Judges 5:22
Judges 5:22 in Multiple Translations
Then the hooves of horses thundered— the mad galloping of his stallions.
Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.
Then did the horsehoofs stamp By reason of the prancings, the prancings of their strong ones.
Then loudly the feet of the horses were sounding with the stamping, the stamping of their war-horses.
Then the horses' hooves flailed loudly, his stallions stampeded.
Then were the horsehooues broken with the oft beating together of their mightie men.
Then broken were the horse-heels, By pransings — pransings of its mighty ones.
Then the horse hoofs stamped because of the prancing, the prancing of their strong ones.
Then were the horse's hoofs broken by the means of the prancings, the prancings of their mighty ones.
The hoofs of the horses were broken whilst the stoutest of the enemies fled amain, and fell headlong down.
The hooves of the horses of Sisera’s army pounded the ground. Those powerful horses kept galloping along.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 5:22
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 5:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֥ז
הָלְמ֖וּ
עִקְּבֵי
ס֑וּס
מִֽ/דַּהֲר֖וֹת
דַּהֲר֥וֹת
אַבִּירָֽי/ו
אָ֥ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
הָלְמ֖וּ
hâlam
H1986
to smite
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עִקְּבֵי
ʻâqêb
H6119
heel
N-mp
ס֑וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-ms
מִֽ/דַּהֲר֖וֹת
dahăhar
H1726
rushing
Prep | N-fp
דַּהֲר֥וֹת
dahăhar
H1726
rushing
N-fp
אַבִּירָֽי/ו
ʼabbîyr
H47
mighty
Adj | 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 5:22
אָ֥ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
הָלְמ֖וּ
hâlam
H1986
"to smite"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To smite means to strike down or conquer, like God smiting the Egyptians in Exodus 3:20. It can also mean to hammer or overcome, as in Jeremiah 23:29.
Definition: (Qal) to smite, strike, hammer, strike down
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: beat (down), break (down), overcome, smite (with the hammer). See also: Judges 5:22; Psalms 141:5; Psalms 74:6.
עִקְּבֵי
ʻâqêb
H6119
"heel"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to the heel of the foot or a footprint. It is used in Genesis 3:15 to describe the serpent's punishment, where it will bruise the heel of the seed of the woman. The word can also describe the rear of an army.
Definition: 1) heel, rear, footprint, hinder part, hoof, rear of a troop, footstep 1a) heel 1b) mark of heel, footprint 1c) hinder part, rear
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: heel, (horse-) hoof, last, lier in wait (by mistake for H6120 (עָקֵב)), (foot-) step. See also: Genesis 3:15; Job 18:9; Psalms 41:10.
ס֑וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
מִֽ/דַּהֲר֖וֹת
dahăhar
H1726
"rushing"
Prep | N-fp
This word describes something or someone rushing or moving quickly, like a horse dashing. It is used to describe energetic movement.
Definition: dashing, rushing, galloping
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: pransing. See also: Judges 5:22.
דַּהֲר֥וֹת
dahăhar
H1726
"rushing"
N-fp
This word describes something or someone rushing or moving quickly, like a horse dashing. It is used to describe energetic movement.
Definition: dashing, rushing, galloping
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: pransing. See also: Judges 5:22.
אַבִּירָֽי/ו
ʼabbîyr
H47
"mighty"
Adj | Suff
A term used to describe something or someone as mighty or strong, often referring to God or powerful animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's power, like in Genesis 49:24, and strong animals, like oxen.
Definition: 1) mighty, valiant 1a) of men 1b) of angels 1c) of animals 1d) (metaph) 1d1) of enemies 1d2) of princes 1d3) of sacrificial objects 1e) obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. See also: Judges 5:22; Psalms 78:25; Psalms 22:13.
Study Notes — Judges 5:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 5:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:22
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:22
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:22
- Sermons on Judges 5:22
Context — The Song of Deborah and Barak
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.’ 24Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 20:7 | Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. |
| 2 | Psalms 147:10–11 | He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man. The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 47:4 | For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor. |
| 4 | Psalms 33:17 | A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. |
| 5 | Micah 4:13 | Rise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron and hooves of bronze to break to pieces many peoples. Then you will devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of all the earth. |
| 6 | Isaiah 5:28 | Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. |
Judges 5:22 Summary
Judges 5:22 describes the sound of the enemy's horses running wildly as they try to escape from the Israelites. This verse shows how God can cause even the strongest enemies to panic and flee, just like He did when He parted the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-14. It reminds us to trust in God's power and provision, just as the Israelites did in this battle, and as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God, we can have confidence and peace, even in the midst of challenging situations, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the hooves of horses thundering in Judges 5:22?
The thundering of the hooves of horses in Judges 5:22 symbolizes the chaos and panic of the enemy's army as they flee from the Israelites, as seen in the context of the entire battle described in Judges 4:1-24 and Judges 5:1-31. This event is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Deuteronomy 33:26-27, where God promises to save His people.
