Judges 1:23
Judges 1:23 in Multiple Translations
They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz),
And the house of Joseph sent to descry Beth-el. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)
And the house of Joseph sent to spy out Beth-el. (Now the name of the city beforetime was Luz.)
So they sent men to make a search round Beth-el. (Now the name of the town in earlier times was Luz.)
They sent spies to investigate Bethel, which was previously known as Luz.
And the house of Ioseph caused to viewe Beth-el (and the name of the citie beforetime was Luz)
and the house of Joseph cause [men] to spy about Beth-El (and the name of the city formerly is Luz),
The house of Joseph sent to spy out Bethel. (The name of the city before that was Luz.)
And the house of Joseph sent to explore Beth-el. Now the name of the city before was Luz.
For when they were besieging the city, which before was called Luza,
They sent some spies to find out everything that they could find out about Bethel, which was previously called Luz.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 1:23
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 1:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּתִ֥ירוּ
בֵית
יוֹסֵ֖ף
בְּ/בֵֽית
אֵ֑ל
וְ/שֵׁם
הָ/עִ֥יר
לְ/פָנִ֖ים
לֽוּז
וַ/יָּתִ֥ירוּ
tûwr
H8446
to spy
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
בֵית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
בְּ/בֵֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
Prep | N-proper
אֵ֑ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
Bethel
N-proper
וְ/שֵׁם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
הָ/עִ֥יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
לְ/פָנִ֖ים
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
לֽוּז
Lûwz
H3870
Luz
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 1:23
וַ/יָּתִ֥ירוּ
tûwr
H8446
"to spy"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to explore or spy out a place, often for trade or reconnaissance. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants, traders, and spies who search out new areas.
Definition: 1) to seek, search out, spy out, explore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek out, select, find out how to do something 1a2) to spy out, explore 1a2a) explorers, spies (participle) 1a3) to go about 1a3a) merchant, trader (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to make a search, make a reconnaissance
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: chap(-man), sent to descry, be excellent, merchant(-man), search (out), seek, (e-) spy (out). See also: Numbers 10:33; Numbers 14:38; Proverbs 12:26.
בֵית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
בְּ/בֵֽית
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
Prep | N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
אֵ֑ל
Bêyth-ʼÊl
H1008
"Bethel"
N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
וְ/שֵׁם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הָ/עִ֥יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
לְ/פָנִ֖ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לֽוּז
Lûwz
H3870
"Luz"
N-proper
Luz is a place name in the Bible, referring to two locations in Palestine, including the early name of Bethel. It means almond tree and is associated with the town where Jacob set up an altar and pillar.
Definition: Luz = "almond tree" the early name of Bethel and probably the name of the town in close proximity to the actual location of the altar and pillar of Jacob Another name of bet-el (בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל "Bethel" H1008G)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Luz. See also: Genesis 28:19; Joshua 16:2; Judges 1:26.
Study Notes — Judges 1:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 1:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 1:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 1:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 1:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 1:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 1:23
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 1:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 1:23
- Sermons on Judges 1:23
Context — The Capture of Jerusalem and Hebron
21The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites.
22The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them.
23They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz),
24and when the spies saw a man coming out of the city, they said to him, “Please show us how to get into the city, and we will treat you kindly.” 25So the man showed them the entrance to the city, and they put the city to the sword but released that man and all his family.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 28:19 | and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz. |
| 2 | Genesis 35:6 | So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. |
| 3 | Genesis 48:3 | Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there He blessed me |
| 4 | Joshua 7:2 | Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. |
| 5 | Joshua 2:1 | Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. |
| 6 | Judges 18:2 | So the Danites sent out five men from their clans, men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. “Go and explore the land,” they told them. The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night. |
Judges 1:23 Summary
This verse tells us that the house of Joseph sent spies to the city of Bethel, which used to be called Luz, to gather information before attacking it. This was a common practice in those days, as seen in Joshua 2:1 and Numbers 13:2. The house of Joseph trusted God to help them take the city, and they were obedient to His commands, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 1:8 and Joshua 1:3. We can learn from their example by trusting God and seeking His guidance in our own lives, with the encouragement of Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the house of Joseph send spies to Bethel?
The house of Joseph sent spies to Bethel to gather information about the city before attacking it, as seen in Judges 1:23, which is a common military tactic also seen in Joshua 2:1 and Numbers 13:2.
What was the significance of Bethel being formerly known as Luz?
The city of Bethel was formerly known as Luz, which is mentioned in Genesis 28:19 and Joshua 18:13, indicating a name change after the Israelites took control of the city.
