Judges 8:14

Judges 8:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

There 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.

King James Version KJV

And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men.

American Standard Version ASV

And he caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and inquired of him: and he described for him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, seventy and seven men.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And taking prisoner a young man of the people of Succoth, he got from him, in answer to his questions, a list of the chiefs of Succoth and the responsible men, seventy-seven men.

Free Bible Version FBV

There he captured a young man from Succoth and questioned him. The man wrote down for him the names of the seventy-seven leaders and elders of Succoth.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And tooke a seruant of the me of Succoth, and inquired of him: and he wrote to him the princes of Succoth and the Elders thereof, euen seuentie and seuen men.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and captureth a young man of the men of Succoth, and asketh him, and he describeth unto him the heads of Succoth, and its elders — seventy and seven men.

World English Bible WEB

He caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and inquired of him; and he described for him the princes of Succoth, and its elders, seventy-seven men.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and inquired of him: and he described to him the princes of Succoth, and its elders, even seventy seven men.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He took a boy of the men of Soccoth: and he asked him the names of the princes and ancients of Soccoth, and he described unto him seventy-seven men.

Translation for Translators T4T

There he captured a young man from Succoth, and demanded that he write down the names of all of the leaders in the town. The young man wrote down seventy-seven names.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:14

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 8:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּלְכָּד נַ֛עַר מֵ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י סֻכּ֖וֹת וַ/יִּשְׁאָלֵ֑/הוּ וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֨ב אֵלָ֜י/ו אֶת שָׂרֵ֤י סֻכּוֹת֙ וְ/אֶת זְקֵנֶ֔י/הָ שִׁבְעִ֥ים וְ/שִׁבְעָ֖ה אִֽישׁ

וַ/יִּלְכָּד lâkad H3920 to capture Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

נַ֛עַר naʻar H5288 youth N-ms

מֵ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-mp

סֻכּ֖וֹת Çukkôwth H5523 Succoth N-proper

וַ/יִּשְׁאָלֵ֑/הוּ shâʼal H7592 to ask Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֨ב kâthab H3789 to write Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵלָ֜י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שָׂרֵ֤י sar H8269 ruler N-mp

סֻכּוֹת֙ Çukkôwth H5523 Succoth N-proper

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

זְקֵנֶ֔י/הָ zâqên H2205 old Adj | Suff

שִׁבְעִ֥ים shibʻîym H7657 seventy Adj

וְ/שִׁבְעָ֖ה shebaʻ H7651 seven Conj | Adj

אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:14

וַ/יִּלְכָּד 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.

נַ֛עַר naʻar H5288 "youth" N-ms

In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.

Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.

מֵ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-mp

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.

סֻכּ֖וֹת Çukkôwth H5523 "Succoth" N-proper

Succoth means booths, the first stop for Israelites leaving Egypt. It appears in the Bible as a place in Egypt and Palestine.

Definition: § Succoth = "booths" the first stopping place of the Israelites when they left Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Succoth. See also: Genesis 33:17; Judges 8:8; Psalms 60:8.

וַ/יִּשְׁאָלֵ֑/הוּ shâʼal H7592 "to ask" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.

Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.

וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֨ב kâthab H3789 "to write" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.

Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)

Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.

אֵלָ֜י/ו 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.

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.

שָׂרֵ֤י sar H8269 "ruler" N-mp

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

סֻכּוֹת֙ Çukkôwth H5523 "Succoth" N-proper

Succoth means booths, the first stop for Israelites leaving Egypt. It appears in the Bible as a place in Egypt and Palestine.

Definition: § Succoth = "booths" the first stopping place of the Israelites when they left Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Succoth. See also: Genesis 33:17; Judges 8:8; Psalms 60:8.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

זְקֵנֶ֔י/הָ zâqên H2205 "old" Adj | Suff

This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.

Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.

שִׁבְעִ֥ים shibʻîym H7657 "seventy" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the number seventy, like the seventy disciples Jesus sent out in Luke 10:1. It appears in phrases like threescore and ten. The KJV Bible uses it to describe groups of seventy people.

Definition: seventy

Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: seventy, threescore and ten ([phrase] -teen). See also: Genesis 4:24; Judges 9:2; Psalms 90:10.

וְ/שִׁבְעָ֖ה shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Conj | Adj

This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.

Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.

אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

Study Notes — Judges 8:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 8:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:14
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:14
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:14
Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:14
Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:14
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:14
Sermons on Judges 8:14

Context — Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna

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.

