Judges 3:26
Judges 3:26 in Multiple Translations
Ehud, however, had escaped while the servants waited. He passed by the idols and escaped to Seirah.
And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.
And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirah.
But Ehud had got away while they were waiting and had gone past the stone images and got away to Seirah.
While the servants delayed acting, Ehud escaped, passing the stone idols and on to Seirah.
So Ehud escaped (while they taried) and was passed the quarris, and escaped vnto Seirah.
And Ehud escaped during their tarrying, and hath passed by the images, and is escaped to Seirath.
Ehud escaped while they waited, passed beyond the stone idols, and escaped to Seirah.
And Ehud escaped while they tarried; and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped to Seirath.
But Aod, while they were in confusion, escaped, and passed by the place of the idols, from whence he had returned. And he came to Seirath:
Meanwhile, Ehud escaped. He passed by the stone carvings and arrived at Seirah, in the hilly area where the descendants of Ephraim lived.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 3:26
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 3:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵה֥וּד
נִמְלַ֖ט
עַ֣ד
הִֽתְמַהְמְהָ֑/ם
וְ/הוּא֙
עָבַ֣ר
אֶת
הַ/פְּסִילִ֔ים
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֖ט
הַ/שְּׂעִירָֽתָ/ה
וְ/אֵה֥וּד
ʼÊhûwd
H164
Ehud
Conj | N-proper
נִמְלַ֖ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
עַ֣ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הִֽתְמַהְמְהָ֑/ם
mâhahh
H4102
to delay
V-f-Inf-a | Suff
וְ/הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
עָבַ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/פְּסִילִ֔ים
pᵉçîyl
H6456
idol
Art | N-mp
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֖ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/שְּׂעִירָֽתָ/ה
Sᵉʻîyrâh
H8167
Seirah
Art | N-proper | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 3:26
וְ/אֵה֥וּד
ʼÊhûwd
H164
"Ehud"
Conj | N-proper
Ehud was a judge of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin, known for delivering Israel from Moab, as seen in the book of Judges. His name means 'I will give thanks' or 'undivided, union'.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.10; son of: Bilhan (H1092H); brother of: Jeush (H3266H), Benjamin (H1144H), Chenaanah (H3668H), Zethan (H2133), Tarshish (H8659I) and Ahishahar (H0300) § Ehud = "I will give thanks: I will be praised" or "undivided, union" in (1Ch. 8:6) only 1) Benjamite judge of Israel, deliverer of Israel from Moab 2) another Benjamite, son of Bilhan (1Ch 8:6)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Ehud. See also: Judges 3:15; Judges 3:23; 1 Chronicles 7:10.
נִמְלַ֖ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
עַ֣ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הִֽתְמַהְמְהָ֑/ם
mâhahh
H4102
"to delay"
V-f-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to delay or linger, often implying a sense of reluctance or hesitation, like in Judges 5:28 when Sisera's mother waits for her son to return. It can also mean to tarry or wait, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in KJV translations as delay or linger.
Definition: (Hithpalpel) to linger, tarry, wait, delay
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: delay, linger, stay selves, tarry. See also: Genesis 19:16; Judges 19:8; Psalms 119:60.
וְ/הוּא֙
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.
עָבַ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
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.
הַ/פְּסִילִ֔ים
pᵉçîyl
H6456
"idol"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to an idol or carved image, often used to describe false gods or objects of worship. It is sometimes translated as graven image or quarry, emphasizing the act of carving or shaping the idol. This concept is seen in the Bible as a form of rebellion against God.
Definition: image, idol, graven image Another spelling of pe.sel (פֶּ֫סֶל "idol" H6459)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: carved (graven) image, quarry. See also: Deuteronomy 7:5; Psalms 78:58; Isaiah 10:10.
וַ/יִּמָּלֵ֖ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
הַ/שְּׂעִירָֽתָ/ה
Sᵉʻîyrâh
H8167
"Seirah"
Art | N-proper | Suff
Seirah is a place in Palestine, possibly located in southeast Ephraim, as mentioned in Joshua 15:10.
Definition: § Seirath = "the shaggy" a place probably in southeast Ephraim
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Seirath. See also: Judges 3:26.
Study Notes — Judges 3:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Judges 3:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 3:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 3:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 3:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 3:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 3:26
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 3:26
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 3:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 3:26
Context — Ehud
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.
