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Judges 4:19

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Judges 4:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Sisera 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.

King James Version KJV

And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.

American Standard Version ASV

And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he said to her, Give me now a little water, for I have need of a drink. And opening a skin of milk, she gave him drink, and put the cover over him again.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Please give me a bit of water to drink, because I'm thirsty,” Sisera asked her. So she opened a skin of milk, let him have a drink, and then covered him up again.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he said vnto her, Giue me, I pray thee, a litle water to drinke: for I am thirstie. And shee opened a bottel of milke, and gaue him drinke, and couered him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he saith unto her, 'Give me to drink, I pray thee, a little water, for I am thirsty;' and she openeth the bottle of milk, and giveth him to drink, and covereth him.

World English Bible WEB

He said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink; for I am thirsty.” She opened a container of milk, and gave him a drink, and covered him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he said to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Said to her: Give me, I beseech thee, a little water, for I am very thirsty. She opened a bottle of milk, and gave him to drink, and covered him.

Translation for Translators T4T

He said to her, “I’m thirsty; can you give me some water?” So she opened a leather container of milk, and gave him a drink. Then she covered him with the blanket again.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 4:19

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 4:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר אֵלֶ֛י/הָ הַשְׁקִי/נִי נָ֥א מְעַט מַ֖יִם כִּ֣י צָמֵ֑אתִי וַ/תִּפְתַּ֞ח אֶת נֹ֧אוד הֶ/חָלָ֛ב וַ/תַּשְׁקֵ֖/הוּ וַ/תְּכַסֵּֽ/הוּ
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלֶ֛י/הָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
הַשְׁקִי/נִי shâqâh H8248 to water V-Hiphil-Impv-2fs | Suff
נָ֥א nâʼ H4994 please Part
מְעַט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little N-ms
מַ֖יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
צָמֵ֑אתִי tsâmêʼ H6770 to thirst V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וַ/תִּפְתַּ֞ח pâthach H6605 to open Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
נֹ֧אוד nôʼd H4997 wineskin N-ms
הֶ/חָלָ֛ב châlâb H2461 milk Art | N-ms
וַ/תַּשְׁקֵ֖/הוּ shâqâh H8248 to water Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
וַ/תְּכַסֵּֽ/הוּ kâçâh H3680 to cover Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 4:19

וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֵלֶ֛י/הָ 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.
הַשְׁקִי/נִי shâqâh H8248 "to water" V-Hiphil-Impv-2fs | Suff
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
נָ֥א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
מְעַט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
מַ֖יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
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.
צָמֵ֑אתִי tsâmêʼ H6770 "to thirst" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to feel thirsty, either physically or spiritually, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or longing, like in Psalm 42:2 where David thirsts for God. It can also refer to a lack of something, like water or satisfaction. It is often used figuratively.
Definition: (Qal) to be thirsty
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (be a-, suffer) thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Psalms 42:3; Psalms 63:2.
וַ/תִּפְתַּ֞ח pâthach H6605 "to open" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
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.
נֹ֧אוד nôʼd H4997 "wineskin" N-ms
A 'nô''d' is a container made of skin or leather, used to hold liquids like wine or water. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'bottle' or 'wineskin', and is used to describe a common household item in ancient times.
Definition: skin, bottle, skin-bottle
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bottle. See also: Joshua 9:4; 1 Samuel 16:20; Psalms 56:9.
הֶ/חָלָ֛ב châlâb H2461 "milk" Art | N-ms
Chalab means milk, symbolizing richness and abundance. In the Bible, it can refer to the richness of cattle or the abundance of the land. This term is also used to describe white or pale things, like milk or cheese.
Definition: 1) milk, sour milk, cheese 1a) milk 1b) abundance of the land (metaph.) 1c) white (as milk)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] cheese, milk, sucking. See also: Genesis 18:8; Judges 4:19; Proverbs 27:27.
וַ/תַּשְׁקֵ֖/הוּ shâqâh H8248 "to water" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
וַ/תְּכַסֵּֽ/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.

Study Notes — Judges 4:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 5:25–26 He asked for water, and she gave him milk. In a magnificent bowl she brought him curds. She reached for the tent peg, her right hand for the workman’s hammer. She struck Sisera and crushed his skull; she shattered and pierced his temple.
2 Genesis 24:43 Here I am, standing beside this spring. Now if a maiden comes out to draw water and I say to her, ‘Please let me drink a little water from your jar,’
3 Isaiah 41:17 The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
4 John 4:7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”
5 1 Kings 17:10 So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.”

Judges 4:19 Summary

In Judges 4:19, Sisera asks Jael for a drink of water because he is thirsty, and she gives him milk instead, which shows her hospitality but also her cunning. This story teaches us to be careful who we trust and to always seek God's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. Just like Jael used her resources to serve God, we can use our own circumstances and abilities to further His kingdom, as encouraged in Matthew 25:14-30. By trusting in God and seeking His will, we can find rest and security in Him, as promised in Psalm 37:7 and Matthew 11:28-30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Sisera ask for water to drink?

Sisera asked for water to drink because he was thirsty after fleeing from the battle, as seen in Judges 4:19, and this request shows his humanity and vulnerability, much like Esau's desire for a bowl of stew in Genesis 25:29-34.

