Judges 20:37
Judges 20:37 in Multiple Translations
The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword.
And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.
And the liers-in-wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers-in-wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.
And the watchers, rushing on Gibeah and overrunning it, put all the town to the sword without mercy.
The men from the ambush raced to attack the town, and they killed everyone in it.
And they that lay in wait hasted, and brake forth toward Gibeah, and the ambushment drewe themselues along, and smote all the citie with the edge of the sword.
and the ambush have hasted, and push against Gibeah, and the ambush draweth itself out, and smiteth the whole of the city by the mouth of the sword.
The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; then the ambushers spread out, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword.
And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.
And they that were in ambush arose on a sudden out of their coverts, and whilst Benjamin turned their backs to the slayers, went into the city, and smote it with the edge of the sword.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:37
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 20:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ/אֹרֵ֣ב
הֵחִ֔ישׁוּ
וַֽ/יִּפְשְׁט֖וּ
אֶל
הַ/גִּבְעָ֑ה
וַ/יִּמְשֹׁךְ֙
הָ/אֹרֵ֔ב
וַ/יַּ֥ךְ
אֶת
כָּל
הָ/עִ֖יר
לְ/פִי
חָֽרֶב
וְ/הָ/אֹרֵ֣ב
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
Conj | Art | V-Qal
הֵחִ֔ישׁוּ
chûwsh
H2363
to hasten
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
וַֽ/יִּפְשְׁט֖וּ
pâshaṭ
H6584
to strip
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/גִּבְעָ֑ה
Gibʻâh
H1390
Gibeah
Art | N-proper
וַ/יִּמְשֹׁךְ֙
mâshak
H4900
to draw
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/אֹרֵ֔ב
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
Art | V-Qal
וַ/יַּ֥ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
לְ/פִי
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:37
וְ/הָ/אֹרֵ֣ב
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Definition: 1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie in wait 1a2) ambush (participle as subst) 1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait. See also: Deuteronomy 19:11; Judges 20:38; Psalms 10:9.
הֵחִ֔ישׁוּ
chûwsh
H2363
"to hasten"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to hurry or be eager with excitement, often translated as to make haste. It can also mean to enjoy or feel something, conveying a sense of enthusiasm or readiness. This word is used in various contexts, including when someone is preparing for action.
Definition: 1) to haste, make haste, hurry 1a) (Qal) to make haste 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show haste, act quickly, hasten, come quickly
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n), ready. See also: Numbers 32:17; Psalms 70:2; Psalms 22:20.
וַֽ/יִּפְשְׁט֖וּ
pâshaṭ
H6584
"to strip"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to strip or remove something, like taking off clothes or plundering a place. It is used in Exodus 22:26 to describe taking a pledge from someone. The word implies a sense of removal or deprivation.
Definition: 1) to strip, invade, strip off, make a dash, raid, spread out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strip off, put off 1a2) to put off (one's shelter), make a dash 1b) (Piel) to strip 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to strip of 1c2) to strip off 1c3) to flay 1d) (Hithpael) to strip oneself of
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fall upon, flay, invade, make an invasion, pull off, put off, make a road, run upon, rush, set, spoil, spread selves (abroad), strip (off, self). See also: Genesis 37:23; 1 Chronicles 14:9; Isaiah 32:11.
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/גִּבְעָ֑ה
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.
וַ/יִּמְשֹׁךְ֙
mâshak
H4900
"to draw"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To draw can mean many things in the Bible, such as to pull or lead something, to sow seeds, or to make music. It is used in various contexts, including war, farming, and worship. The word is used in different forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to draw, drag, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw (and lift out), drag along, lead along, drag or lead off, draw down 1a2) to draw (the bow) 1a3) to proceed, march 1a4) to draw out or give (a sound) 1a5) to draw out, prolong, continue 1a6) to trail (seed in sowing) 1a7) to cheer, draw, attract, gratify 1b) (Niphal) to be drawn out 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be drawn out, be postponed, be deferred 1c2) to be tall
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: draw (along, out), continue, defer, extend, forbear, [idiom] give, handle, make (pro-, sound) long, [idiom] sow, scatter, stretch out. See also: Genesis 37:28; Psalms 85:6; Psalms 10:9.
הָ/אֹרֵ֔ב
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Definition: 1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie in wait 1a2) ambush (participle as subst) 1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait. See also: Deuteronomy 19:11; Judges 20:38; Psalms 10:9.
וַ/יַּ֥ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
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.
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
לְ/פִי
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
חָֽרֶב
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.
Study Notes — Judges 20:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 20:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:37
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:37
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:37
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:37
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:37
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:37
- Sermons on Judges 20:37
Context — Civil War against Benjamin
35The LORD defeated Benjamin in the presence of Israel, and on that day the Israelites slaughtered 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords.
