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Judges 20:12

Judges 20:12 in Multiple Translations

And the tribes of Israel sent men throughout the tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What is this wickedness that has occurred among you?

¶ And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you?

And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is come to pass among you?

And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin saying, What is this evil which has been done among you?

The Israelite tribes also sent men throughout the territory of Benjamin, asking the people, “What are you doing about this terrible evil that has taken place among you?

And the tribes of Israel sent men through al the tribe of Beniamin, saying, What wickednesse is this that is committed among you?

And the tribes of Israel send men among all the tribes of Benjamin, saying, 'What [is] this evil which hath been among you?

The tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What wickedness is this that has happened among you?

And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you?

And they sent messengers to all the tribe of Benjamin to say to them: Why hath so great an abomination been found among you?

Then the Israeli men sent messengers throughout the tribe of Benjamin. They demanded, “Do you realize that some of your men have done a very evil thing?

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:12

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 20:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יִּשְׁלְח֞וּ שִׁבְטֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֲנָשִׁ֔ים בְּ/כָל שִׁבְטֵ֥י בִנְיָמִ֖ן לֵ/אמֹ֑ר מָ֚ה הָ/רָעָ֣ה הַ/זֹּ֔את אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִהְיְתָ֖ה בָּ/כֶֽם
וַֽ/יִּשְׁלְח֞וּ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שִׁבְטֵ֤י shêbeṭ H7626 tribe N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים ʼîysh H376 man N-mp
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
שִׁבְטֵ֥י shêbeṭ H7626 tribe N-mp
בִנְיָמִ֖ן Binyâmîyn H1144 Benjamin N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מָ֚ה mâh H4100 what? Part
הָ/רָעָ֣ה raʻ H7451 bad Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֔את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
נִהְיְתָ֖ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
בָּ/כֶֽם Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:12

וַֽ/יִּשְׁלְח֞וּ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
שִׁבְטֵ֤י shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" N-mp
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp
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.
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שִׁבְטֵ֥י shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" N-mp
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
בִנְיָמִ֖ן Binyâmîyn H1144 "Benjamin" N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מָ֚ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הָ/רָעָ֣ה raʻ H7451 "bad" Art | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
הַ/זֹּ֔את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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.
נִהְיְתָ֖ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בָּ/כֶֽם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Judges 20:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 13:14 then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,
2 Deuteronomy 20:10 When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace.
3 Romans 12:18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
4 Matthew 18:15–18 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
5 Joshua 22:13–16 The Israelites sent Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest to the land of Gilead, to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. With him they sent ten chiefs—one family leader from each tribe of Israel, each the head of a family among the clans of Israel. They went to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the land of Gilead and said to them, “This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: ‘What is this breach of faith you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the LORD and building for yourselves an altar, that you might rebel against the LORD this day?

Judges 20:12 Summary

This verse shows how the tribes of Israel came together to address a great evil that had occurred among the Benjamites. They sent men to the tribe of Benjamin to ask about the wickedness that had happened, just like how God calls us to confront sin in our own lives, as seen in Proverbs 28:13. The Israelites were seeking to restore what was right and to protect their people, similar to how God protects and cares for us, as stated in Psalm 121:3. By studying this verse, we can learn about the importance of accountability, unity, and addressing sin in our own lives, just as the Israelites did in Judges 20:12.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the tribes of Israel to send men to the tribe of Benjamin?

The tribes of Israel were united in their desire to punish the men of Gibeah for their atrocity, as mentioned in Judges 20:10, and they sought to address the wickedness that had occurred among the Benjamites, as stated in Judges 20:12.

What was the specific wickedness that the Israelites were referring to?

The wickedness referred to in Judges 20:12 is likely the atrocity committed by the men of Gibeah, which is described in detail in Judges 19:22-30, and is also alluded to in Judges 20:10.

How did the Benjamites respond to the Israelites' inquiry about the wickedness?

The Benjamites refused to heed the voice of their fellow Israelites, as stated in Judges 20:13, and instead prepared to fight against them, as described in Judges 20:14.

