges was written.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ophrah (0)Translate the name of this town as you did in Judges 6:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the clan of Abiezer (0)Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.
Judges 6:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that is beside it (0)Alternate translation: “that is beside the altar of Baal”
Judges 6:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the top of this place of refuge (0)The city of Ophrah was on top of a hill. Israelites fled there for refuge from the Midianites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: construct it the correct way (0)Alternate translation: “place the stones in an orderly manner” or “and build it properly”
Judges 6:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did as Yahweh had told him (0)This refers to Yahweh’s command in Judges 6:25–26.
Judges 6:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: got up (0)Alternate translation: “got up out of bed” or “woke up”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah that was beside it was cut down, and the second bull had been offered on the altar that had been built (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they noticed that someone had broken down the altar of Baal, cut down the Asherah that was beside it, and built an altar and sacrificed the second bull on it”
Judges 6:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he may be put to death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we may kill him as punishment”
Judges 6:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you plead the case for Baal? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joash uses a question to emphasize that a human should not have to defend a god. Alternate translation: “You should not have to defend Baal.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plead the case (0)Alternate translation: “make a defense” or “give an excuse”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you save him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joash uses a question to emphasize that a human should not have to rescue a god. Alternate translation: “You should not have to save Baal.”
Judges 6:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is another name for Gideon. It means “let Baal defend himself.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because he said (0)Alternate translation: “because Joash said”
Judges 6:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)This word is used here to mark a break in the story line. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gathered together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “gathered together as an army”
Judges 6:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: came over Gideon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “took control of Gideon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: clan of Abiezer (0)Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.
Judges 6:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and they too, were called out to follow him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “calling them out to follow him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These all represent the people of each tribe. Alternate translation: “to the tribes of Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali”
Judges 6:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: woolen fleece (0)the woolly coat of a sheep
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dew (0)water that forms on plants during the night
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then I will know that you will (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “this will be a sign from you, and then I will know that you will”
Judges 6:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gideon rose (0)Alternate translation: “Gideon got out of bed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wrung (0)twist and squeeze something to remove water
Judges 7
Judges 7 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The account of Gideon continues in this chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
God gets all of the credit
God said, “There are too many soldiers for me to give you victory over the Midianites. Make sure that Israel will not boast against me, saying, ‘Our own power has saved us.’” By lowering the number of fighting soldiers, it emphasizes that the victory is achieved through God’s power. (See: glory, glorious, glorify)
Judges 7:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated his name in Judges 6:32.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they encamped (0)Alternate translation: “they set up their camp”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spring of Harod … hill of Moreh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The camp of Midian was to their north (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Midian” represents the Midianite army. Alternate translation: “The Midianite army set up their camp to the north of the Israelite army”
Judges 7:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for me to give you victory over the Midianites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “victory” is an abstract noun that can be translated as a verb or an adjective. Alternate translation: “for me to allow you to defeat the Midianites” or “for me to cause you to be victorious over the Midianites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Our own power has saved us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “power” represents the people themselves. Alternate translation: “We have saved ourselves without God’s help”
Judges 7:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: proclaim in the ears of the people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “the ears” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “proclaim to the people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Whoever is afraid, whoever trembles (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases have the same meaning.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: trembles (0)This word describes fear that causes a person to uncontrollably shake. Alternate translation: “shakes with fear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let him return (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You can make explicit where he will go. Alternate translation: “let him return to his home”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mount Gilead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a mountain in the region of Gilead.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-two thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“22,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten thousand remained (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “people” or “men” is understood. Alternate translation: “10,000 people remained” or “10,000 men remained”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“10,000”
Judges 7:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will make their number smaller for you there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “number” represents the army. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “there, I will show you who to send home so the army will have less men” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Judges 7:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gideon brought (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
The word “brought” can be translated as “took” or “led.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: laps (0)to drink by licking with the tongue
Judges 7:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Three hundred men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“300 men”
Judges 7:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three hundred men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“300 men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will rescue you and give you victory (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “you” is plural and refers to Gideon and the Israelites.
Judges 7:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So those who were chosen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “So those whom Yahweh chose”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took their supplies and their trumpets (0)Here “their” refers to the Israelite soldiers who were leaving the army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)This word is used here to mark a break in the story line. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.
Judges 7:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Attack the camp, for I am going to give you victory over it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “camp” refers to the whole Midianite army. The word “victory” is an abstract noun that can be translated as a verb or an adjective. Alternate translation: “Attack the Midianites at their camp, for I am going to help you defeat them” or “Attack the Midianites at their camp, for I am going to cause you to be victorious over them” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Judges 7:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: afraid to go down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “afraid to go down to attack”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Purah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
Judges 7:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your courage will be strengthened (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “what you hear will be encourage you”
Judges 7:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as thick as a cloud of locusts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here “cloud” means a swarm. The author speaks of the army as if it were a swarm of locusts to emphasize how many soldiers there were.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their camels were more … in number than the grains of the sand on the seashore (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The author uses a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize that there were very many camels.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their camels were more than could be counted (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their camels were more than anyone could count”
Judges 7:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This is nothing other than the sword of Gideon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the sword of Gideon” refers to Gideon’s army attacking. Alternate translation: “The loaf of barley bread in your dream must be the army of Gideon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God has given him victory over Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
This future event is spoken of as if it were a past event. This emphasizes that it will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “God will certainly help the Israelites defeat the Midianites”
Judges 7:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three hundred men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“300 men”
Judges 7:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hundred men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“100 men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: right at the beginning of the middle watch (0)The beginning of the middle watch would be around 10 o’clock at night.
Judges 7:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The sword of Yahweh and of Gideon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” refers to their fighting. Alternate translation: “We fight for Yahweh and for Gideon”
Judges 7:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three hundred trumpets (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“300 trumpets”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh set every Midianite man’s sword against his comrades (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” refers to their attack with the use of the sword. Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused every Midianite man to fight against his fellow soldiers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beth Shittah … Zererah … Abel Meholah … Tabbath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of towns and cities.
Judges 7:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The men of Israel from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh were called out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Gideon called out the Israelites from the tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and all Mannasseh”
Judges 7:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beth Barah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took control of the waters, as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan River (0)Alternate translation: “took control of the area of the Jordan River as far south as Beth Barah”
Judges 7:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the rock of Oreb … at the winepress of Zeeb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The places were given these names after the Israelites killed Oreb and Zeeb there.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oreb … Zeeb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
Judges 8
Judges 8 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The account of Gideon concludes in this chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
Succoth’s refusal to help Gideon
The men of Succoth feared the Midianites more than Gideon. This is why they refused to help Gideon. By allying themselves with the Midianites, they aligned themselves against Yahweh. Because of this, Gideon treated them like he treated the Midianites. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Gideon refuses to be king
Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, neither will my son rule over you. Yahweh will rule over you.” Although the book of Deuteronomy anticipates a king in Israel, it was sinful for Israel to desire to have a king. He did though take a share of everyone’s plunder as a king would have done through taxes. This may serve as a warning to Israel about their desire to have a king. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Judges 8:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What is this you have done to us? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The people of the tribe of Ephraim were rebuking Gideon with this rhetorical question for not including them in his army. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have not treated us fairly.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Midian” represents the Midianite army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they had a violent argument with him (0)they argued angrily with him” or “they rebuked him severely”
Judges 8:2
General Information:
Gideon replies to the men from Ephraim.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What have I done now compared to you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Gideon uses this question to honor the people of Ephraim. Alternate translation: “I have done very little compared with what you have done!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are not the gleanings of Ephraim’s grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Gideon was calming the people of Ephraim with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “Certainly the grapes you people of Ephraim gleaned are better than what we the descendants of Abiezer gathered from the whole harvest!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are not the gleanings of Ephraim’s grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Gideon and his army defeating the Medianites is spoken of as if it were a grape harvest. The people of Ephraim killing Oreb and Zeeb at the end of the battle is spoken of as if they were gleaning grapes at the end of the harvest. Alternate translation: “What you people of Ephraim did at the end of the battle is more important than what we descendants of Abiezer did at the beginning.” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abiezer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is the name of one of Gideon’s ancestors. Gideon used his name to refer to Abiezer’s descendants and their land. (See also: How to Translate Names)
Judges 8:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oreb and Zeeb (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 7:25.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What have I accomplished compared to you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Gideon uses this question to honor the people of Ephraim. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “What you have done is more important than what I have done.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: died down (0)Alternate translation: “became less”
Judges 8:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the three hundred men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“the 300 men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: kept up the pursuit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “pursuit,” an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “continued to chase their enemies”
Judges 8:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebah and Zalmunna (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
Judges 8:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The leaders use a question to emphasize that the Israelites have not yet captured Zebah and Zalumnna. Alternate translation: “You have not captured Zebah and Zalmunna yet.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “hands” refer to the whole body.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: now in your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power or control.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why should we give bread to your army? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The leaders use a question to emphasize that they have no reason to give bread to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “We see no reason to give bread to your army.” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Judges 8:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will tear your skin with the desert thorns and briers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I will make whips out of desert thorns and briers and use them to beat you and cut you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thorns and briers (0)sharp, pointed pieces on vines or tree limbs that stick out and can cut people and animals
Judges 8:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He went up from there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “He” refers to Gideon. Gideon represents himself and the soldiers following him. Alternate translation: “They left there” or “Gideon and his 300 men left there”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Peniel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spoke to the people there in the same way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “asked for food there in the same way” or “he also asked them for food”
Judges 8:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When I come again in peace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of referring to the defeat of his enemies. Alternate translation: “After I have completely defeated the Midian army”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will pull down this tower (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “I” refers to Gideon and represents himself and his men. Alternate translation: “My men and I will pull down this tower”
Judges 8:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)This word is used here to mark a break in the story line. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebah and Zalmunna (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Karkor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifteen thousand men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“15,000 men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had fallen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of referring to people who died in battle. Alternate translation: “had been killed” or “had died in battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 120,000 men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one hundred thousand men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: men who drew the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here drawing the sword represents using the sword in battle. This could mean: (1) this phrase refers to soldiers who use swords in battle. Alternate translation: “swordsmen” or “men who fought with swords” or (2) this phrase refers to any soldiers. Alternate translation: “soldiers”
Judges 8:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gideon went up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Gideon” represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Gideon and his soldiers went up”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He defeated (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “He” refers to Gideon and represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Gideon and his soldiers defeated”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Nobah and Jogbehah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of towns.
Judges 8:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebah and Zalmunna (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.
Judges 8:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pass of Heres (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a road that passes between two mountains.
Judges 8:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: questioned him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be stated explicitly what Gideon asked the young man. Alternate translation: “he asked him to identify all the names of the leaders in the town”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy-seven officials (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“77 officials”
Judges 8:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebah and Zalmunna (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you already conquered Zebah and Zalmunna? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Gideon quotes the people of Succoth as using a question to mock him. Alternate translation: “You have not yet conquered Zebah and Zalmunna.”
Judges 8:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gideon took … he punished (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Gideon” represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Gideon and his soldiers took … they punished”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thorns and briers (0)These are sharp, pointed pieces on vines or tree limbs that stick out and can cut people and animals. See how you translated this in Judges 8:7.
Judges 8:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he pulled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Gideon and his soldiers pulled. Alternate translation: “Gideon and his soldiers pulled”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Peniel (0)Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 8:8.
Judges 8:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebah and Zalmunna (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tabor (0)Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 4:6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As you are, so were they (0)Alternate translation: “They were just like you”
Judges 8:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As Yahweh lives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom is a religious oath used for emphasis that what he is about to say is true. Alternate translation: “I promise you that”
Judges 8:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jether (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of Gideon’s son.
Judges 8:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ornaments (0)decorations
Judges 8:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of the hand of Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents the power of Midian over Israel. Alternate translation: “from the power of Midian” or “from Midian”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “of the Midianites”
Judges 8:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gideon said to them (0)Alternate translation: “Gideon said to the men of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: earrings (0)jewelry worn on the ear
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plunder (0)things stolen by force or taken off of people killed in war
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Midianites had golden earrings because they were Ishmaelites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
Here the narrator tells background information about the Midianites.
