Judges 5:18
Judges 5:18 in Multiple Translations
Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield.
Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.
Zebulun was a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death, And Naphtali, upon the high places of the field.
It was the people of Zebulun who put their lives in danger, even to death, with Naphtali on the high places of the field.
The people of Zebulun risked their lives; as did Naphtali on the high battlefields.
But the people of Zebulun and Naphtali haue ieopard their liues vnto the death in the hie places of the field.
Zebulun [is] a people who exposed its soul to death, Naphtali also — on high places of the field.
Zebulun was a people that jeopardized their lives to the death; Naphtali also, on the high places of the field.
Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives to death in the high places of the field.
But Zabulon and Nephtali offered their lives to death in the region of Merome.
But men from the tribe descended from Zebulun risked ◄their lives/were ready to die fighting► on the battlefield, and men descended from Naphtali were ready to do that, also.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 5:18
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 5:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זְבֻל֗וּן
עַ֣ם
חֵרֵ֥ף
נַפְשׁ֛/וֹ
לָ/מ֖וּת
וְ/נַפְתָּלִ֑י
עַ֖ל
מְרוֹמֵ֥י
שָׂדֶֽה
זְבֻל֗וּן
Zᵉbûwlûwn
H2074
Zebulun
N-proper
עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
חֵרֵ֥ף
châraph
H2778
to taunt
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
נַפְשׁ֛/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
לָ/מ֖וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/נַפְתָּלִ֑י
Naphtâlîy
H5321
Naphtali
Conj | N-proper
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מְרוֹמֵ֥י
mârôwm
H4791
height
N-mp
שָׂדֶֽה
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 5:18
זְבֻל֗וּן
Zᵉbûwlûwn
H2074
"Zebulun"
N-proper
Zebulun was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 30:20. The tribe and territory were also named after him.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Zebulun living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.20; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Sered (H5624), Elon (H0356H) and Jahleel (H3177) § Zebulun = "exalted" 1) the 10th of the sons of Jacob, 6th and last of Leah; progenitor of Zebulun 2) the tribe descended from Zebulun 3) the land allocated to the tribe of Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: Zebulun. See also: Genesis 30:20; Joshua 21:34; Psalms 68:28.
עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
חֵרֵ֥ף
châraph
H2778
"to taunt"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.
נַפְשׁ֛/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
לָ/מ֖וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/נַפְתָּלִ֑י
Naphtâlîy
H5321
"Naphtali"
Conj | N-proper
Naphtali was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant, and is first mentioned in Genesis 30:8. Naphtali's descendants lived in the region of Galilee.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Naphtali living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.8; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Dan (H1835H); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Jahzeel (H3183), Guni (H1476), Jezer (H3337) and Shillem (H8006) Also named: Nephthaleim (Νεφθαλείμ "Naphtali" G3508) § Naphtali = "wrestling" 1) the 5th son of Jacob and the 2nd by Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel 2) the tribe descended from Naphtali the son of Jacob 3) the territory assigned to the tribe of Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Naphtali. See also: Genesis 30:8; Judges 1:33; Psalms 68:28.
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מְרוֹמֵ֥י
mârôwm
H4791
"height"
N-mp
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
שָׂדֶֽה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
Study Notes — Judges 5:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 5:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:18
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:18
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:18
- Sermons on Judges 5:18
Context — The Song of Deborah and Barak
16Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.
17Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors.
18Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield.
19Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver. 20From the heavens the stars fought; from their courses they fought against Sisera.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 4:10 | where he summoned Zebulun and Naphtali. Ten thousand men followed him, and Deborah also went with him. |
| 2 | Judges 4:6 | She summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “Surely the LORD, the God of Israel, is commanding you: ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor, taking with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun. |
| 3 | Esther 4:16 | “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ” |
| 4 | 1 John 3:16 | By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. |
| 5 | Judges 4:14 | Then Deborah said to Barak, “Arise, for this is the day that the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone before you?” So Barak came down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him. |
| 6 | Revelation 12:11 | They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death. |
| 7 | Acts 20:24 | But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. |
Judges 5:18 Summary
Judges 5:18 tells us about two tribes, Zebulun and Naphtali, who were very brave during a war. They were willing to risk their lives to help their people, which shows a lot of faith and trust in God (as seen in Psalm 23:4). This verse teaches us that being brave for God doesn't always mean it's easy, but it's always worth it because He is with us (as promised in Joshua 1:9). By looking at the example of Zebulun and Naphtali, we can learn to be more courageous in our own lives, trusting God to guide and protect us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Zebulun and Naphtali risked their lives in Judges 5:18?
This verse highlights the bravery and willingness of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali to put themselves in harm's way for the sake of their people, much like the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32-34 who trusted God despite great danger.
How does this verse fit into the larger context of Judges 5?
