Judges 8:2
Judges 8:2 in Multiple Translations
But Gideon answered them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer?
And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abi-ezer?
And he said unto them, What have I now done in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?
And he said to them, What have I done in comparison with you? Is not that which Ephraim took up after the grape-cutting better than all the grapes which Abiezer got in from the grape-cutting?
“Now what have I achieved in comparison to you?” Gideon replied. “Even Ephraim's left-over grapes are better than Abiezer's whole grape harvest!
To whom he said, What haue I now done in comparison of you? is not the gleaning of grapes of Ephraim better, then the vintage of Abiezer?
and he saith unto them, 'What have I done now like you? are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the harvest of Abi-Ezer?
He said to them, “What have I now done in comparison with you? Isn’t the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?
And he said to them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?
And he answered them: What could I have done like to that which you have done? Is not one bunch of grapes of Ephraim better than the vintages of Abiezer?
But Gideon replied, “I have done [RHQ] very little compared with what you have done! My small clan of descendants of Abiezer only started the battle, but your very large group of descendants of Ephraim helped me to finish the task very well. It is like the final grapes of the harvest being much better than the first grapes that are picked.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:2
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 8:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
מֶה
עָשִׂ֥יתִי
עַתָּ֖ה
כָּ/כֶ֑ם
הֲ/ל֗וֹא
ט֛וֹב
עֹלְל֥וֹת
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
מִ/בְצִ֥יר
אֲבִיעֶֽזֶר
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מֶה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
עָשִׂ֥יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
עַתָּ֖ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
כָּ/כֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
הֲ/ל֗וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
ט֛וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
עֹלְל֥וֹת
ʻôlêlâh
H5955
gleaning
N-fp
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
מִ/בְצִ֥יר
bâtsîyr
H1210
vintage
Prep | N-ms
אֲבִיעֶֽזֶר
ʼĂbîyʻezer
H44
Abiezer
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:2
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
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.
מֶה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
עָשִׂ֥יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
עַתָּ֖ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
כָּ/כֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
הֲ/ל֗וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
ט֛וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
עֹלְל֥וֹת
ʻôlêlâh
H5955
"gleaning"
N-fp
Gleaning, or picking leftover grapes, is what this word describes. In the Bible, it refers to the act of gathering what is left after a harvest. The KJV translates it as gleaning of the grapes.
Definition: gleaning
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (gleaning) (of the) grapes, grapegleanings. See also: Judges 8:2; Jeremiah 49:9; Isaiah 17:6.
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
מִ/בְצִ֥יר
bâtsîyr
H1210
"vintage"
Prep | N-ms
This word is used to describe the grape harvest or vintage, a time of gathering and celebration in ancient Israel.
Definition: vintage
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: vintage. See also: Leviticus 26:5; Isaiah 32:10; Isaiah 24:13.
אֲבִיעֶֽזֶר
ʼĂbîyʻezer
H44
"Abiezer"
N-proper
Refers to Abiezer, an Israelite from the tribe of Manasseh, whose name means my father is help, and is mentioned in the book of Numbers as a descendant of Gilead.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Manasseh living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.26.30; son of: Gilead (H1568H); brother of: Helek (H2507), Asriel (H0844), Shechem (H7928), Shemida (H8061) and Hepher (H2660A); also called Iezer (KJV: Jeezer) at Num.26.30; § Abiezer = "my father is help" 1) a Manassite, called "son" of Gilead, also son of Gilead's sister 2) a Benjamite, warrior of David
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Abiezer. See also: Joshua 17:2; 2 Samuel 23:27; 1 Chronicles 27:12.
Study Notes — Judges 8:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 8:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:2
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:2
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:2
- Sermons on Judges 8:2
Context — Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
1Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him violently.
2But Gideon answered them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer?
3God has delivered Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian, into your hand. What was I able to do compared to you?” When he had said this, their anger against him subsided. 4Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 | Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. |
| 2 | Philippians 2:2–3 | then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. |
| 3 | James 3:13–18 | Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness. |
| 4 | Judges 6:34 | So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him. |
| 5 | James 1:19–20 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. |
| 6 | Judges 6:11 | Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. |
| 7 | Galatians 5:14–15 | The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. |
Judges 8:2 Summary
In Judges 8:2, Gideon is saying that what the men of Ephraim have accomplished is even more impressive than what he has done, and he is giving them the credit they deserve. This shows that Gideon is a humble leader who is not seeking to elevate himself, but rather to give glory to God and recognize the accomplishments of others (as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31). Gideon's response is a great example of how we should strive to be humble and recognize the achievements of those around us. By doing so, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated, and where God can receive the glory He deserves (as seen in Psalm 115:1).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gideon trying to say to the men of Ephraim in Judges 8:2?
Gideon is humbly acknowledging that the men of Ephraim have accomplished more in their victory over the Midianites than he has, as seen in the comparison of the gleanings of Ephraim to the grape harvest of Abiezer, and this is reminiscent of the humility shown by John the Baptist in John 3:30 when he says he must decrease so Christ can increase.
What does the phrase 'gleanings of Ephraim' mean in this context?
