Judges 3:24
Judges 3:24 in Multiple Translations
After Ehud was gone, Eglon’s servants came in and found the doors of the upper room locked. “He must be relieving himself in the cool room,” they said.
When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber.
Now when he was gone out, his servants came; and they saw, and, behold, the doors of the upper room were locked; and they said, Surely he is covering his feet in the upper chamber.
Now when he had gone, the king's servants came, and saw that the doors of the summer-house were locked; and they said, It may be that he is in his summer-house for a private purpose.
After he had left, the servants came and saw that the doors of the room were locked. “He must be using the toilet,” they concluded.
And when he was gone out, his seruantes came: who seeing that the doores of the parler were locked, they sayd, Surely he doeth his easement in his sommer chamber.
and he hath gone out, and his servants have come in, and look, and lo, the doors of the upper chamber are bolted, and they say, 'He is only covering his feet in the inner chamber of the wall.'
After he had gone, his servants came and saw that the doors of the upper room were locked. They said, “Surely he is covering his feet in the upper room.”
When he had gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlor were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer-chamber.
Went out by a postern door. And the king’s servants going in, saw the doors of the parlour shut, and they said: Perhaps he is easing nature in his summer parlour.
After he had gone, King Eglon’s servants came back, but they saw that the doors of the room were locked. They said, “The king must be defecating in the inner room.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 3:24
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 3:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/ה֤וּא
יָצָא֙
וַ/עֲבָדָ֣י/ו
בָּ֔אוּ
וַ/יִּרְא֕וּ
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
דַּלְת֥וֹת
הָ/עֲלִיָּ֖ה
נְעֻל֑וֹת
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
אַ֣ךְ
מֵסִ֥יךְ
ה֛וּא
אֶת
רַגְלָ֖י/ו
בַּ/חֲדַ֥ר
הַ/מְּקֵרָֽה
וְ/ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
יָצָא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/עֲבָדָ֣י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-mp | Suff
בָּ֔אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וַ/יִּרְא֕וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
דַּלְת֥וֹת
deleth
H1817
door
N-fp
הָ/עֲלִיָּ֖ה
ʻălîyâh
H5944
upper room
Art | N-fs
נְעֻל֑וֹת
nâʻal
H5274
to lock
V-Qal-Inf-c
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
מֵסִ֥יךְ
çâkak
H5526
to fence
V-Hiphil
ה֛וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רַגְלָ֖י/ו
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
בַּ/חֲדַ֥ר
cheder
H2315
chamber
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מְּקֵרָֽה
mᵉqêrâh
H4747
cool
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 3:24
וְ/ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יָצָא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
וַ/עֲבָדָ֣י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
בָּ֔אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/יִּרְא֕וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
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.
דַּלְת֥וֹת
deleth
H1817
"door"
N-fp
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
הָ/עֲלִיָּ֖ה
ʻălîyâh
H5944
"upper room"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to an upper room or a lofty place, like a stairway or a roof chamber. In 2 Kings 4:10, it describes a special room built for the prophet Elisha, showing hospitality to him. It can also symbolize a place of spiritual elevation.
Definition: roof-room, roof chamber
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: ascent, (upper) chamber, going up, loft, parlour. See also: Judges 3:20; 2 Kings 23:12; Psalms 104:3.
נְעֻל֑וֹת
nâʻal
H5274
"to lock"
V-Qal-Inf-c
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to put on shoes or sandals, as seen in Genesis 14:23. It involves fastening something up, like a sandal, and is used in various contexts, including Deuteronomy 29:5.
Definition: 1) to bar, lock, bolt 1a) (Qal) to bar, lock, bolt
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: bolt, inclose, lock, shoe, shut up. See also: Judges 3:23; 2 Samuel 13:18; Ezekiel 16:10.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
מֵסִ֥יךְ
çâkak
H5526
"to fence"
V-Hiphil
To weave means to entwine or fence in, implying protection, as seen in the Bible where it means to cover or defend something.
Definition: (Qal) to hedge, fence about, shut in
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up. See also: Exodus 25:20; Job 40:22; Psalms 5:12.
ה֛וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
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.
רַגְלָ֖י/ו
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
בַּ/חֲדַ֥ר
cheder
H2315
"chamber"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a private room or chamber, often the innermost part of a building. It is used in the Bible to describe a private space, like a bedroom or a parlour. The KJV translates it as 'inner chamber'.
Definition: chamber, room, parlour, innermost or inward part, within
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: ((bed) inner) chamber, innermost(-ward) part, parlour, [phrase] south, [idiom] within. See also: Genesis 43:30; 2 Chronicles 18:24; Psalms 105:30.
הַ/מְּקֵרָֽה
mᵉqêrâh
H4747
"cool"
Art | N-fs
This word describes a cooling off or a state of being cool. In the Bible, it is used to convey the idea of a refreshing or calming atmosphere, as seen in KJV translations related to summer. The word emphasizes a sense of relief or tranquility.
Definition: coolness, cooling
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] summer. See also: Judges 3:20; Judges 3:24.
Study Notes — Judges 3:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 3:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 3:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 3:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 3:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 3:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 3:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 3:24
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 3:24
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 3:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 3:24
- Sermons on Judges 3:24
Context — Ehud
22Even the handle sank in after the blade, and Eglon’s fat closed in over it, so that Ehud did not withdraw the sword from his belly. And Eglon’s bowels emptied.
23Then Ehud went out through the porch, closing and locking the doors of the upper room behind him.
24After Ehud was gone, Eglon’s servants came in and found the doors of the upper room locked. “He must be relieving himself in the cool room,” they said.