Judges 8:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cloak (0)clothing made from a large piece of fabric and worn over the shoulders as a coat
Judges 8:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 1,700 shekels of gold (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one thousand seven hundred shekels of gold.” If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “18.7 kilograms of gold” or “about 20 kilograms of gold” (See also: Biblical Weight)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: crescent ornaments (0)See how you translated this in Judges 8:21.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pendants (0)pieces of jewelry that hang at the end of the chains or cords of necklaces
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that was worn by the kings of Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the kings of Midian wore”
Judges 8:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gideon made an ephod out of the earrings (0)Alternate translation: “Gideon used the gold from the earrings to make an ephod”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ophrah (0)Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of worshiping a false god as if it were prostitution. Alternate translation: “the Israelites sinned against Yahweh by worshiping the ephod there”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here “all” is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many worshiped the garment. Alternate translation: “very many people in Israel worshiped the garment”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It became a trap for Gideon and for those in his house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of Gideon and his family being tempted to worship the ephod as if the ephod were a hunter’s snare that would trap them. Alternate translation: “It became a temptation for Gideon and his family” or “Gideon and his family sinned by worshiping it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for those in his house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “his house” represents Gideon’s family. Alternate translation: “for his family”
Judges 8:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So Midian was subdued before the people of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “So Yahweh subdued the Midianites before the people of Israel” or “So Yahweh helped the Israelites defeat the Midianites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they did not raise their heads up again (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they did not attack Israel again”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So the land had peace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “land” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “So the Israelites lived peacefully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“40 years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the days of Gideon (0)Alternate translation: “during the life of Gideon”
Judges 8:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated his name in Judges 6:32.
Judges 8:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy sons (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70 sons”
Judges 8:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a good old age (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “when he was very old”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was buried (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ophrah (0)Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the clan of Abiezer (0)Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.
Judges 8:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about (0)This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turned again (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people rejecting Yahweh is spoken of as if they physically turned away from him. Alternate translation: “they stopped worshiping Yahwheh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prostituted themselves by worshiping the Baals (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of worshiping false gods as if it were prostitution. Alternate translation: “they sinned against Yahweh by worshiping the Baals”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Baal-Berith (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a false god.
Judges 8:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the hand of all their enemies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “from the power of all their enemies” or “from all their enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on every side (0)Alternate translation: “who surrounded them”
Judges 8:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Jerub Baal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the house of” represents a person’s family. Alternate translation: “the family of Jerub Baal”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
Judges 9
Judges 9 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Jotham’s curse
Gideon’s son, Abimelech, killed all of his brothers except Jotham in order to become king of Shechem. Jotham cursed Abimelech for having murdered Gideon’s other sons. “Let fire come out from Abimelech and burn up the men of Shechem and the house of Millo. Let fire come out from the men of Shechem and Beth Millo, to burn up Abimelech.” (See: curse, cursed, cursing)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Tree metaphor
This chapter contains an extended metaphor about trees. This metaphor functions as a parable instructing Israel about their sinful desire to have a king. (See: Metaphor and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Judges 9:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
Judges 9:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Please say this, so that all the leaders in Shechem may hear, ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy sons of Jerub Baal rule over you, or that just one rule over you?’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Please ask the leaders of Shechem if they would rather have all seventy sons of Jerub Baal rule over them, or if they would rather have just one of his sons rule over them.” (See also: Direct and Indirect Quotations)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am your bone and your flesh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “your bone and your flesh” represents being someone’s relative. Alternate translation: “I am a member of your family”
Judges 9:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His mother’s relatives spoke for him to the leaders (0)This means that the relatives of the mother of Abimelech spoke to the leaders, suggesting that they make Abimelech their king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they agreed to follow Abimelech (0)Alternate translation: “they agreed to let Abimelech be their leader”
Judges 9:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents a temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy pieces of silver (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney
This means seventy shekels of silver. A shekel weighs 11 grams. If it is necessary to translate this with modern measurements, you can translate it like this. Alternate translation: “almost one kilo of silver”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Baal-Berith (0)This is the name of a false god. See how you translated it in Judges 8:33.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: worthless and reckless (0)Alternate translation: “violent and foolish”
Judges 9:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ophrah (0)Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1 stone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
Judges 9:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beth Millo (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Judges 9:7
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesGeneral Information:
Jotham begins telling a parable in which the trees try to find someone to rule them. The trees represent the Israelites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When Jotham was told about this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When Jotham heard that Abimelech had murdered his brothers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mount Gerizim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a mountain.
Judges 9:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The trees once went out to anoint a king over them. For they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables
In this parable Jotham describes the trees doing things that humans do. (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to anoint a king over them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Here, to anoint with oil is a symbolic action that represents appointing a person to be king. Alternate translation: “to appoint a king to rule over all of them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Reign over us (0)Alternate translation: “Be our king”
Judges 9:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should I give up my abundance … over the other trees? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The olive tree is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will not give up my abundance … over the other trees.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: abundance (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This word for “wealth” is a metonym for the olives that come from the tree. People ate olives as food and crushed them to make oil for lamps. Alternate translation: “oil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by which gods and men are honored (0)This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “by which people honor both gods and other men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gods (0)It is possible to translate the same Hebrew word as “god,” “God,” or “gods,” so this could mean: (1) “gods” or (2) “God.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sway over (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To sway is to move back and forth. Trees sway when the wind blows them. Here this is a metaphor for ruling over people. Jotham is also using irony, saying that the work of any ruler will be useless because the “trees,” the people, will not obey anyone who rules them. Alternate translation: “rule over”
Judges 9:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fig tree said to them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Jotham continues describing the trees as doing things that humans do. (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should I give up my sweetness … over the other trees? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The fig tree is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will not give up my sweetness … over the other trees.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my sweetness and my good fruit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “sweetness” is an abstract noun. It can be stated as an adjective that describes the fruit that grows on the tree. Alternate translation: “my good sweet fruit”
Judges 9:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The trees said to the vine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
In this parable, Jotham describes the trees and the vine as doing things that humans do.
Judges 9:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should I give up my new wine … over the other trees? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The vine is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will not give up my new wine … over the other trees.”
Judges 9:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thornbush (0)Thorns are sharp spikes or spurs that hurt. This bush has many sharp spikes along its branches.
Judges 9:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The thornbush said to the trees (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables
In this parable, Jotham describes the thornbush and the trees as doing things that humans do. (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to anoint me as king over you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To anoint someone with oil is a symbolic action that appoints a person to be king. Alternate translation: “to appoint me as your king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: find safety (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “safety” is an abstract noun that can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “be safe”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fire come out of the thornbush and let it burn up the cedars of Lebanon (0)This means to let the thornbush burn so that it will burn the cedars.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then let fire come out of the thornbush (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The thornbush refers to itself as “the thornbush.” Alternate translation: “then may fire come out from me, the thornbush”
Judges 9:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents Gideon’s family.
Judges 9:17
General Information:
Jotham makes the application to the situation at that time and place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to think that my father fought for you … out of the hand of Midian (0)Here Jotham is expressing that he cannot believe how badly the people of Shechem have treated Gideon and his family even after Gideon fought to save the people of Shechem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of the hand of Midian (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “from the power of the Midianites” or “from the Midianites”
Judges 9:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have risen up against (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you have opposed” or “you have rebelled against”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my father’s house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “my father’s family”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1 stone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his female servant (0)Here “his” refers to Gideon.
Judges 9:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If you acted with honesty and integrity with Jerub Baal and his house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
Jotham offered the possibility that what they did was good, but Jotham does not actually believe what they did was good. Alternate translation: “If you treated Jerub Baal and his family as they deserved to be treated”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)This is another name for Gideon. It means “let Baal defend himself.” See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” refers to family. Alternate translation: “his family”
Judges 9:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But if not (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
Jotham offered the opposite possibility that what they did was evil and applied a curse. Jotham does believe what they did was evil. Alternate translation: “But if you treated Jerub Baal and his family as they did not deserve to be treated”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let fire come out from Abimelech and burn up the men of Shechem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Jotham is speaking a curse. He speaks of Abimelech destroying the people of Shechem as if he would burn them with fire.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let fire come out from the men of Shechem and Beth Millo, to burn up Abimelech (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Jotham is speaking a curse. He speaks of the people of Shechem and Beth Millo destroying Abimelech as if they would burn him with fire.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beth Millo (0)This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Judges 9:6.
Judges 9:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Judges 9:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (0)This means that God applied the curse Jotham made by sending an evil spirit to cause trouble and animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem.
Judges 9:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God did this so the violence done … helped him murder his brothers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The passive phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God did this to avenge the seventy sons whom Abimelech their brother murdered and the men of Shechem helped murder”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
Judges 9:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: positioned men to lie in wait on the hilltops that they might ambush him (0)Alternate translation: “sent men to hide on the hilltops and wait to attack Abimelech”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This was reported to Abimelech (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone told Abimelech about the men waiting to attack him”
Judges 9:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gaal … Ebed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had confidence in him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “confidence” is an abstract noun that can be stated with the verb “trust.” Alternate translation: “trusted him”
Judges 9:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They went out into the field (0)Here “They” refers to Gaal and his relatives and the men of Shechem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they trampled on them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
They did this to squeeze out the grape juice to make wine with it.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: trampled (0)Alternate translation: “crushed” or “stomped”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents a temple.
Judges 9:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gaal … Ebed (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelech. Alternate translation: “We should not serve Abimelech!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these questions means the same thing. Gaal refers to Abimelech as “Shechem” because Abimelech’s mother was from Shechem. Alternate translation: “We should not serve Abimelech, that is, Shechem!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is he not the son of Jerub Baal? Is Zebul not his officer? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelech. Alternate translation: “He is just the son of Jerub Baal, and Zebul is just his officer.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Serve the men of Hamor, Shechem’s father (0)Gaal means the people of Shechem should serve those who descended from Hamor, that is, those who are truly Canaanites, and not serve someone whose father was an Israelite.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why should we serve Abimelech? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelech. Alternate translation: “We should not serve Abimelech!”
Judges 9:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I wish that this people were under my command (0)Alternate translation: “I wish that I ruled the people of Shechem”
Judges 9:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebul (0)See how you translated this name in Judges 9:28.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed (0)Alternate translation: “heard what Gaal son of Ebed said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gaal … Ebed (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his anger was kindled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Becoming angry is spoken of as if a fire were starting. Alternate translation: “he became very angry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “city” represents the people of the city.
Judges 9:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in order to deceive (0)Zebul is deceiving Gaal and the people of Shechem. Alternate translation: “secretly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are stirring up the city against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the people of the city becoming upset as if they were liquid in a pot moving around. Alternate translation: “they are persuading the people of the city to rebel against you”
Judges 9:32
General Information:
Zebul’s messengers continue talking to Abimelech.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: an ambush (0)Alternate translation: “to hide and attack them suddenly”
Judges 9:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do whatever you can to them (0)This means that they can do what they want to destroy the followers of Gaal.
Judges 9:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the men who were with him (0)Alternate translation: “all the men accompanying Abimelech” or “all the men fighting for Abimelech”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dividing into four units (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“separating into 4 groups”
Judges 9:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gaal … Ebed (0)See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.
Judges 9:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gaal (0)This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:26.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebul (0)This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:28.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are seeing the shadows on the hills like they are men (0)Zebul is trying to confuse Gaal and keep him from preparing for battle. Alternate translation: “That is not people, it is only shadows on the hills”
Judges 9:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one unit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1 group” or “1 troop”
Judges 9:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebul (0)See how you translated this name in Judges 9:28.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where are your proud words now, you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zebul is scolding Gaal with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “You are not speaking proudly now, you” or “You are not proud now, you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zebul is quoting Gaal’s boast back to Gaal. This can be translated as a statement and as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “you who said that we should not serve Abimelech.” (See also: Direct and Indirect Quotations)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are these not the men you despised? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zebul is challenging Gaal with this rhetorical question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Here are the men that you despised.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: despised (0)strongly disliked or hated
Judges 9:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gaal (0)See how you translated this name in Judges 9:26.
