Judges 4:18
Judges 4:18 in Multiple Translations
Jael went out to greet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, my lord. Come in with me. Do not be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket.
¶ And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle.
And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And he turned in unto her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.
And Jael went out to Sisera, and said to him, Come in, my lord, come in to me without fear. So he went into her tent, and she put a cover over him.
Jael went to meet Sisera and told him, “Come on in, my lord, come in with me. Don't be afraid.” So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a thick blanket.
And Iael went out to meete Sisera, and sayd vnto him, Turne in, my lord, turne in to me: feare not. And when he had turned in vnto her into her tent, she couered him with a mantell.
and Jael goeth out to meet Sisera, and saith unto him, 'Turn aside, my lord, turn aside unto me, fear not;' and he turneth aside unto her, into the tent, and she covereth him with a coverlet.
Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; don’t be afraid.” He came in to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.
And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in to her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle.
And Jahel went forth to meet Sisara, and said to him: Come in to me, my lord, come in, fear not. He went in to her tent, and being covered by her with a cloak,
Jael went out to greet Sisera. She said to him, “Sir, come into my tent! Do not be afraid!” So he went into the tent and lay down, and she covered him with a blanket.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 4:18
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 4:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֵּצֵ֣א
יָעֵל֮
לִ/קְרַ֣את
סִֽיסְרָא֒
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
אֵלָ֗י/ו
סוּרָ֧/ה
אֲדֹנִ֛/י
סוּרָ֥/ה
אֵלַ֖/י
אַל
תִּירָ֑א
וַ/יָּ֤סַר
אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙
הָ/אֹ֔הֱלָ/ה
וַ/תְּכַסֵּ֖/הוּ
בַּ/שְּׂמִיכָֽה
וַ/תֵּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
יָעֵל֮
Yâʻêl
H3278
Jael
N-proper
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
סִֽיסְרָא֒
Çîyçᵉrâʼ
H5516
Sisera
N-proper
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
סוּרָ֧/ה
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֲדֹנִ֛/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
סוּרָ֥/ה
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּירָ֑א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
וַ/יָּ֤סַר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הָ/אֹ֔הֱלָ/ה
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Art | N-ms | Suff
וַ/תְּכַסֵּ֖/הוּ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
בַּ/שְּׂמִיכָֽה
sᵉmîykâh
H8063
rug
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 4:18
וַ/תֵּצֵ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
יָעֵל֮
Yâʻêl
H3278
"Jael"
N-proper
Jael was a brave Canaanite woman who lived before Israel's monarchy, known for killing the general Sisera while he slept. She was married to Heber the Kenite. Her name means 'mountain goat'.
Definition: A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.4.17; married to Heber (H2268H) § Jael = "mountain goat" the wife of Heber the Kenite who killed the general Sisera as he slept by driving a peg through his temples into the ground
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Jael. See also: Judges 4:17; Judges 4:22; Judges 5:24.
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
סִֽיסְרָא֒
Çîyçᵉrâʼ
H5516
"Sisera"
N-proper
Sisera was a Canaanite king and general who was slain by Jael. His name means battle array and he is mentioned in the Bible as a conquering general under king Jabin of Hazor.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.53 § Sisera = "battle array" 1) the conquering general under king Jabin of Hazor and slain by Jael 2) ancestor of a family of temple slaves who returned from exile with Zerubbabel
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Sisera. See also: Judges 4:2; Judges 4:18; Psalms 83:10.
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
סוּרָ֧/ה
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אֲדֹנִ֛/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
סוּרָ֥/ה
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּירָ֑א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וַ/יָּ֤סַר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אֵלֶ֨י/הָ֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/אֹ֔הֱלָ/ה
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Art | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
וַ/תְּכַסֵּ֖/הוּ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
בַּ/שְּׂמִיכָֽה
sᵉmîykâh
H8063
"rug"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a rug or thick coverlet, used to sit on in ancient times. It was translated as mantle in the KJV Bible.
Definition: rug, coverlet, thick coverlet
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: mantle. See also: Judges 4:18.
Study Notes — Judges 4:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 4:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 4:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 4:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 4:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 4:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 4:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 4:18
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 4:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 4:18
Context — Jael Kills Sisera
16Then Barak pursued the chariots and army as far as Harosheth-hagoyim, and the whole army of Sisera fell by the sword; not a single man was left.
