Judges 4:23
Judges 4:23 in Multiple Translations
On that day God subdued Jabin king of Canaan before the Israelites.
So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel.
So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel.
So that day God overcame Jabin, king of Canaan, before the children of Israel.
That day God defeated Jabin, king of Canaan, in the presence of the Israelites.
So God brought downe Iabin the King of Canaan that day before the children of Israel.
And God humbleth on that day Jabin king of Canaan before the sons of Israel,
So God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel on that day.
So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel.
So God that day humbled Jabin the king of Chanaan before the children of Israel:
On that day God enabled the Israelis to defeat the army of Jabin, the king of the people of Canaan.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 4:23
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 4:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּכְנַ֤ע
אֱלֹהִים֙
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/ה֔וּא
אֵ֖ת
יָבִ֣ין
מֶֽלֶךְ
כְּנָ֑עַן
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יַּכְנַ֤ע
kânaʻ
H3665
be humble
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יָבִ֣ין
Yâbîyn
H2985
Jabin
N-proper
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
כְּנָ֑עַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
Canaan
N-proper
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 4:23
וַ/יַּכְנַ֤ע
kânaʻ
H3665
"be humble"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be humble means to bend your knee and submit to someone or something, like God. In the Bible, it's about being lowly and under God's authority. It appears in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to be humble, be humbled, be subdued, be brought down, be low, be under, be brought into subjection 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to humble oneself 1a2) to be humbled, be subdued 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to humble 1b2) to subdue
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bring down (low), into subjection, under, humble (self), subdue. See also: Leviticus 26:41; 2 Chronicles 12:12; Psalms 81:15.
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | 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.
אֵ֖ת
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.
יָבִ֣ין
Yâbîyn
H2985
"Jabin"
N-proper
Jabin was the name of two Canaanite kings who lived before Israel's monarchy. One of them organized a confederacy against Joshua, while the other's general, Sisera, was defeated by Barak. The KJV translates it as 'Jabin'.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.4.2 § Jabin = "whom God observes" 1) a king of Hazor who organised a confederacy of the northern princes against Joshua; confederacy routed by the waters of Merom 2) another king of Hazor whose general, Sisera, was defeated by Barak
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Jabin. See also: Joshua 11:1; Judges 4:17; Psalms 83:10.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
כְּנָ֑עַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
"Canaan"
N-proper
Canaan was a son of Ham and the name of the country where he lived, which is now modern-day Israel. The Canaanites were known for being merchants and traders, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.9.18; son of: Ham (H2526); brother of: Cush (H3568), Egypt (H4714) and Put (H6316); father of: Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: Canaan, merchant, traffick. See also: Genesis 9:18; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 105:11.
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
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.
Study Notes — Judges 4:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jael Kills Sisera
21But as he lay sleeping from exhaustion, Heber’s wife Jael took a tent peg, grabbed a hammer, and went silently to Sisera. She drove the peg through his temple and into the ground, and he died.
22When Barak arrived in pursuit of Sisera, Jael went out to greet him and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man you are seeking.” So he went in with her, and there lay Sisera dead, with a tent peg through his temple.
23On that day God subdued Jabin king of Canaan before the Israelites.
24And the hand of the Israelites grew stronger and stronger against Jabin king of Canaan until they destroyed him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 9:24 | So their descendants went in and possessed the land; You subdued before them the Canaanites dwelling in the land. You delivered into their hands the kings and peoples of the land, to do with them as they wished. |
| 2 | Psalms 18:47 | the God who avenges me and subdues nations beneath me, |
| 3 | Psalms 18:39 | You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me. |
| 4 | Psalms 47:3 | He subdues nations beneath us, and peoples under our feet. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 15:28 | And when all things have been subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will be made subject to Him who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 22:18 | “Is not the LORD your God with you, and has He not granted you rest on every side? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land has been subdued before the LORD and His people. |
| 7 | Hebrews 11:33 | who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, |
| 8 | Psalms 81:14 | how soon I would subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes! |
Judges 4:23 Summary
[On that day, God helped the Israelites defeat their enemy, Jabin king of Canaan, just like He promised to do in Deuteronomy 1:30. This shows that God is powerful and faithful to His people. When we trust in God, like the Israelites did, He can give us victory over our challenges, just as He did for them (1 Corinthians 15:57). We can have confidence in God's power and love for us, and trust Him to help us overcome anything that comes our way.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to subdue Jabin king of Canaan?
