Judges 20:40
Judges 20:40 in Multiple Translations
But 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.
But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven.
But when the cloud began to arise up out of the city in a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them; and, behold, the whole of the city went up in smoke to heaven.
Then the sign went up out of the town in the pillar of smoke, and the Benjamites, turning back, saw all the town going up in smoke to heaven.
However, when the Israelites saw the columns of smoke rising heavenwards to form a great cloud over the whole of the town,
But when the flame bega to arise out of the citie, as a pillar of smoke, the Beniamites looked backe, and behold, the flame of the citie began to ascend vp to heauen.
and the volume hath begun to go up from the city — a pillar of smoke — and Benjamin turneth behind, and lo, gone up hath the perfection of the city toward the heavens.
But when the cloud began to arise up out of the city in a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them; and behold, the whole city went up in smoke to the sky.
But when the flame began to rise from the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjaminites looked behind them, and behold, the flame of the city ascended to heaven.
And perceived as it were a pillar of smoke rise up from the city; and Benjamin looking back, saw that the city was taken, and that the flames ascended on high:
But then smoke from the burning buildings began to rise up from the city. The men of the tribe of Benjamin turned around and saw that the whole city was burning.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:40
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 20:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/מַּשְׂאֵ֗ת
הֵחֵ֛לָּה
לַ/עֲל֥וֹת
מִן
הָ/עִ֖יר
עַמּ֣וּד
עָשָׁ֑ן
וַ/יִּ֤פֶן
בִּנְיָמִן֙
אַחֲרָ֔י/ו
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
עָלָ֥ה
כְלִיל
הָ/עִ֖יר
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיְמָ/ה
וְ/הַ/מַּשְׂאֵ֗ת
masʼêth
H4864
tribute
Conj | Art | N-fs
הֵחֵ֛לָּה
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
לַ/עֲל֥וֹת
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
עַמּ֣וּד
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
N-ms
עָשָׁ֑ן
ʻâshân
H6227
smoke
N-ms
וַ/יִּ֤פֶן
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּנְיָמִן֙
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
אַחֲרָ֔י/ו
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
עָלָ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כְלִיל
kâlîyl
H3632
entire
Adj
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיְמָ/ה
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:40
וְ/הַ/מַּשְׂאֵ֗ת
masʼêth
H4864
"tribute"
Conj | Art | 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.
הֵחֵ֛לָּה
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
לַ/עֲל֥וֹת
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
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/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.
עַמּ֣וּד
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.
Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.
עָשָׁ֑ן
ʻâshân
H6227
"smoke"
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.
וַ/יִּ֤פֶן
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
בִּנְיָמִן֙
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.
אַחֲרָ֔י/ו
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
עָלָ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
כְלִיל
kâlîyl
H3632
"entire"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means something that is complete or entire, like a whole burnt offering to God. It is used in passages like Leviticus 6:23 and 22:17, and symbolizes perfection or entirety, often in the context of sacrifices and worship.
Definition: adj 1) entire, all, perfect adv 2) entirety subst 3) whole, whole burnt offering, holocaust, entirety
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: all, every whit, flame, perfect(-ion), utterly, whole burnt offering (sacrifice), wholly. See also: Exodus 28:31; Judges 20:40; Psalms 51:21.
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.
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיְמָ/ה
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
Study Notes — Judges 20:40
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Civil War against Benjamin
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.
41Then the men of Israel turned back on them, and the men of Benjamin were terrified when they realized that disaster had come upon them. 42So they fled before the men of Israel toward the wilderness, but the battle overtook them, and the men coming out of the cities struck them down there.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 | Revelation 19:3 | And a second time they called out: “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever.” |
| 3 | Genesis 19:28 | He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of the plain, and he saw the smoke rising from the land like smoke from a furnace. |
| 4 | Song of Solomon 3:6 | Who is this coming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, scented with myrrh and frankincense from all the spices of the merchant? |
| 5 | Joel 2:30 | I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. |
Judges 20:40 Summary
This verse tells us that when the Benjamites saw the city going up in smoke, they realized they were in trouble and tried to run away. It's like when we finally see the consequences of our actions and realize we need to turn to God for help, as mentioned in Proverbs 28:13. The smoke was a signal to the men of Israel to turn back and fight, and it was also a sign of God's judgment on the Benjamites for their sin, similar to what is seen in Numbers 16:35. This reminds us that God is always in control and will bring about justice in His timing, as seen in Psalm 37:7-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the signal that the men of Israel had arranged with the men in ambush?
The signal was a great cloud of smoke from the city, as mentioned in Judges 20:38, which would indicate to the men of Israel to turn back in the battle.
Why did the Benjamites look behind them and see the whole city going up in smoke?
The Benjamites looked behind them and saw the whole city going up in smoke because the men of Israel had set the city on fire, as indicated by the column of smoke rising from the city, fulfilling the signal in Judges 20:38.
What was the result of the Benjamites seeing the city in smoke?
When the Benjamites saw the city in smoke, they were terrified and realized that disaster had come upon them, as mentioned in Judges 20:41, leading them to flee in fear.
How does this event relate to God's judgment on sin?
This event can be seen as an example of God's judgment on sin, as the Benjamites had refused to punish the wicked men in their tribe, leading to God's intervention and judgment, similar to what is seen in Genesis 18:20-33 and Deuteronomy 32:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God uses unexpected events to bring about His plans and purposes, as seen in this verse?
- How can I apply the lesson of the Benjamites' mistake of underestimating their enemies to my own life and spiritual battles?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of being aware of my surroundings and the potential consequences of my actions?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when things seem to be going against me, as the men of Israel did in this story?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:40
But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke,.... Fire being set to it by the liers in wait, who had entered it, and who made a large fire, which caused a vast pillar
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:40
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 20:40
Judges 20:40 But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven.Ver. 40. The flame of the city.] To be an example of that rule, that great sins bring great punishments from God, as Herodotus wisely observeth of the destruction of Troy by fire.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:40
(40) When the flame began to arise up.—Rather, when the column (of smoke), as in Judges 20:38. The flame of the city.—Literally, the whole of the city—i.e., the universal conflagration—a very powerful expression. (LXX., συντέλειατῆςπόλεως.)
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:40
40. looked behind them] Cf. Joshua 8:20. It almost seems as if the account of the capture of Ai by a similar stratagem had influenced the present narrative. the whole of the city] Cf. Deuteronomy 13:16 ‘and thou shalt burn the city with fire as a whole offering unto Jehovah thy God’; but perhaps the word is hardly intended to bear its technical sense of holocaust here.
Sermons on Judges 20:40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Day 257, Revelation 19 by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the battle of Armageddon, where Jesus swiftly defeats the great harlot, the beast, the false prophet, and their deluded armies, sealing their fate befo |
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God's Fire in Your Life by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the manifestation of God's power through dreams, visions, and signs and wonders. He emphasizes the importance of discerning between genuine r |
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Facing Your Fears - Part 2 by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the doctrine of the wrath of God and its significance in the last days. He emphasizes that the closer one walks with God, the more likely the |
|
What's Next? by Chuck Smith | The video titled "Jihad in America" explores the recruitment of young Muslims for the Jihad against the United States. It shows Muslim leaders giving speeches about using terrorism |
|
The Apocalypse - the Rapture and the Revelation by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consummation of evil in the world. He mentions a recent announcement by the Boy Scouts to potentially lift their ban on homosexuality, wh |
|
What Sort of Persons Ought You to Be? by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper focuses on the topic of the end of the age and the second coming of Jesus. He emphasizes that the world's skepticism and disbelief in the return o |