Judges 9:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Many fell with deadly wounds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “And many men died of wounds”
Judges 9:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arumah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebul (0)This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:28.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gaal (0)This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:26.
Judges 9:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this was reported to Abimelech (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone reported this to Abimelech”
Judges 9:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: divided them into three units (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“separated them into 3 groups”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they set an ambush in the fields (0)Alternate translation: “they hid in the fields to attack the people by surprise”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he attacked (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “he” refers to Abimelech who represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: “they attacked”
Judges 9:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the units (0)Alternate translation: “the groups of soldiers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: other two (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“other 2”
Judges 9:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abimelech fought … He tore down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Abimelech” represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Abimelech and his soldiers fought … They tore down”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “against the people of Shechem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tore down (0)Alternate translation: “demolished”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spread salt over it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“spread salt over the land.” Spreading salt over land keeps anything from growing there.
Judges 9:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here this represents a temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: El-Berith (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word “El” means “god.” This is the same false god as “Baal-Berith” in Judges 8:33.
Judges 9:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abimelech was told (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone told Abimelech”
Judges 9:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mount Zalmon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a mountain.
Judges 9:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: piled (0)This means to stack the branches into a large heap.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: about a thousand men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“about 1,000”
Judges 9:50
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Thebez (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: encamped against Thebez (0)Alternate translation: “camped outside the city of Thebez”
Judges 9:52
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fought against it (0)Alternate translation: “attacked it”
Judges 9:53
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: upper millstone (0)Two large, flat, round stones were used to grind grain in a mill. An upper millstone was the top one that was rolled on the lower one to crush the grain in between them.
Judges 9:54
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: armor-bearer (0)This is the man who carried the weapons of Abimelech.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pierced him through (0)This means the young man put the sword right through the body of Abimelech.
Judges 9:56
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70”
Judges 9:57
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made all the evil of the men of Shechem turn back on their own heads (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“Evil turn back on their heads” here is an idiom. Alternate translation: “punished the men of Shechem for all the evil they had done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on them came the curse of Jotham son of Jerub Baal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the curse of Jotham son of Jerub Baal happened to them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerub Baal (0)This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this name in Judges 6:32.
Judges 10
Judges 10 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins the account of Jephthah (Judges 10–12).
Special concepts in this chapter
Israel’s punishment
In Judges, Israel’s actions are connected to their obedience to Yahweh. When Israel does evil, they are oppressed. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant and INVALID bible/other/oppress)
Judges 10:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tola … Puah … Dodo (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shamir (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: arose to deliver Israel (0)Alternate translation: “came to deliver Israel” or “became the leader to deliver Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: deliver Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Israel” represents the people of Israel.
Judges 10:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He judged Israel (0)Here “judged” means he led the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-three years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“23 years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was buried (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him”
Judges 10:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He was followed by Jair the Gileadite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Jair the Gileadite was leader after Tola”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jair (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Gileadite (0)Jair was from the tribe of Gilead.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He judged Israel (0)Here “judged” means he led the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Israel” represents the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-two years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“22 years”
Judges 10:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty sons (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“30 sons”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Havvoth Jair (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a region, which is named after a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to this day (0)This means to the time when the book of Judges was being written.
Judges 10:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was buried (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kamon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Judges 10:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: added to the evil they had done in the sight of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of evil as if it were an object that a person could add to and make bigger. Alternate translation: “continued doing what Yahweh said was evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the sight of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “according to Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ashtoreths (0)This is the plural of Ashtoroth, who was worshiped as a goddess in many different forms. See how you translated this in Judges 2:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They abandoned Yahweh and no longer worshiped him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The author basically said the same thing twice for emphasis. These can be combined. Alternate translation: “They completely stopped worshiping Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They abandoned Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
No longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the people left Yahweh and went somewhere else.
Judges 10:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh burned with anger toward Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if anger were a burning fire. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was very angry at Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he sold them into the hand of the Philistines and into the hand of the Ammonites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh allowing the Philistines and the Ammonites to defeat the Israelites is spoken of as if he sold the Israelites to them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into the hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power or control.
Judges 10:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: crushed and oppressed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words basically mean the same and emphasize how much the Israelites suffered. Alternate translation: “terribly oppressed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighteen years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“18 years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who were beyond the Jordan (0)This means on the east side of the Jordan River.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: which is in Gilead (0)Alternate translation: “this region is also called Gilead”
Judges 10:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah … Benjamin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Judah” and “Benjamin” refer to the people belonging to those tribes. Alternate translation: “the people of the tribe of Judah … the people of the tribe of Benjamin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Ephraim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “house” refers to the people of the tribe of Ephraim. Alternate translation: “the people of the tribe of Ephraim”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that Israel was greatly distressed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “so that the people of Israel suffered much”
Judges 10:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the people of Israel called out to Yahweh (0)This means the people of Israel desperately asked Yahweh for help.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because we abandoned our God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people no longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if they left Yahweh and went somewhere else.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: abandoned our God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The people are speaking to Yahweh and refer to him as “our God.” This can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “abandoned you, our God”
Judges 10:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and also from the Sidonians? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God is rebuking the people of Israel for their worship of other gods. The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Did I not deliver you” in verse 11 ends here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am the one who delivered you … and also from the Sidonians.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Maonites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the people from the clan or family of Maon.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from their power (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “power” represents the Amalekites and the Maonites. Alternate translation: “from them”
Judges 10:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you abandoned me again (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people no longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if they left Yahweh and went somewhere else.
Judges 10:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: foreign gods among them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You can make explicit the implicit meaning of this statement. Alternate translation: “foreign gods whose images they possessed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh could bear Israel’s misery no longer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Israel refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh did not want the people of Israel to suffer any longer”
Judges 10:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who is the man who will begin to fight the Ammonites? (0)Alternate translation: “Who will lead our army to fight against the Ammonites?”
Judges 11
Judges 11 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The account of Jephthah continues in this chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
Jephthah the leader
Jephthah was half Israelite and half Canaanite by birth. While all of the judges were called by Yahweh, it is the leaders who called Jephthah to help them, but Yahweh still used Jephthah to help them.
Judges 11:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gileadite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is someone who is from the region of Gilead. It is a coincidence that his father’s name is also Gilead. See how you translated this in Judges 10:3.
Judges 11:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When his wife’s sons grew up (0)Alternate translation: “When the sons of Gilead’s wife became adults”
Judges 11:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land of Tob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Tob is the name of a region.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they traveled with him (0)Alternate translation: “they followed him” or “they went everywhere together”
Judges 11:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Some days later (0)Alternate translation: “Some time later”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made war against Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “made war” is an idiom which means that they attacked Israel and were at war with them. Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “attacked the people of Israel” (See also: Metonymy)
Judges 11:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that we may fight with (0)Alternate translation: “so that we can fight against”
Judges 11:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my father’s house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” refers to people living in the house. Alternate translation: “my family”
Judges 11:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: That is why we are turning to you now (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “that” refers to what Jephthah said about them being in trouble. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “We are turning to you now because we are in trouble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fight with the people of Ammon (0)Alternate translation: “fight against the people of Ammon”
Judges 11:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: leader and commander (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words basically have the same meaning repeated to emphasize how important Jephthah had became. You can combine the two words. Alternate translation: “commander”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When he was before Yahweh in Mizpah, Jephthah repeated all the promises he made (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Here the phrase “before Yahwheh” means that he repeated his promises as a vow before Yahweh. Alternate translation: “When Jephthah was in Mizpah he repeated all of these promises as a vow before Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the promises he made (0)This refers to the promises he made to the leaders of Gilead about becoming their leader.
Judges 11:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What is this conflict between us (0)“Why is there conflict between us?” Jephthah is asking the king why they are angry with Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why have you come with force to take our land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “you” refers to the King of Ammon and represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Why have your soldiers come to seize our land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: come with force to take (0)Alternate translation: “come to forcefully take”
Judges 11:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arnon … Jabbok (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of two rivers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: over to the Jordan (0)Alternate translation: “on the other side of the Jordan River”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in peace (0)Alternate translation: “peacefully” or “and do not try to defend them”
Judges 11:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he said (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the word “he” refers to the messenger who was speaking to the king. This may be written with the word “they” as in the UST, referring to the group of messengers. Alternate translation: “Jephthah told the messengers to say” or “they said”
Judges 11:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they came up from Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Whenever people traveled to the promised land it is referred to as going “up” to the promised land. When the Israelites left Egypt they were on their way to the promised land. Alternate translation: “they left Egypt”
Judges 11:17
General Information:
Jephthah’s messengers continue to speak.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When Israel sent messengers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The messengers were sent by the leaders of Israel. Alternate translation: “When the leaders of Israel sent messengers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pass through (0)Alternate translation: “go through” or “cross”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: would not listen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase is an idiom that means to “refuse.” Alternate translation: “refused” or “denied their request”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They also sent messengers to the king of Moab (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The reason that Israel sent messengers to the king of Moab can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “They also send messengers to the king of Moab with the same request”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but he refused (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The king of Moab refused Israel’s request to pass through Moab. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “but he also refused and would not let them pass through the land of Moab”
Judges 11:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arnon (0)This is the name of a river. See how you translated this in Judges 11:13.
Judges 11:19
General Information:
Jephthah’s messengers continue to speak.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Israel sent messengers to Sihon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The messengers were sent by the leaders of Israel. Alternate translation: “When the leaders of Israel sent messengers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sihon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Heshbon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Judges 11:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jahaz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Sihon did not trust the people of Israel to pass through his land peacefully. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “But Sihon did not trust the people of Israel to pass through his territory peacefully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there he fought (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “he” refers to Sihon and represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “there they fought” or “there his army fought”
Judges 11:21
General Information:
Jephthah’s messengers continue to speak.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sihon (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Judges 11:19.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power to defeat in battle. Alternate translation: “gave Israel power over Sihon and all his people”
Judges 11:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arnon … Jabbok (0)See how you translated the names of these rivers in Judges 11:13.
Judges 11:23
General Information:
Jephthah’s messengers continue to speak.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: should you now take possession of their land? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with this rhetorical question. The word “their” refers to the Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “therefore, you should not take possession of their land.”
Judges 11:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you not take over the land that Chemosh, your god, gives you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should only take over the land that Chemosh, your god, gives you.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take over (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means to take control of something. Alternate translation: “take control of” or “take possession of”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Chemosh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a false god.
Judges 11:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now are you really better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not better than Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Balak … Zippor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Did he dare to have an argument with Israel? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated with a statement. Alternate translation: “Yet he did not dare to have an argument with Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Did he ever wage war against them? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated with a statement. Alternate translation: “Nor did he ever wage war against them.”
Judges 11:26
General Information:
Jephthah’s messengers continue to speak.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three hundred years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“300 years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Heshbon (0)Translate the name of this city the same way that you did in Judges 11:19.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aroer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: why then did you not take them back during that time? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “you should have taken them back during that time.” or “now it is too late; you should have taken them back long ago.”
