Judges 20:17
Judges 20:17 in Multiple Translations
The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.
And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.
And the men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.
And the men of Israel, other than Benjamin, were four hundred thousand in number, all armed with swords; they were all men of war.
The Israelite army (excluding Benjamin) numbered four hundred thousand seasoned warriors, all armed with swords.
Also the men of Israel, beside Beniamin, were nombred foure hundreth thousande men that drew sword, euen all men of warre.
And the men of Israel numbered themselves, apart from Benjamin, four hundred thousand men, drawing sword, each of these a man of war.
The men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were counted four hundred thousand men who drew sword. All these were men of war.
And the men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.
Of the men of Israel also, beside the children of Benjamin, were found four hundred thousand that drew swords, and were prepared to fight.
There were 400,000 men from the other Israeli tribes who had swords.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:17
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 20:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֨ישׁ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
הִתְפָּֽקְד֗וּ
לְ/בַד֙
מִ/בִּנְיָמִ֔ן
אַרְבַּ֨ע
מֵא֥וֹת
אֶ֛לֶף
אִ֖ישׁ
שֹׁ֣לֵֽף
חָ֑רֶב
כָּל
זֶ֖ה
אִ֥ישׁ
מִלְחָמָֽה
וְ/אִ֨ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הִתְפָּֽקְד֗וּ
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Hithpael-Perf-3cp
לְ/בַד֙
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms
מִ/בִּנְיָמִ֔ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
Prep | N-proper
אַרְבַּ֨ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Adj
מֵא֥וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
אֶ֛לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
שֹׁ֣לֵֽף
shâlaph
H8025
to draw
V-Qal
חָ֑רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:17
וְ/אִ֨ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | 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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
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.
הִתְפָּֽקְד֗וּ
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Hithpael-Perf-3cp
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
לְ/בַד֙
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
מִ/בִּנְיָמִ֔ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
Prep | 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.
אַרְבַּ֨ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
מֵא֥וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
אֶ֛לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
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.
שֹׁ֣לֵֽף
shâlaph
H8025
"to draw"
V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to pull or draw something out, like drawing a plant out of the ground. It is used in various contexts, including pulling out a sword or growing up. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of everyday life and warfare.
Definition: 1) to draw out or off, take off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw out 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to shoot up, draw out (of blade of grass on roof)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: draw (off), grow up, pluck off. See also: Numbers 22:23; Judges 20:46; Psalms 129:6.
חָ֑רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, 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 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אִ֥ישׁ
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.
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — Judges 20:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Decree of the Assembly
15On that day the Benjamites mobilized 26,000 swordsmen from their cities, in addition to the 700 select men of Gibeah.
16Among all these soldiers there were 700 select left-handers, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair without missing.
17The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.
18The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied. 19The next morning the Israelites set out and camped near Gibeah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 1:46 | And all those counted totaled 603,550. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 17:14–18 | These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; next to him, Jehohanan the commander, and with him 280,000; and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor. From Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, and with him 200,000 armed with bows and shields; and next to him, Jehozabad, and with him 180,000 armed for battle. |
| 3 | Numbers 26:51 | These men of Israel numbered 601,730 in all. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 11:8 | And when Saul numbered them at Bezek, there were 300,000 Israelites and 30,000 men of Judah. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 15:4 | So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 21:5 | And Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah. |
| 7 | Judges 20:2 | The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assembly of God’s people: 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords. |
Judges 20:17 Summary
[The Israelites, apart from the tribe of Benjamin, gathered a huge army of 400,000 experienced warriors to fight against the Benjamites. This shows how seriously they took the conflict and how determined they were to punish the Benjamites for their wrongdoing, as seen in Judges 20:15-16. The Israelites were seeking to uphold justice and righteousness, just as God instructs us to do in Deuteronomy 23:17-18 and Psalm 101:5. By seeking God's guidance and following His instructions, we can learn to stand against sin and injustice in our own lives, just as the Israelites did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total number of swordsmen the Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized?
The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, as stated in Judges 20:17. This was a significant army, demonstrating the seriousness of the conflict with the Benjamites.
Why did the Israelites need such a large army?
The Israelites needed a large army because they were facing a serious threat from the Benjamites, who had already shown their strength and determination, as seen in Judges 20:15-16. The Israelites were seeking to punish the Benjamites for their wickedness, as instructed in Deuteronomy 13:12-18.
What can we learn from the Israelites' decision to go to war against the Benjamites?
The Israelites' decision to go to war against the Benjamites teaches us about the importance of standing against sin and injustice, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:17-18 and Psalm 101:5. However, it also highlights the need for careful consideration and seeking God's guidance, as the Israelites did in Judges 20:18.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's judgment and redemption?
This verse is part of a larger narrative about God's judgment on sin and His redemption of His people, as seen in Genesis 18:20-33 and Romans 11:25-32. The conflict between the Israelites and the Benjamites serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for God's mercy and forgiveness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to stand against sin and injustice, and how can I seek God's guidance in doing so?
- How can I balance the need for justice and accountability with the need for mercy and forgiveness, as seen in this verse and in other biblical accounts?
- What are some ways that I can be an 'experienced warrior' for God, using my gifts and talents to serve Him and advance His kingdom?
- How can I learn from the Israelites' example in this verse, and what are some lessons that I can apply to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:17
And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin,.... Who did not join them in this affair, but opposed them, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: see Jude 20:9 all these were men of war;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:17
And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:17
The men of Israel, to wit, such as were here present, , for otherwise it is most probable they had a far greater number of men, being 600,000 before their entrance into Canaan, .
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:17
Judges 20:17 And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these [were] men of war.Ver. 17. Four hundred thousand men.] Besides those that supplied the camp when they came out of Egypt, they were six hundred thousand: but then Benjamin also was reckoned with them: and there were not a few cut off in the late conquest of Canaan, &c.