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Judges 18:26

Judges 18:26 in Multiple Translations

So the Danites went on their way, and Micah turned to go back home, because he saw that they were too strong for him.

And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house.

And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house.

Then the children of Dan went on their way; and when Micah saw that they were stronger than he, he went back to his house.

The Danites carried on their way. Micah saw that they were too strong for him to fight so he turned around and went back home.

So the children of Dan went their wayes: and when Michah saw that they were too strong for him, hee turned, and went backe vnto his house.

and the sons of Dan go on their way, and Micah seeth that they are stronger than he, and turneth, and goeth back unto his house.

The children of Dan went their way; and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house.

And the children of Dan departed: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house.

And so they went on the journey they had begun. But Michas seeing that they were stronger than he, returned to his house.

Then the men from the tribe of Dan continued walking. Micah realized that there was a very large group of them, so that it would be useless for him to try to fight them. So he turned around and went home.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 18:26

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 18:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ בְנֵי דָ֖ן לְ/דַרְכָּ֑/ם וַ/יַּ֣רְא מִיכָ֗ה כִּי חֲזָקִ֥ים הֵ֨מָּה֙ מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ וַ/יִּ֖פֶן וַ/יָּ֥שָׁב אֶל בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְנֵי bên H1121 son N-mp
דָ֖ן Dân H1835 Dan N-proper
לְ/דַרְכָּ֑/ם derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יַּ֣רְא râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִיכָ֗ה Mîykâh H4318 Micaiah N-proper
כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj
חֲזָקִ֥ים châzâq H2389 strong Adj
הֵ֨מָּה֙ hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ min H4480 from Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּ֖פֶן pânâh H6437 Corner (Gate) Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יָּ֥שָׁב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ bayith H1004 place N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 18:26

וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בְנֵי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
דָ֖ן Dân H1835 "Dan" N-proper
Dan was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Dan was known for its skills in warfare and is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Dan living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.6; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Naphtali (H5321); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hushim (H2366B) § Dan = "a judge" 1) the 5th son of Jacob, the 1st of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid 2) the tribe descended from Dan, the son of Jacob 3) a city in Dan, the most northern landmark of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: Daniel See also: Genesis 14:14; Judges 13:25; Jeremiah 4:15.
לְ/דַרְכָּ֑/ם derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וַ/יַּ֣רְא râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
מִיכָ֗ה Mîykâh H4318 "Micaiah" N-proper
Micaiah means who is like God, a prophet in 1 Kings 22:8, son of Imlah, prophesying during Jotham and Hezekiah's reigns.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.22.8; son of: Imlah (H3229) Another name of mi.kha.ye.hu (מִיכָֽיְהוּ "Micaiah" H4321G) § Micah or Micaiah or Michah = "who is like God" 1) the 6th in order of the minor prophets; a native of Moresheth, he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, and was contemporary with the prophets Hosea, Amos, and Isaiah 2) an Ephraimite during the period of the judges 3) a descendant of Joel the Reubenite 4) son of Meribbaal and grandson of Jonathan 5) a Kohathite Levite, the eldest son of Uzziel the brother of Amram 6) father of Abdon, a man of high station in the reign of Josiah 7) son of Imlah and a prophet of Samaria who predicted the defeat and death of king Ahab of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Micah, Micaiah, Michah. See also: Judges 17:5; Judges 18:27; Jeremiah 26:18.
כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
חֲזָקִ֥ים châzâq H2389 "strong" Adj
Strong refers to something or someone powerful, but often in a bad sense, like being severe or hard, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: 1) strong, stout, mighty 1a) strong 1a1) severe, sharp, hot 1a2) firm, hard 1b) a strong one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er). See also: Exodus 3:19; 1 Kings 18:2; Psalms 35:10.
הֵ֨מָּה֙ hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וַ/יִּ֖פֶן pânâh H6437 "Corner (Gate)" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
וַ/יָּ֥שָׁב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ bayith H1004 "place" N-ms | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Judges 18:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Judges 18:26 Summary

[Judges 18:26 teaches us that sometimes it's necessary to acknowledge our limitations and step back from a situation that is beyond our control, just as Micah did when he realized the Danites were too strong for him. This verse reminds us to prioritize our safety and well-being, and to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. By recognizing our limitations, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and harm, and instead seek God's guidance and protection. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves if there are areas in our lives where we need to acknowledge our limitations and trust in God's plan.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Micah decide to go back home in Judges 18:26?

Micah turned to go back home because he saw that the Danites were too strong for him, indicating he realized he was outnumbered and outmatched, much like the Israelites were when they faced the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:2-3.

What can we learn from Micah's decision to return home?

We can learn that sometimes it's wise to acknowledge our limitations and retreat from a situation that is beyond our control, as Proverbs 24:6 advises us to have many advisors in a matter, which Micah lacked in this case.

How does this event relate to the overall narrative of the Danites in the book of Judges?

This event shows how the Danites, who were initially unable to take possession of their allotted land due to the presence of the Philistines, as mentioned in Judges 1:34, eventually found an alternative city to settle in, Laish, which they conquered and renamed Dan, as seen in Judges 18:29.

What does this verse reveal about the character of Micah?

This verse reveals that Micah was pragmatic and recognized when he was at a disadvantage, but it also highlights his attachment to his idols and priest, which ultimately led to his downfall, as he had prioritized these things over the safety of himself and his family, similar to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 8:19-20.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to force a situation, like Micah, and need to recognize my limitations?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of acknowledging my limitations to my own life, especially in situations where I feel overwhelmed or outnumbered?
  3. What are some modern-day idols that I may be prioritizing over my relationship with God, and how can I re-evaluate my priorities in light of Judges 18:26?
  4. In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, just as the Israelites were encouraged to do in Psalm 37:3-7?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:26

And the children of Dan went their way,.... Went on their way, would not stay to have any further talk with him, as being an impertinent man, and unworthy of their regard, bidding him defiance, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:26

And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:26

Judges 18:26 And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they [were] too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house.Ver. 26. He turned and went back unto his house.] But took no notice that God punished him for his idolatry by those injurious Danites. "Lord, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see; but they shall see and be ashamed."

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