How does this verse relate to the conquest of Canaan?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, as described in the book of Joshua and Judges, where the Israelites are taking possession of the land promised to them by God, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:8 and Joshua 1:3.
What can we learn from the house of Joseph's actions in this verse?
The house of Joseph's actions in this verse demonstrate their trust in God and their obedience to His commands, as seen in Joshua 1:9 and Judges 1:22, which is an important lesson for believers today, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate trust in God's plan, just like the house of Joseph did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking guidance before taking action, as seen in the house of Joseph sending spies to Bethel?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God and obey His commands, just like the Israelites did in the conquest of Canaan?
- How can I balance faith and wisdom, as seen in the house of Joseph's decision to send spies to Bethel, with the encouragement of Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 1:23
And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel,.... To reconnoitre the place, to observe its passes and avenues, which were most accessible, and to examine the walls of it, where they were weakest and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 1:23
And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.) No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 1:23
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Ver. 23. Out of the fire] viz. of hell; as the angel pulled Lot out of Sodom, as ye would save a drowning man, though ye pulled off some of his hair to save him. Hic est depingendus Satan et Tartarus, et career atrocissimus et luctuoaus, in quo vere sit strider dentium et fletus, saith Aretins. Those that are obstinate, and receive not reproofs, are to be terrified and told of the horror of hell, those seas of vengeance, that worm that never dieth, torments without end and past imagination. Even the garment spotted] As Nero’ s was, when he rode in the same horse litter with his own mother. (Sueton.) The phrase is thought to be taken either from legal impurities of leprous garments, by touching of which men were defiled, Leviticus 14:54-57; or else from the profuse drunkenness and filthiness of the Gnostics, which sometimes defiled their garments. Haec est sancta violentia, optabilis rapina. Jerome.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 1:23
(23) To descry Beth-el.—The word perhaps implies a regular siege, and it is so understood by the LXX. (Cod. Alex.) and the Vulgate. Luz.—We are also told that this was the original name of the city in Genesis 28:19; but there seems to be in that verse a distinction between the city and the place of Jacob’s dream. (Comp. Joshua 16:2.) The name means either “hazel,” or “sinking,” i.e., a valley depression.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 1:23
Verse 23. Beth-el - the name of the city before was Luz.] Concerning this city and its names, See Clarke on Genesis 28:19.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 1:23
23. sent to spy out Beth-el] lit. made a reconnaissance at B. Perhaps we should read ‘encamped against B.,’ as LXX and Vulgate imply. Now the name … Luz] A gloss, as in Genesis 28:19; cf. ib. Genesis 35:6, Genesis 48:3, Joshua 18:13 P. In Joshua 16:2 JE the two places are distinguished, ‘from Beth-el to Luz’; but the text is uncertain, and in the LXX the two are usually identified. Luz is supposed to mean ‘almond-tree’; more suggestively Winckler proposes ‘asylum,’ from the Arab lâdha ‘to seek a refuge’ (Gesch. Isr. 2:65 f.). If the latter is right, Luz may have been a sanctuary before it became famous under the name of Beth-el. According to JE the place was called Beth-el because Jacob set up a stone there after his vision when he fled from Esau (Genesis 28:10-22); according to P, because God appeared to him there when he returned from Paddan-aram (Genesis 35:9-15).
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 1:23
23. Sent to descry — Or, they reconnoitred. They set a secret watch against Beth-el, to obtain such information as would enable them most easily to capture the city.
Sermons on Judges 1:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 28:10-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jacob and how he was feeling homesick after leaving his mother for the first time. Jacob finds himself in a bleak and desolate pl |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis 29-31 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the equality and value of all individuals in the eyes of God. He highlights the universal need for a Savior and the unity found in Jesus Chri |
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Jacob by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob recognizes that he is in the house of God and vows to worship Him. He makes a vow to God, stating t |
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Church in Need of Repentance by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man of God who was approached by a king and offered rewards and refreshment. However, the man of God refused, as he had received a |
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Church at Ephesus by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man of God who was approached by a king and offered rewards and refreshment. However, the man of God refused, as he had received a |
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Tithing Part 1 by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the biblical principle of tithing, arguing that many Christians misunderstand their financial obligations to God. He traces the practice of tithing from the ea |
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(Gaining God's Approval) 8. the Testing of Elisha and Gehazi by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen explores the contrasting lives of Elisha and Gehazi, emphasizing Elisha's faithfulness and persistence in seeking God's highest calling, which led to his anointing, whil |