This means that God gave the Israelites victory over their enemy, Jabin, just like He promised in Deuteronomy 1:30. God is the one who fights for His people and gives them the strength they need to overcome their enemies.
Why is this event significant in the history of the Israelites?
This event is significant because it shows how God keeps His promises to His people, as seen in Genesis 12:3 and Exodus 23:22. The Israelites' victory over Jabin king of Canaan is a reminder of God's power and faithfulness.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Judges 4?
This verse is the culmination of the story in Judges 4, where God uses Deborah, Barak, and Jael to defeat the Canaanite army led by Sisera. It highlights God's sovereignty and His use of unlikely heroes to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Judges 4:21-22.
What can we learn from God's subduing of Jabin king of Canaan?
We can learn that God is the one who gives us victory over our enemies, whether they are physical or spiritual, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:57 and Romans 8:37. We can trust in His power and faithfulness to overcome any challenge we face.
Reflection Questions
- How have I seen God's power and faithfulness in my own life, and how can I trust Him more?
- What are some 'enemies' that I am facing in my life, and how can I trust God to give me victory over them?
- How can I, like the Israelites, acknowledge God's role in my life and give Him the glory for my victories?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character, and how can I apply that to my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 4:23
So God subdued on that day Jabin king of Canaan before the children, of Israel.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 4:23
Judges 4:23 So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel.Ver. 23. So God subdued on that day Jabin.] By the death of his general and destruction of his forces. See Judges 4:16.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 4:23
(23) So God subdued.—The word used for God is here Elohim, while Jehovah occurs through the rest of the narrative. We are not yet in a position to formulate the law which regulates the interchange of these names. It need hardly be added that this attribution of the deliverance of Israel to God’s providence and aid does not necessarily involve the least approval of the false and cruel elements which stained the courage and faith of Jael. Though God overrules even criminal acts to the fulfilment of His own purposes, the crimes themselves meet with their own just condemnation and retribution. This may be seen decisively in the case of Jehu. His conduct, like that of Jael, was of a mixed character. He was an instrument in the hands of God to punish and overthrow the guilty house of Ahab, and in carrying out this Divine commission, he, too, showed dauntlessness and faith, yet his atrocious cruelty is justly condemned by the voice of the prophet (Hosea 1:4), just as that of Baasha had been (1 Kings 16:7), though he, too, was an instrument of Divine retribution. To explain this clause, and the triumphal cry of Deborah—“So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord”—as Bishop Wordsworth does, to mean that “the work of Jael is represented by the sacred writer as the work of God,” is to claim Divine sanction for a wish that wicked or hostile powers should always “so” perish by cruel and treacherous assassination. At the same time, Jael must not be classed with women actuated only by a demoniacal thirst for vengeance, like Criemhild, in the Niebelungen; or even with Aretophila, of Cyrene, whom Plutarch so emphatically praises (On the Virtues of Women, p. 19, quoted by Cassel); but rather with women like Judith in ancient, or Charlotte Corday in modern times, who regarded themselves as the champions of a great and good cause.
Sermons on Judges 4:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Delivered by a Cry by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude to God for his love, mercy, and grace. The sermon then focuses on the story of the Israelites in the book of Judges, spec |
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How Clean Are Your Hands? by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean hands and righteousness before God, highlighting how God rewards those who walk in integrity and keep His ways. Throug |
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The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 8 by William Gurnall | William Gurnall preaches about the strengthening power of sincerity in a Christian's spirit, emphasizing how sincerity acts as a girdle that fortifies the believer in their spiritu |
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Two Natures by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the development of spiritual life within their fellowship. They observe that in the past, relationships were based on fleshly values and onl |
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My Early Life as an Infidel by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's victory over man's rebellion for salvation. He refers to Psalm 14:1 and highlights the significance of two italicize |
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The Power of Truth by John Follette | John Follette preaches about the process of being made ready for the day when we will be released from our earthly limitations and fully experience God's presence. He emphasizes th |
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Letter: 9e 27 Mrs Ord, Hereford, 1838 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby addresses Mrs. Ord regarding the distinction between Christ's kingdom as Man and His divine glory as God, emphasizing that the kingdom given to Christ is separate |