Judges 7:6
Judges 7:6 in Multiple Translations
And the number of those who lapped the water with their hands to their mouths was three hundred men; all the others knelt to drink.
And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.
And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.
Now the number of those who took up the water with their tongues was three hundred; all the rest of the people went down on their knees to the water.
Three hundred lapped water from their hands to their mouths. All the rest knelt down to drink the water.
And the nomber of them that lapped by putting their handes to their mouthes, were three hundreth men: but all the remnant of the people kneeled downe vpon their knees to drinke water.
And the number of those lapping with their hand unto their mouth is three hundred men, and all the rest of the people have bowed down on their knees to drink water.
The number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men; but all the rest of the people bowed down on their knees to drink water.
And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.
And the number of them that had lapped water, casting it with the hand to their mouth, was three hundred men: and all the rest of the multitude had drunk kneeling.
So when they drank, only 300 men drank from their hands. All the others drank with their mouths down in the water.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 7:6
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 7:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֗י
מִסְפַּ֞ר
הַֽ/מֲלַקְקִ֤ים
בְּ/יָדָ/ם֙
אֶל
פִּי/הֶ֔ם
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
מֵא֖וֹת
אִ֑ישׁ
וְ/כֹל֙
יֶ֣תֶר
הָ/עָ֔ם
כָּרְע֥וּ
עַל
בִּרְכֵי/הֶ֖ם
לִ/שְׁתּ֥וֹת
מָֽיִם
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִסְפַּ֞ר
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms
הַֽ/מֲלַקְקִ֤ים
lâqaq
H3952
to lick
Art | V-Piel
בְּ/יָדָ/ם֙
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פִּי/הֶ֔ם
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
מֵא֖וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וְ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
יֶ֣תֶר
yether
H3499
remainder
N-ms
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
כָּרְע֥וּ
kâraʻ
H3766
to bow
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בִּרְכֵי/הֶ֖ם
berek
H1290
knee
N-fd | Suff
לִ/שְׁתּ֥וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 7:6
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
מִסְפַּ֞ר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
הַֽ/מֲלַקְקִ֤ים
lâqaq
H3952
"to lick"
Art | V-Piel
This word means to lick or lap something up, like a dog lapping up water. It is used to describe the act of quickly drinking or eating something.
Definition: 1) to lap, lick, lap up 1a) (Qal) to lap, lap up 1b) (Piel) to lap up
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: lap, lick. See also: Judges 7:5; Judges 7:7; 1 Kings 22:38.
בְּ/יָדָ/ם֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
פִּי/הֶ֔ם
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
מֵא֖וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
אִ֑ישׁ
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.
וְ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | 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.
יֶ֣תֶר
yether
H3499
"remainder"
N-ms
A cord or rope, also meaning excess or remainder, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of leftovers or abundant resources.
Definition: 1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence 1a) remainder, remnant 1b) remainder, rest, other part 1c) excess 1d) abundantly (adv) 1e) abundance, affluence 1f) superiority, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. See also: Genesis 49:3; 2 Kings 15:26; Psalms 11:2.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | 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.
כָּרְע֥וּ
kâraʻ
H3766
"to bow"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To bow means to bend your knee or sink down in reverence, like when you pray or worship. In Genesis 24:52 and Exodus 4:31, people bow down to show respect and humility. It is a sign of surrender and submission.
Definition: 1) to bend, kneel, bow, bow down, sink down to one's knees, kneel down to rest (of animals), kneel in reverence 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bow 1a2) to bow down, crouch 1a3) to bow down over 1a4) to tilt, lean 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to bow
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bow (down, self), bring down (low), cast down, couch, fall, feeble, kneeling, sink, smite (stoop) down, subdue, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 49:9; Esther 3:5; Psalms 17:13.
עַל
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.
בִּרְכֵי/הֶ֖ם
berek
H1290
"knee"
N-fd | Suff
The knee represents a part of the body used for movement and flexibility. In the Bible, kneeling is often a sign of respect, fear, or weakness. The word for knee is also related to feelings of fear or trembling.
Definition: 1) knee 2) weak from fear (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: be.rekh (בְּרַךְ "knee" H1291)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: knee. See also: Genesis 30:3; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 109:24.