25So they waited until they became worried and saw that he had still not opened the doors of the upper room. Then they took the key and opened the doors—and there was their lord lying dead on the floor. 26Ehud, however, had escaped while the servants waited. He passed by the idols and escaped to Seirah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 24:3 | Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave. |
Judges 3:24 Summary
This verse shows how Eglon's servants thought he was in the cool room relieving himself because the doors were locked, but in reality, Ehud had just escaped after killing Eglon. This story teaches us about God's sovereignty and how He can use unexpected events to fulfill His plans, as seen in (Romans 8:28) and (Proverbs 16:9). It also reminds us to trust in God's timing and plans, even when things seem unclear or uncertain, just like Ehud trusted in God's plan to defeat the Moabites, as described in (Judges 3:12-30). By studying this verse, we can learn to have faith in God's power and provision in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Eglon's servants think he was relieving himself in the cool room?
The servants thought Eglon was relieving himself because the doors of the upper room were locked, and they assumed he was using the cool room for private purposes, as was a common practice in ancient times, much like the private chambers described in 2 Kings 9:6 and 2 Kings 9:11.
What can we learn from the servants' lack of concern for Eglon's well-being?
The servants' lack of concern for Eglon's well-being shows the lack of genuine care and loyalty they had for their master, highlighting the contrast between their indifference and the expectation of loyalty and honor in master-servant relationships, as seen in Ephesians 6:5-8 and Colossians 3:22-25.
How does this verse contribute to the overall story of Ehud and Eglon?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it allows Ehud to escape while the servants are waiting, ultimately leading to Eglon's discovery and the continuation of the story, illustrating God's sovereignty in the events, as seen in Proverbs 21:1 and Romans 13:1-2.
What does this verse reveal about the character of Eglon?
This verse reveals Eglon's private and possibly shameful behavior, highlighting his corruption and lack of self-control, which is in line with the description of his excesses in Judges 3:12-30, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of self-control, as taught in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and Galatians 5:22-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be more aware of the subtle ways God is working in my life, just as He was working through Ehud's escape?
- How can I apply the lesson of the servants' lack of concern for their master to my own relationships and demonstrate genuine care and loyalty to those around me?
- What are some 'locked doors' in my life that God may be using to protect me or allow me to escape from a difficult situation, and how can I trust in His sovereignty?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God and seek to honor Him in all aspects of my life, just as Ehud sought to fulfill his mission from God?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 3:24
When he was gone out, his servants came,.... When Ehud was gone through the porch, and out of the palace, the servants of Eglon, who had been put out, came to the parlour door to reassume their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 3:24
When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 3:24
Covereth his feet: this phrase is used only here and . It is commonly understood in both places, of easing nature; because the men not then wearing breeches, as we do, but long coats, they did in that act cover their feet, as women do: but a late judicious interpreter expounds it of composing himself to take a little sleep or rest, as was very usual to do in the day-time in those hot countries, 11:2. And when they did so in cool places, such as this summer parlour unquestionably was, they used to cover their feet, as appears from . And this may seem to be the more probable, both because the summer parlour was more proper for this use than for the former; and because this was a more likely reason of their long waiting at his door, lest they should disturb his repose. And this sense best agrees with Saul’ s case in the cave, when being asleep David could more securely cut off the lap of his garment, , where See Poole "". annotations.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 3:24
Judges 3:24 When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour [were] locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber.Ver. 24. Surely he covereth his feet.] Or, He doth his easement, as Saul did in the cave. The Scripture thus cleanly expressing foul things, teacheth us to beware of barbarology, and not to use broad language as the Cynics did, Atque sic committere in bonos mores.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 3:24
(24) Behold, the doors of the parlour were locked.—It never occurred to them to suppose that they could have been fastened from without. “They were not strictly on the watch, both because of the heat and because they had gone to dinner” (Jos.). Surely he covereth his feet.—They assumed that the king had fastened the door inside for the sake of privacy. The margin correctly explains the phrase “covereth his feet,” following the LXX. in both their readings (apokenoi tous podas B. pros diphrous kathçtai. A) and the “Vulgate (purgat alvum), the Chaldee, and the Syriac. Josephus gives the same explanation when alluding to the scene described in 1 Samuel 24:4 (Jos., Antt. vi. 13, § 3), though here (Antt. v. 4, § 2) he explains it erroneously of “lying down to sleep.” It is an Eastern euphemism taken from spreading out the garments while relieving the needs of nature (Bochart, Hierozoicon, i. 677). In his summer chamber.—The word used for “chamber” (cheder) is not the same as in Judges 3:20. It may mean either gynœceum, i.e., “women’s apartments,” or some “retiring place,” as rendered by the Alexandrian Codex of the LXX.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 3:24
Verse 24. He covereth his feet] He has lain down on his sofa in order to sleep; when this was done they dropped their slippers, lifted up their feet, and covered them with their long loose garments. But the versions, in general, seem to understand it as implying a certain natural act.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 3:24
24. his servants came]. It is implied that Eglon’s servants saw Ehud go out by the usual way, for they evidently believe their master to be alone, clause b; Moore. he covereth his feet] An euphemism, cf. 1 Samuel 24:3.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 3:24
He covereth his feet - Compare the marginal references. The explanation of the phrase as “taking sleep” suits both passages best.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 3:24
24. He covereth his feet — A euphemism for attention to a call of nature. See note on 1 Samuel 24:3.
Sermons on Judges 3:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 57 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, emphasizing His dual nature as God with the Father and Man with us, seated at the right hand of the Fathe |