Judges 20:41
Judges 20:41 in Multiple Translations
Then the men of Israel turned back on them, and the men of Benjamin were terrified when they realized that disaster had come upon them.
And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.
And the men of Israel turned, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed; for they saw that evil was come upon them.
And the men of Israel had made a turn about, and the men of Benjamin were overcome with fear, for they saw that evil had overtaken them.
they turned on their enemies. The Benjamites were horrified when they saw it and realized they were doomed.
Then the men of Israel turned againe, and the men of Beniamin were astonied: for they saw that euill was neere vnto them.
And the men of Israel have turned, and the men of Benjamin are troubled, for they have seen that the evil hath stricken against them —
The men of Israel turned, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed; for they saw that disaster had come on them.
And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil had come upon them.
They that before had made as if they fled, turning their faces stood bravely against them; which the children of Benjamin seeing, turned their backs,
Then the main group of Israeli men also saw the smoke, and they knew that the smoke signaled that they should turn around and begin to attack. The men of the tribe of Benjamin were very afraid, because they realized that they were about to suffer a disastrous defeat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:41
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 20:41 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֤ישׁ
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
הָפַ֔ךְ
וַ/יִּבָּהֵ֖ל
אִ֣ישׁ
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
כִּ֣י
רָאָ֔ה
כִּֽי
נָגְעָ֥ה
עָלָ֖י/ו
הָ/רָעָֽה
וְ/אִ֤ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הָפַ֔ךְ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יִּבָּהֵ֖ל
bâhal
H926
to dismay
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רָאָ֔ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נָגְעָ֥ה
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
הָ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:41
וְ/אִ֤ישׁ
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
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.
הָפַ֔ךְ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
וַ/יִּבָּהֵ֖ל
bâhal
H926
"to dismay"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to be alarmed or agitated, often suddenly. It's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to frightening events, like battles or natural disasters. It can also mean to hurry or act hastily.
Definition: 1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious 1a2) to be in haste, be hasty 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened 1b2) to dismay, terrify 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to hasten 1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste 1d2) to dismay, terrify
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make) haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble, vex. See also: Genesis 45:3; Psalms 6:4; Psalms 2:5.
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.
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.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רָאָ֔ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נָגְעָ֥ה
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Judges 20:41
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 20:41 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:41
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:41
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:41
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:41
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:41
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:41
- Sermons on Judges 20:41
Context — Civil War against Benjamin
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. 43They surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Peter 2:12 | These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed. |
| 2 | Luke 21:26 | Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. |
| 3 | Revelation 6:15–17 | Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” |
| 4 | Revelation 18:8–10 | Therefore her plagues will come in one day— death and grief and famine— and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.” Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” |
| 5 | Luke 17:27–28 | People were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot: People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. |
| 6 | Isaiah 33:14 | The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling grips the ungodly: “Who of us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting flames?” |
| 7 | Exodus 15:9–10 | The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. |
| 8 | Isaiah 13:8–9 | Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear. Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming— cruel, with fury and burning anger— to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it. |
| 9 | 1 Thessalonians 5:3 | While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
Judges 20:41 Summary
In Judges 20:41, the men of Israel turn back on the men of Benjamin, and the Benjamites are terrified because they realize disaster has come upon them. This is because they had refused to punish the wicked men in their tribe, and now they are facing the consequences. This verse teaches us about the importance of repentance and the dangers of sin, as seen in 1 John 1:9. We must be careful not to tolerate sin in our own lives, and instead trust in God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening in Judges 20:41, and why are the men of Benjamin terrified?
In Judges 20:41, the men of Israel are turning back on the men of Benjamin, and the Benjamites are terrified because they realize disaster has come upon them, much like the disaster that came upon Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24-25. This turn of events is a direct result of the Benjamites' refusal to punish the wicked men in their tribe, as seen in Judges 20:13.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Judges 20?
Judges 20:41 is a pivotal moment in the story, as it marks the turning point in the battle between the men of Israel and the men of Benjamin. The men of Benjamin had been confident in their abilities, but when they saw the city going up in smoke, they realized their mistake, much like the mistake of the Egyptians in Exodus 14:25.
What can we learn from the men of Benjamin's mistake in this verse?
The men of Benjamin's mistake serves as a warning to us about the dangers of sin and the importance of repentance, as seen in 1 John 1:9. Their refusal to punish the wicked men in their tribe led to disaster, and we must be careful not to tolerate sin in our own lives, lest we suffer similar consequences, as warned in Revelation 2:16.
How does God's judgment in this verse relate to His character?
God's judgment in Judges 20:41 is a demonstration of His holiness and justice, as seen in Isaiah 30:18. God is a God of love, but He is also a God of justice, and He will not tolerate sin, as stated in Psalm 7:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tolerating sin, and how can I repent and turn to God?
- How can I apply the lesson of the men of Benjamin's mistake to my own relationships and community?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate God's love and justice in my own life, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when I don't understand the circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:41
And when the men of Israel turned again,.... Turned their faces to the Benjaminites, on whom they had turned their backs; and which they did on hearing the sound of the trumpet, or seeing the flame
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:41
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 20:41
The men of Benjamin were amazed, because of their great disappointment, and the present danger wherewith they were surrounded on every side.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:41
Judges 20:41 Evll was come upon them.] Heb., Touched them; that they were lost.Ver. 41. Evll was come upon them.] Heb., Touched them; that they were lost.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:41
(41) And when the men of Israel turned again.—Another detail of the rally described in Judges 20:33, and its effect (Judges 20:34).
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:41
41. amazed] An archaism in English, for bewildered; cf. St Mark 10:32, 1 Peter 3:6 (AV., contrast RV.).
Sermons on Judges 20:41
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Characteristics of False Prophets by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning false prophets and teachers who bring destructive heresies, denying essential truths of the Gospel. It highlights the need to fo |
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2 Peter 2:16 by John Gill | John Gill discusses the story of Balaam, emphasizing his covetousness and desire to curse Israel despite God's command to bless them. He highlights how Balaam's madness was rebuked |
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2 Peter 2:12 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:12, illustrating how certain individuals have descended to a level below that of animals, acting without reason and understanding. He emphasizes the |
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When the Heart Lights Go On by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of being corrupted, emphasizing the physical and moral harm caused by corruption, leading to decay, ruin, and destruction. The root word 'phthe |
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A Prophetic Message by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher warns of fearful times ahead and the calamities that will come upon the nation. However, he encourages the listeners not to fear but to run to God in t |
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God Is Our Refuge & Strength by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's word and not being swayed by negative news or pessimistic talk. He encourages the audience, especially th |
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God Is Good (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of leaving behind the old flesh and dedicating oneself to prayer, supplication, fasting, and spending time with the Lord. The |