Judges 8:17
Judges 8:17 in Multiple Translations
He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.
And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.
And he brake down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.
And he had the tower of Penuel broken down and the men of the town put to death.
He also demolished the tower of Peniel and killed the men of the town.
Also he brake downe the towre of Penuel, and slew the men of the citie.
and the tower of Penuel he hath broken down, and slayeth the men of the city.
He broke down the tower of Penuel, and killed the men of the city.
And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.
And he demolished the tower of Phanuel, and slew the men of the city.
Then they went to Peniel and tore down the tower, and killed all the men in the town.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:17
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 8:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
מִגְדַּ֥ל
פְּנוּאֵ֖ל
נָתָ֑ץ
וַֽ/יַּהֲרֹ֖ג
אֶת
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
הָ/עִֽיר
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִגְדַּ֥ל
migdâl
H4026
tower
N-cs
פְּנוּאֵ֖ל
Pᵉnûwʼêl
H6439
Penuel
N-proper
נָתָ֑ץ
nâthats
H5422
to tear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַֽ/יַּהֲרֹ֖ג
hârag
H2026
to kill
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
הָ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:17
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.
מִגְדַּ֥ל
migdâl
H4026
"tower"
N-cs
Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.
Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.
פְּנוּאֵ֖ל
Pᵉnûwʼêl
H6439
"Penuel"
N-proper
Penuel is a place in the Bible where Jacob met God, and it means facing God. It's also the name of a few Israelites, like a man from the tribe of Benjamin, mentioned in 1 Chronicles.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.8.25; son of: Shashak (H8349); brother of: Ishpan (H3473), Eber (H5677J), Eliel (H0447I), Abdon (H5658I), Zichri (H2147I), Hanan (H2605), Hananiah (H2608O), Elam (H5867), Anthothijah (H6070) and Iphdeiah (H3301) § Penuel or Peniel = "facing God" 1) a Benjamite, son of Shashak, brother of Iphedeiah of the family of Saul 2) son of Hur, father of Gedor, and a descendant of Judah 3) the place named by Jacob when he wrestled with God and located on the north bank of the Jabbok close to the Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Peniel, Penuel. See also: Genesis 32:31; Judges 8:17; 1 Chronicles 8:25.
נָתָ֑ץ
nâthats
H5422
"to tear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The act of tearing down or destroying something, like a wall or a city, is what this word describes, and it can also mean to overthrow or defeat someone.
Definition: 1) to pull down, break down, cast down, throw down, beat down, destroy, overthrow, break out (teeth) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull down 1a2) to break down, break off 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled or broken down 1c) (Piel) to tear down 1d) (Pual) to be torn down 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be broken down
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down. See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Chronicles 23:17; Psalms 52:7.
וַֽ/יַּהֲרֹ֖ג
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
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.
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.
הָ/עִֽיר
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.
Study Notes — Judges 8:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 8:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:17
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:17
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:17
Context — Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
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.
17He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.
18Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.” 19“They were my brothers,” Gideon replied, “the sons of my mother! As surely as the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 8:9 | So Gideon told the men of Penuel, “When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower!” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 12:25 | Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And from there he went out and built Penuel. |
Judges 8:17 Summary
In this verse, Gideon pulls down the tower of Penuel and kills the men of the city as a demonstration of God's judgment on those who refused to help His people. This act shows that God is serious about obedience and will judge those who refuse to help His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:24. Gideon's actions were a result of the city's refusal to provide aid, and serve as a reminder that God will ultimately bring justice to those who have been wronged, as seen in Psalm 37:28. By trusting in God's power and judgment, we can learn to trust Him even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gideon pull down the tower of Penuel and kill the men of the city?
Gideon's actions were a result of the city's refusal to provide aid to him and his men, as seen in Judges 8:5-9, and were a demonstration of God's judgment on those who refused to help His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:24.
What is the significance of the tower of Penuel in this context?
The tower of Penuel was likely a place of strength and refuge for the city, and Gideon's destruction of it was a symbol of God's power and judgment, similar to the destruction of Jericho in Joshua 6:20-21.
Is Gideon's actions in this verse an example of God's justice or revenge?
Gideon's actions were a mix of both, as he was executing God's judgment on the city for their refusal to help, as seen in Psalm 119:75, but also seeking revenge for their previous taunts and lack of aid, as seen in Proverbs 24:17.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites and their allies, and demonstrates his obedience to God's will and his determination to complete the task God had given him, as seen in Judges 6:14 and 7:1-8:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate obedience to God's will, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with my need to show mercy and compassion, as seen in Micah 6:8?
- What are some 'towers' in my life that need to be pulled down, and how can I trust God to give me the strength and courage to do so?
- How can I learn to trust God's judgment and timing, even when I don't understand the circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:17
And he beat down the tower of Penuel,.... As he threatened he would, Jude 8:9 whether this was before or after he had chastised the elders of Succoth, is not clear; one would think by the course he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:17
And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:17
Judges 8:17 And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.Ver. 17. And he beat down the tower of Penuel.] Which Jeroboam rebuilt and made it a garrison.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:17
(17) Beat down the tower.—The importance of the place led to its re-fortification by Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:25).
Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:17
17. Gideon’s revenge strikes us as vindictive. In return for some jeering words he treated these towns, which no doubt contained many of his own countrymen, with a barbarity which is altogether absent from his execution of the Midianite kings, who had murdered his brothers and plundered his home. We must allow for the rough and passionate temper of the age, and for the exasperating lack of patriotism in the two towns; cf. Judges 5:23.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:17
The men of the city - Perhaps the rulers; who, it is likely, had possession of the tower or citadel, and so could tyrannize over the people.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:17
17. Tower of Penuel — Penuel seems to have been an important stronghold commanding the ordinary route of travel to the far East; hence this tower, which may have served the double purpose of a watchtower and a fortress.