Judges 1:6
Judges 1:6 in Multiple Translations
As Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes.
But Adoni-bezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.
But Adoni-bezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.
But Adoni-zedek went in flight; and they went after him and overtook him, and had his thumbs and his great toes cut off.
Adoni-bezek ran away, but they chased after him and captured him, and then cut off his thumbs and big toes.
But Adoni-bezek fled, and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off the thumbes of his hands and of his feete.
And Adoni-Bezek fleeth, and they pursue after him, and seize him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes,
But Adoni-Bezek fled. They pursued him, caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his big toes.
But Adoni-bezek fled; and they pursued him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.
And Adonibezec fled: and they pursued after him and took him, and cut off his fingers and toes.
but he tried to run away. The Israelis pursued him and caught him. Then they cut off his thumbs and his big toes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 1:6
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 1:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֨נָס֙
אֲדֹ֣נִי
בֶ֔זֶק
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפ֖וּ
אַחֲרָ֑י/ו
וַ/יֹּאחֲז֣וּ
אֹת֔/וֹ
וַֽ/יְקַצְּצ֔וּ
אֶת
בְּהֹנ֥וֹת
יָדָ֖י/ו
וְ/רַגְלָֽי/ו
וַ/יָּ֨נָס֙
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲדֹ֣נִי
ʼĂdônîy-Bezeq
H137
Adoni-bezek
N-proper
בֶ֔זֶק
ʼĂdônîy-Bezeq
H137
Adoni-bezek
N-proper
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפ֖וּ
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַחֲרָ֑י/ו
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּאחֲז֣וּ
ʼâchaz
H270
to grasp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וַֽ/יְקַצְּצ֔וּ
qâtsats
H7112
to cut
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּהֹנ֥וֹת
bôhen
H931
thumb/big toe
N-fp
יָדָ֖י/ו
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
וְ/רַגְלָֽי/ו
regel
H7272
foot
Conj | N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 1:6
וַ/יָּ֨נָס֙
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
אֲדֹ֣נִי
ʼĂdônîy-Bezeq
H137
"Adoni-bezek"
N-proper
Adoni-bezek was a Canaanite king who lived before Israel's monarchy, mentioned in Judges 1:5. He was killed by the Israelites. His name means 'my lord is Besek'.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.1.5 § Adoni-Bezek = "my lord is Besek" king of the Canaanite city of Bezek, killed by Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Adonibezek. See also: Judges 1:5; Judges 1:6; Judges 1:7.
בֶ֔זֶק
ʼĂdônîy-Bezeq
H137
"Adoni-bezek"
N-proper
Adoni-bezek was a Canaanite king who lived before Israel's monarchy, mentioned in Judges 1:5. He was killed by the Israelites. His name means 'my lord is Besek'.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.1.5 § Adoni-Bezek = "my lord is Besek" king of the Canaanite city of Bezek, killed by Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Adonibezek. See also: Judges 1:5; Judges 1:6; Judges 1:7.
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפ֖וּ
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אַחֲרָ֑י/ו
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וַ/יֹּאחֲז֣וּ
ʼâchaz
H270
"to grasp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וַֽ/יְקַצְּצ֔וּ
qâtsats
H7112
"to cut"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to cut something off, either physically or figuratively. It is used in the Bible to describe cutting off a branch or a piece of wood, and also to describe being cut off from a group or community.
Definition: 1) to cut off 1a) (Qal) to cut off 1b) (Piel) to cut or hew off, cut in two, cut in pieces 1c) (Pual) to be cut or hewn off Aramaic equivalent: qe.tsats (קְצַץ "to cut" H7113)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: cut (asunder, in pieces, in sunder, off), [idiom] utmost. See also: Exodus 39:3; 2 Kings 24:13; Psalms 46:10.
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.
בְּהֹנ֥וֹת
bôhen
H931
"thumb/big toe"
N-fp
This word means thumb or big toe, referring to the largest digit on the hand or foot. In the Bible, it is used to describe the body parts of humans. It is translated as 'thumb' or 'great toe'.
Definition: thumb, great (big) toe (always used of both together)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: thumb, great toe. See also: Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 14:17; Judges 1:7.
יָדָ֖י/ו
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/רַגְלָֽי/ו
regel
H7272
"foot"
Conj | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
Study Notes — Judges 1:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Judges 1:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 1:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 1:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 1:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 1:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 1:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 1:6
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 1:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 1:6
Context — The Conquest of Canaan Proceeds
4When Judah attacked, the LORD delivered the Canaanites and Perizzites into their hands, and they struck down ten thousand men at Bezek.
5And there they found Adoni-bezek and fought against him, striking down the Canaanites and Perizzites.
