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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Judges 8  › Judges 8:16

Judges 8:16

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Judges 8:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth.

King James Version KJV

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

American Standard Version ASV

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he took the responsible men of the town and had them crushed on a bed of thorns and sharp stems.

Free Bible Version FBV

So he took the town elders of Succoth and taught them a lesson using thorns and briers from the desert.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then he tooke the Elders of the citie, and thornes of the wildernes and breers, and did teare the men of Succoth with them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he taketh the elders of the city, and the thorns of the wilderness, and the threshing instruments, and teacheth by them the men of Succoth,

World English Bible WEB

He took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness, and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

So he took the ancients of the city and thorns and briers of the desert, and tore them with the same, and cut in pieces the men of Soccoth.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Gideon’s men took the town leaders and whipped them with whips made from briers from the desert, to teach them that they deserved to be punished for not giving them any food.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:16

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 8:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקַּח֙ אֶת זִקְנֵ֣י הָ/עִ֔יר וְ/אֶת קוֹצֵ֥י הַ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר וְ/אֶת הַֽ/בַּרְקֳנִ֑ים וַ/יֹּ֣דַע בָּ/הֶ֔ם אֵ֖ת אַנְשֵׁ֥י סֻכּֽוֹת
וַ/יִּקַּח֙ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
זִקְנֵ֣י zâqên H2205 old Adj
הָ/עִ֔יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
קוֹצֵ֥י qôwts H6975 thorn N-mp
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר midbâr H4057 mouth Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
הַֽ/בַּרְקֳנִ֑ים barqân H1303 briar Art | N-mp
וַ/יֹּ֣דַע yâdaʻ H3045 to know Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּ/הֶ֔ם Prep | Suff
אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp
סֻכּֽוֹת Çukkôwth H5523 Succoth N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:16

וַ/יִּקַּח֙ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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.
זִקְנֵ֣י zâqên H2205 "old" Adj
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.
הָ/עִ֔יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
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.
קוֹצֵ֥י qôwts H6975 "thorn" N-mp
This Hebrew word simply means a thorn, like the thorns that grew in the ground after Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3:18. It can also refer to a thornbush, as in Judges 9:14.
Definition: 1) thorn, thornbush 1a) thornbush 1b) thorn
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: thorn. See also: Genesis 3:18; Isaiah 32:13; Psalms 118:12.
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר midbâr H4057 "mouth" Art | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
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.
הַֽ/בַּרְקֳנִ֑ים barqân H1303 "briar" Art | N-mp
This word refers to a thorn or brier, likely due to its bright or burning appearance. It represents obstacles or troubles in life.
Definition: briers, briars
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: brier. See also: Judges 8:7; Judges 8:16.
וַ/יֹּ֣דַע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
בָּ/הֶ֔ם "" Prep | Suff
אֵ֖ת 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.
אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 "man" 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.
סֻכּֽוֹת 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.

Study Notes — Judges 8:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 8:7 “Very well,” Gideon replied, “when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with the thorns and briers of the wilderness!”
2 Ezra 2:6 the descendants of Pahath-moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab), 2,812;
3 Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
4 Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
5 Micah 7:4 The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion.

Judges 8:16 Summary

In Judges 8:16, Gideon disciplines the men of Succoth using thorns and briers because they refused to help him and his men when they were in need. This act teaches us about the importance of showing kindness and compassion to others, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:31-46. Gideon's actions also demonstrate the consequences of disobeying God's will, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to be more like Christ and show love and kindness to those around us, even when it's difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Gideon discipline the men of Succoth using thorns and briers?

Gideon disciplined the men of Succoth because they refused to help him and his men when they were weary and in need, as seen in Judges 8:15, and this act was a consequence of their lack of compassion, as taught in Proverbs 21:13.

What is the significance of using thorns and briers for discipline?

The use of thorns and briers symbolizes the harsh and unforgiving nature of the wilderness, highlighting the severity of the men's actions, much like the wilderness experiences of the Israelites in Exodus 16:1-36.

Is Gideon's action of disciplining the men of Succoth an act of revenge?