Judges 11:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have not done you wrong, but you are doing me wrong by attacking me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Jephthah is speaking to the Sihon. Here Jephthah speaks about the Israelites as though they were himself and of the Ammonites as if they were Sihon their king. Alternate translation: “The Israelites have not done wrong to your people, but your people are doing us wrong by attacking us”
Judges 11:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Spirit of Yahweh came on Jephthah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means that the Spirit influenced Jephthah’s decisions. Alternate translation: “the Spirit of Yahweh took control of Jephthah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he passed through Gilead and Manasseh … from Mizpah of Gilead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Jephthah passed through these places enlisting men for his army to go to war with the people of Ammon. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “he gathered men for his army as he passed through Gilead and Manasseh … from Mizpah of Gilead”
Judges 11:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will offer it up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means to give something as an offering. Alternate translation: “I will offer it to you” or “I will sacrifice it to you”
Judges 11:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So Jephthah passed through … Yahweh gave him victory (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Since Jephthah was the leader of his army, he and his army are often spoken of as Jephthah himself. Alternate translation: “So Jephthah and his army passed through … Yahweh gave them victory”
Judges 11:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He attacked (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Since Jephthah was the leader of his army, he and his army are often spoken of as Jephthah himself (verse 32). Alternate translation: “they attacked”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aroer (0)Translate the name of this city the same way you did in Judges 11:26.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Minnith … Abel Keramim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty cities (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“including 20 cities”
Judges 11:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tambourines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
musical instruments with heads like drums that can be hit and with pieces of metal around their sides that sound when the instruments are shaken
Judges 11:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he tore his clothes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is an act that shows mourning or great sadness. Alternate translation: “he tore his clothes from grief”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have crushed me with sorrow … you have become one who causes me pain (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Jephthah said basically the same thing twice to emphasize that he was very sad”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have crushed me with sorrow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Jephthah speaks of his great sorrow as something that crushes him. Alternate translation: “You have caused me great sorrow” or “You have filled me with sorrow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have become one who causes me pain (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Jephthah talks about his great distress and trouble as if it were pain. Alternate translation: “you have become someone who troubles me” or “you cause me great distress”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I cannot turn back on my promise (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. To turn back on a promise means to not do what you have promised to do. Alternate translation: “I must do what I have promised” or “I cannot break my promise”
Judges 11:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has taken vengeance for you against your enemies, the Ammonites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh has taken vengence for him by defeating his enemies. The meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “has taken vengeance for you against your enemies, the Ammonites, by defeating them”
Judges 11:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let this promise be kept for me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “Keep this promise for me” or “Keep this promise concerning me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grieve over my virginity (0)Alternate translation: “weep because I am a virgin” or “cry because I will never be married”
Judges 11:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had never known a man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “had never had sexual relations with a man”
Judges 11:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Gileadite (0)This refers to someone from Gilead. See how you translated this in Judges 10:3.
Judges 12
Judges 12 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The account of Jephthah concludes in this chapter.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Shibboleth
This is a word in Hebrew. Its importance in this chapter is because of its sounds, not its meaning. The translator should not translate the meaning of this word, but should transliterate or transfer it into the target language by substituting letters that have the same sounds. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)
Judges 12:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A call went out to the men of Ephraim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word call, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The men of Ephraim were called together” or “The men … of Ephraim called together their soldiers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zaphon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: passed through … pass through (0)or “traveled through … travel” or “journeyed through … journey”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We will burn your house down over you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means to burn down a house with people inside it. Alternate translation: “We will burn your house down with you still in it”
Judges 12:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When I called you, you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the people of Ephraim.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did not rescue me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Jephthah uses the word “me” to refer to himself and all the people of Gilead. Alternate translation: “do not rescue us”
Judges 12:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you did not rescue me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is plural and refers to the men of Ephraim. Jephthah is referring to the people of Gilead, including himself, when he says “me.” Alternate translation: “you did not rescue us” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I put my life in my own hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means to risk one’s life and to rely only on one’s own strength. Jephthah continues to refer to the people of Gilead as himself. Alternate translation: “We risked our lives, relying on our own strength” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh gave me victory (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Jephthah is referring to Yahweh giving the men of Gilead victory over the Ammonites. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave us victory over them” or “Yahweh allowed us to defeat them in battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why have you come to fight against me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is plural and refers to the men of Ephraim. Jephthah is referring to the people of Gilead, including himself, when he says “me.” Alternate translation: “Why have you come to fight against us” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: passed through against the people of Ammon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that they fought against the Ammonites as they passed through Ammon. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “fought against the people of Ammon as we passed through their region”
Judges 12:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he fought against Ephraim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “he” refers to Jephthah and all the fighting men of Gilead. Alternate translation: “they fought against Ephraim”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You Gileadites are fugitives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You can make the meaning of this insult explicit. Alternate translation: “You Gileadites do not really belong here. You are just people who came here to live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gileadites (0)people from Gilead
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Ephraim—in Ephraim and Manasseh (0)“in the regions of Ephraim and Manasseh” or “in the land of Ephraim and Manasseh.” Here “Ephraim” and “Manasseh” refer to regions and are named after the tribes which live there.
Judges 12:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to Ephraim (0)Alternate translation: “to the land of Ephraim”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Gileadites captured (0)Alternate translation: “The Gileadites controlled” or “The Gileadites occupied”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fords (0)These are places where you can cross the river on foot because the water is shallow.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ephraimite (0)person from the tribe of Ephraim
Judges 12:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shibboleth … Sibboleth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate
These words have no meaning. Copy these words into your language, and make sure that the beginning of the words, that is the letters “Sh” and “S” are translated differently.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pronounce the word (0)Alternate translation: “make the sound of the word”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Forty-two thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“42,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They killed forty-two thousand Ephraimites”
Judges 12:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Jephthah the Gileadite died and they buried him”
Judges 12:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ibzan of Bethlehem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man from Bethlehem.
Judges 12:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He gave away thirty daughters in marriage (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “give away … in marriage” is an idiom which means that he allowed his daughters to get married. Alternate translation: “He had thirty daughters and arranged a marriage for each of them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he brought in thirty daughters of other men for his sons, from the outside (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “bring them in from the outside” means that he had women from other clans marry his sons. Alternate translation: “he arranged for thirty daughters of other men from outside of his clan to marry his sons”
Judges 12:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was buried at Bethlehem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him in Bethlehem”
Judges 12:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Elon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zebulunite (0)someone from the tribe of Zebulun
Judges 12:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aijalon (0)Translate the name of this place the same way you did in Judges 1:35.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was buried in Aijalon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him in Aijalon”
Judges 12:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abdon … Hillel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pirathon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Judges 12:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They rode on seventy donkeys (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These men owned seventy donkeys, which they did ride. Here the word “rode” is used instead of “owned.” Alternate translation: “They owned seventy donkeys”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty sons … thirty grandsons … seventy donkeys (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“40 sons … 30 grandsons … 70 donkeys
Judges 12:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pirathonite … Pirathon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Pirathon is the name of a place, someone who is from that place is called a Pirathonite.
Judges 13
Judges 13 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins the account of Samson (Judges 13–16).
Special concepts in this chapter
Warning not to cut his hair
The angel of the Lord prophesied about Samson and gave instructions to Samson’s mother. Samson’s mother was to offer up her son under a Nazarite vow. This was a special type of vow, dedicating Samson to Yahweh. Part of this vow prohibited the cutting of the person’s hair. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and INVALID bible/kt/vow)
Judges 13:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was evil in the sight of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in Judges 2:11. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he gave them into the hand of the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power to gain victory in battle. Alternate translation: “he allowed the Philistines to defeat them” or “he allowed them to be oppressed by the Philistines”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“40 years”
Judges 13:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zorah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This was the name of a town in Israel. It was in the region of Judah near the border of Dan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Danites (0)people from the tribe of Dan
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Manoah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
Judges 13:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give birth to a son (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: “bear a son” or “have a baby boy”
Judges 13:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: anything unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Judges 13:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look (0)Alternate translation: “Pay attention” or “Listen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No razor will be used upon his head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “head” refers to his hair. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one should ever cut his hair” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: razor (0)a sharp knife used to cut hair close to the skin
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a Nazirite to God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he will be devoted to God as a Nazirite. Alternate translation: “a Nazirite devoted to God” or “devoted to God as a Nazirite”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the womb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “womb” refers to the time before the child is born. Alternate translation: “from before he is born”
Judges 13:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A man of God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the man was sent by God. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “A man that God sent”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his appearance was like that of an angel of God, very terrible (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here “terrible” means “frightening.” Alternate translation: “I was very afraid of him because he looked like an angel of God”
Judges 13:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look (0)Alternate translation: “Pay attention” or “Listen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give birth to a son (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: “bear a son” or “have a baby boy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: any food that the law declares to be unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a Nazirite to God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he will be devoted to God as a Nazirite. See how you translated this in Judges 3:5. Alternate translation: “a Nazirite devoted to God” or “devoted to God as a Nazirite”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the time he is in your womb until the day of his death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This emphasizes that it would be for his entire life. Alternate translation: “all his life”
Judges 13:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Manoah (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Judges 13:2.
Judges 13:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: came to the woman (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You can make explicit the implicit meaning of the author’s words. Alternate translation: “came to Manoah’s wife”
Judges 13:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look (0)Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the angel of God in Judges 13:3. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the man of God”
Judges 13:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your words (0)Alternate translation: “what you have said”
Judges 13:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: anything that comes from the vines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the angel refers to any food that grow on a vine as “coming” from the vine. Alternate translation: “anything that grows on a vine”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. See how you translated this phrase in Judges 13:7.
Judges 13:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prepare a young goat for you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Manoah’s statement. Alternate translation: “cook a young goat for you to eat”
Judges 13:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your words come true (0)Alternate translation: “what you have said comes true”
Judges 13:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do you ask my name? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The angel asks this question as a rebuke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not ask me what my name is.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is wonderful (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to explain more explicitly why they should not ask his name. Alternate translation: “It is too wonderful for you to understand”
Judges 13:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with the grain offering (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This law requires a grain offering to be offered when a burnt offering is made. Alternate translation: “with the grain offering required with it” or “with the grain offering to accompany it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the rock (0)“on the altar.” The altar Manoah sacrificed the offering on was a rock.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He did something (0)Alternate translation: “The angel did something”
Judges 13:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the angel of Yahweh went up in the flame of the altar (0)Alternate translation: “the angel of Yahweh went back up into heaven through the flames on the altar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lay facedown on the ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
“lay with their faces to the ground.” This is a sign of respect and honor, but it also shows their fear of Yahweh.
Judges 13:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that he was the angel of Yahweh (0)The word “he” refers to the man who Manoah and his wife had seen.
Judges 13:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We are sure to die, because we have seen God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they think God will cause them to die. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “God will cause us to die because we have seen him”
Judges 13:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He would not have shown us all these things, nor at this time would he have let us hear such things (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Manoah’s wife said basically the same thing twice for emphasis. These two statements can be combined. Alternate translation: “He would not have told us what he wanted us to do”
Judges 13:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the woman (0)Alternate translation: “Manoah’s wife”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave birth to a son (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: “bore a son” or “had a baby boy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grew up (0)Alternate translation: “became an adult” or “matured”
Judges 13:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh’s Spirit began to stir him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the way Yahweh’s Spirit influences Samson is compared to the way a spoon stirs food in a pot. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s Spirit began to influence Samson”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mahaneh Dan … Eshtaol (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Mahaneh Dan is the name of a temporary camp that the tribe of Dan lived in while they looked for a permanent home. Eshtaol is the name of a town.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zorah (0)Translate the name of this town the same way you did in Judges 13:2.
Judges 14
Judges 14 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The account of Samson continues in this chapter.
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 14:14, 18.
Special concepts in this chapter
Intermarriage
It was considered sinful for an Israel to marry a Canaanite or anyone from a different people group. This is why Samson’s parents did not want him to marry a Philistine woman. They use rhetorical questions to convince him that he is sinning. This woman caused Samson many problems. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and Rhetorical Question)
Judges 14:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Samson went down to Timnah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The phrase “went down” is used here because Timnah is lower in elevation than where his father’s house was. Timah is the name of a city in the Sorek Valley.
