Judges 18:20
Judges 18:20 in Multiple Translations
So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people.
And the priest’s heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.
And the priest’s heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.
Then the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod and the family gods and the pictured image and went with the people.
This seemed like a good idea to the priest and he left with them. Carrying the ephod, the household idols, and the image made with molten silver, he marched with the people all around him.
And the Priestes heart was glad, and hee tooke the Ephod and the Teraphim, and the grauen image, and went among the people.
And the heart of the priest is glad, and he taketh the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and goeth into the midst of the people,
The priest’s heart was glad, and he took the ephod, the teraphim, and the engraved image, and went with the people.
And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.
When he had heard this, he agreed to their words, and took the ephod, and the idols, and the graven god, and departed with them.
The priest liked what they were suggesting. So he took the sacred vest and the idols, and he prepared to go with the men from the tribe of Dan.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 18:20
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 18:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּיטַב֙
לֵ֣ב
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
אֶת
הָ֣/אֵפ֔וֹד
וְ/אֶת
הַ/תְּרָפִ֖ים
וְ/אֶת
הַ/פָּ֑סֶל
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
בְּ/קֶ֥רֶב
הָ/עָֽם
וַ/יִּיטַב֙
yâṭab
H3190
be good
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ֣/אֵפ֔וֹד
ʼêphôwd
H646
ephod
Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/תְּרָפִ֖ים
tᵉrâphîym
H8655
teraphim
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/פָּ֑סֶל
peçel
H6459
idol
Art | N-ms
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/קֶ֥רֶב
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 18:20
וַ/יִּיטַב֙
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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.
הָ֣/אֵפ֔וֹד
ʼêphôwd
H646
"ephod"
Art | N-ms
The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.
Definition: 1) ephod 1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment 1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff 1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: ephod. See also: Exodus 25:7; Exodus 39:21; Hosea 3:4.
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.
הַ/תְּרָפִ֖ים
tᵉrâphîym
H8655
"teraphim"
Art | N-mp
Teraphim were idols or images used in worship, often in a household shrine. This Hebrew word refers to a family idol, and is used in the Bible to describe idolatry or false worship. The KJV translates it as idols or images.
Definition: § 1) idolatry, idols, image(s), teraphim, family idol 1a) a kind of idol used in household shrine or worship
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: idols(-atry), images, teraphim. See also: Genesis 31:19; Judges 18:20; Zechariah 10:2.
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.
הַ/פָּ֑סֶל
peçel
H6459
"idol"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to an idol or carved image, often used to describe false gods or objects of worship. It is sometimes translated as graven image, emphasizing the act of carving or shaping the idol. This concept is seen in the Bible as a form of rebellion against God.
Definition: idol, image Also means: pe.sil (פָּסִיל "idol" H6456)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: carved (graven) image. See also: Exodus 20:4; 2 Chronicles 33:7; Psalms 97:7.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בְּ/קֶ֥רֶב
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Judges 18:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 18:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 18:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 18:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 18:20
- Sermons on Judges 18:20
Context — The Danites Take Micah’s Idols
18When they entered Micah’s house and took the graven image, the ephod, the household idols, and the molten idol, the priest said to them, “What are you doing?”
19“Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?”
20So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people.
21Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed. 22After they were some distance from Micah’s house, the men in the houses near Micah’s house mobilized and overtook the Danites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 56:11 | Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: |
| 2 | Ezekiel 13:19 | You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived. |
| 3 | Proverbs 30:15 | The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’: |
| 4 | Judges 17:10 | “Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in |
| 5 | Acts 20:33 | I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. |
| 6 | Hosea 4:3 | Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it will waste away with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air; even the fish of the sea disappear. |
| 7 | 2 Peter 2:3 | In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. |
| 8 | 2 Peter 2:15–16 | They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. |
| 9 | Philippians 3:19 | Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. |
Judges 18:20 Summary
[This verse shows how the priest was tempted by the promise of power and influence, and he made a choice that would ultimately lead to trouble. The priest's decision to take the idols and images with him was a mistake, as it went against God's commands in Deuteronomy 12:3. We can learn from his example by being careful not to prioritize our own desires over our relationship with God, and by remembering that our role as believers is to serve and guide others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:14. By staying faithful to God and His Word, we can avoid the dangers of idolatry and worldly influences.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the priest agree to leave with the people and take the ephod, household idols, and graven image?
