Judges 2:21
Judges 2:21 in Multiple Translations
I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died.
I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:
I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died;
From now on I will not go on driving out from before them any of the nations which at the death of Joshua were still living in this land;
from now on I won't drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died.
Therefore will I no more cast out before them any of the nations, which Ioshua left when he dyed,
I also continue not to dispossess any from before them of the nations which Joshua hath left when he dieth,
I also will no longer drive out any of the nations that Joshua left when he died from before them;
I also will not henceforth drive out from before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died:
I also will not destroy the nations which Josue left, when he died:
So I will no longer expel the people-groups that Joshua left in this land when he died.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 2:21
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 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּם
אֲנִי֙
לֹ֣א
אוֹסִ֔יף
לְ/הוֹרִ֥ישׁ
אִ֖ישׁ
מִ/פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
מִן
הַ/גּוֹיִ֛ם
אֲשֶׁר
עָזַ֥ב
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אוֹסִ֔יף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
לְ/הוֹרִ֥ישׁ
yârash
H3423
to possess
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מִ/פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/גּוֹיִ֛ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָזַ֥ב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 2:21
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אוֹסִ֔יף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
לְ/הוֹרִ֥ישׁ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִ/פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
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.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
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.
הַ/גּוֹיִ֛ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָזַ֥ב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Judges 2:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Judges Raised Up
19But when the judge died, the Israelites became even more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods to serve them and bow down to them. They would not give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.
20So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He said, “Because this nation has transgressed the covenant I laid down for their fathers and has not heeded My voice,
21I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died.
22In this way I will test whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD by walking in it as their fathers did.” 23That is why the LORD had left those nations in place and had not driven them out immediately by delivering them into the hand of Joshua.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 23:13 | know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you. |
| 2 | Judges 2:3 | So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.” |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 20:24 | For they did not practice My ordinances, but they rejected My statutes and profaned My Sabbaths, fixing their eyes on the idols of their fathers. |
Judges 2:21 Summary
This verse means that God had decided to stop helping the Israelites defeat the other nations in the land, as He had promised in Joshua 1:3-4, because they had become corrupt and disobeyed Him, as seen in Judges 2:19-20. Instead, God would use these nations to test the Israelites' faithfulness, as stated in Judges 2:22, similar to the testing in Deuteronomy 8:2-5. This teaches us that God wants us to follow Him wholeheartedly and trust in His plans, even when things get tough, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can find comfort and guidance in His promises, as expressed in Romans 8:28 and Isaiah 46:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God stop driving out the nations before the Israelites?
God stopped driving out the nations before the Israelites because they had become corrupt and refused to follow His ways, as seen in Judges 2:19-20, and He wanted to test their faithfulness, as stated in Judges 2:22, similar to the testing in Deuteronomy 8:2-5.
What does it mean that God 'left those nations in place'?
When God 'left those nations in place', it means He allowed them to remain in the land as a test for the Israelites, to see if they would follow God's ways, as mentioned in Judges 2:23, and to fulfill the promise made in Joshua 23:12-13.
Is God's decision to stop driving out the nations a sign of His anger or disappointment?
Yes, God's decision to stop driving out the nations is a sign of His anger and disappointment with the Israelites, as expressed in Judges 2:20, similar to His feelings in Psalm 78:40-42, where He was grieved by their rebellion.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites in the book of Judges?
This verse marks a turning point in the book of Judges, as it shows how the Israelites' disobedience leads to God's withdrawal of His deliverance, setting the stage for the cycle of sin, judgment, and redemption that repeats throughout the book, as seen in Judges 2:10-19 and 3:1-4, similar to the pattern in Jeremiah 25:4-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the lesson of God's testing to my own life, and how can I remain faithful to Him in the face of challenges?
- How can I ensure that I am not 'leaving room' for sin or idolatry in my own heart, as the Israelites did, and what role does self-reflection play in this process, as encouraged in Psalm 26:2-3 and Lamentations 3:40?
- What does it mean to 'keep the way of the LORD' in my daily life, as mentioned in Judges 2:22, and how can I practically follow God's commands, as outlined in Deuteronomy 5:33 and 10:12-13?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, and how can I find comfort in His promises, as expressed in Romans 8:28 and Isaiah 46:10?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 2:21
I also henceforth will not drive out and from before them,.... At least not as yet, not very soon nor hastily, as in Jude 2:23; of the nations which Joshua left when he died; that is, unsubdued;
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 2:21
Judges 2:21 I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:Ver. 21. I also will not,] sc., Unless they repent: for, Ideo minatur Deus ut non puniat; Repentance disarmeth God’ s indignation. Let him but see that rainbow appearing in our hearts, and he will take up immediately.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 2:21
Verse 21. I will not henceforth drive out] As a people, they never had personal courage, discipline, or hardihood, sufficient to stand before their enemies: the advantages they gained were by the peculiar interference of God. This they had while obedient; when they ceased to obey, his strong arm was no longer stretched out in their behalf; therefore their enemies continued to possess the land which God purposed to give them as their inheritance for ever.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 2:21
21. I also will not … drive out] By worshipping other gods Israel had broken the terms of the covenant, Exodus 23:24 f., Exodus 23:32 f., Exodus 34:12-16; therefore Jehovah would not fulfil His promise to drive out the nations of Canaan, Exodus 23:27 f., Exodus 23:31; Exodus 34:11; Exodus 34:24. which Joshua left when he died] Josh, Joshua 23:12 f.; when he died is not a translation, but a tacit correction of the original and died; LXX and he (i.e. Jehovah) left, as in Judges 2:23.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 2:21
GENERAL OF THE TIMES OF THE JUDGES, Judges 2:6-23.This section, containing a general account of the period of the Judges, is naturally introduced by a connexion with the account of Joshua’s last
Sermons on Judges 2:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 16-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline of the United States as a nation that once acknowledged and depended on God. He highlights how the nation has turned its back on G |