Judges 5:21
Judges 5:21 in Multiple Translations
The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength!
The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
The river Kishon swept them away, That ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, march on with strength.
The river Kishon took them violently away, stopping their flight, the river Kishon. Give praise, O my soul, to the strength of the Lord!
The Kishon River swept them away—the old river turned into a raging torrent! I bravely march on!
The Riuer Kishon swepe them away, that ancient riuer the riuer Kishon. O my soule, thou hast marched valiantly.
The brook Kishon swept them away, The brook most ancient — the brook Kishon. Thou dost tread down strength, O my soul!
The river Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. My soul, march on with strength.
The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
The torrent of Cison dragged their carcasses, the torrent of Cadumim, the torrent of Cisoii: tread thou, my soul, upon the strong ones.
The Kishon River swept them away— that river that has been there for ages. I will tell myself to be brave and continue marching on.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 5:21
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 5:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נַ֤חַל
קִישׁוֹן֙
גְּרָפָ֔/ם
נַ֥חַל
קְדוּמִ֖ים
נַ֣חַל
קִישׁ֑וֹן
תִּדְרְכִ֥י
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
עֹֽז
נַ֤חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
קִישׁוֹן֙
Qîyshôwn
H7028
Kishon
N-proper
גְּרָפָ֔/ם
gâraph
H1640
to sweep away
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
נַ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
קְדוּמִ֖ים
qâdûwm
H6917
ancient
N-mp
נַ֣חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
קִישׁ֑וֹן
Qîyshôwn
H7028
Kishon
N-proper
תִּדְרְכִ֥י
dârak
H1869
to tread
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
עֹֽז
ʻôz
H5797
strength
N-ms
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 5:21
נַ֤חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
קִישׁוֹן֙
Qîyshôwn
H7028
"Kishon"
N-proper
Kishon is a river in central Palestine where the Israelites defeated Sisera and Elijah destroyed the prophets of Baal. The name Kishon means winding and it is mentioned in several biblical books. Kishon played a significant role in biblical history.
Definition: § Kishon = "winding" a river in central Palestine; scene of the defeat of Sisera by the Israelites in the time of the judges and the destruction of the prophets of Baal by Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kishon, Kison. See also: Judges 4:7; Judges 5:21; Psalms 83:10.
גְּרָפָ֔/ם
gâraph
H1640
"to sweep away"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To sweep away means to remove something quickly and forcefully, like a strong wind. This verb appears in the Bible to describe God's power and judgment.
Definition: (Qal) to sweep away, sweep
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: sweep away. See also: Judges 5:21.
נַ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
קְדוּמִ֖ים
qâdûwm
H6917
"ancient"
N-mp
Ancient refers to something or someone from a very long time ago. In the Bible, it is used to describe heroes from the past, like those mentioned in the book of Genesis. The concept of antiquity is important in understanding biblical history.
Definition: 1) antiquity, ancient, onrushing 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: ancient. See also: Judges 5:21.
נַ֣חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
קִישׁ֑וֹן
Qîyshôwn
H7028
"Kishon"
N-proper
Kishon is a river in central Palestine where the Israelites defeated Sisera and Elijah destroyed the prophets of Baal. The name Kishon means winding and it is mentioned in several biblical books. Kishon played a significant role in biblical history.
Definition: § Kishon = "winding" a river in central Palestine; scene of the defeat of Sisera by the Israelites in the time of the judges and the destruction of the prophets of Baal by Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kishon, Kison. See also: Judges 4:7; Judges 5:21; Psalms 83:10.
תִּדְרְכִ֥י
dârak
H1869
"to tread"
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.
Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
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.
עֹֽז
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
N-ms
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
Study Notes — Judges 5:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 5:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:21
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:21
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:21
- Sermons on Judges 5:21
Context — The Song of Deborah and Barak
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.
21The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength!