15And Gideon went to the men of Succoth and said, “Here are Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you taunted me, saying, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your weary men?’” 16Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 1:24–25	and when the spies saw a man coming out of the city, they said to him, “Please show us how to get into the city, and we will treat you kindly.” So the man showed them the entrance to the city, and they put the city to the sword but released that man and all his family.
2	1 Samuel 30:11–15	Now his men found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David. They gave the man water to drink and food to eat— a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins. So he ate and was revived, for he had not had any food or water for three days and three nights. Then David asked him, “To whom do you belong, and where are you from?” “I am an Egyptian,” he replied, “the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me three days ago when I fell ill. We raided the Negev of the Cherethites, the territory of Judah, and the Negev of Caleb, and we burned down Ziklag.” “Will you lead me to these raiders?” David asked. And the man replied, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me into the hand of my master, and I will lead you to them.”

Judges 8:14 Summary

In Judges 8:14, Gideon captures a young man from Succoth and asks him to write down the names of the city's leaders. This shows that Gideon is a strategic and courageous leader who trusts in God's power. Just like Gideon, we can trust in God's power and provision in our own lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By seeking God's guidance and trusting in His power, we can make a positive impact on those around us and stand up for what is right, even when it's difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Gideon capture a young man of Succoth and interrogate him?

Gideon captured the young man to gather information about the leaders of Succoth, as seen in Judges 8:14, in order to confront them about their lack of support in his battle against the Midianites, as referenced in Judges 8:15.

What is the significance of the seventy-seven leaders and elders of Succoth?

The seventy-seven leaders and elders of Succoth represent the city's governing body, and Gideon's knowledge of their names gives him leverage to confront them about their actions, as seen in Judges 8:15-16, similar to how God knows the names of those who belong to Him, as stated in Exodus 33:12 and John 10:3.

How does this event relate to Gideon's character?

This event showcases Gideon's strategic and courageous character, as he takes bold action to confront the leaders of Succoth, demonstrating his trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Judges 7:2 and Judges 8:14.

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

We can learn the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His power, as Gideon did, and also the value of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition, as seen in Judges 8:14 and Matthew 10:28.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can trust God's power and provision in my own life, just like Gideon did?
How can I stand up for what is right, even when it's difficult or unpopular, like Gideon did when confronting the leaders of Succoth?
What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and trust in His power, rather than relying on my own strength or abilities?
How can I use my knowledge and influence to make a positive impact on those around me, just like Gideon used his knowledge of the leaders of Succoth to bring about justice?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:14

And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and inquired of him,.... Just before he came to the city, he spied a young man which belonged to it, and laid hold on him, and inquired of him about the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:14

And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and inquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:14

He told him their names and qualities.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:14

Judges 8:14 And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, [even] threescore and seventeen men.Ver. 14. And he described unto him the princes.] Who had denied him refreshing in his pursuit of the enemy, and were therefore to be punished; though it is seldom seen that princes fall alone, since their sins do much harm, (I.) By imitation; (2.) By imputation: for pleotuntur Achivi, as 2 Samuel 24:1-25

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:14

(14) Caught a young man.—Comp. Judges 1:24. Described.—Marg. writ, i.e.: the boy wrote down their names (LXX., apegrapsato; Vulg., descripsit).Threescore and seventeen.—Perhaps a sort of local Sanhedrin of Seventy (Numbers 11:16), with their presiding sheykhs. The number shows that Succoth was a place of considerable importance.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:14

Verse 14. He described unto him the princes of Succoth] The young man probably gave him the names of seventy persons, the chief men of Succoth, who were those who were most concerned in refusing him and his men the refreshment he requested.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:14

14. he described for him] he wrote down (and gave) unto him. The knowledge of writing must have been widely spread even at this early period. Cf. the similar incidents in Judges 1:24 f.; 1 Samuel 30:11-16. the elders] Cf. Judges 8:16; the leading inhabitants and representatives of a district or city, e.g. Judges 11:5-11; they constituted the local authority and transacted public business, e. g. 1 Kings 21:8; 1 Kings 21:11. Elders and princes—the latter perhaps the executive of the local authority—are mentioned together in 2 Kings 10:1; Psalms 105:22; Ezra 10:8; Ezra 10:14.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:14

The written (see the margin) list would enable Gideon to punish the guilty and spare the innocent people.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:14

14. Described unto him the princes — Literally, wrote for him the princes. The young man probably gave him the names of the chiefs and elders in writing, and all other necessary information.

Sermons on Judges 8:14

	Sermon	Description
	Forsaken and Found by Thomas Bradbury	Thomas Bradbury preaches on the marvellous grace of Jehovah-Jesus revealed in the narrative of David finding an Egyptian in the field. The sermon highlights the kindness and compas

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