6As Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes.
7Then Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off have gathered the scraps under my table. As I have done to them, so God has repaid me.” And they brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. 8Then the men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it. They put the city to the sword and set it on fire.Judges 1:6 Summary
This verse tells us that the Israelites caught Adoni-bezek and cut off his thumbs and big toes, which was a way of humiliating him and making it hard for him to fight or rule. This act was part of God's judgment on the Canaanites, as seen in Exodus 23:31 and Deuteronomy 7:1-2. It reminds us that God is serious about sin and that our actions have consequences, as stated in Galatians 6:7-8. By looking at this verse, we can see that God is a God of justice and mercy, and that He will ultimately judge all people for their actions, as noted in Revelation 20:12-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites cut off Adoni-bezek's thumbs and big toes?
This act was likely a form of humiliation and a way to render him unable to fight or rule, as seen in other ancient cultures, and it serves as a reminder of the severity of God's judgment on those who oppose His people, as noted in Deuteronomy 28:25 and Joshua 10:24.
Was it right for the Israelites to mistreat Adoni-bezek in this way?
While it may seem harsh to us, the Israelites were acting in accordance with the customs of war in their time, and their actions were also a fulfillment of God's decree to drive out the Canaanites, as stated in Exodus 23:31 and Deuteronomy 7:1-2.
What can we learn from Adoni-bezek's fate?
Adoni-bezek's fate serves as a warning to those who oppose God and His people, and it reminds us that our actions have consequences, as stated in Galatians 6:7-8 and Proverbs 26:27.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's relationship with His people, and it highlights the theme of God's judgment and mercy, as seen in passages like Psalm 98:9 and Romans 11:22.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people?
- How does Adoni-bezek's fate serve as a warning to us today?
- What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in this verse, and how can we apply those lessons to our own lives?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of justice and mercy in the Bible?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 1:6
But Adonibezek fled, and they pursued after him, and caught him,.... It is very probable his view was to get to Jebus or Jerusalem, a strong and fortified city and he made his way thither as fast as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 1:6
But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 1:6
That he might be disenabled to fight with his hands, or to run away upon his feet. And this they did, either by the secret instinct and direction of God, or upon notice of his former tyranny and cruelty expressed upon others, in this manner, as it follows: either way it was a just requital.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 1:6
6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Ver. 6. Kept not their first estate] Their original integrity or principality. Of this sin of the angels, the cause was the will of the angels, good in itself (but mutable and free), not by working either, but by not working, saith a divine. But left their own habitation] Being driven thence and hurried into hell. He hath reserved in everlasting chains, &c.] There are two sorts of chains, saith Mr Leigh. First, those which torment the devil, God’ s wrath, and his own conscience. Secondly, those which restrain him, his own finiteness, and God’ s providence.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 1:6
(6) Cut off his thumbs and his great toes.—The cutting off of his thumbs would prevent him from ever again drawing a bow or wielding a sword. Romans who desired to escape conscription cut off their thumbs (Suet. Aug. 24). The cutting off of his great toes would deprive him of that speed which was so essential for an ancient warrior, that “swift-footed” is in Homer the normal epithet of Achilles. Either of these mutilations would be sufficient to rob him of his throne, since ancient races never tolerated a king who had any personal defects. This kind of punishment was not uncommon in ancient days, and it was with the same general object that the Athenians inflicted it on the conquered Æginetans. Mohammed (Koran, Sur. 8:12) ordered the enemies of Islam to be thus punished; and it used to be the ancient German method of punishing poachers (Ælian, Var. Hist. ii. 9). The peculiar appropriateness of the punishment in this instance arose from the Lex talionis, or “law of equivalent punishment,” which Moses had tolerated as the best means to limit the intensity of those blood-feuds (Leviticus 24:19-20; Deuteronomy 19:21; comp. Judges 15:10-11). which, “because of the hardness of their hearts,” he was unable entirely to abolish.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 1:6
Verse 6. Cut off his thumbs] That he might never be able to draw his bow or handle his sword, and great toes, that he might never be able to pursue or escape from an adversary.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 1:6
6. and cut off] A barbarity frequently practised in ancient warfare to mark the humiliation of the captives and prevent them from further mischief. Thus the Athenians are said to have decreed that the right thumb of every Aeginetan taken prisoner should be cut off ‘that they may be incapable of carrying a spear, but not incapable of working an oar,’ Aelian, Var. Hist. ii. 9.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 1:6
6. Cut off his thumbs and… great toes — This barbarous mutilation, unusual with the Jews, was designed to incapacitate for military service. The victim of this cruelty could neither march nor fight.