Judges 7:17

Judges 7:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do.

King James Version KJV

And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.

American Standard Version ASV

And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he said to them, Keep your eyes on me, and do what I do; when I come to the outer line of tents, whatever I do, you are to do the same.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Watch me and follow my example,” he told them. “So when I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly what I do.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he sayd vnto them, Looke on me, and do likewise, when I come to the side of the hoste: euen as I do, so do you.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he saith unto them, 'Look at me, and thus do; and lo, I am coming into the extremity of the camp — and it hath been — as I do so ye do;

World English Bible WEB

He said to them, “Watch me, and do likewise. Behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so you shall do.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he said to them, Look on me, and do likewise: and behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that as I do, so shall ye do.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he said to them: What you shall see me do, do you the same: I will go into one part of the camp, and do you as I shall do.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then he said to them, “Watch me. When we come close to the enemy camp, spread out to surround the camp. Then do exactly what I do.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 7:17

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 7:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם מִמֶּ֥/נִּי תִרְא֖וּ וְ/כֵ֣ן תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֥י בָא֙ בִּ/קְצֵ֣ה הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְ/הָיָ֥ה כַ/אֲשֶׁר אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה כֵּ֥ן תַּעֲשֽׂוּ/ן

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

מִמֶּ֥/נִּי min H4480 from Prep | Suff

תִרְא֖וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

וְ/כֵ֣ן kên H3651 right Conj | Part

תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

אָנֹכִ֥י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron

בָא֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal

בִּ/קְצֵ֣ה qâtseh H7097 end Prep | N-cs

הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 camp Art | N-cs

וְ/הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

כַ/אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 right Part

תַּעֲשֽׂוּ/ן ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 7:17

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר 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.

אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם 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.

מִמֶּ֥/נִּי min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

תִרְא֖וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

וְ/כֵ֣ן kên H3651 "right" Conj | Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

אָנֹכִ֥י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

בָא֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

בִּ/קְצֵ֣ה qâtseh H7097 "end" Prep | N-cs

In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.

Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)

Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.

הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 "camp" Art | N-cs

This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.

Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.

וְ/הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כַ/אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 "right" Part

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

תַּעֲשֽׂוּ/ן ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff

Study Notes — Judges 7:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 7:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:17
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:17
Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:17
Sermons on Judges 7:17

Context — Gideon Defeats Midian

15When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” 16And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch.

17“Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do.

18When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’” 19Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 11:1	You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
2	Matthew 16:24	Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
3	Hebrews 13:7	Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
4	Judges 9:48	he and all his men went up to Mount Zalmon. Abimelech took his axe in his hand and cut a branch from the trees, which he lifted to his shoulder, saying to his men, “Hurry and do what you have seen me do.”
5	1 Peter 5:3	not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Judges 7:17 Summary

[Gideon told his men to watch him and do what he did, which shows that he wanted them to trust and follow him, just like we should trust and follow God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. This verse teaches us about the importance of faith and obedience. By following Gideon's lead, the men were able to trust in God's plan and ultimately defeat the Midianites, which is a great example of how God can use us when we trust in Him, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Gideon instruct the men to watch him and do as he did?

Gideon wanted the men to follow his lead and trust in God's plan, as seen in Judges 7:17, just as Moses instructed the Israelites to follow God's lead in Exodus 13:21-22.

What was the significance of Gideon's actions on the outskirts of the camp?

Gideon's actions were a demonstration of faith and obedience, as he and his men prepared to trust God for victory over the Midianites, similar to the faith shown by Joshua in Joshua 6:1-27.

How did Gideon's instructions relate to the overall plan to defeat the Midianites?

Gideon's instructions were a crucial part of the plan, as the men were to blow their horns and shout 'For the Lord and for Gideon' in Judges 7:18, creating a unified and powerful declaration of trust in God, reminiscent of the battle cries in Numbers 10:9.

What can we learn from Gideon's leadership in this verse?

We can learn the importance of faith, trust, and obedience, as Gideon demonstrated in Judges 7:17, and as instructed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God and follow His lead, just as Gideon did in this verse?
How can I demonstrate faith and obedience in my daily life, like Gideon and his men?
What are some ways I can apply the principle of unity and cooperation, as seen in Gideon's instructions to the men, to my relationships and community?
In what ways can I use my actions and words to declare my trust in God, like the shout 'For the Lord and for Gideon' in Judges 7:18?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:17

And he said unto them, look on me, and do likewise,.... Observe what I do, and do the same, in blowing a trumpet, breaking a pitcher, and shouting with the words expressed by him: and, behold, when I

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:17

And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:17

For though two hundred of his men were placed on other sides of the camp; yet they were so disposed, that some person or persons, set as watchmen, might see what was done, and give notice to the rest to follow the example.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:17

Judges 7:17 And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be [that], as I do, so shall ye do.Ver. 17. Look on me, and do likewise.] He was sure of the victory, and yet giveth military precepts, and useth the means.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:17

(17) Look on me.—He showed all the three hundred the way in which he wished them, at a given signal, to break the pitchers, wave the torches, and shout. The signal would be given by the one hundred whom he himself headed.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:17

17. it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do] This repetition of the first half of the verse is perhaps due to an attempt to harmonize a double narrative. Omit the words and the connexion with Judges 7:18 is improved: ‘when I come … and blow the trumpet (Judges 7:18) … then blow ye.’

Sermons on Judges 7:17

	Sermon	Description
	Against All Odds by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our weakness and dependence on God. The speaker highl
	(Biblical Manhood) -Morning Brunch by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a godly example to our children. He shares his desire for his son to see him on his knees, weeping with joy about Jes
	Think Hard, Stay Humble: The Life of the Mind and the Peril of Pride by Francis Chan	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience's awareness of the suffering and struggles faced by their brothers and sisters around the world. He emphasizes the importance of
	Following Jesus: The Straight Gate by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a follower of Jesus Christ. He highlights that Jesus is the only way to the Father and without Him, no one can be re
	K-053 Come Up and Be There by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the power and wealth of the world compared to the power and reality found in the Word of God. He shares a personal experience of a ten-day
	The Law and the Commandments by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the authentic root of one's life in God before delivering a message. He compares this to athletes who war
	(Pdf Book) Head Coverings by K.P. Yohannan	K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of head coverings in worship, drawing from his childhood experiences and biblical teachings, particularly from 1 Corinthians 11. He explai