Judges 20:38
Judges 20:38 in Multiple Translations
The men of Israel had arranged a signal with the men in ambush: When they sent up a great cloud of smoke from the city,
Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city.
Now the appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers-in-wait was, that they should make a great cloud of smoke rise up out of the city.
Now the sign fixed between the men of Israel and those making the surprise attack was that when they made a pillar of smoke go up from the town,
The agreement was that they would send up a great cloud of smoke to show the town had fallen.
Also the men of Israel had appoynted a certaine time with the ambushmentes, that they should make a great flame and smoke rise vp out of the citie.
And there was the appointed sign to the men of Israel with the ambush — their causing to go up a great volume of smoke from the city.
Now the appointed sign between the men of Israel and the ambushers was that they should make a great cloud of smoke rise up out of the city.
Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke to rise from the city.
Now the children of Israel had given a sign to them, whom they had laid in ambushes, that after they had taken the city, they should make a fire: that by the smoke rising on high, they might shew that the city was taken.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:38
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 20:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/מּוֹעֵ֗ד
הָיָ֛ה
לְ/אִ֥ישׁ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
עִם
הָ/אֹרֵ֑ב
הֶ֕רֶב
לְ/הַעֲלוֹתָ֛/ם
מַשְׂאַ֥ת
הֶ/עָשָׁ֖ן
מִן
הָ/עִֽיר
וְ/הַ/מּוֹעֵ֗ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
Conj | Art | N-ms
הָיָ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
הָ/אֹרֵ֑ב
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
Art | V-Qal
הֶ֕רֶב
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
לְ/הַעֲלוֹתָ֛/ם
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
מַשְׂאַ֥ת
masʼêth
H4864
tribute
N-fs
הֶ/עָשָׁ֖ן
ʻâshân
H6227
smoke
Art | N-ms
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:38
וְ/הַ/מּוֹעֵ֗ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
Conj | Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
הָיָ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
לְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | 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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
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.
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.
הָ/אֹרֵ֑ב
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.
הֶ֕רֶב
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
לְ/הַעֲלוֹתָ֛/ם
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
מַשְׂאַ֥ת
masʼêth
H4864
"tribute"
N-fs
This word signifies a tribute or offering, often given as a gift or contribution. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or utterance. The KJV translates it as burden, collection, or gift.
Definition: 1) uprising, utterance, burden, portion, uplifting 1a) that which rises, uprising, uplifting, signal, rising 1b) utterance, oracle 1c) burden 1d) portion, present, largesse, gift, contribution, offering, tribute
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: burden, collection, sign of fire, (great) flame, gift, lifting up, mess, oblation, reward. See also: Genesis 43:34; Psalms 141:2; Jeremiah 6:1.
הֶ/עָשָׁ֖ן
ʻâshân
H6227
"smoke"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for smoke, whether literal or figurative, is used throughout the Bible. In Exodus, God appears to Moses in a cloud of smoke, while in other places it represents God's anger or judgment. Smoke can also symbolize prayer rising to God.
Definition: 1) smoke 1a) smoke 1b) in metaphor, simile 1c) smoke (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: smoke(-ing). See also: Genesis 15:17; Proverbs 10:26; Psalms 18:9.
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.
הָ/עִֽיר
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.
Study Notes — Judges 20:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 20:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:38
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:38
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 20:38
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:38
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:38
- Sermons on Judges 20:38
Context — Civil War against Benjamin
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.” 40But when the column of smoke began to go up from the city, the Benjamites looked behind them and saw the whole city going up in smoke.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 8:20 | When the men of Ai turned and looked back, the smoke of the city was rising into the sky. They could not escape in any direction, and the troops who had fled to the wilderness now became the pursuers. |
| 2 | Genesis 17:21 | But I will establish My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.” |
| 3 | 2 Kings 4:16 | And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” |
Judges 20:38 Summary
[The men of Israel had a plan to defeat the Benjamites, and it involved a secret signal, as we see in Judges 20:38. They would send up a cloud of smoke from the city, and this would be the sign for the men in ambush to attack. This shows us the importance of planning and working together, as we also see in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, where two are better than one. By trusting in God's sovereignty and working together, we can accomplish great things, just like the Israelites did in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the signal in Judges 20:38?
The signal of a great cloud of smoke from the city was a pre-arranged sign between the men of Israel and the men in ambush to indicate when to turn the battle in their favor, as seen in Judges 20:38 and Judges 20:40.
How did the men of Israel plan to defeat the Benjamites?
The men of Israel had set an ambush against Gibeah, and when they sent up a signal, the men in ambush would rush against the city, as described in Judges 20:37 and Judges 20:38.
What can we learn from the Israelites' strategy in this verse?
We can learn the importance of planning, coordination, and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 24:6 and Jeremiah 29:11, which emphasize the value of wise planning and trusting in God's plans.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of strategic planning to my own life, trusting in God's sovereignty as I make decisions?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's plans, rather than my own, and how can I do that?
- How can I use the example of the Israelites' signal to communicate more effectively with others in my own life and ministry?
- In what ways can I demonstrate faith and trust in God's power, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, as the Israelites did in Judges 20:38?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:38
Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait,.... Or an appointed time (z) as the Targum; so Kimchi and Abarbinel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:38
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:38
Judges 20:38 Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city.Ver. 38. Between the men of Israel.] That they should turn head, and renew the battle. “ Obruet hostiles ista ruina domos. ” - Ovid. Fast.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:38
(38) signal which had been agreed upon. That they should make.—Literally, multiply to cause to ascend. The actual words of the agreed on signal are quoted. For the word hereb (which is an imperative) some MSS. read chereb, “a sword,” and this is adopted by the LXX. (Cod. A). But the flash of a sword would not be seen at such a distance, and the word gives no good sense. Otherwise it would remind us of the shield, which was seen to flash in the sun as a traitorous signal from Athens to the Persians, just before the battle of Marathon. A great flame with smoke.—The margin gives elevation for “flame.” It means a column of smoke, or “beacon.” (Comp. Jeremiah 6:1 : “Set up a sign of fire in Beth-haccerem.”)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 20:38
Verse 38. Now there was an appointed sign] From this verse to the end of the chapter we have the details of the same operations which are mentioned, in a general way, in the preceding part of the chapter.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:38
38. a great cloud of smoke] Omit great (hereb, an ungrammatical form) with LXX. cod. A and mss., Syr., Vulgate, as an incorrect repetition of the preceding word (’ôrçb).
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:38
38. Make a great flame with smoke — More literally, Do greatly to make them raise an elevation of smoke from the city. δψαis a shortened Hiphil imperative, from ψαδ, and means to multiply, to increase, to do greatly.
Sermons on Judges 20:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Abraham - Only God Matters by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He expresses the need for prayers and acknowledges the challenges and effort tha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:15-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans 4 and the story of Abraham. He highlights how Abraham believed in God's promise to make him the father of many nations, even though h |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:5-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the story of Abraham and how God made a covenant with him. He emphasizes that even though Abraham didn't have any children at the time, God |