36Then the Benjamites realized they had been defeated. Now the men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin because they were relying on the ambush they had set against Gibeah.
37The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword.
38The men of Israel had arranged a signal with the men in ambush: When they sent up a great cloud of smoke from the city, 39the men of Israel would turn in the battle. When the Benjamites had begun to strike them down, killing about thirty men of Israel, they said, “They are defeated before us as in the first battle.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 8:19 | and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire. |
| 2 | Joshua 6:5 | And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and all your people will charge straight into the city. ” |
| 3 | Exodus 19:13 | No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows—whether man or beast, he must not live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain. ” |
Judges 20:37 Summary
Judges 20:37 shows us how the Israelites, with God's help, were able to defeat the city of Gibeah by using a surprise attack. This verse teaches us that God is powerful and can help us in our own battles, just like He helped the Israelites (as seen in Deuteronomy 20:4). The Israelites' trust in God's plan and their strategic approach to warfare are key elements in understanding this verse, and we can apply these principles to our own lives by trusting in God's power and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can have confidence in God's ability to guide us and give us victory, even in the most challenging situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the men in ambush in Judges 20:37?
The men in ambush played a crucial role in the battle against Gibeah, as they were able to launch a surprise attack and put the whole city to the sword, fulfilling the plan set by the Israelites as seen in Judges 20:36. This tactic was similar to the one used by Joshua in Joshua 8:2-22.
Why did the Israelites rely on the ambush in Gibeah?
The Israelites relied on the ambush because they had retreated before Benjamin, hoping to lure them into a trap, as mentioned in Judges 20:36. This strategy was based on their trust in God's plan and their previous experiences with ambushes, such as in Joshua 8:2-22.
What does this verse reveal about God's role in the battle?
Judges 20:37 shows that God was actively involved in the battle, as He had already defeated Benjamin in the presence of Israel, as stated in Judges 20:35. This demonstrates God's power and control over the outcome of the battle, similar to what is seen in Deuteronomy 20:4.
How does this event relate to the overall story of the Israelites?
The event in Judges 20:37 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, as seen in the book of Joshua and the early chapters of Judges. It highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan and using strategic warfare, as exemplified in Deuteronomy 20:1-4 and Joshua 1:1-9.
Reflection Questions
- What role does trust in God's plan play in our lives, and how can we apply this principle in our daily struggles?
- How does the concept of ambush and surprise attacks relate to spiritual warfare, and what can we learn from this verse about being prepared for battle?
- In what ways can we, like the Israelites, rely on God's power and wisdom in our own battles, whether physical or spiritual?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of strategy and planning in achieving our goals, and how can we balance this with our trust in God's sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:37
And the liers in wait hasted,.... When the time was come agreed upon for them to rise out of their ambush: and rushed upon Gibeah; at unawares, with great force and violence entered the city, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:37
And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:37
Drew themselves along, or, extended themselves, i.e. whereas before they lay close and contracted into a narrow compass, now they spread themselves, and marched in rank and file, as armies do. Or, marched or went, Heb. drew their feet. So this verb is oft, used, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:37
Judges 20:37 And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew [themselves] along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.Ver. 37. And the liers in wait hasted.] Here the business is more particularly related by the parts and circumstances, that God may be the more acknowledged, and people instructed that forbearance is no quittance. There will be a later reckoning with sinners, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:37
(37) Results of the ambuscade. (Comp. Joshua 8:15; Joshua 8:19-20.) Drew themselves along.—The marginal suggestion, made a long sound with the trumpet, is untenable (See Judges 4:6.) With The edge of the sword.—See Judges 1:8; Joshua 8:24.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:37
37. hasted and rushed] as did the ambush at Ai, Joshua 8:19; but the words are different. See Judges 9:33 n. drew themselves along] Cf. Judges 4:6. But the massacre of the inhabitants anticipates the signal; the destruction of the city does not begin till the smoke is seen to rise. This half of the verse appears to be a gloss on cl. a, added by some reader who wanted to make rushed upon Gibeah more explicit.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:37
37. Drew themselves along — That is, marched forward, advanced; or, as we often say, drew on; not, as margin, made a long sound with the trumpets.
Sermons on Judges 20:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
How to Study Revival by E.A. Johnston | The video is a sermon on the topic of revival and how God has moved in former times among His people. The speaker emphasizes the importance of studying historical revivals to avoid |
|
Let God Be God by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker shares a profound statement he encountered in Nigeria. The statement, inscribed on a fisherman's boat, consists of four words that hold the secret to vi |
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Shout of Faith by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the powerful shout of faith demonstrated by the Israelites at Jericho, emphasizing the importance of unwavering faith in claiming God's promises even |