Judges 1:18
Judges 1:18 in Multiple Translations
And Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory.
Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.
Also Judah took Gaza with the border thereof, and Ashkelon with the border thereof, and Ekron with the border thereof.
Then Judah took Gaza and its limit, and Ashkelon and its limit, and Ekron and its limit.
Judah also captured the towns of Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron, each with its surrounding territory.
Also Iudah tooke Azzah with the coasts thereof, and Askelon with the coasts thereof, and Ekron with the coastes thereof.
And Judah captureth Gaza and its border, and Askelon and its border, and Ekron and its border;
Also Judah took Gaza with its border, and Ashkelon with its border, and Ekron with its border.
Also Judah took Gaza with its border, and Askelon with its border, and Ekron with its border.
And Juda took Gaza with its confines, and Ascalon and Accaron with their confines.
The men of Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron cities and all the land that is near those cities.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 1:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֤ד
יְהוּדָה֙
אֶת
עַזָּ֣ה
וְ/אֶת
גְּבוּלָ֔/הּ
וְ/אֶֽת
אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן
וְ/אֶת
גְּבוּלָ֑/הּ
וְ/אֶת
עֶקְר֖וֹן
וְ/אֶת
גְּבוּלָֽ/הּ
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֤ד
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוּדָה֙
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַזָּ֣ה
ʻAzzâh
H5804
Gaza
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
גְּבוּלָ֔/הּ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן
ʼAshqᵉlôwn
H831
Ashkelon
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
גְּבוּלָ֑/הּ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
עֶקְר֖וֹן
ʻEqrôwn
H6138
Ekron
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
גְּבוּלָֽ/הּ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 1:18
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֤ד
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
יְהוּדָה֙
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עַזָּ֣ה
ʻAzzâh
H5804
"Gaza"
N-proper
Azzah is another name for Gaza, a Philistine city in southwest Palestine, meaning 'the strong' in Hebrew.
Definition: § Azzah = "the strong" another name for 'Gaza', a city of the Philistines located in the extreme southwest of Palestine close to the Mediterranean
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Azzah, Gaza. See also: Genesis 10:19; 1 Kings 5:4; Jeremiah 25:20.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גְּבוּלָ֔/הּ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן
ʼAshqᵉlôwn
H831
"Ashkelon"
N-proper
Ashkelon was a major city in ancient Palestine, southwest of Jerusalem. It was a key Philistine city, mentioned in the books of Joshua and Amos. The KJV translates it as 'Ashkelon' or 'Askalon'.
Definition: Askelon or Ashkelon = "the fire of infamy: I shall be weighed" a maritime city of the Philistines, southwest of Jerusalem Also named: esh.qe.lo.ni (אֶשְׁקְלוֹנִי "Ashkelon" H0832)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Ashkelon, Askalon. See also: Judges 1:18; Jeremiah 47:5; Jeremiah 25:20.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גְּבוּלָ֑/הּ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֶקְר֖וֹן
ʻEqrôwn
H6138
"Ekron"
N-proper
Names the city of Ekron, one of the five major cities of the Philistines, mentioned in 1 Samuel 5:10 as a place where the Ark of the Covenant was taken. This city played a significant role in biblical history. It was later given to the tribe of Dan.
Definition: Ekron = "emigration" or "torn up by the roots" the most northerly of the 5 principal cities of the Philistines; located in the lowlands of Judah and later given to Dan Also named: eq.ro.ni (עֶקְרוֹנִי "Ekron" H6139)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Ekron. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 17:52; Jeremiah 25:20.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גְּבוּלָֽ/הּ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
Study Notes — Judges 1:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 1:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 1:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 1:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 1:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 1:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 1:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 1:18
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 1:18
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 1:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 1:18
- Sermons on Judges 1:18
Context — The Capture of Jerusalem and Hebron
16Now the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Kenite, went up with the men of Judah from the City of Palms to the Wilderness of Judah in the Negev near Arad. They went to live among the people.
17Then the men of Judah went with their brothers the Simeonites, attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, and devoted the city to destruction. So it was called Hormah.
18And Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory.