Judges 5:18 stands in contrast to the previous verses, which describe the indecision and hesitation of other tribes like Reuben and Dan, emphasizing the unique courage and commitment of Zebulun and Naphtali in the face of battle.
What can we learn from the example of Zebulun and Naphtali in this verse?
The bravery of Zebulun and Naphtali encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even when faced with challenges, just as Paul exhorts in Ephesians 6:10-18 to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the enemies of our souls.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's deliverance in the book of Judges?
Judges 5:18 is part of a song that celebrates God's victory over the Canaanites, highlighting the role of human bravery and obedience in achieving God's deliverance, as seen in other accounts like Exodus 14:13-14 where God fights for His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate bravery and risk-taking in my own walk of faith, just like Zebulun and Naphtali?
- How can I trust God more fully, even when the outcome is uncertain, as these tribes did in the face of battle?
- In what areas of my life am I being called to stand firm, like Zebulun and Naphtali on the heights of the battlefield, and how can I prepare myself for these challenges?
- What does it mean for me to 'risk my life' for the sake of the Gospel or for the benefit of others, and what steps can I take to live out this kind of selfless devotion?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:18
Zebulun and Naphtali were a people,.... These two tribes were chiefly concerned in this war; out of them were the 10,000 men that followed Barak, who willingly offered themselves, and were the most
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:18
Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:18
Jeoparded, Heb. despised, or reproached, or contemned, comparatively; they chose rather to venture upon a generous and honourable death, than to enjoy a shameful and servile life. In the high places of the field, i.e. upon that large and eminent plain in the top of Mount Tabor, where they put themselves in battle-array, and expected the enemy; though when they saw he did not come up to them, they marched down to meet and fight him.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:18
Judges 5:18 Zebulun and Naphtali [were] a people [that] jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.Ver. 18. That jeoparded their lives.] Or, Devoted, exposed; and are therefore worthily renowned and never enough commended. They that "do worthily in Ephrata," shall be "famous in Bethlehem." What a name hath Seanderbeg, Hunniades, Zisca, the Black Prince, who was so called, not of his colour, but of his dreaded acts in battle! Speed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:18
(18) Jeoparded their lives.—Comp. Judges 9:7; Isaiah 53:12. The courage of Zebulon and Naphtali is contrasted with the empty debates of Reuben, the sloth of Gilead, the cowardly selfishness of Dan and Asher. In the high places of the field.—That is, on Mount Tabor. The Hebrew word is the Meroms; hence the Vulgate has in regione Merome. (Comp. Joshua 11:5; Joshua 11:7.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:18
Verse 18. Zebulun and Naphtali - jeoparded their lives] The original is very emphatic, חרף נפשו למות chereph naphsho lamuth, they desolated their lives to death - they were determined to conquer or die, and therefore plunged into the thickest of the battle. The word jeoparded is a silly French term, and comes from the exclamation of a disappointed gamester: Jeu perdu! The game is lost; or J'ai perdue! I have lost.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:18
18. In contrast to the lethargy of the tribes on the E. and N. was the heroic valour of Zebulun and Naphtali. the high places of the field] is hardly applicable to the field of battle, which was a plain; perhaps the general meaning is, the two tribes came fearlessly down from their mountain homes prepared to sacrifice all for the cause. See further on Judges 4:6.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:18
In contrast with the selfishness of the tribes just named, Deborah reverts with enthusiasm to the heroic prowess of Zebulun and Naphtali.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:18
18. Zebulun — Mentioned a second time (compare Judges 5:14) because of the extraordinary bravery and heroism of the warriors of this tribe.
Sermons on Judges 5:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Devil Is After One Thing in Your Trial by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having God's word deeply rooted within us to resist the devices of darkness. They rebuke depression and lies of the devil, |
|
A Challenge to Every Christian by Mrs. C.T. Studd | Mrs. C.T. Studd's sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's omnipotence and focusing on the eternal gains rather than temporary losses. She encourages believers to prio |
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Not for Me? Why Not? by William Edwin Boardman | William Edwin Boardman preaches about the importance of holy boldness in approaching God, highlighting the need to surrender self-complacency and embrace a deep sense of humility a |
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"Where Are the Faithful Young Men?" by John Piper | This sermon calls for a generation willing to sacrifice their lives for Christ, to live dangerously and be reckless in His service, to prioritize prayer and God's Word above all el |
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Interview on Fasting by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of fasting and its purpose in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that fasting should flow out of a lifestyle of prayer and a re |
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Let Compassion Swallow Your Fear by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about injuring his arm while running to the house. Despite the pain, he continued to preach the gospel with his son-in-law outsi |
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(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 2. Esther at the Court for Her People by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living moment by moment in God's love and receiving life from above. He shares a personal story of a woman who experienced |