Judges 7:21
Judges 7:21 in Multiple Translations
Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran.
And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.
And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran; and they shouted, and put them to flight.
Then they made a line round the tents, every man in his place; and all the army, awaking from sleep, came running out, and with loud cries went in flight.
Each man stood in his place encircling the camp, and all the enemy soldiers ran around shouting—then they fled.
And they stoode, euery man in his place round about the hoste: and all the hoste ranne, and cryed, and fled.
And they stand each in his place, round about the camp, and all the camp runneth, and they shout, and flee;
They each stood in his place around the camp, and all the army ran; and they shouted, and put them to flight.
And they stood every man in his place around the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.
Standing every man in his place round about the enemies’ camp. So all the camp was troubled, and crying out and howling they fled away.
Each of Gideon’s men stood in his position around the enemy camp. As they watched, all the Midian men started running around and shouting in a panic.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 7:21
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 7:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙
אִ֣ישׁ
תַּחְתָּ֔י/ו
סָבִ֖יב
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֑ה
וַ/יָּ֧רָץ
כָּל
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֛ה
וַ/יָּרִ֖יעוּ
ו/יניסו
וַ/יָּנֽוּסוּ
וַ/יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
תַּחְתָּ֔י/ו
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Suff
סָבִ֖יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֑ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Prep | N-cs
וַ/יָּ֧רָץ
rûwts
H7323
to run
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֛ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Art | N-cs
וַ/יָּרִ֖יעוּ
rûwaʻ
H7321
to shout
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
ו/יניסו
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יָּנֽוּסוּ
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 7:21
וַ/יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
תַּחְתָּ֔י/ו
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
סָבִ֖יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֑ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Prep | 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.
וַ/יָּ֧רָץ
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֛ה
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.
וַ/יָּרִ֖יעוּ
rûwaʻ
H7321
"to shout"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to shout or make a loud noise, like a war cry or a joyful sound. In Numbers 10:9, the Israelites would shout to sound the alarm for war or to signal a gathering. It is about making a loud noise to get attention.
Definition: 1) to shout, raise a sound, cry out, give a blast 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to shout a war-cry or alarm of battle 1a2) to sound a signal for war or march 1a3) to shout in triumph (over enemies) 1a4) to shout in applause 1a5) to shout (with religious impulse) 1a6) to cry out in distress 1b) (Polal) to utter a shout 1c) (Hithpolel) 1c1) to shout in triumph 1c2) to shout for joy 2) (Niphal) destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: blow an alarm, cry (alarm, aloud, out), destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout (for joy), sound an alarm, triumph. See also: Numbers 10:7; Psalms 60:10; Psalms 41:12.
ו/יניסו
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
וַ/יָּנֽוּסוּ
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
Study Notes — Judges 7:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 7:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 7:21
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:21
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 7:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 7:21
- Sermons on Judges 7:21
Context — Gideon Defeats Midian
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.
20The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!”
21Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran.
22And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. 23Then the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh, and they pursued the Midianites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 20:17 | You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:1 | The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 7:6–7 | For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. |
| 4 | Isaiah 30:15 | For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence— but you were not willing.” |
| 5 | Exodus 14:25 | He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!” |
| 6 | Isaiah 30:7 | Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still. |
| 7 | Exodus 14:13–14 | But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” |
| 8 | Job 15:21–22 | Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. |
Judges 7:21 Summary
[Judges 7:21 shows us that when we trust in God's power and promises, He can do amazing things. The Israelites took their positions around the camp, and God caused the Midianite army to flee. This is similar to what happened in Exodus 14:14, where God fought for the Israelites against the Egyptians. We can learn from this that our trust in God should be like the Israelites', who obeyed Gideon's leadership and trusted in God's plan, as outlined in Judges 7:15-18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the Israelites taking their positions around the camp in Judges 7:21?
The Israelites' actions in Judges 7:21 symbolized their trust in God's plan, as outlined in Judges 7:15-18, and demonstrated their obedience to Gideon's leadership, which was guided by God's instructions in Judges 7:1-14.
Why did the Midianite army flee in Judges 7:21?
The Midianite army fled because God caused them to panic and fight against each other, as seen in Judges 7:22, which is reminiscent of the divine intervention in Exodus 14:14 and Joshua 10:14.