19The LORD was with Judah, and they took possession of the hill country; but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the plains because they had chariots of iron. 20Just as Moses had promised, Judah gave Hebron to Caleb, who drove out the descendants of the three sons of Anak.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 11:22 | No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive. |
| 2 | Judges 3:3 | the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. |
| 3 | Joshua 15:45–47 | Ekron, with its towns and villages; from Ekron to the sea, all the cities near Ashdod, along with their villages; Ashdod, with its towns and villages; Gaza, with its towns and villages, as far as the Brook of Egypt and the coastline of the Great Sea. |
| 4 | Exodus 23:31 | And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. |
| 5 | Joshua 13:3 | from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 6:17 | As a guilt offering to the LORD, the Philistines had sent back one gold tumor for each city: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. |
| 7 | Judges 16:1–2 | One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her. When the Gazites heard that Samson was there, they surrounded that place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They were quiet throughout the night, saying, “Let us wait until dawn; then we will kill him.” |
| 8 | Judges 16:21 | Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison. |
Judges 1:18 Summary
Judges 1:18 tells us that the tribe of Judah, with God's help, was able to capture three important cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron. This was a big deal, because these cities were controlled by the Philistines, who were enemies of God's people (1 Samuel 4:1-11). Just like Judah, we can trust in God's power and promises to help us overcome the challenges we face in life (Psalm 23:4, Isaiah 41:10). By surrendering our lives to God, we can experience victory over the 'strongholds' that threaten our faith and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities did the tribe of Judah capture according to Judges 1:18?
The tribe of Judah captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron, each with its territory, as stated in Judges 1:18. This is a notable achievement, as these cities were significant strongholds of the Canaanites (Numbers 13:28).
Why is it significant that Judah captured these specific cities?
The capture of Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron by Judah is significant because these cities were major Philistine centers, and their conquest would have given Judah control over key trade routes and strategic locations (1 Samuel 5:1-2).
How does this verse relate to the overall conquest of Canaan?
Judges 1:18 is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, which is described in the book of Joshua (Joshua 1:1-12:24) and continued in the book of Judges. The capture of these cities by Judah demonstrates their faithfulness to God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2).
What can we learn from Judah's military victories in this verse?
Judah's military victories, as seen in Judges 1:18, demonstrate the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, as expressed in Deuteronomy 31:6-8, where God encourages the Israelites to be strong and courageous in the face of their enemies.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's plan for the nation of Israel, and how does it relate to His larger plan of redemption?
- How can I apply the principles of faith and obedience demonstrated by Judah in this verse to my own life and spiritual journey?
- What are some modern-day 'strongholds' in my life that I need to surrender to God, just as Judah surrendered the cities of Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron to His sovereignty?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and promises, just as Judah did, to overcome the challenges and 'giants' in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 1:18
Also Judah took Gaza, with the coast thereof,.... Which by lot fell to that tribe, Joshua 15:47; it was not till now subdued: and Ashkelon with the coast thereof; which, according to our countryman
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 1:18
Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof. Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 1:18
The principal cities of the Philistines. Quest. How could this be, when among the people left to try Israel, are the five lords of the Philistines, . Answ. It is only said that they took the cities, and probably contented themselves with making them tributary; but it is not said that they slew the people, as they ought to have done, and as it is said of the other cities here, ,8,17,25. And the people being thus spared, did by God’ s just judgement recover their strength, and expel the Jews out of their cities, as we find afterwards. It is further observable, that Ekron here taken was one of Dan’ s cities, , and it was attempted and taken here by Judah and Simeon, partly out of love to their brother Dan, and partly to secure their new conquests, and other adjoining territories, from such potent neighbours.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 1:18
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. Ver. 18. Mockers] Who fleer when they should fear. Who should walk after their ungodly lusts] Gr. the lusts of ungodliness, whereby the heart is turned away from God and godliness. To laugh mockingly or scornfully; to smile or grin contemptuously; hence, to gibe, jeer, sneer. ŒD