22Then the hooves of horses thundered— the mad galloping of his stallions. 23‘Curse Meroz,’ says the angel of the LORD. ‘Bitterly curse her inhabitants; for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 4:7 | And I will draw out Sisera the commander of Jabin’s army, his chariots, and his troops to the River Kishon, and I will deliver him into your hand.’” |
| 2 | Micah 7:10 | Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame— she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time she will be trampled like mud in the streets. |
| 3 | Psalms 44:5 | Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies. |
| 4 | Judges 4:13 | he summoned all nine hundred of his iron chariots and all the men with him, from Harosheth-hagoyim to the River Kishon. |
| 5 | Genesis 49:18 | I await Your salvation, O LORD. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 18:40 | Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let a single one escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there. |
| 7 | Isaiah 25:10 | For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain. But Moab will be trampled in his place as straw is trodden into the dung pile. |
| 8 | Psalms 83:9–10 | Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon, who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. |
Judges 5:21 Summary
Judges 5:21 talks about the River Kishon sweeping away the enemies of God's people, showing us God's amazing power to deliver those who trust in Him. The phrase 'march on, O my soul, in strength' reminds us to have courage and confidence in God's power, just like Moses encouraged the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:6. This verse teaches us that with God on our side, we can face any challenge and trust in His enduring presence and strength, as seen in passages like Psalm 102:27. By reflecting on God's power and deliverance, we can move forward in faith and courage, just like the Israelites did after their victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the River Kishon in Judges 5:21?
The River Kishon swept away the enemies of God's people, symbolizing God's power and deliverance, as seen in other instances like Exodus 14:21-31 where God parted the Red Sea to save the Israelites.
What does it mean to 'march on, O my soul, in strength'?
This phrase is an expression of trust and faith in God's power, urging the soul to move forward in courage and confidence, similar to the encouragement found in Deuteronomy 31:6 to be strong and courageous.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Judges 5?
Judges 5:21 is part of a song of praise and victory, celebrating how God fought for the Israelites against their enemies, as described in verses like Judges 5:19-20 where kings and stars are said to have fought against Sisera.
What can we learn from the image of the 'ancient river' in this verse?
The ancient river represents a powerful and enduring force, much like God's presence and work in our lives, which is consistent and unchanging, as expressed in Psalm 102:27 where God's years have no end.
Reflection Questions
- How have you experienced God's deliverance in your life, and how can you trust in His power today?
- What are some areas where you feel like you need to 'march on' in strength, and how can you apply faith and courage in those situations?
- Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed, and consider how the image of the River Kishon sweeping away enemies might encourage you to face challenges with confidence in God.
- In what ways can you express praise and thanksgiving to God for His victories in your life, just as the song in Judges 5 does?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:21
The river of Kishon swept them away,.... To which Sisera's army was drawn, and where it was discomfited; and very probably many of them, in their confusion, endeavoured to make their escape by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:21
The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength. The river of Kishon swept them away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:21
The river of Kishon, though not great in itself, and therefore fordable, was now much swelled and increased by the foregoing storm and rain, as Josephus affirms; and therefore drowned those who being pursued by the hand of God, and by the Israelites, were forced into it, and thought to pass over it, as they did before. That ancient river; so called, either, first, In opposition to those rivers which are of a later date, being made by the hand and art of man. Or, secondly, Because it was a river anciently famous for some remarkable exploits, for which it was celebrated by the ancient poets or writers, though not here mentioned. Thou hast trodden down strength, i.e. thou, O Deborah, though but a weak woman, hast, by God’ s assistance and blessing upon thy counsels and prayers, subdued a potent enemy. Such apostrophes and abrupt speeches are frequent in poetical scriptures.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:21
Judges 5:21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.Ver. 21. The river of Kishon swept them away.] For fear they ran into this river and there perished; which yet I, a weak woman, have manfully passed over on foot, without such danger: so Vatablus senseth the text, which he thus readeth, O my soul, thou hast trodden (that river) valiantly.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:21
(21) The river of Kishon.—Judges 4:7; Psalms 83:9. Either from this massacre, or that of the Baal priests of Elijah, the Kishon is now called the Nahr Mukatta, or “river of slaughter” (1 Kings 18:40). That ancient river.—The Vulgate renders this, “the torrent Kedumim,” and the LXX. (Cod. Vat.), “the river of the ancients” (comp. Deuteronomy 33:15). The Chaldee paraphrases it, “the torrent on whose banks illustrious deeds have been done from the ancient times of Israel.” As the Plain of Jezreel has been in all ages the battle-field of Israel, the Kishon must always have played an important part in these struggles, as when the Turks were drowned in its swollen waves on April 16th, 1799. We know, however, of no ancient fame of Kishon before these events; and some render it. “the torrent of meeting armies,” or “of slaughters” (Ewald), deriving Kedumim from an Arabic root; or “the torrent of succours,” connecting the word with Kiddeem (see Psalms 79:8, &c., Heb.). Aquila renders it by “the torrent of siroccos” (Kausônôn); and Symmachus, “the torrent of goats” (wild waves, egers, and bores). O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.—These sudden exclamations, which break the flow of the poem, add greatly to its fire and impetuosity.