How does Judges 7:21 relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
Judges 7:21 illustrates the spiritual principle that our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, as stated in Ephesians 6:12, and that God is our ultimate deliverer, as seen in Psalm 144:2.
What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in Judges 7:21 about faith and obedience?
The Israelites' actions in Judges 7:21 demonstrate the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, as emphasized in Romans 4:20-21, and obeying His commands, even when they seem illogical or impossible, as seen in Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's power and promises in my own life, just as the Israelites did in Judges 7:21?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to take a stand, like the Israelites did around the Midianite camp, and trust God for the outcome?
- In what ways can I demonstrate obedience to God's leadership in my life, even when it's difficult or uncertain, as Gideon did in Judges 7:1-14?
- How can I remember that my battles are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, and trust in God's power to deliver me, as seen in Judges 7:21-22?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:21
And they stood every man in his place around the camp,.... To see the salvation of God, and that it might most clearly appear to be his own doing; and indeed, had they gone into it, they could have
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:21
And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:21
Every man in his place; as if they had only been torchbearers to the several companies.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:21
Judges 7:21 And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.Ver. 21. And they stood every man in his place.] As if they had been trumpeters and torch bearers to a formidable army at the heels of them. And all the host ran, and cried, and fled.] Daunted and dismayed with that sudden sound and sight. Who then, can we think, shall be able to stand before that last terror, wherein the archangel’ s trumpet shall sound, and the heavens shall pass away with a noise, and the elements shall be on flame about our ears?
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:21
(21) Ran, and cried, and fled.—They ran about to discover the meaning of the trumpet-blast. Their “cries” were either the wail of despair (Vulg., ululantes), or a number of confused shouts and words of command (LXX., esêmainan); their flight would be a natural result of the hopeless terror and confusion which prevailed. The word, however, in the Kethibh, or written text, is yanîsoo, which means “caused to fly”—i.e., “carried off their tents,” &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 7:21
Verse 21. They stood every man in his place] Each of the three companies kept its station, and continued to sound their trumpets. The Midianites seeing this, and believing that they were the trumpets of a numerous army which had then penetrated their camp, were thrown instantly into confusion; and supposing that their enemies were in the midst of them, they turned their swords against every man they met, while at the same time they endeavoured to escape for their lives. No stratagem was ever better imagined, better executed, or more completely successful.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:21
21. The three bands of Israelites stood still while the Midianites were thrown into a panic by the startling noises and the sudden lights. ran] The expression is somewhat weak. A slight correction, proposed by Moore and generally accepted, greatly improves the narrative, woke up. and they shouted, and fled] So Verss.; the subject of both verbs is the host. They shouted means sounded the alarm; see Hosea 5:8, Joe 2:1, cf. Isaiah 15:4.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 7:21
The effect to the Midianites would be, that they were surrounded by a mighty host. Their own camp being in darkness, as soon as the confusion of flight began they would mistake friends for foes, and fleers for pursuers.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 7:21
21. They stood — They did not rush in among the Midianites, but kept their station on the outside of the camp, blowing their trumpets and leaving the enemy to fight in confusion among themselves.
Sermons on Judges 7:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Great Victory by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the story of Gideon and the victory achieved with a small, dedicated army, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in faith and obedience to God's |
|
Standing Firm in the Lord by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the Lord, using the imagery of the Tabernacle's boards made of acacia wood that remained standing even when stripped |
|
(2008 Usa Tour) the Secret Place by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for addressing important matters from the Bible in every congregation. They urge for a sense of urgency and carefulness in addressin |
|
(Basics) 30. Praise Opens Closed Doors by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of not being afraid and trusting in God's power. He uses the example of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, who admitted his powerle |
|
|
The Five Smooth Stones by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of facing opposition and persecution in his ministry. Despite doors being shut and attempts to destroy him, he did not lose anyone |
|
Dvd 14 the Core of Prophetic and Apostolic Reality by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of the church being a part of God's cosmic moral drama, preparing for the end times and the salvation of Israel. It calls for a deep sense of |
|
God's Normal Order - Called to Be Priests by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good product that doesn't require excessive promotion. He reflects on the past advertising strategies used in yout |