Judges 20:20

Judges 20:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin and took up their battle positions at Gibeah.

King James Version KJV

And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah.

American Standard Version ASV

And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel set the battle in array against them at Gibeah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the men of Israel went out to war against Benjamin (and the men of Israel put their forces in fighting order against them at Gibeah).

Free Bible Version FBV

Then they marched out for battle with the army of Benjamin, taking up their positions to attack Gibeah.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the men of Israel went out to battell against Beniamin, and the men of Israel put themselues in aray to fight against the beside Gibeah.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the men of Israel go out to battle with Benjamin, and the men of Israel set themselves in array with them, [for] battle against Gibeah,

World English Bible WEB

The men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel set the battle in array against them at Gibeah.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And going out from thence to fight against Benjamin, began to assault the city.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then they went to fight against the men from the tribe of Benjamin, and stood in their positions for fighting a battle, facing Gibeah.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:20

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 20:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּצֵא֙ אִ֣ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה עִם בִּנְיָמִ֑ן וַ/יַּעַרְכ֨וּ אִתָּ֧/ם אִֽישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל מִלְחָמָ֖ה אֶל הַ/גִּבְעָֽה

וַ/יֵּצֵא֙ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

בִּנְיָמִ֑ן Binyâmîyn H1144 Benjamin N-proper

וַ/יַּעַרְכ֨וּ ʻârak H6186 to arrange Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אִתָּ֧/ם ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

מִלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 battle N-fs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/גִּבְעָֽה Gibʻâh H1390 Gibeah Art | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:20

וַ/יֵּצֵא֙ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

אִ֣ישׁ 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.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 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.

לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Prep | 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.

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

בִּנְיָמִ֑ן 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.

וַ/יַּעַרְכ֨וּ ʻârak H6186 "to arrange" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.

Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable

Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.

אִתָּ֧/ם ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

מִלְחָמָ֖ה 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.

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.

הַ/גִּבְעָֽה Gibʻâh H1390 "Gibeah" Art | N-proper

Gibeah was a city in Palestine, specifically in the region of Benjamin, and was the birthplace of King Saul. The name means hill, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeah or the hill.

Definition: § Gibeah = "hill" a city of Benjamin, birthplace of king Saul

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: Gibeah, the hill. See also: Joshua 15:57; Judges 20:36; Isaiah 10:29.

Study Notes — Judges 20:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Judges 20:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:20
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:20
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:20

Context — Civil War against Benjamin

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.

20And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin and took up their battle positions at Gibeah.

21And the Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down 22,000 Israelites on the battlefield that day. 22But the Israelite army took courage and again took their battle positions in the same place where they had arrayed themselves on the first day.

Judges 20:20 Summary

In Judges 20:20, the Israelites are getting ready to fight against the Benjamites because of the evil that had been done in Gibeah. They are seeking justice and revenge, but they are also trusting in God's guidance, as seen in Judges 20:18. This verse teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His sovereignty, even in difficult situations (Psalm 37:3-7). By seeking God's guidance and trusting in Him, we can have the courage and strength to stand against evil and sin, just like the Israelites did in this verse (Romans 12:19).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites go to fight against the Benjamites?

The Israelites went to fight against the Benjamites because of the evil that had been done in Gibeah, as seen in Judges 19:1-30, and they were seeking justice and revenge, as guided by God in Judges 20:18.

What was the significance of taking up battle positions at Gibeah?

Taking up battle positions at Gibeah was a strategic move, as it was the location of the evil that had been committed, and the Israelites were seeking to confront and punish the Benjamites for their sin, as seen in Judges 20:19.

How did the Israelites know that Judah should go first in the battle?

The Israelites knew that Judah should go first in the battle because they had inquired of God in Judges 20:18, and God had replied that Judah would be first, demonstrating the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.

What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in this verse?

We can learn from the Israelites' actions the importance of seeking justice and righteousness, as well as the need to trust and obey God's guidance, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Romans 12:19.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can seek God's guidance in my own decision-making, just like the Israelites did in Judges 20:18?
How can I balance the need for justice and revenge with the need for mercy and forgiveness, as seen in this verse and in Matthew 5:38-42?
What are some ways that I can take a stand against evil and sin in my own life and community, just like the Israelites did in this verse?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, even in difficult and uncertain situations, as seen in this verse and in Psalm 23:4?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:20

And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin,.... From the place where they were encamped: and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah; not only against

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:20

And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:20

Judges 20:20 And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah. Ver. 20.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:20

20. From B; repeating the substance of Jdg 20:19 (from A). The words went out … set the battle in array against them occur in Genesis 14:8, a document probably not earlier than the exile.

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