Judges 14:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now get her for me to be my wife (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Samson was demanding his parents to speak to the Philistine woman’s parents about marriage. Alternate translation: “Now arrange for her to become my wife” or “Make the arrangements for me to marry her”
Judges 14:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
They ask this question to suggest that they could find Samson a wife among their own people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely there are women among your people whom you could marry.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the daughters of your relatives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The word “daughter” is a polite way to refer to a young, unmarried woman. Alternate translation: “one of the unmarried women among your relatives”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are you going to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is asked to rebuke Samson. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind this question as a statement. you could make explicit the reason his parents do not want him to marry a Philistine. Alternate translation: “You really should not marry a Philistine woman because the Philistine people do not worship Yahweh.” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Get her for me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Samson was demanding his parents to speak to the Philistine woman’s parents about marriage. Alternate translation: “Now arrange for her to be my wife”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: she pleases me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that Samson thinks she is beautiful. “I am pleased by how beautiful she is” or “she is beautiful”
Judges 14:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this matter (0)This refers to Samson’s request to marry the Philistine woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for he desired to create a conflict (0)The word “he” refers to Yahweh.
Judges 14:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Samson went down to Timnah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Translate the name of this city the same way you did in Judges 14:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was roaring at him (0)“threatened him.” This is the kind of noise that a lion makes when it threatens to attack something.
Judges 14:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh’s Spirit suddenly came on him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “came on” means that Yahweh’s Spirit influenced Samson. In this case, he made him very strong. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s Spirit made him very strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tore … apart (0)tore into two pieces
Judges 14:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: she pleased Samson (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he thought she was very beautiful. Alternate translation: “he was pleased by how beautiful she was” or “he thought she was very beautiful”
Judges 14:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he turned aside (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that he left his path to do something. Alternate translation: “he left the path”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: carcass (0)dead body
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: swarm (0)large group of insects
Judges 14:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scraped up (0)Alternate translation: “gathered up”
Judges 14:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the custom of the young men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to state that this was a marriage custom. Alternate translation: “the custom of young men who were getting married”
Judges 14:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty of their friends (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“30 of their friends”
Judges 14:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: riddle (0)a game in which the players must discover the answer to a difficult question
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: can find it out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to figure out the meaning of the riddle. Alternate translation: “can figure out its meaning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“30 linen robes and 30 sets of clothes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: linen (0)a type of cloth
Judges 14:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But if you cannot tell me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the guests at the feast.
Judges 14:14
General Information:
Samson tells his riddle. Since it is supposed to be hard to understand, do not translate it in a way that people will immediately know what it means.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Out of the eater was something to eat (0)Alternate translation: “Out of the eater came something to eat” or “Something to eat came out of something that eats”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the eater (0)The noun “eater” can be expressed as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the thing that eats”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of the strong was something sweet (0)Alternate translation: “out of the strong came something sweet” or “Something that is sweet came out of something that is strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the strong (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to something that is strong. Alternate translation: “the strong thing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his guests (0)Alternate translation: “the men at his feast”
Judges 14:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fourth day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“day 4”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Trick (0)mislead or fool someone into doing something they would not want to do
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your father’s house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) this refers to the actual house. Alternate translation: “the house your father and his family live in” or (2) “house” refers to the people who live in it. Alternate translation: “your family”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will burn up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “burn up” means to burn something completely. If a person is “burnt up,” it means that person is burned to death.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Did you invite us here in order to make us poor? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
They ask her this question to accuse her of doing evil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have brought us here to make us poor!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to make us poor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
They would become poor if they had to buy him new clothes if they could not solve the riddle. Alternate translation: “to make us poor by forcing us to buy him new clothes”
Judges 14:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All you do is hate me! You do not love me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Samson’s wife basically said the same thing twice for emphasis. Alternate translation: “You do not really love me at all”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: riddle (0)a game in which the players must discover the answer to a difficult question
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look here (0)This is used to get someones attention. Here “look” means to “listen.” Alternate translation: “Listen to me” or “Pay attention to what I am about to say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if I have not told my father or my mother, should I tell you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Samson was rebuking her for demanding that he tell her the answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have not even told my father or mother. I will not tell you.” or “you should not demand that I tell you, since I have not even told my parents, and they are closer to me than you are.” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Judges 14:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: during the seven days that their feast lasted (0)This could mean: (1) “during the seven days of their feast” or (2) “during the rest of the seven days of their feast.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the seventh day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“day 7”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: she pressured him very much (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “pressured” means “urged.” Alternate translation: “she kept urging him to tell her”
Judges 14:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the men of the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to Samson’s wife’s relatives. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the young men” or “her relatives”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the seventh day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“day 7”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is the answer to the riddle. It may be written as a statement instead of as questions. If necessary it could be made clear how this relates to the riddle by adding more information. Alternate translation: “Honey is sweet and a lion is strong.” or “Honey is sweet and it came out of a lion.” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If you had not plowed with my heifer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Samson compares their using his wife to get the answer to someone using another person’s heifer to plow his field. Alternate translation: “If you had not used my wife”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plowed (0)To plow is to use an animal to pull a blade through soil to prepare the soil for seeds.
Judges 14:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: came on Samson with power (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “came on” means that Yahweh’s Spirit influenced Samson. In this case, he made him very strong. Alternate translation: “made Samson very strong” or “made Samson very powerful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: killed thirty of their men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“killed 30 of their men” -
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their men (0)Alternate translation: “the men who lived there”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plunder (0)things taken by force, usually after a fight or battle
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their clothes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These were from the plunder he had taken from Ashkelon. Alternate translation: “the sets of clothing that he had taken”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Burning with anger (0)Alternate translation: “Very angry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went up to his father’s house (0)The phrase “went up” is used here because Samson was at Timnah which is lower in elevation than where his father’s house is located.
Judges 14:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Samson’s wife was given to his best friend (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his wife’s father gave her to his best friend”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: best friend (0)Alternate translation: “closest friend”
Judges 15
Judges 15 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The account of Samson continues in this chapter.
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 15:16.
Special concepts in this chapter
Samson’s strength
The Spirit of Yahweh rushed upon Samson. This meant God gave Samson extraordinary strength. Samson’s power is the power of Yahweh himself and he enacted the judgment of God on the Philistines. (See: Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit and judge, judgment)
Judges 15:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He said to himself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to thinking. Alternate translation: “He thought to himself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will go to my wife’s room (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Samson intended to sleep with his wife. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I will go to my wife’s room, so we may sleep together”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: would not allow him to go in (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The phrase “her room” is understood from what Samson said to himself. It can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “would not permit him to go into her room”
Judges 15:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so I gave her to your friend (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he gave her to be his friend’s wife. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “so I gave her to be married to your friend”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is she not? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
He asks this question to imply that Samson should agree with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I hope you agree.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Take her instead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
He is suggesting that Samson take her as his wife. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Take her to be your wife instead”
Judges 15:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be innocent in regard to the Philistines when I hurt them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Samson thinks that he will be innocent if he attacks the Philistines because they wronged him. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I will be innocent if I hurt the Philistines because they have wronged me”
Judges 15:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three hundred foxes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“300 foxes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: foxes (0)Foxes are animals like dogs that have long tails and that eat nesting birds and other small animals.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: each pair (0)a pair is two of anything, such as two foxes, or two tails
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tail to tail (0)Alternate translation: “by their tails”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: torches (0)A torch is a stick of wood with something flammable attached to one end; a torch is often used to light other things or to be carried for light.
Judges 15:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: standing grain (0)grain that is still growing on its stalk in the field
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stacked grain (0)the stalks of grain collected in piles after it has been harvested
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: orchards (0)An orchard is a place where fruit trees are grown.
Judges 15:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Timnite’s son-in-law (0)The husband of a man’s daughter is a “son-in-law.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Timnite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a person from Timnah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took Samson’s wife and gave her to his friend (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Samson’s wife’s father gave her in marriage to Samson’s friend. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “took Samson’s wife and allowed her to marry Samson’s friend”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: burned up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “burned up” means to burn something completely. If a person is “burned up,” it means that person is burned to death.
Judges 15:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: said to them (0)Alternate translation: “said to the Philistines”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If this is what you do (0)Alternate translation: “Because you have done this.”
Judges 15:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he cut them to pieces, hip and thigh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “hip and thigh” refers to the whole body. This is a graphic description of how Samson killed the Philistines. Alternate translation: “He cut their bodies to pieces”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cave (0)an opening in a hill or mountainside
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cliff (0)a high, rocky hill or mountainside
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Etam (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of the rocky hill country near Jerusalem.
Judges 15:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Philistines came up … in Judah (0)The phrase “came up” is used here because the Philistines went to Judah which is higher in elevation than where they traveled from.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prepared for battle (0)Alternate translation: “organized themselves for battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lehi (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town in Judah.
Judges 15:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do to him as he has done to us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The Philistines are comparing how they want to kill Samson to how he killed many of the Philistines. Alternate translation: “kill him like he killed many of our people” (See also: Simile)
Judges 15:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three thousand men of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“3,000 men of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cave in the cliff of Etam (0)See how you translated this phrase in Judges 15:8.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What is this you have done to us? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The men of Judah ask Samson these questions to rebuke him. This questions may be written as a statements. Alternate translation: “You know that the Philistines are rulers over us but you act like they are not. What you have done has caused us great harm.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They did to me, and so I have done to them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Samson is referring to how they killed his wife and how he killed them in revenge. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “They killed my wife, so I killed them”
Judges 15:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hands of the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hands” refers to power. Alternate translation: “the Philistine’s control”
Judges 15:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hand you over to them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to cause someone to be under someone else’s control. Alternate translation: “give you to the Philistines”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: up from the rock (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the cave in the cliff of Etam where Samson had gone in Judges 15:8. Here the words “up from” mean that they had brought him away from the cave. Alternate translation: “away from the cave in the large rock” (See also: Idiom)
Judges 15:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When he came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Samson was not travelling alone, he was being led by the men who had tied him with ropes. Alternate translation: “When they came”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lehi (0)This is the name of a town in Judah. See how you translated this in Judges 15:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: came on him with power (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “came on” means that Yahweh’s Spirit influenced Samson. In this case, he made him very strong. Alternate translation: “made Samson very strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Samson easily broken the ropes that bound his hands. The author describes how easily he broke the ropes by saying it was as if they had become burnt flax. Alternate translation: “He snapped the ropes on his arms as easily as if they had been stalks of burned flax”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: flax (0)fibers from the flax plant used for making threads and cloth
Judges 15:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a fresh jawbone (0)This means that the donkey had died very recently and its bones had not yet begun to decay. A jawbone is the bone in which the lower rows of teeth are set.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a thousand men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1,000 men”
Judges 15:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the jawbone of a donkey (0)Alternate translation: “a donkey’s jawbone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: heaps upon heaps (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase describes how many people Samson killed. There were enough bodies to make large piles of bodies. Alternate translation: “I have made heaps of dead bodies”
Judges 15:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ramath Lehi (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place. It’s name means “Jawbone Hill”
Judges 15:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was very thirsty (0)Alternate translation: “needed water to drink”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But now will I die of thirst and fall into … uncircumcised? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This could mean: (1) Samson is so thirsty he could literally die. Alternate translation: “But now I will die of thirst and my body will fall into … uncircumcised.” or (2) Samson exaggerates how thirsty he is by asking if he will die of thirst. Alternate translation: “But now will you allow me to become so weak from my thirst that I fall into … uncircumcised?”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: die of thirst (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to die because you have not drank enough and therefore, you do not have enough water in your body.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fall into the hands of those who are uncircumcised (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “fall into the hands” means to be captured. “Those who are uncircumcised” refers to the Philistines and with the word “uncircumcised” emphasizing that they do not worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “be captured by those godless Philistines”
Judges 15:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: split open the hollow place (0)“opened a hole in the ground” or “opened the low place.” This refers to a low area of ground where Yahweh caused a spring of water to appear.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lehi (0)See how you translated this in Judges 15:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his strength returned and he revived (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrase mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Samson became strong again. These two statements can be combined. Alternate translation: “he became strong again” or “he was revived”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: En Hakkore (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a spring of water. The name means “spring of him who prayed.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is at Lehi to this day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that the spring did not dry up but that it remained. The phrase “to this day” refers to the “present” time. Alternate translation: “the spring can still be found at Lehi, even today”
Judges 15:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the days of the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the time period that the Philistines controlled the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “during the time the Philistines controlled Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for twenty years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“for 20 years”
Judges 16
Judges 16 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The account of Samson concludes in this chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
Samson’s mistake
Samson mistakenly thought that he was the source of his strength. He did not realize that Yahweh had left him and without Yahweh, he had no strength. This was not Samson’s only mistake. His foreign wife created most of his problems.
