Judges 8:12
Judges 8:12 in Multiple Translations
When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army.
And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.
And Zebah and Zalmunna fled; and he pursued after them; and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.
And Zebah and Zalmunna went in flight; and he went after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and put all the army to the curse.
Zebah and Zalmunna ran away, but he chased after the two Midianite kings and captured them, defeating the whole of their terrified army.
And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, hee followed after them, and tooke the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the hoste.
and Zebab and Zalmunna flee, and he pursueth after them, and captureth the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and all the camp he hath caused to tremble.
Zebah and Zalmunna fled and he pursued them. He took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and confused all the army.
And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.
And Zebee and Salmana fled, and Gedeon pursued and took them, all their host being put in confusion.
Zebah and Zalmunna fled, but Gideon’s men pursued them and captured them and all their warriors.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:12
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 8:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּנ֗וּסוּ
זֶ֚בַח
וְ/צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֖ף
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֞ד
אֶת
שְׁנֵ֣י
מַלְכֵ֣י
מִדְיָ֗ן
אֶת
זֶ֨בַח֙
וְ/אֶת
צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע
וְ/כָל
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה
הֶחֱרִֽיד
וַ/יָּנ֗וּסוּ
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
זֶ֚בַח
Zebach
H2078
Zebah
N-proper
וְ/צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע
Tsalmunnâʻ
H6759
Zalmunna
Conj | N-proper
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֖ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֞ד
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
מַלְכֵ֣י
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
מִדְיָ֗ן
Midyân
H4080
Midian
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
זֶ֨בַח֙
Zebach
H2078
Zebah
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע
Tsalmunnâʻ
H6759
Zalmunna
N-proper
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Art | N-cs
הֶחֱרִֽיד
chârad
H2729
to tremble
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:12
וַ/יָּנ֗וּסוּ
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.
זֶ֚בַח
Zebach
H2078
"Zebah"
N-proper
Zebach was a Midianite prince who, along with another king, invaded Palestine but was defeated by Gideon. His name means 'deprived of protection', and he's mentioned in the book of Judges. The KJV translates his name as 'Zebah'.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.8.5 § Zebah = "deprived of protection" one of the two kings of Midian who commanded the great invasion of Palestine and finally were defeated by Gideon
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zebah. See also: Judges 8:5; Judges 8:12; Psalms 83:12.
וְ/צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע
Tsalmunnâʻ
H6759
"Zalmunna"
Conj | N-proper
Zalmunna was a Midianite king who was slain by Gideon, as told in Judges 8:5. His name means 'deprived of protection' and he lived before the time of Israel's monarchy. He was a significant figure in the biblical account.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.8.5 § Zalmunna = "deprived of protection" a Midianite king slain by Gideon
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zalmunna. See also: Judges 8:5; Judges 8:12; Psalms 83:12.
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֖ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֞ד
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁנֵ֣י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
מַלְכֵ֣י
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִדְיָ֗ן
Midyân
H4080
"Midian"
N-proper
Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.
Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
זֶ֨בַח֙
Zebach
H2078
"Zebah"
N-proper
Zebach was a Midianite prince who, along with another king, invaded Palestine but was defeated by Gideon. His name means 'deprived of protection', and he's mentioned in the book of Judges. The KJV translates his name as 'Zebah'.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.8.5 § Zebah = "deprived of protection" one of the two kings of Midian who commanded the great invasion of Palestine and finally were defeated by Gideon
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zebah. See also: Judges 8:5; Judges 8:12; Psalms 83:12.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צַלְמֻנָּ֔ע
Tsalmunnâʻ
H6759
"Zalmunna"
N-proper
Zalmunna was a Midianite king who was slain by Gideon, as told in Judges 8:5. His name means 'deprived of protection' and he lived before the time of Israel's monarchy. He was a significant figure in the biblical account.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.8.5 § Zalmunna = "deprived of protection" a Midianite king slain by Gideon
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zalmunna. See also: Judges 8:5; Judges 8:12; Psalms 83:12.
וְ/כָל
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.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֖ה
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.
הֶחֱרִֽיד
chârad
H2729
"to tremble"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to tremble with fear or anxiety, like when the Israelites trembled at Mount Sinai. It can also mean to hasten or be careful. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus and other books.
Definition: 1) to tremble, quake, move about, be afraid, be startled, be terrified 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tremble, quake (of a mountain) 1a2) to tremble (of people) 1a3) to be anxiously careful 1a4) to go or come trembling (with prep) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to tremble 1b2) to drive in terror, rout (an army)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) afraid, be careful, discomfit, fray (away), quake, tremble. See also: Genesis 27:33; Isaiah 17:2; Isaiah 10:29.
Study Notes — Judges 8:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
10Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen.
11And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise.
12When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army.