17Meanwhile, Sisera had fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
18Jael went out to greet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, my lord. Come in with me. Do not be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket.
19Sisera said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a container of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again. 20“Stand at the entrance to the tent,” he said, “and if anyone comes and asks you, ‘Is there a man here?’ say, ‘No.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 6:19 | And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. |
Judges 4:18 Summary
In this verse, Jael greets Sisera and invites him into her tent, showing kindness and hospitality. However, her ultimate intention is to defeat him, demonstrating bravery and cunning. This story reminds us that God can use anyone to accomplish great things, and that we should trust in His power and provision, just as Jael did (Judges 4:9, Psalm 46:1). By studying Jael's example, we can learn to be brave and trusting, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Jael to greet Sisera and invite him into her tent?
Jael's actions were likely motivated by a desire to show hospitality, as well as to take advantage of the opportunity to defeat Sisera, as seen in her subsequent actions (Judges 4:21).
Was Jael's actions towards Sisera an act of deception or kindness?
While Jael's words to Sisera were kind and welcoming, her ultimate intention was to defeat him, making her actions a mix of both deception and courage, similar to the actions of other biblical heroes like Ehud (Judges 3:15-23).
What can we learn from Jael's bravery in this verse?
Jael's bravery in the face of danger can be an inspiration to us, reminding us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to accomplish great things (Judges 4:9, Romans 8:28).
How does this verse relate to the broader story of God's people in the book of Judges?
This verse is part of the larger story of God's deliverance of His people from their enemies, and Jael's actions play a key role in that story, demonstrating God's power and provision (Judges 4:1-24, Exodus 15:6).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show hospitality to others, while also being mindful of my own safety and well-being?
- How can I, like Jael, be brave in the face of uncertainty or danger, and trust that God will guide and protect me?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's power and provision, rather than relying on my own strength or abilities?
- How can I use my unique gifts and circumstances to serve God and further His kingdom, just as Jael did?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 4:18
And Jael went out to meet Sisera,.... Seeing him coming, and knowing him full well, she stepped forward towards him, to invite him into her tent: some think she was looking out, that if she saw
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 4:18
And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 4:18
Fear not: this was a promise of security, and therefore she cannot be excused from dissimulation and treachery in the manner, though the substance of her act was lawful and worthy.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 4:18
Judges 4:18 And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle.Ver. 18. Turn in, my lord, turn in to me.] Fair words make fools fain: Vide cui fidas. Jael is commended by Deborah for what she did. “ Dolus an virtus, quis in hoste requirat? ” She covered him with a mantle.] Stragula villosa, with a rug or blanket, to get him the sooner asleep.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 4:18
(18) Jael went out to meet Sisera.—This makes it probable that her design was already formed, unless we suppose that Jael as a chieftainess was placed above the ordinary rules which regulate the conduct of Oriental women. As nothing is said of Heber, he may have been absent, or he may have kept out of the way in order to further his wife’s designs. Turn in to me.—Without that special invitation Sisera would not have ventured to violate every law of Oriental propriety by entering the privileged sanctuary of the harem.Fear not.—Treachery is far too common among Bedouin tribes to render the exhortation needless. She covered him with a mantle.—Rather, with the tent-rug. Evidently, the moment he was satisfied that her intentions were honest the weary and unfortunate fugitive flung himself down on the ground, or on a divan, to sleep. The word used for “mantle”—semîcah (Vulg., “pallio”; Luther, “mit einan Mantel”)—occurs nowhere else; from its root it probably means “a coverlet” (LXX., epibolaion, for which the Alexandrine Codex reads derrhis, “a skin”). A large “tent-rug” of goat’s hair is usually a part of the furniture of an Arab tent.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 4:18
Verse 18. Jael went out to meet Sisera] He preferred the woman's tent because of secrecy; for, according to the etiquette of the eastern countries, no person ever intrudes into the apartments of the women. And in every dwelling the women have a separate apartment.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 4:18
18. Turn in] turn aside, cf. Judges 19:12; Genesis 19:2-3 etc. rug] Only hereere. The exact meaning is unknown; no help is afforded by the versions.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 4:18
18. Jael went out to meet him — It is probable that tidings of Sisera’s defeat and Israel’s great victory had already reached her by some swift-footed fugitive, and she was looking out for further news, when lo!