Judges 16:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he went to bed with her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The phrase “went to bed with” is a polite way of referring to having sex. Alternate translation: “he had sex with her” or “he slept with her”
Judges 16:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Gazites were told (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word “Gazites” refers to people from Gaza. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone told the people of Gaza”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Gazites surrounded the place … they waited for him all night at the city gate (0)This implies that some Gazites surrounded the place where Samson was staying and others waited at the city gate so that he could not leave.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They kept silent all night (0)This could mean: (1) “They did not make any noise all night” or (2) “They made no attempt to attack him all night.”
Judges 16:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until midnight (0)Alternate translation: “until the middle of the night”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its two posts (0)These are supports for the city gate. These posts were probably made from tree trunks and were buried deep into the ground. The doors of the city gate were attached to these posts.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bar and all (0)The bar was probably a heavy rod of iron that connected the gate to the posts. The doors of the city gate were probably made of heavy wooden beams or iron bars.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shoulders (0)the part of the human body where the arms and the neck attach to the body
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hebron (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Judges 16:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Valley of Sorek (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a valley near Samson’s home.
Judges 16:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Trick (0)to mislead or fool someone into doing something they would not want to do
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to see (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means to learn something. Alternate translation: “to understand” or “to learn”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where his great strength lies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that refers to where his strength comes from. Alternate translation: “what causes him to be very strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by what means we may overpower him (0)Alternate translation: “how we might overpower him”””
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 1,100 pieces of silver (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one thousand one hundred pieces of silver.”
Judges 16:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bind you, so you might be controlled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “bind you to control you” or “bind you to restrain you”
Judges 16:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fresh bowstrings (0)Bowstrings were often made from parts of an animal, often from the tendons. The words “fresh bowstrings” refer to those that come from a freshly slaughtered animal that have not yet dried.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that have not been dried (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that have not yet dried” or “that are not dry yet”
Judges 16:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that had not been dried (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that had not yet dried” or “that were not dry yet”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: she tied Samson up with them (0)Alternate translation: “Delilah tied Samson up with the fresh bowstrings”
Judges 16:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells background information about Philistine men that Delilah had waiting to capture Samson.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Philistines are upon you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “upon you” means that they are ready to capture him. Alternate translation: “The Philistines are here to capture you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he broke the bowstrings like a thread of yarn when it touches the fire (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The author describes how easily he broke the bowstrings by comparing them to how yarn breaks when it is burned. Alternate translation: “he broke the bowstrings as easily as if he were breaking burned yarn” or “he broke the bowstrings as easily as if they were made of thin yarn”
Judges 16:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This is how you have deceived me and told me lies. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Deceiving and lying mean the same thing and are stated to emphasize how angry Delilah felt. Alternate translation: “You have greatly deceived me!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you can be overpowered (0)If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people can overpower you”
Judges 16:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Philistines are upon you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “upon you” means that they are there to capture him. Alternate translation: “The Philistines are here to capture you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lying in wait (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that they were hiding and waiting for the right moment to attack. Alternate translation: “waiting to attack him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like they were a piece of thread (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The author describes how easily Samson broke the ropes by comparing it to him breaking a piece of thread. Alternate translation: “as easily as if they were only a piece of thread”
Judges 16:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have deceived me and told me lies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Deceiving and lying mean the same thing and are stated to emphasize how angry Delilah felt. Alternate translation: “you have greatly deceived me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you may be overpowered (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people can overpower you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: weave (0)crossing pieces of material together so they hold each other in place
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: locks of my hair (0)small bunches of hair
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fabric (0)cloth made from weaving material together
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: loom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a machine used for combining many threads of material into a cloth
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then nail that to the loom (0)Alternate translation: “then nail the fabric to the loom”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nail (0)to hammer a nail in order to hold something in one place
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be like any other man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I will be as weak as any other man”
Judges 16:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Philistines are upon you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “upon you” means that they are there to capture him. Alternate translation: “The Philistines are here to capture you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he pulled out the fabric and the pin from the loom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Samson pulled out the fabric from the loom when he pulled his hair away from the loom. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “pulled away his hair, taking with it the pin of the loom and the fabric in the loom”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pin (0)This is the wooden nail or peg used to fasten the fabric to the loom.
Judges 16:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you do not share your secrets with me? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Delilah asks this question to say that if Samson really loved her he would tell her his secrets. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “When you say ‘I love you,’ you are lying because you do not share your secrets with me.”
Judges 16:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pressed him hard … pressured him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the author speaks of how Delilah tries to persuade Samson as if she were putting pressure on him to convince him to tell her what she wants to know. Alternate translation: “tried hard to persuade him … kept trying to persuade him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with her words (0)Alternate translation: “by what she said to him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that he wished he would die (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The author used a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize how miserable Sampson felt. Alternate translation: “that he was completely miserable” or “that he was very unhappy”
Judges 16:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: told her everything (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
everything about the source of his strength. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “told her the source of his strength” or “told her the truth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: razor (0)a sharp blade used to cut hair close to a person’s skin
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a Nazirite for God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he is devoted to God as a Nazirite. See how you translated a similar phrase in Judges 13:5. Alternate translation: “a Nazirite devoted to God” or “devoted to God as a Nazirite”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from my mother’s womb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “from my mother’s womb” refers to when he was born. This means that he has been a Nazirite since he was born. Alternate translation: “my entire life”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If my head is shaved (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If someone shaves my head”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shaved (0)to have had the hair cut close to the skin with a razor
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my strength will leave me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Samson speaks about his strength as if it were a person who could leave him. Alternate translation: “I will not be strong any more”
Judges 16:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Delilah saw (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “saw” is a idiom that means to realize something. Alternate translation: “Delilah realized” or “Delilah learned”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the truth about everything (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the word “everything” refers to everything about why Samson was strong. Alternate translation: “the truth about why he is strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Come up again (0)Delilah is telling the rulers to come again to where she lives. Her home is likely at a higher elevation than where the rulers would be travelling from.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bringing the silver in their hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that they brought to her the silver that they had promised to give her if she helped them capture Samson. Alternate translation: “bringing the silver that they had promised to give her”
Judges 16:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: She had him fall asleep (0)Alternate translation: “She caused him to fall asleep”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in her lap (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he slept with his head on her lap. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “with his head on her lap”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lap (0)The lap is the level area of the upper legs when a person is sitting down.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the seven locks of his head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Samson had seven locks of hair on his head. Locks are small bunches of hair. Here his locks of hair are described as “belonging” to his head. Alternate translation: “the seven locks of hair on his head”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: subdue him (0)Alternate translation: “control him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his strength had left him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here Samson’s strength is described as if it were a person who could leave him. Alternate translation: “his strength was gone” or “he was no longer strong”
Judges 16:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Philistines are upon you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “upon you” means that they are ready to capture him. Alternate translation: “The Philistines are here to capture you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: woke up (0)Alternate translation: “awakened”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: get out (0)Alternate translation: “escape”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But he did not know that Yahweh had left him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that if Yahweh left Samson, he would no longer be strong. Alternate translation: “But he did not know that Yahweh had left him and that he would not be strong enough to defeat the Philistines”
Judges 16:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: put out his eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that they removed his eyes from his head. Alternate translation: “removed his eyes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: down to Gaza (0)The phrase “down to” is used here because they brought Samson to Gaza which is lower in elevation than his home where they captured him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bound him with bronze shackles (0)Alternate translation: “chained him with bronze shackles” or “tied him up using bronze shackles”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shackles (0)locks on the end of chains that hold a prisoner at his feet or hands, or both
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turned the millstone (0)Alternate translation: “pulled the millstone around in a circle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: millstone (0)This is a very large, heavy, circular stone. Normally, a large animal pulls the millstone around in a circle to crush grain. Here the Philistines humiliate Samson by making him pull it.
Judges 16:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: after it had been shaved (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after the Philistines had shaved it”
Judges 16:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Dagon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
a major false god of the Philistines
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has conquered (0)Alternate translation: “has defeated”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: put him in our grasp (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author speak of Samson being under the rulers’ control as if he were something grasped tightly by their hands. Alternate translation: “put him under our control”
Judges 16:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the destroyer of our country (0)This refers to Samson. The word “destroyer” can be expressed with the verb “destroy.” Alternate translation: “the man who has destroyed our country”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who killed many of us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “us” refers to the Philistine people. Those who are talking are not counting themselves among the people whom Samson killed. Alternate translation: “who killed many of our people”
Judges 16:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Call for Samson … They called for Samson (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Since Samson was a prisoner, he would not be called directly, but rather the people were asking for the men in charge of the prison to bring him to them. Alternate translation: “Call for them to bring out Samson … They brought Samson”
Judges 16:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the boy (0)“the young man” This was not a young child, but rather a youth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Permit me to touch the pillars on which the building rests (0)Alternate translation: “Allow me to touch the pillars which hold up the building”
Judges 16:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This word is used here to mark a break in the main story while the writer tells background information.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three thousand men and women (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“3,000 men and women”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: looking on (0)Alternate translation: “watching”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: while Samson was entertaining them (0)It is unclear what Samson did to entertain them. It seems the Philistines were making him do things that would humiliate him so that they could make fun of him.
Judges 16:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called to Yahweh (0)Alternate translation: “prayed to Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call me to mind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to remember him and his situation. Alternate translation: “remember me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: only this once (0)Alternate translation: “one more time”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in one blow on the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that he wants to have one more powerful act against the Philistines to get full revenge for what they did to him. Alternate translation: “with one strike against the Philistine” or “in one powerful act against the Philistines”
Judges 16:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on which the building rested (0)Alternate translation: “which held up the building”
Judges 16:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He stretched out with his strength (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Samson stretched out his arms he pushed down the pillars of the building. Alternate translation: “He used his strength to push down the pillars” or “He used his strength to push over the pillars”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the dead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to people who are dead. Alternate translation: “the dead people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were more (0)Alternate translation: “were a greater amount”
Judges 16:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the house of his father (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “house” refers to his family. Alternate translation: “all of his father’s family”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: came down (0)The phrase “came down” is used here because the place that Samson’s family traveled form was higher in elevation than Gaza.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zorah … Eshtaol (0)See how you translated the names of these places in Judges 13:2 and Judges 13:25.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the burial place of Manoah, his father (0)Alternate translation: “where his father, Manoah, is buried”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Manoah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in Judges 13:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Samson had judged Israel for twenty years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This same sentence is also in Judges 15:20. It is repeated here to remind readers of how long he judged Israel. Alternate translation: “Samson had judged Israel for twenty years before he died”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“20 years”
Judges 17
Judges 17 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins a section explaining how Israel came to have a king.
Special concepts in this chapter
Idols and figures
According to the law of Moses, the Israelites were prohibited from making wooden figures or cast metal idols. This was a form of idolatry. This practice was common in Canaan and it shows the influence the Israelites allowed these people to have on them. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)
Judges 17:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There was a man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants
This is a way to introduce a new person to the story line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Micah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man. It is not the same man who wrote the book of Micah.