The priest was likely tempted by the promise of becoming a priest for a tribe and family in Israel, as mentioned in Judges 18:19, rather than just serving one person, which aligns with the desire for power and influence seen in other biblical accounts, such as 1 Samuel 8:4-9.
Is it wrong for a priest to serve multiple people or groups?
According to the Bible, a priest's role is to serve and guide God's people, as seen in Exodus 28:1 and Hebrews 5:1, but in this context, the priest's motivations seem to be driven by personal gain rather than a desire to serve God and His people.
What can we learn from the priest's decision to take the idols and images?
The priest's actions demonstrate the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God, as warned in Deuteronomy 12:3 and 1 Corinthians 10:14, highlighting the need for believers to be cautious of worldly influences and to prioritize their relationship with God.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Judges?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of Judges, which highlights the Israelites' repeated failure to obey God and their tendency to follow their own desires, as seen in Judges 17:6, ultimately leading to their downfall and the need for a Savior, as prophesied in Genesis 3:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be prioritizing personal gain or recognition over my relationship with God, and how can I realign my priorities?
- How can I ensure that my motivations for serving others are driven by a desire to serve God, rather than personal ambition?
- What idols or worldly influences may be subtly influencing my decisions and actions, and how can I remove them from my life?
- In what ways can I prioritize faithfulness to God and His Word, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:20
And the priest's heart was glad,.... He rejoiced that such an opportunity offered; it suited well with his covetous, ambitious, rambling, and unsettled disposition of mind: and he took the ephod, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:20
And they went up, and pitched in Kirjath-je'arim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjath-je'arim. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 18:20
The priest’ s heart was glad; being wholly governed by his own interest, and making all his obligations of justice and gratitude give place to it. But it is not strange, if he who was before perfidious to God, should prove so to men. In the midst of the people, i.e. among the people; or properly in the midst, both for the greater security of such precious things, and that Micah might not be able to come at him, either to injure or upbraid him; and it may be, because that was the place where the ark used to be carried.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:20
Judges 18:20 And the priest’ s heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people. Ver. 20. And the priest’ s heart was glad.] Every wind can raise a bubble: profit and preferment carry those any way that are worldly minded in the ministry. It was therefore excellent counsel Luther gave preachers, to see to it, that these three dogs did not follow them into the pulpit, - ambition, covetousness, and envy or contentiousness. And went in the midst of the people.] With all his trash and trinkets; either for his own greater security, or else in an apish imitation of the ark’ s marching in the midst of the tribes.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:20
(20) The priest’s heart was glad.—Judges 19:6; Judges 19:9; Rth 3:7. The disgraceful alacrity with which he sanctions the theft, and abandons for self-interest the cause of Micah, is very unworthy of a grandson of Moses. Dean Stanley appositely compares the bribe offered in 1176 to the monk Roger of Canterbury:—“Give us the portion of St. Thomas’s skull which is in thy custody, and thou shalt cease to be a simple monk; thou shalt be Abbot of St. Augustine’s.” In the midst of the people.—That they might guard his person. It is not necessarily implied that he carried all these sacred objects himself; he may have done so, for the molten image, which was perhaps the heaviest object, is not here mentioned.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 18:20
Verse 20. Went to the midst of the people.] He was glad to be employed by the Danites; and went into the crowd, that he might not be discovered by Micah or his family.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 18:20
20. The priest’s heart was glad — It was an honourable promotion, as they suggested, to be advanced from being a priest unto one man to that of a tribe in Israel, and he who had sold his service to
Sermons on Judges 18:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Homily 18 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warn |
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Melchizedec by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the significance of Melchizedec as a type of Christ, emphasizing that Melchizedec's priesthood foreshadows the eternal and superior priesthood of Jesus. He high |
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Is Your Work Being Tried by Fire? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his house burning down and how it challenged his theology. He reflects on the fact that there are some things in life th |
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Building the Body of Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a humble and sacrificial life, just as Jesus and the apostle Paul did. He highlights how Paul worked tirelessly to h |
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(The Foundation and the Building) the Secrets of Jesus Life by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the allure of materialism and the desire to imitate the extravagant lifestyles of others. He warns against being deceived by the external appe |
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Profiteering Christianity by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Naaman, and Gehazi. It highlights the importance |
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The Wisdom of a Master Soul-Winner by David Legge | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of passionate preaching and evangelism. He uses the analogy of a watchman sounding the trumpet to warn the city, stating that |