What did Jael give Sisera to drink instead of water?

Jael gave Sisera milk to drink, as stated in Judges 4:19, which may have been a common beverage in ancient times, similar to the milk given to Abraham's visitors in Genesis 18:8.

Why did Jael cover Sisera again after giving him milk?

Jael covered Sisera again to make him feel safe and to lull him into a false sense of security, as seen in Judges 4:19, which ultimately led to his demise, much like the deception of Eve by the serpent in Genesis 3:1-7.

What can we learn from Sisera's trust in Jael?

Sisera's trust in Jael, as seen in Judges 4:19, serves as a reminder to be cautious in our relationships and to trust in God above all, as Proverbs 3:5-6 advises us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can be deceived by my own trust in others, and how can I apply the lesson from Sisera's story to my life?
  2. How can I, like Jael, use my circumstances and resources to serve God and further His kingdom, as seen in Judges 4:19 and other biblical accounts?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking comfort and security in the wrong things, and how can I instead find rest in God, as encouraged in Psalm 37:7 and Matthew 11:28-30?
  4. What can I learn from Jael's bravery and cunning in dealing with Sisera, and how can I apply those lessons to my own life and relationships, as seen in Judges 4:19-21?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 4:19

And he said unto her, give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink, for I am thirsty,.... Which might be occasioned by the heat of the battle, and by the heat of the day, and by heat in running; he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 4:19

And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 4:19

Gave him milk to drink; either because she had not water in her tent, and pretended fear of discovery or some inconvenience if she went out to fetch it; or as a signification of greater respect; or as a likely mean to cast him into a sleep, which she desired and designed; to which end possibly she might mix something with it to cause sleep, which she could not so conveniently have done with water. Covered him, upon pretence of hiding him, but really to dispose him to sleep.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 4:19

Judges 4:19 And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.Ver. 19. And she opened a bottle of milk.] Ut esset potus suavior, et induceret illi somnum, saith Vatablus; that she might mend his liquor, and make him sleep; as it is the nature of milk, when drunk largely by them that are hot, to render them sleepy.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 4:19

(19) Give me, I pray thee, a little water.—The request was natural enough; but, as he had not made it at first, we may suspect that he wanted to taste food in the tent, as a way of rendering still more secure the inviolable laws of Eastern hospitality. Saladin refuses to let Reginald of Chatillon drink in his tent, because he means to kill him. A bottle of milk.—Rather, the skin of milk. The word “bottle” means, of course, a leathern bottle or skin. Josephus says that the milk was “already corrupted,” i.e., that it was butter-milk (Antt v. 6, § 5). This is quite probable, because butter-milk (lebban) is a common drink in Arab tents. When R. Tanchum adds that butter-milk inebriates, and Rashi that it produces deep sleep, and that it was her object to stupefy him, they are simply giving reins to their imagination. Josephus says, “He drank so immoderately that he fell asleep.” It might have been supposed that she would naturally offer him wine; but it is far from certain that even “must” or “unfermented wine”—much less fermented wine, which requires considerable art to make—would have been found in those poor tents; and, further, these Kenites may have been abstainers from wine, as their descendants the Rechabites were. ( Jeremiah 35:2.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 4:19

Verse 19. She opened a bottle of milk] She gave more than he requested; and her friendship increased his confidence and security.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 4:19

19. a bottle of milk] the milk-skin, the goat-skin in which the Bedouin still keep water, milk etc.; cf. Joshua 9:4 (used for wine). From Judges 5:25 we gather that Jael poured the milk into a bowl. Her hospitality gave Sisera a feeling of security. Note the contrast with Judges 5:25-27; here Sisera asks for drink, and Jael brings it after he has lain down and been covered with the tent-rug.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 4:19

19. A bottle of milk — “He asked water and she gave him milk.” Chap.Judges 5:25. Josephus states that it was milk already sour. Sour or curdled milk (lebban) is still a common and favourite drink among the Arabs.

Sermons on Judges 4:19

SermonDescription
C.H. Spurgeon Now We Have Received by C.H. Spurgeon The preacher delves into the Greek word 'huperecho,' which means to excel, be superior, and hold others in higher regard. Paul emphasizes the importance of esteeming others as more
Erlo Stegen Knowing God's Will by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who became paralyzed and was abandoned by his wife. Despite his anger and despair, the man turned to God and prayed fo
Jackie Pullinger Arrogant, Overfed, and Unconcerned by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young girl named Karen who faces many challenges in her life. Despite her difficult circumstances, Karen takes on responsibilitie
David Wilkerson The Glory of the Last Days by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses a biblical story where the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea with the enemy army behind them. He compares this situation to the challeng
Jim Cymbala God's River by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus' incarnation and sacrifice for humanity. He explains that Jesus came to earth as God in human form, performed mira
Roy Hession (The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 3. the Lord on the Side of the Poor and Needy by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the dramatic and thunderous opening of the sermon, comparing it to the witches in Hammett's play. The speaker then mentions a beaut
Compilations Consider (Compilation) by Compilations In this sermon, the preacher encourages believers to overcome the attacks of the enemy and walk in the wisdom and compassion of God. They emphasize the need to glorify Jesus Christ
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