Judges 17:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 1,100 pieces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one thousand one hundred pieces”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that were taken from you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which someone stole from you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I stole it (0)Alternate translation: “I was the one who took it”
Judges 17:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 1,100 pieces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one thousand one hundred”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set apart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to dedicate something to a specific purpose. Alternate translation: “dedicate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cast metal (0)metal that has been melted and poured into a mold to form a special shape
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I restore it to you (0)Alternate translation: “I give it back to you”
Judges 17:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two hundred pieces of silver (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“200 pieces of silver”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were placed in the house of Micah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The word “they” refers to the metal figures. This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Micah placed them in his house”
Judges 17:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a house of idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to a house used specifically for worshiping idols. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “a house for worshiping idols”
Judges 17:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: everyone did what was right in his own eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “each person did what he decided was right” or “each person did what he judged to be right”
Judges 17:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of Bethlehem (0)Alternate translation: “from Bethlehem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of the clan of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he was living among the family of Judah, that is, the tribe of Judah. Alternate translation: “who was living among the tribe of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He stayed there to fulfill his duties (0)Alternate translation: “He lived and worked there”
Judges 17:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: find a place to live (0)Alternate translation: “find a different place to live”
Judges 17:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where I might live (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that he is looking for a place to live and work. Alternate translation: “where I might live and have a job”
Judges 17:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a father and a priest (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “father” is here used in the sense of an advisor, and not to a literal father. Alternate translation: “an advisor and a priest”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give you ten pieces of silver a year (0)Alternate translation: “I will give you ten pieces of silver each year”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a suit of clothes (0)Alternate translation: “a set of clothes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So the Levite went into his house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the Levite accepted Micah’s offer, and therefore, entered Micah’s house. Alternate translation: “So the Levite accepted his offer and went into his house”
Judges 17:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the young man became to Micah like one of his sons (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The relationship between the Levite and Micah became like the close relationship between a father and son. Alternate translation: “the young man became close to Micah and was like one of his sons”
Judges 17:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Micah set apart the Levite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “set apart” means that Micah “dedicated” or “ordained” him. Alternate translation: “Micah dedicated the Levite”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was in Micah’s house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here living in Micah’s house is spoken of as “being” in his house. Alternate translation: “lived in Micah’s house”
Judges 18
Judges 18 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
The tribe of Dan
The tribe of Dan lacked faith in Yahweh and had yet to conquer its inheritance. In this chapter, they begin to conquer their land, but they also started to worship an idol. Their conquering of the land is much different than the other tribes’ victories. (See: faith and inherit, inheritance, heir)
Judges 18:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In those days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This phrase introduces the beginning of another event in the story line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In those days … from among the tribes of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information about Israel and the people of the tribe of Dan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: not received any inheritance from (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers specifically to land inherited where they would live. Alternate translation: “not received a land inheritance from”
Judges 18:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the whole number of their tribe (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “the whole number” refers to all of the men in the tribe. Alternate translation: “from among all of the men in their tribe”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: experienced warriors (0)Alternate translation: “experienced fighters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zorah (0)See how you translated the name of this town in Judges 13:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Eshtaol (0)See how you translated the name of this town in Judges 13:25.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to scout the land on foot (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “on foot” means to walk. Alternate translation: “to scout the land by walking through it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Micah (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Judges 17:1.
Judges 18:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they recognized the speech of the young Levite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
They recognized the man by the sound of his voice. Here “speech” refers to his “voice.” Alternate translation: “they heard the young Levite talking, and they recognized his voice”
Judges 18:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Laish (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There was no one who conquered (0)Alternate translation: “There were no enemies living in their land who had conquered them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had no dealings with anyone (0)“had no contact with any outsiders.” This means they lived far enough away from any other city that they lived secluded from other people.
Judges 18:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zorah (0)Translate the name of this city the same as you did in Judges 13:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Eshtaol (0)Translate the name of this city the same as you did in Judges 13:25.
Judges 18:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are you doing nothing? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is asked sarcastically and means that they should be doing the opposite. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should be acting now!” (See also: Double Negatives)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not be slow to attack (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
These two negative words “not” and “slow” together emphasize the positive idea to attack quickly. Alternate translation: “Hurry! Attack”
Judges 18:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land is wide (0)“the land is large.” This is a description of the size of the land.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that does not lack anything in the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The men use a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize that it is a very desirable place to live. Alternate translation: “where we will have everything there that we need”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that does not lack anything (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
The two negative words together emphasize a positive idea. Alternate translation: “has everything”
Judges 18:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Six hundred men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“600 men”
Judges 18:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kiriath Jearim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mahaneh Dan (0)Translate the name of this place the same as you did in Judges 13:25.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to this day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that something remains the same. It refers to the “present” time. Alternate translation: “and that is still its name”
Judges 18:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Laish (0)Translate the name of this town the same as you did in Judges 18:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in these houses there are an ephod, & metal figure? Decide … will do (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The five men asked this question to suggest and encourage the men that they should steal the idols. This can be written as a statement, and the implied information may be given in a parenthetical phrase. Alternate translation: “these houses contain an ephod, … metal figure. (They were suggesting that the men steal these things.) Decide … will do” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in these houses there are (0)Alternate translation: “in one of these house there is” or “among these houses is”
Judges 18:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they turned in there (0)Alternate translation: “they turned”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they greeted him (0)The word “him” refers to the Levite.
Judges 18:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six hundred Danites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“600 Danites”
Judges 18:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six hundred men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“600 men”
Judges 18:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is it better for you to be priest for the house of one man … a clan in Israel? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
They ask this as a rhetorical question to imply that it is true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is better for you to be priest for a tribe and a clan in Israel than for just the house of one man.”
Judges 18:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The priest’s heart was glad (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the priest is referred to by his “heart” to emphasize his emotions. Alternate translation: “The priest was glad”
Judges 18:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They put the small children in front of themselves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
They traveled this way to protect the children. If Micah and his people attacked them the would reach the warriors first and not the children. Alternate translation: “They put the small children in front of themselves to protect them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they turned (0)Alternate translation: “the Danites turned around”
Judges 18:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a good distance (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“some distance.” This refers a short distance but one that is long enough to be considered as measurable progress.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the men who were in the houses near Micah’s house were called together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he called together the men who were in the houses near his house”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they caught up with the Danites (0)This implies that they ran after them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “running after the Danites, they caught up with them”
Judges 18:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why have you been called together? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is a rebuke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have called your men together to chase us.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: been called together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “called these men together”
Judges 18:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gods that I made (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Micah did not make his gods, rather the craftsman made them. Alternate translation: “the gods which I had made for me” or “the gods which a craftsman made for me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What else do I have left? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Micah asks this question to emphasize that he no longer has the things that are important to him. Alternate translation: “I have nothing left.” or “You have taken everything that is important to me.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How can you ask me, ‘What is bothering you?’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Micah asks this question to emphasize that the Danites definitely know what is bothering him. Alternate translation: “You know that I am greatly distressed!’” or “You know how much I am bothered by what you have done to me!’”
Judges 18:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let us hear you say anything (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “us hear you say” refers to the Danites hearing Micah speaking about what had happened, but it also includes if they are told by others that Micah had spoken about what had happened. Alternate translation: “let us find out that you have said anything” or “say anything about this”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hear you say anything (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “anything” refers to any information about the Danites coming to Micah’s house and stealing his idols. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “hear you say anything about this matter” or “hear you say anything about what has happened”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you and your family will be killed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “kill you and your family”
Judges 18:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went their way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that they continued on their journey. Alternate translation: “continued on their journey” or “continued travelling”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were too strong for him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the Danites being too strong for Micah and his men to fight against. Alternate translation: “they were too strong for him and his men to fight”
Judges 18:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what Micah had made (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Micah did not make his gods, rather a craftsman made them for him. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the things that had been made for Micah” or “Micah’s things” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Laish (0)See how you translated this in Judges 18:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with the edge of the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“with their swords.” Here “the sword” represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle.
Judges 18:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they had no dealings with anyone (0)this means they lived far enough away from any other city, that they lived secluded from other people. See how you translated this phrase in Judges 18:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beth Rehob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a name of a town.
Judges 18:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is the name of the young Levite who used to serve as priest for Micah. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “The young Levite’s name was Jonathan the son of Gershom, son of Moses” (See also: How to Translate Names)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until the day of the land’s captivity (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This refers to a time later on when the people of Dan would be captured by their enemies. Here the land being conquered is spoken of as if it were a prisoner taken captive by an enemy. Alternate translation: “until the day that their enemies conquered their land” or “until the day that their enemies took them captive”
Judges 18:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that he made (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Micah did not make his gods, rather the craftsman made them for him. Alternate translation: “that had been made for him” or “that his craftsman made for him”
Judges 19
Judges 19 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
The sin of Benjamin
People from a village of the tribe of Benjamin raped a visitor’s wife to death. This was very evil, especially in the ancient Near East. The people of Israel considered mistreatment of a guest one of the worst crimes. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Judges 19:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In those days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This phrase introduces the beginning of another event in the story line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: remote (0)far from where most people live
Judges 19:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was unfaithful to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that she was unfaithful in their relationship and that she began to sleep with other men. This can be stated explicitly if necessary. Alternate translation: “began to sleep with other men”
Judges 19:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His servant was with him, and a pair of donkeys (0)Alternate translation: “He took with him his servant and two donkeys”
Judges 19:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His father-in-law, the girl’s father, persuaded (0)Alternate translation: “His father-in-law, that is, the girl’s father, persuaded” or “The girl’s father persuaded”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: persuaded him to stay (0)Alternate translation: “spoke to him so he decided to stay”
Judges 19:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he prepared (0)the Levite prepared
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Strengthen yourself with a bit of bread (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “bread” refers to “food.” Alternate translation: “Eat some food so you will be strong enough to travel”
Judges 19:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Please be willing to spend the night (0)Alternate translation: “Please stay another night”
Judges 19:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Strengthen yourself, and wait until the afternoon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The father-in-law is suggesting that he strengthen himself by eating. He is also asking him to wait until the afternoon to leave. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Eat some food so you will be strong enough to travel, and wait until afternoon to leave” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Judges 19:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: now the day is advancing toward evening (0)Alternate translation: “the day is almost over” or “it is almost evening”
Judges 19:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that is Jerusalem (0)Alternate translation: “which was later called Jerusalem”
Judges 19:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Come, let us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom used to make a suggestion. Alternate translation: “I suggest that we”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn aside to (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to take a break from their journey and stop somewhere along the route. Alternate translation: “stop at”
Judges 19:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn aside into (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to take a break from their journey and stop at a place along the route. See how you translated a similar phrase in Judges 19:11. Alternate translation: “stop at”
Judges 19:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Come, let us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom used to make a suggestion. Alternate translation: “I suggest that we”
Judges 19:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turned aside (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to take a break from their journey and stop at a place along the route. See how you translated a similar phrase in Judges 19:11. Alternate translation: “stopped”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city square (0)the marketplace where people gathered during the day
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took them into his house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase means for someone to invite them to spend the night in their home. Alternate translation: “invited them to stay in their house for that night”
Judges 19:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Benjamites (0)A Benjamite was a descendant of Benjamin. See how you translated the name of this people group in Judges 3:15.
Judges 19:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He raised his eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the man looked up and paid attention to what was around him. Alternate translation: “He looked up”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city square (0)the marketplace where people gathered during the day. See how you translated this in Judges 19:14.
Judges 19:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who will take me into his house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase refers to someone inviting other people into his house to spend the night there. Alternate translation: “who has invited me to stay in his house”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will take me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the Levite says “me,” but he is actually referring to himself along with his servant and his concubine. Alternate translation: “will take us”
Judges 19:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is bread and wine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Change to active voice. Alternate translation: “we have plenty of bread and wine”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: me and your female servant here, and for this young man with your servants (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The Levite speaks of himself and the others as servants and in the third person to show respect. Alternate translation: “me, my concubine, and my servant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We lack nothing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be written as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “We have everything we need”
Judges 19:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Only do not (0)“Do not.” The word “only” is used here to emphasize what he did not want the Levite to do.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: square (0)This refers to the city square. See how you translated this Judges 19:17.
Judges 19:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brought the Levite into his house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that he invited the Levite to spend the night in his house. Also, by inviting the Levite he was inviting the man’s concubine and servant as well. Alternate translation: “invited the Levite and his servants to stay in his house” (See also: Synecdoche)
Judges 19:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were making their hearts glad (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “making their hearts glad” is an idiom that means to have a good time with someone else. Alternate translation: “they were have a good time together” or “they were enjoying themselves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: some men of … surrounded the house (0)Some men stood on all sides of the house.