What does this verse reveal about the relationship between the tribes of Israel?

Judges 20:12 reveals that the tribes of Israel were willing to hold one another accountable for their actions, and that they saw themselves as a unified people, as stated in Judges 20:11, where it says they gathered as one man, united against the city of Gibeah, similar to how they were united in their early history, as seen in Exodus 19:8.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can promote unity and accountability among my fellow believers, just as the tribes of Israel did in this verse?
  2. How can I respond when confronted with wickedness or sin in my own life or in the lives of those around me, as the Israelites did in Judges 20:12?
  3. What role should love and compassion play in addressing sin and wickedness, as seen in the Israelites' desire to purge Israel of evil, as stated in Judges 20:13?
  4. How can I balance the need to confront sin with the need to show mercy and forgiveness, as seen in the Israelites' actions in Judges 20:12-14?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:12

And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribes of Benjamin,.... Meaning the families of Benjamin; for as sometimes a tribe is called a family, Joshua 7:17 so a family is called a tribe; and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:12

So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:12

The tribe, Heb. tribes; either the plural number for the singular; or rather tribe is put for family, as was noted before, as families are elsewhere put for tribes. They take a wise and a just course, in sending to all the parts and families of the tribe, to separate the innocent from the guilty, and to give them a fair opportunity of preventing their ruin, by doing nothing but what their duty, honour, and interest obliged them to, even by delivering up those vile malefactors, whom they could not keep without horrid guilt and shame, and bringing the curse of God upon themselves.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:12

Judges 20:12 And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness [is] this that is done among you?Ver. 12. And the tribes of Israel sent men.] They would treat before they would fight, and hear both parties ere they would determine for either, though it were a clear case, according to the old rule - “Mητεδικηνδικασηςπριναμφοινμυθονακουσης.”

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:12

(12) Through all the tribe of Benjamin. —It was equitable to send this embassy, although the Benjamites had not come to the sacred gathering at Mizpeh. The word for “tribe” is in the plural, so that it is, “the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribes of Benjamin.” Clearly, in the latter instance shebet means a family. (See Note on Judges 18:19, and Numbers 4:18 : “the tribe of the families of Kohath.) There were ten families in the tribe of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21).

Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:12

12. the tribe of Benjamin] So the Versions, reading the singular. The plural (see marg.) is probably due to a mistaken repetition of the plur. form of the word in the preceding sentence.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:12

FOR WAR, Judges 20:12-19. 12. Sent men — The Benjamites knew of Israel’s gathering at Mizpeh, (Judges 20:3,) and they had themselves, probably, been notified to meet there, as had the other tribes;

Sermons on Judges 20:12

SermonDescription
Flavius Josephus From the Death of Moses to the Death of Eli by Flavius Josephus Flavius Josephus recounts the period after the death of Joshua, where the Israelites faced challenges due to their disobedience and neglect of God's laws. The tribe of Benjamin fac
K.P. Yohannan Bitterness by K.P. Yohannan In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of bitterness in people's lives. He highlights how some individuals are constantly discontent and find fault in everything, whether
A.W. Tozer 1 Peter 3:1 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preserving truth while showing love to both friends and enemies. He urges believers to build themselves up in their faith
Jonathan Edwards Wrong Revival Principles - Part 3 by Jonathan Edwards In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prudence and caution when introducing new things into the church. He warns against being influenced by indiscreet zeal and
Adrian Warnock c.j. Mahaney: Faith Works in Humility by Adrian Warnock In this sermon, CJ Mahaney introduces himself and expresses his gratitude for the support and prayers of the congregation. He emphasizes the importance of peacemaking and resolving
Harold E. Schmul Bitterness by Harold E. Schmul In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his dissatisfaction with a fellow believer whom he considers a compromiser and a danger to their movement. He then discusses the d
Rolfe Barnard The Gospel for the Days of Noah by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the current state of violence and riots happening in various places, including America. He mentions being present during the riots between

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