Who do the stallions belong to in this verse?
The stallions mentioned in Judges 5:22 belong to the enemy, Sisera, as indicated by the context of the battle in Judges 4:1-24, where Sisera is the commander of the Canaanite army. The stallions are a symbol of Sisera's military strength, which is ultimately defeated by God.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the song in Judges 5?
Judges 5:22 is part of the song of Deborah, which is a celebration of God's victory over the Canaanites in Judges 4:1-24. This verse specifically highlights the panic and confusion of the enemy's army as they are defeated, which is a theme throughout the song, as seen in Judges 5:20-21 and Judges 5:23-24.
What can we learn from the image of the mad galloping of stallions?
The image of the mad galloping of stallions in Judges 5:22 teaches us about the power and majesty of God, who can cause even the strongest enemies to flee in panic, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14 and Psalm 68:1-4. This image also reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision in times of battle or uncertainty, as encouraged in Isaiah 40:28-31 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- How does the image of the thundering hooves of horses make you feel, and what does it teach you about God's power?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of trusting in God's power and provision in your own life, as seen in this verse and in other passages like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- What are some areas in your life where you feel like you are facing a 'battle' or a challenging situation, and how can you trust in God's power and provision to help you, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28?
- How does the song of Deborah in Judges 5 encourage you to praise and worship God for His victories in your life, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5 and Revelation 19:1-10?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:22
Then were the horse hoofs broken by means of the pransings,.... Either through the force of the waters of the river, where they pranced and plunged, and could have no standing; or through the swift
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:22
Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones. Horse-hoofs. Anciently, as in many parts of the East still, horses were not shod.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:22
Their horses, in which they put most confidence, had their hoofs, which is their support and strength, broken, either by dreadful hailstones, or rather, by their swift and violent running over the stony grounds, when they fled away with all possible speed from God and from Israel. By the means of the pransings; or, because of their fierce or swift courses. Of their mighty ones; either, first, Of their strong and valiant riders, who forced their horses to run away as fast as they could. Or, secondly, Of their horses, as this word signifies, 47:3 50:42, i.e. of themselves; the antecedent for the relative.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:22
Judges 5:22 Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.Ver. 22. Then were the horse hoofs broken,] viz., With hasty flight; as afterwards it fell out at the battle of Spurs - so the battle of Terwin was called, where Henry VIII routed the French. Paul. Jov.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:22
(22) By the means of the pransings.—Rather, the stampings. In crossing the Kishon after moderate rains, I had an opportunity of observing by personal experience how easily a horse might be hopelessly disabled in the muddy morass formed by the river. The word is forcibly repeated by the figure known as anadiplosis.Their mighty ones.—The great lords in their iron chariots, trying to goad their frightened steeds through the flood. There is a scathing taunt in the words. Their “might” was exhibited in valiantly running away. It may, however, mean the strong steeds themselves (comp. Jeremiah 8:15; Jeremiah 51:11). Vandevelde speaks of the Kishon as being the most dangerous river of the land, from its quicksands.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:22
Verse 22. Then were the horsehoofs broken] In very ancient times horses were not shod; nor are they to the present day in several parts of the East. Sisera had iron chariots when his hosts were routed; the horses that drew these, being strongly urged on by those who drove them, had their hoofs broken by the roughness of the roads; in consequence of which they became lame, and could not carry off their riders. This is marked as one cause of their disaster.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:22
22. did … stamp] or hammered (i.e. the earth); the same verb as in Judges 5:26. In the next line the Hebrew words imitate the gallop of horses in precipitate flight. Cf. Nahum 3:2. Their strong ones are the enemy’s steeds; cf. Jeremiah 8:16; Jeremiah 47:3. Part iii. Judges 5:23-31 a. The death of Sisera. The four-lined Judges 5:23 forms a prelude; cf. the opening of Part ii.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:22
Probably an allusion to the frantic efforts of the chariot-horses to disengage themselves from the morass (Judges 4:15 note).
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:22
22. From the galloppings — The rapid and hasty flight of the Canaanitish heroes caused their horses’ hoofs to smite terribly the ground.
Sermons on Judges 5:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Horse by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook reflects on the powerful imagery of war-horses in the Bible, from Job's description of the majestic and fearless horse to the account of the horse-hoofs breaking in |
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"We Are in Grave Danger, when..." by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the danger of placing our confidence in our own accomplishments rather than in Jesus. It warns against the folly of relying on personal achievements, highlig |
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The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo |
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Five Elements of a Victorious Life by Jim Logan | In this video, the speaker shares his experiences with the Sue Indians and their spiritual beliefs. He recounts a story of a woman who was possessed by a spirit but was eventually |
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 3 - What's in a Name by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not divorcing praise and worship from the proclamation of truth. He believes that it is the truth that gives substance to o |
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Pastor Clarifies Position on Gun Debate by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the topic of guns and self-defense from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the importance of not worshiping weapons but trusting in God for protection. It ch |