The phrase 'gleanings of Ephraim' refers to the leftover grain that the men of Ephraim gathered after defeating the Midianites, and it is being compared to the 'grape harvest of Abiezer', which represents the best of what Gideon's tribe has to offer, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:19 where gleaning is associated with the poor and the stranger.
How does Gideon's response in Judges 8:2 reflect his character?
Gideon's response reflects his humility and willingness to give credit to others, as seen in his acknowledgement of the men of Ephraim's accomplishments, and this is in line with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 20:26-28 where true greatness is associated with humility and service to others.
What can we learn from Gideon's comparison of the gleanings of Ephraim to the grape harvest of Abiezer?
We can learn the importance of humility and recognizing the accomplishments of others, as Gideon does in Judges 8:2, and this is reinforced by the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:3 where he warns against thinking too highly of oneself.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can practice humility in my daily life, like Gideon does in this verse?
- How can I learn to recognize and appreciate the accomplishments of others, even if they seem small or insignificant?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to decrease so that Christ can increase, as seen in John 3:30?
- How can I apply the principle of giving credit to others, as Gideon does in this verse, in my relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:2
And he said unto them,.... In a very mild and gentle manner, giving soft words, which turn away wrath: what have I done in comparison of you?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:2
And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abi-ezer? He said ... What have I done now in comparison of you?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:2
What was done was done by God’ s immediate making them one to kill another; what I have done, in cutting off some of the fugitive common soldiers, is not to be compared with your exploit in destroying their princes; I began the war, but you have finished. The gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim; what you have gleaned or done after me. Of Abi-ezer, i.e. of the Abi-ezrites, to whom he modestly communicateth the honour of the victory, and doth not arrogate it to himself, as generals commonly do.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:2
Judges 8:2 And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? [Is] not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?Ver. 2. What have I done now in comparison of you?] By a soft answer he pacifieth their wrath. Milk quencheth wildfire: oil, saith Luther, quenches lime, which water kindles. Hard to hard, will never do well: but you may break a flint upon a cushion; a bullet if it light upon a wool sack, dieth there. "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath." Howbeit some men are as nettles: handle them gently, they sting you; handle them hard, and they will do you no hurt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:2
(2) What have I done now in comparison of you?—Since Gideon was by no means a man of very placable and pacific disposition, we see the strong and noble self-control which this answer manifests. He was not in a condition, even had he wished it, to humble the fierce jealousy of this kindred tribe, as the more independent Jephthah, who was not so closely bound to them, did not scruple to do. He remembered that Zebah and Zalmunna were still safe; the Midianites were as yet by no means finally crushed. Patriotism as well as right feeling demanded that at such a moment there should be no civil discord. Is not the gleaning . . .?—The answer has a proverbial sound. (Comp. Deuteronomy 24:21.) It here implies that Ephraim, by a mere subsequent and secondary effort, had achieved more (as yet) than Gideon himself had done, or perhaps that the two bloody heads which were their “gleaning” were better than the “vintage” of obscure thousands. In admitting this, in waiving all self-assertion, Gideon was setting an example of the spirit which is content to suffer wrong, and to take less than its proper due (elassousthai, Time. i. 77). Nor was there any irony or wilful sacrifice of truth in his remark, for there can be no doubt that the Ephraimites had wrought a splendid victory (Isaiah 10:26). The Chaldee renders it, “Are not the weak of the house of Ephraim better than the strong of the house of Abiezer?”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:2
Verse 2. Is not the gleaning, c.] That is, The Ephraimites have performed more important services than Gideon and his men and he supports the assertion by observing that it was they who took the two Midianitish generals, having discomfited their hosts at the passes of Jordan.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:2
2. Gideon, like his father (Judges 6:31), had the ready wit to extricate himself from an awkward situation. For the gleaning of the grapes see Isaiah 17:6, Micah 7:1; the word is used of fruit, not of corn. Ephraim indeed arrived late upon the scene, but they had the glory of capturing the chiefs. Gideon speaks only of Abiezer, his own clansmen; the 300 warriors chosen from different tribes, Judges 7:2-8, belong to another version of the story. Probably Judges 8:3 was followed by Judges 8:29 in the original narrative.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:2
A civil war with the great tribe of Ephraim would soon have turned Israel’s victory into mourning.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:2
2. Is not the gleaning — Is not the slaughter of these two chieftains a greater glory than all that I have done?
Sermons on Judges 8:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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1 Cor 13 (Version 2) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about an old couple who were brutally attacked by a man they had shown love to. The preacher emphasizes the importance of love and how i |
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Do These Things Move You? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having unwavering faith in God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. He uses the example of a man who remained c |
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Four Loves by C.S. Lewis | C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic lo |
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(John) 08 - What He Takes He Breaks by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power rather than human programs or gimmicks. He uses the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand as an |
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Husbands Love Your Wifes! by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spo |
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Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Overcomes Your Fears by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of fear and its consequences. He emphasizes that fear can tear people apart emotionally and spiritually, and that Satan uses fear t |
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Communication of Our Faith - Part 3 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a group of people who are wounded and in need of help. They receive a message about an approaching enemy and quickly prepare to fig |