The verb may be an imperative, and the Vulgate renders it, “Trample down, O my soul, the mighty.” The word “trample” recalls the image of treading the vintage.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:21
Verse 21. The river of Kishon swept them away] This gives plausibility to the above conjecture, that there was a storm at this time which produced an inundation in the river Kishon, which the routed Canaanites attempting to ford were swept away.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:21
21. swept them away] The battle must have taken place in the winter or spring, for in summer the Kishon runs low. The fate of Sisera’s host finds a parallel in the battle of Mt Tabor between the army of Napoleon and the Turks, Apr. 16, 1799, when many of the latter were drowned when attempting to escape across a part of the plain inundated by the Kishon. That ancient river] lit. torrent of antiquity, so LXX. B, Targ. (‘where the wonders and mighty deeds of old were wrought for Israel’). Another translation, based on Arabic usage, is torrent of onsets; or, developing the meaning of the root ‘be before, in front,’ we might render onrushing torrent, alluding to the swollen waters. The exact sense must remain obscure. O my soul, march on with strength] A questionable rendering, for the verb is not an imperative. The text as it stands is probably an attempt to make some sense of an ancient corruption. The line may have formed part of the previous one: ‘the torrent of Kishon trode them down mightily’—but to reconstruct the original form of the sentence is hopeless.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:21
The word translated ancient occurs only here. The phrase probably means that Kishon was celebrated from ancient times on account of the battles fought on its banks.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:21
21. The river Kishon snatched them away — This celebrated stream has two principal sources, one at the base of Mount Tabor, and the other in the large fountain of Jerrin, (En-gannim,) about fifteen
Sermons on Judges 5:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Trodden Down Strength by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the theme of spiritual warfare in his sermon 'Trodden Down Strength,' drawing inspiration from Judges 5:21. He encourages believers to march on with coura |
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Dealing With the Enemy by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the importance of a standard or banner as a powerful symbol and rallying point. He then shares a story from history about Caesar's |
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God's Anatomy Upon Man's Heart by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the omniscience of God, emphasizing that all things are naked and open before His eyes. He calls for humility, repentance, and soul-affliction in the f |
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His Power at Work Through Our Lives by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that God's power is at work through our lives when we fully trust and depend on Him, rather than relying on our own abilities or resources. He warns agains |
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(Mt Pleasant) 10. Quiet Time Tips by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in prayer. He shares that 60% of his commitment to prayer is not based on desire, but on the commitment to disci |
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Jacob Before Pharaoh by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the actions of Jacob as he is brought before Pharaoh. Joseph brings his father Jacob to Pharaoh, and Jacob blesses Pharaoh. Pastor Chu |
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Salvation by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the profound significance of Salvation, emphasizing that it is a melody unheard in hell but a sweet sound to those who embrace it. Salvation is the work of |