27On arriving in Seirah, he blew the ram’s horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites came down with him from the hills, and he became their leader. 28“Follow me,” he told them, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and they did not allow anyone to cross over.Judges 3:26 Summary
This verse tells us that Ehud escaped from the palace after killing Eglon, and he went to Seirah to rally the Israelites and lead them to victory over the Moabites. Ehud's escape was a key part of God's plan to deliver the Israelites, as seen in Judges 3:28, and it shows us that God can use unexpected and courageous actions to accomplish His purposes, just like He did when He delivered the Israelites from Egypt, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14. By trusting in God's plan and being brave like Ehud, we can be a part of God's work in the world, as encouraged in Isaiah 41:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ehud escape while the servants waited?
Ehud escaped while the servants waited because he had already accomplished his mission of killing Eglon, and it was time for him to leave and rally the Israelites, as seen in Judges 3:26 and Judges 3:27.
What is the significance of Ehud passing by the idols?
Ehud passing by the idols in Judges 3:26 may symbolize his rejection of the idolatrous practices of the Moabites and his commitment to the one true God of Israel, similar to the instruction in Deuteronomy 7:5 to destroy the idols of the nations they would conquer.
Where is Seirah and why is it significant?
Seirah is likely a location in the hill country of Ephraim, and it is significant because it is where Ehud went to rally the Israelites and lead them to victory over the Moabites, as seen in Judges 3:26-27, and it may be related to the area where the tribe of Ephraim was settled, as mentioned in Joshua 16:5.
How does Ehud's escape relate to God's plan?
Ehud's escape in Judges 3:26 is a part of God's plan to deliver the Israelites from the Moabites, as stated in Judges 3:28, and it demonstrates God's power and providence in the lives of His people, similar to the way God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Ehud's bravery and cunning in this verse, and how can we apply those lessons to our own lives?
- How does Ehud's rejection of the idols in this verse relate to our own struggles with idolatry, and what can we do to rid our lives of idols?
- What role does trust in God's plan play in Ehud's escape, and how can we cultivate that kind of trust in our own lives?
- How does this verse contribute to the overall story of God's redemption and deliverance of His people, and what implications does that have for our own understanding of God's work in the world?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 3:26
And Ehud escaped while they tarried,.... While the servants of the king of Moab tarried waiting for the opening of the doors of the parlour, this gave him time enough to make his escape, so as to be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 3:26
And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 3:26
Judges 3:26 And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.Ver. 26. And Ehud escaped while they tarried.] So did Montgomery, Carnutensis, and other prime Protestants in the massacre of Paris, when lodging in the suburbs, and hearing the tumult within the city, though at first they could not tell what to make of it, yet afterwards they fled with all speed before the Duke of Guise, when his cut-throats came, who pursued a great way, but could not overtake them, God, by his providence, so ordering that, when the city gates were to be opened, the right keys could not presently be found. Epitome Hist. Gallic., 148.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 3:26
(26) Unto Seirath.—Perhaps, rather, into the bush, or woodland, as the word has the article, and does not occur again. When he had got beyond the frontier post of Gilgal, into the district of Ephraim, he was safe from pursuit.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 3:26
Verse 26. Passed beyond the quarries] Beyond the pesilim, which appear to have been the Moabitish borders, where they had set up those hewn stones as landmarks, or sacred boundary stones.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 3:26
26. and passed beyond the quarries] lit. he having passed the sculptured stones. The construction in Hebr. (a circumstantial clause dependent on the preceding) is harsh and awkward: it is accounted for if we may suppose that clause b (‘and passed … unto Seirah’) is a doublet of clause a. The repetition of he escaped looks as if this were the case. Instead of passed the sculptured stones we should probably translate crossed (i.e. the river Jordan, not mentioned but implied in the general situation) near the sculptured stones, cf. Judges 3:19; for crossed without an expressed object cf. Genesis 32:21 [22 Heb.], 2 Samuel 17:16; for the prep, near cf. Judges 3:19 and Judges 4:11. unto Seirah] Se‘îrah, somewhere on the nearer highlands of Ephraim; otherwise unknown.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 3:26
Seirath - “The forest” or “weald,” which evidently bordered on the cultivated plain near Gilgal, and extended into “the mountain or hill country of Ephraim.” Once there, he was safe from pursuit
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 3:26
26. Seirath is unknown. Its name indicates that it was a wooded district of Mount Ephraim.