13After this, Gideon son of Joash returned from the battle along the Ascent of Heres. 14There he captured a young man of Succoth and interrogated him. The young man wrote down for him the names of the seventy-seven leaders and elders of Succoth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 83:11 | Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, |
| 2 | Amos 2:14 | Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life. |
| 3 | Job 12:16–21 | True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His. He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges. He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists. He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows the established. He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders. He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty. |
| 4 | Joshua 10:22–25 | Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.” So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks. “Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.” |
| 5 | Revelation 19:19–21 | Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army. But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. |
| 6 | Job 34:19 | who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. |
| 7 | Joshua 10:16–18 | Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah. And Joshua was informed: “The five kings have been found; they are hiding in the cave at Makkedah.” So Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and post men there to guard them. |
| 8 | Revelation 6:15–16 | Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. |
Judges 8:12 Summary
Judges 8:12 tells us that Gideon caught the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, after they ran away, and he defeated their whole army. This shows that God was with Gideon and helped him win the battle, just like God promised to be with His people and give them victory over their enemies, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:4. Gideon's success is a reminder that when we trust and obey God, He can do great things through us, as stated in Jeremiah 32:17, where it says God is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of Gideon's pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna?
Gideon successfully captured these two kings of Midian and routed their entire army, as seen in Judges 8:12, fulfilling the promise of God's victory over His enemies, similar to the victories promised in Deuteronomy 20:4.
Why did Zebah and Zalmunna flee from Gideon?
Zebah and Zalmunna fled because Gideon's army, empowered by God, had already defeated a significant portion of their forces, as mentioned in Judges 8:10, leaving them weakened and vulnerable to attack.
What can we learn from Gideon's actions in this verse?
Gideon's actions demonstrate his trust in God's power and his obedience to God's commands, as seen in Judges 7:2-7, where God reduces Gideon's army to ensure the victory is clearly from Him, not from human strength.
How does this event relate to the broader story of the Israelites?
This event is part of the larger narrative of God's deliverance of the Israelites from their enemies, as promised in Exodus 14:14 and reiterated throughout the book of Judges, showcasing God's faithfulness to His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and provision, just as Gideon did in his pursuit of the Midianite kings?
- How can I apply the lesson of Gideon's obedience to God's commands in my own walk with God, especially in challenging situations?
- What does this verse teach me about God's ability to give victory over seemingly insurmountable enemies, and how can I apply this to my own battles, whether spiritual or otherwise?
- In what ways can I, like Gideon, be an instrument of God's justice and deliverance in the lives of those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:12
And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled,.... Their host being smitten and thrown into confusion by the sudden approach of Gideon's army; and who probably attacked them in somewhat like manner as before,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:12
And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host. When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them. A third conflict took place.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:12
Judges 8:12 And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.Ver. 12. He pursued after them.] Now was his time, and he took it, to complete his victory: - “ Nil actum credens dum quid superesset agendum. ” - Lucan. De J. Caes.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:12
(12) When Zebah and Zalmunna fled.—In Psalms 83:13-14, we, perhaps, find a reminiscence of the precipitancy of their flight, “like a wheel,” i.e., like a winged, rolling seed, and like stubble before a hurricane, and like a conflagration leaping through a mountain forest. (Dict. of Bible, s. v. Oreb; Stanley, i. 347.) Discomfited.—Rather, as in the margin, terrified. It was the infliction of a second panic which enabled him to seize the two principal Emîrs.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:12
12. discomfited] Marg. terrified; the combination of careless security and terror occurs again in Ezekiel 30:9. The LXX. A and Lucian suggests a stronger word, such as destroyed, cf. Jos., Ant. Judges 8:6; Judges 8:5; but it is hardly necessary to alter the text. The two kings were the first to fly; Gideon contented himself with capturing them, and letting the rest break away in panic. He did not kill the kings at once; he had promised to shew them to Succoth and Penuel.
Sermons on Judges 8:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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On the World and Family by Elder Ephraim of Philotheou | Elder Ephraim delivers a sermon emphasizing the importance of choosing the path of God and salvation, urging listeners to prioritize spiritual health over worldly pleasures. He hig |
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The Punishment of a Privileged People by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intensity of the message of punishment on a privileged people who have heard and rejected the Gospel. The book of Obadiah, with its brev |
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Backslidings of Balaam by Charles Banna | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of falling into covetousness and pride, using the example of Balaam who was led astray by these sins. It highlights the importance of fleeing fro |
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Come Out of the Darkness of Babylon by Steve Gallagher | The video shown during the sermon was described as a production created by the church. The speaker prayed for the congregation and mentioned that some people may choose to stay beh |
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The Holy Spirit: Restrainer of Evil by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the restrainer of evil in the world, highlighting the ongoing spiritual battle against Satan's forces. He explains that while |
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The Papal and Hierarchial System - Part 2 by Joseph John Gurney | Joseph John Gurney preaches on the topic of Antichrist, the man of sin, as described in the Bible. The term 'antichrist' is shown to have a general application, representing a spir |
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Superpowers in Conflict by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the prophetic vision in Daniel 8, highlighting the conflict between two great world powers, the Medo-Persian Empire symbolized by a ram and the Greek Empire |