Judges 19:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)This word is used to get the peoples’ attention. Alternate translation: “Listen”
Judges 19:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the men would not listen to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author speaks of “agreeing” as if it were “listening.” Alternate translation: “the men would not accept his offer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the man seized his concubine (0)there could be confusion as to the identity of the man. Alternate translation: “the Levite seized his concubine”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at dawn (0)“when the sun was coming up” or “at first light” This refers to when the sun begins to rise.
Judges 19:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it was light (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to morning when it is bright outside. Alternate translation: “the sun was fully risen”
Judges 19:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But there was no answer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The woman did not answer because she was dead. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “But she did not answer because she was dead”
Judges 19:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: limb by limb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“section by section.” The author uses this graphic description of how the Levite cut up her body into specific pieces to emphasize what he did. “Limbs” refers to a person’s arms and legs. If there is not a similar phrase in your language, this description may be left out of the translation.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twelve pieces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“12 pieces”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sent the pieces everywhere throughout Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he sent the different pieces to twelve different areas of Israel. Alternate translation: “sent each piece to a different place throughout Israel”
Judges 20
Judges 20 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Benjamin destroyed
The army of Israel destroys all the tribe of Benjamin except 600 men. After this point in time, the tribe of Benjamin becomes mostly insignificant.
Judges 20:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as one man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile speaks of the group as acting as a single person. It refers to a group of who people do everything together in the same way. Alternate translation: “as if they were a single man”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from Dan to Beersheba (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This refers to the land as a whole. Alternate translation: “from all the eleven tribes”
Judges 20:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God—400,000 men on foot (0)Alternate translation: “God and also 400,000 regular soldiers came”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ready to fight (0)“capable of going to war.” They were not going to fight each other.
Judges 20:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author of the book tells background information about what the people of Benjamin knew.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had gone up to Mizpah (0)Mizpah was located high in the mountains.
Judges 20:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to spend the night (0)Alternate translation: “for the night” or “to stay for a night”
Judges 20:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wickedness and outrage (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
The word “outrage” describes the “wickedness.” Alternate translation: “outrageous wickedness”
Judges 20:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)This word is used to introduce the conclusion of the speech of the Levite.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give your advice and counsel here (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “advice” and “counsel” refer to the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. They can be combined. Alternate translation: “decide what we need to do about this”
Judges 20:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as one (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile speaks of the group as acting as a single person. They all acted together in exactly the same way. Alternate translation: “as if they were a single man”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: None of us will go to his tent … none of us will return to his house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses say basically the same thing twice for emphasis. They can be combined. The words “none … go” and “none … return” emphasizes how the people will continue to stay there. They can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “We will all stay here” (See also: Litotes)
Judges 20:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But now (0)These words introduce the main portion of what the people say after the initial exclamation.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as the lot directs (0)This involved tossing or rolling small marked stones to determine what God wants.
Judges 20:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten men of a hundred … one hundred of a thousand … one thousand of ten thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“10 men out of 100 … 100 out of 1,000 … 1,000 out of 10,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: provisions (0)food and other things the people need
Judges 20:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: assembled against the city (0)Alternate translation: “came together to attack the city”
Judges 20:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: put them to death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “kill them” or “execute them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the voice of their brothers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “voice” refers to the message that they spoke. Alternate translation: “what their brother said”
Judges 20:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-six thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“26,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seven hundred (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“700”
Judges 20:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: left-handed (0)A left-handed person is someone who is more skilled with their left hand than with their right hand.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: could sling a stone at a hair and not miss (0)This show how amazingly well they could aim and hit their target. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “could throw a stone at even a hair and hit it” or “could throw a stone at something as small as a hair and hit it”
Judges 20:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: not counting (0)Alternate translation: “not including”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 400,000 (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“four hundred thousand men”
Judges 20:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: asked for advice from God (0)Alternate translation: “asked God what to do” or “asked God how to continue”
Judges 20:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: moved their camp near Gibeah (0)There is some question about the meaning of the Hebrew text. Instead of meaning that they set up their camp near Gibeah, it could mean that the army went out and stood across from Gibeah ready to fight.
Judges 20:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-two thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“22,000”
Judges 20:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: strengthened themselves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “strengthened” is an idiom that means they encouraged each other.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they formed the battle line (0)This probably means that the Israelites prepared their battle lines for the next day’s fighting. Alternate translation: “they got ready to fight the next day”
Judges 20:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they sought direction from Yahweh (0)The method they used is not stated. The priest may have cast lots to determine God’s will.
Judges 20:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighteen thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“18,000”
Judges 20:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before Yahweh (0)Alternate translation: “in Yahweh’s presence” or “to Yahweh”
Judges 20:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information that the author inserted to help the reader understand how the people asked Yahweh for an answer.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was there in those days (0)Alternate translation: “was at Bethel in those days”
Judges 20:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and Phinehas … was serving before the ark in those days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information that the author inserted to help the reader understand how the people asked Yahweh for an answer.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was serving before the ark (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “was serving as priest before the ark”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Attack (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Attack the army of Benjamin”
Judges 20:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Israel set men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the Israelites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: secret places (0)Alternate translation: “in ambush”
Judges 20:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fought against the people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “fought against the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were drawn away from the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel drew them away from the city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They began to kill some of the people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “The people of Benjamin began to kill some of the men of Israel”
Judges 20:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: just as at first (0)Alternate translation: “just as before” or “just like the first two times”
Judges 20:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Baal Tamar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Maareh Gibeah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place. Other translations may read “fields of Gibeah” or “west of Gibeah” or “Maareh Geba.”
Judges 20:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“10,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: chosen men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means these were particularly good soldiers. Alternate translation: “well-trained soldier”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disaster was close to them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here immanent disaster is spoken of as if it was standing very close by them. Alternate translation: “they would soon be completely defeated”
Judges 20:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: 25,100 men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“twenty-five thousand one hundred men”
Judges 20:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The men of Israel had given ground to Benjamin, because they were counting on the men … outside Gibeah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
From this sentence until the end of verse 41 is background information that the writer inserted to explain to the readers how the ambush defeated the Benjamites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had given ground to Benjamin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means they intentionally retreated. Alternate translation: “had allowed Benjamin to move forward”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were counting on the men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means they trusted their men.
Judges 20:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: would turn from the battle (0)Alternate translation: “would retreat from the fight”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are defeated before us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we have defeated them”
Judges 20:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disaster (0)great harm, trouble, misery
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: come on them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means it happened to them. Alternate translation: “happened to them”
Judges 20:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But the fighting overtook them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks about fighting as if it were a person who could overtake someone. Alternate translation: “But the soldiers of Israel caught up to them” or “But they were not able to escape the fighting”
Judges 20:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Nohah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: trampled them down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The completed destruction of the Benjamites is spoken of as if the Israelites stomped on their bodies. Alternate translation: “they completely destroyed them”
Judges 20:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighteen thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“18,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were distinguished in battle (0)Alternate translation: “had fought bravely in the battle”
Judges 20:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They turned and fled (0)Alternate translation: “The remaining Benjamites turned and fled”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five thousand … two thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“5,000 … 2,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gidom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Judges 20:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-five thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“25,000”
Judges 20:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six hundred (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“600”
Judges 20:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turned back against the people of Benjamin (0)These people of Benjamin are not the soldiers who fled to the rock of Rimmon, but the ones who were still in the city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the city” refers to the people in that city. Alternate translation: “everyone who was in the city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their path (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to everything that they found as they went toward the city. Alternate translation: “they came to”
Judges 21
Judges 21 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter concludes the account of the previous chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
Sin and immorality
At the end of Judges, there is much sin and immorality. The people are doing wrong and fixing their wrongs by doing more evil things. This period of Judges is typified by this final account and summarized by the statement, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)
Judges 21:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now the men of Israel had made a promise … marry a Benjamite.” (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This background information tells the reader about the promise that the Israelites made before the battle with the Benjamites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Benjamite (0)This is the name of the descendants of Benjamin. See how you translated this in Judges 3:15.
Judges 21:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why, Yahweh, God of Israel, has this happened to Israel, that one of our tribes should be missing today? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The people of Israel used this rhetorical question to express their deep sadness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Oh Yahweh, we are so sad that one of the tribes of Israel has been completely destroyed.”
Judges 21:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The people of Israel said, “Which of all the tribes of Israel did not come up in the assembly to Yahweh?” (0)The people are referring back to the assembly of the Israelites at Mizpah before they attacked the Benjamites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For they had made an important promise concerning anyone who did not come up to Yahweh at Mizpah. They said, “He would certainly be put to death.” (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information to explain to the reader the promise that the Israelites had made at Mizpah before they attacked the Benjamites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He would certainly be put to death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Here “He” refers to anyone who did not go to Mizpah. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We will certainly kill that person”
Judges 21:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their brother Benjamin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the tribe of Benjamin as if it were Israel’s brother to show their closeness to the tribe. Alternate translation: “the surviving Benjamites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one tribe has been cut off from Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The destruction of the tribe of Benjamin is spoken of as if it had been cut off from Israel by a knife. This was an exaggeration because 600 men were still left. However, the women of Benjamin had been killed, so the future of the tribe was in question. Alternate translation: “one tribe has been removed” (See also: Hyperbole)
Judges 21:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who will provide wives for those who are left, since we have made a promise to Yahweh that we will not let any of them marry our daughters? (0)The Israelites wanted to provide wives for the few surviving Benjamites, but their promise at Mizpah prevented them from doing that.
Judges 21:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jabesh Gilead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Judges 21:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: people were set out in an orderly manner (0)Alternate translation: “people that were assembled at Mizpah were accounted for”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead were there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers back to the earlier assembly at Mizpah. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead had been present at Mizpah”
Judges 21:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twelve thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“12,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, including the women and children (0)The next verse will add an exception to this general instruction.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: strike … with the edge of the sword (0)Alternate translation: “kill … with their swords”
Judges 21:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jabesh Gilead (0)This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Judges 21:8.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four hundred young women (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“400 young women”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who had not known a man by lying with him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “who had not had sexual relations with a man”
Judges 21:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were offering them peace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word peace, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they wanted to stop fighting with them”
Judges 21:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jabesh Gilead (0)This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Judges 21:8.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there were not enough women for all of them (0)There were six hundred Benjamite men, and only four hundred women from Jabesh Gilead.
Judges 21:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made a division between the tribes of Israel (0)Alternate translation: “had caused the tribes of Israel not to be unified”
Judges 21:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Benjamites (0)This refers to the descendants of Benjamin. See how you translated this in Judges 3:15.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the women of Benjamin have been killed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we killed all the Benjamite women”
Judges 21:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There must be an inheritance … is not destroyed from Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The Israelites are exaggerating. They had already given wives to four hundred of the Benjamites, so the tribe would not be completely destroyed.
Judges 21:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a wife to Benjamin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Benjamin refers to the male descendants of Benjamin. Alternate translation: “a wife to the men of Benjamin”
Judges 21:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: which is north of Bethel, east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information to explain to the reader where the city of Shiloh is located.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lebonah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Judges 21:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: each one of you should grab a wife … go back to the land of Benjamin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is understood that the Benjamites would take these women back to their own land with them. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “each one of you should seize one of the girls of Shiloh, and then take her back with you to the land of Benjamin to become your wife”
Judges 21:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Show us favor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word favor, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Act kindly toward us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because we did not get wives for each man during the war (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because we did not get wives for each of them during the war with Jabesh Gilead”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are innocent … not give your daughters to them (0)This refers to the men of Shiloh. They did not voluntarily give their daughters to the Benjamites, and therefore did not break their promise not to do that.
Judges 21:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the number of wives that they needed (0)This refers to one wife for each of the two hundred Benjamite men who did not receive wives from Jabesh Gilead (Judges 21:14).
Judges 21:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there was no king in Israel (0)Alternate translation: “Israel did not yet have a king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what was right in his own eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what he judged to be right” or “what he considered to be right”