While Gideon's action may seem like revenge, it is more accurately a consequence of the men's disobedience and lack of faith, as seen in Judges 8:15, and a demonstration of God's justice, as spoken of in Deuteronomy 32:4.

What can we learn from Gideon's interaction with the men of Succoth?

We can learn the importance of showing compassion and kindness to those in need, as taught in Matthew 25:31-46, and the consequences of disobeying God's will, as seen in Romans 6:23.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when others refuse to help me in my time of need, and what can I learn from Gideon's experience?
  2. In what ways can I show compassion and kindness to those around me, especially those who may be weary or struggling?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be refusing to help or support others, and how can I change my actions to be more like Christ?
  4. How can I balance the need for discipline and consequences with the need for mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Gideon's actions and in scripture, such as Matthew 18:21-22?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:16

And he took the elders of the city,.... All of them, especially those of them who had been most guilty, and had them to a proper place, where they might be made public examples of: and thorns of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:16

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:16

By that severe punishment he made the men, i.e. the elders of Succoth, to know their sin and folly, though it was too late for their good, but not for the instruction and warning of others.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:16

Judges 8:16 And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.Ver. 16. And he took the elders of the city, and thorns, &c.] Wherewith he tore them, as well as taught them what it was to be so barbarous, and that he had not threatened them in terrorem only. God also chastiseth his children, and thereby "teacheth them," but after another manner, "out of his law, that he may give them rest from the day of adversity." He whippeth them, but it is with sweetbrier. But let scorners of God and his people, deriders and discouragers of the good, look for a Gideon to torture them, with briers and thorns, with scourges and scorpions.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:16

(16) He taught.—Literally, made to know (Proverbs 10:9); but ãò may be a misreading for éùׂ “he threshed,” as in Judges 6:7. (Vulg. contrivit atque comminuit.) The men of Succoth.—i.e., the elders. Gideon would be well aware that in an Oriental city the mass of the people have no voice in any decision. Ewald takes it to mean, “By them (the slain elders) he taught the (rest of the) people of Succoth to be wiser in future.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:16

Verse 16. He taught the men of Succoth.] Instead of וידע he taught, Houbigant reads וידש he tore; and this is not only agreeable to what Gideon had threatened, Judges 8:7, but is supported by the Vulgate, Septuagint, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic. The Hebrew text might have been easily corrupted in this place by the change of ש shin into ע ain, letters very similar to each other.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:16

16. and with them he taught] Read, changing one letter, threshed as in Judges 8:7, with LXX. B ἠλόησεν, A κατέξανεν. The Vulgate gives a double rendering: et contrivit cum eis, atque comminuit viros Soccoth. Peshitto and Targ. paraphrase. The meaning seems to be that Gideon dragged thorns and teasels over their prostrate bodies, i.e. carded them; a form of torture well known in antiquity. For ‘threshing’ in this metaphorical sense cf. Amos 1:3, Micah 4:13, Isaiah 41:15.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:16

He taught - Thought to be a false reading, for “he threshed,” as in Judges 8:7 margin.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:16

16. Taught the men — Made them know his power, and their own guilt, in refusing him supplies.

Sermons on Judges 8:16

SermonDescription
Bob Hoekstra Parents and Children by Bob Hoekstra This sermon focuses on the biblical principles of parenting and raising children according to God's design. It emphasizes the importance of mutual servanthood in family relationshi
Thomas Brooks His School of Instruction by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's discipline serves as a means of instruction, akin to a rod that reveals folly and vanity in His people. He explains that God's corrections are n
Thomas Shepard Wine for Gospel wantons... by Thomas Shepard Thomas Shepard preaches on the consequences of spiritual drunkenness as described in Jeremiah 13:12-15, where God fills the inhabitants of the land with a spirit of drunkenness, le
Samuel Davies The Crisis, or the Uncertain Doom of Kingdoms at Particular Times by Samuel Davies Samuel Davies preaches about the uncertainty and anxiety faced by nations in times of crisis, using the example of Nineveh's impending doom due to sin. He emphasizes the importance
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