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 1:18
(18) Took Gaza . . . Askelon . . . Ekron.—Three of the five Philistian lordships, to which the LXX. add Ashdod (Azotus). In Joshua 13:3 these five townships are mentioned as still unconquered, and here the LXX. put in a negative—“Judah did not inherit Gaza, nor,” &c. St. Augustine had the same reading. It is, however, possible that “not” may have been conjecturally added because of the apparent discrepancy between this passage and Judges 3:8; or, again, “did not inherit” may be a sort of explanatory gloss on the “took.” Josephus (Antt. v. 2, § 4) says that Askelon and Ashdod were taken in the war, but that Gaza and Ekron escaped, because their situation in the plains enabled them to use their chariots; yet in 3, § 1, he says that the Canaanites re-conquered Askelon and Ekron. In any case, the conquest was very transitory. (See Joshua 11:22; Judges 3:3; Judges 3:13 seq.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 1:18
Verse 18. Judah took Gaza - and Askelon - and Ekron] There is a most remarkable variation here in the Septuagint; I shall set down the verse: ΚαιουκεκληρονομησενΙουδαςτηνΓαζαν, ουδεταὁριααυτης·ουδετηνΑσκαλωνα, ουδεταὁριααυτης·καιτηνΑκκαρων, ουδεταὁριααυτης·τηνΑζωτον, ουδεταπερισποριααυτης·καιηνΚυριοςμεταΙουδα. "But Judah DID NOT possess Gaza, NOR the coast thereof; neither Askelon, nor the coasts thereof, neither Ekron, nor the coasts thereof; neither Azotus, nor its adjacent places: and the Lord was with Judah." This is the reading of the Vatican and other copies of the Septuagint: but the Alexandrian MS., and the text of the Complutensian and Antwerp Polyglots, agree more nearly with the Hebrew text. St. Augustine and Procopius read the same as, the Vatican MS.; and Josephus expressly says that the Israelites took only Askelon and Azotus, but did not take Gaza nor Ekron; and the whole history shows that these cities were not in the possession of the Israelites, but of the Philistines; and if the Israelites did take them at this time, as the Hebrew text states, they certainly lost them in a very short time after.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 1:18
18. The statement that Judah captured three out of the five chief cities of the Philistines cannot be reconciled with any ancient tradition; it contradicts the next verse and Judges 3:3, Joshua 13:2 f.; it represents the unhistorical theory of the conquest which is found in Judges 1:4; Judges 1:8-9, and like them must be regarded as the work of a late redaction. The LXX reads ‘and Judah did not dispossess’ (a different word from ‘took’), and other versions insert the negative; this seems to get over the difficulty; but the LXX version here has little critical value. The expression ‘with the border thereof,’ instead of ‘and the daughters thereof’ (Judges 1:27), betrays a different hand.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 1:18
It is remarkable that Ashdod is not here mentioned, as it is in Joshua 15:46-47, in conjunction with Gaza and Ekron; but that Askelon, which is not in the list of the cities of Judah at all, is named in its stead.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 1:18
18. Gaza — See note on Joshua 10:41. For Ashkelon and Ekron see on Joshua 13:3.
Sermons on Judges 1:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 23-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various teachings from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of judges not receiving gifts in order to maintain impartiality in their judgm |
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Importance of Purity in Our Life by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a powerful message on the importance of purity in the sexual area as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. He emphasizes the need to possess our bodies in sanctifi |
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Giant Ungainted by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the focus is on the life of Samson, a judge in ancient Israel. The passage being discussed is about Samson being captured by the Philistines, who gouged out his eye |
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Where Is the Secret by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson and the power he possessed as a Nazirite. The preacher emphasizes that Samson's strength did not come from his physical a |
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The Presence of the Lord With His People, and Its Effect by J.B. Stoney | J.B. Stoney preaches about the presence of the Lord with His people, emphasizing that His presence is often revealed through the exposure of hidden sins and the purification of His |
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Judges 16:21 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the tragic consequences of sin as illustrated in the life of Samson, emphasizing how sin blinds individuals to their true state, binds them in chains, and lea |
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Matthew 15:14 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the theme of misguided men, emphasizing how many are led astray by false precepts, false prophets, their own lusts, and the lies of Satan. He illustrates thes |