לִ/שְׁתּ֥וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
Study Notes — Judges 7:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Judges 7:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 7:6
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:6
Context — Gideon’s Army of Three Hundred
4Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go. But if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”
5So Gideon brought the men down to the water, and the LORD said to him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel to drink.”
6And the number of those who lapped the water with their hands to their mouths was three hundred men; all the others knelt to drink.
7Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.” 8So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred men, who took charge of the provisions and rams’ horns of the others. And the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley.Judges 7:6 Summary
[This verse is telling us that God chose a small group of 300 men to help Gideon defeat the Midianites, because they were alert and ready to act, as seen in Judges 7:6. It's like when Jesus said that we should be ready and prepared for His return, as stated in Matthew 24:42-44. God is looking for people who are faithful and obedient, and who will trust Him even when things seem impossible, much like how the Israelites trusted God to part the Red Sea, as described in Exodus 14:13-31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Gideon to separate the men based on how they drank water?
God was looking for men who were alert and vigilant, like those who lapped the water with their hands to their mouths, as seen in Judges 7:6, similar to how a shepherd watches over his flock, as described in Psalm 23:1-4.
What is the significance of the number 300 in this verse?
The number 300 represents a small, select group of men who were chosen by God to accomplish a great task, as stated in Judges 7:7, much like how God used a small group of disciples to spread the Gospel, as seen in Acts 1:15 and Acts 2:41.
Does this verse imply that kneeling to drink water is wrong or inferior?
No, the verse is not making a moral judgment about the way people drink water, but rather, it is highlighting the unique characteristic of the 300 men who lapped the water with their hands to their mouths, as a sign of their readiness and alertness, as noted in Judges 7:6.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives as Christians?
This verse reminds us that God is looking for people who are faithful, obedient, and ready to serve Him, as stated in Judges 7:7, much like how Jesus taught that we should be ready and prepared for His return, as seen in Matthew 24:42-44 and Matthew 25:1-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more alert and vigilant, like the 300 men who lapped the water with their hands to their mouths?
- How can I apply the principle of being prepared and ready to serve God, as seen in this verse, to my daily life and interactions with others?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God, like Gideon did in this passage, even when faced with uncertainty or challenging circumstances?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to stay focused and attentive to God's leading in my life, and to be mindful of the ways that He is working in and through me?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:6
And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth,.... That is, that took up water in the hollow of their hands, which they lifted up to their mouths, and so lapped it, as the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:6
So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:6
Putting their hand to their mouth; taking up a little water in the palm of their hands to put into their mouths.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:6
Judges 7:6 And the number of them that lapped, [putting] their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.Ver. 6. Were three hundred men.] Methe mispar, a poor few. Many are called, but few are chosen. “ Rari quippe boni, numero vix sunt totidem quot Thebarum portae, vel divitis ostia Nili. ” - Juvenal. Sat. 13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:6
(6) That lapped, putting their hand to their mouth.—Literally, licked with their hand to their mouth.All the rest of the people—i.e., 9,700 men.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 7:6
Verse 6. The number of them that lapped] From this account it appears that some of the people went down on their knees, and putting their mouths to the water, sucked up what they needed; the others stooped down, and taking up water in the hollow of their hands, applied it to their mouth.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:6
6. putting their hand to their mouth] These words do not agree with Judges 7:5, where ‘lappeth’ is explained ‘with his tongue, as a dog lappeth’; they belong to those who ‘bowed down upon their knees to drink water,’ and should be transferred to the end of the verse. LXX. cod. A and Luc. after ‘lapped’ reads with their tongue, and leaves out ‘to their mouth.’ It is difficult to see the point of the test. Was it that the majority who knelt down to drink shewed that they were thinking only of their thirst, heedless of the risk of being taken by surprise; while ‘the three hundred’ were able, while they lapped, to keep their faces towards the enemy and their hands upon their weapons? ‘The test in fact was a test of attitude, which, after all, both in physical and moral warfare, has proved of far greater value than strength or skill,’ G. A. Smith, Hist. Geogr., p. 399; perhaps this is as much as we can say.