Judges 8:20
Judges 8:20 in Multiple Translations
So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth.
And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth.
And he said unto Jether his first-born, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth.
Then he said to Jether, his oldest son, Up! Put them to death. But the boy did not take out his sword, fearing because he was still a boy.
He told Jether, his oldest son, “Go on, kill them!” But the boy refused to draw his sword, because he was young and afraid.
Then he sayde vnto Iether his first borne sonne, Vp, and slay them: but the boy drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet yong.
And he saith to Jether his first-born, 'Rise, slay them;' and the young man hath not drawn his sword, for he hath been afraid, for he [is] yet a youth.
He said to Jether his firstborn, “Get up and kill them!” But the youth didn’t draw his sword; for he was afraid, because he was yet a youth.
And he said to Jether his first-born, Arise, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth.
And he said to Jether his eldest son: Arise, and slay them. But he drew not his sword: for he was afraid, being but yet a boy.
Then he turned to his oldest son, Jether. He said to him, “Kill them!” But Jether was only a boy, and he was afraid, so he did not pull out his dagger to kill them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:20
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 8:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
לְ/יֶ֣תֶר
בְּכוֹר֔/וֹ
ק֖וּם
הֲרֹ֣ג
אוֹתָ֑/ם
וְ/לֹא
שָׁלַ֨ף
הַ/נַּ֤עַר
חַרְבּ/וֹ֙
כִּ֣י
יָרֵ֔א
כִּ֥י
עוֹדֶ֖/נּוּ
נָֽעַר
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/יֶ֣תֶר
Yether
H3500
Jethro
Prep | N-proper
בְּכוֹר֔/וֹ
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms | Suff
ק֖וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הֲרֹ֣ג
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אוֹתָ֑/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
שָׁלַ֨ף
shâlaph
H8025
to draw
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/נַּ֤עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
חַרְבּ/וֹ֙
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָרֵ֔א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עוֹדֶ֖/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv | Suff
נָֽעַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:20
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
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.
לְ/יֶ֣תֶר
Yether
H3500
"Jethro"
Prep | N-proper
Jethro, meaning abundance, was the father-in-law of Moses and a Midianite priest who advised Moses in Exodus 2 and 18.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.18; father of: Zipporah (H6855) and Hobab (H2246); also called Reuel (KJV: Raguel) at Num.10.29; Another spelling of yit.ro (יִתְרוֹ "Jethro" H3503) § Jether = "abundance" 1) father-in-law of Moses 2) oldest son of Gideon 3) father of Jephunneh and the chief of a line of warriors of the line of Asher 4) father of Amasa, the commander of Absalom's army 5) son of Jada, a descendant of Hezron, of the tribe of Judah 6) a son of Ezra, a Judaite
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Jether, Jethro. Compare H3503 (יִתְרוֹ). See also: Exodus 4:18; 1 Chronicles 2:17; 1 Chronicles 7:38.
בְּכוֹר֔/וֹ
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
ק֖וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
הֲרֹ֣ג
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
אוֹתָ֑/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
שָׁלַ֨ף
shâlaph
H8025
"to draw"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to pull or draw something out, like drawing a plant out of the ground. It is used in various contexts, including pulling out a sword or growing up. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of everyday life and warfare.
Definition: 1) to draw out or off, take off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw out 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to shoot up, draw out (of blade of grass on roof)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: draw (off), grow up, pluck off. See also: Numbers 22:23; Judges 20:46; Psalms 129:6.
הַ/נַּ֤עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | 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.
חַרְבּ/וֹ֙
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs | Suff
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָרֵ֔א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עוֹדֶ֖/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv | Suff
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
נָֽעַר
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.
Study Notes — Judges 8:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 8:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:20
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:20
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:20
- Sermons on Judges 8:20
Context — Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
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.”
20So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth.
21Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels. 22Then the Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you and your son and grandson—for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 149:9 | to execute the judgment written against them. This honor is for all His saints. Hallelujah! |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 15:33 | But Samuel declared: “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal. |
| 3 | Joshua 10:24 | 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. |
Judges 8:20 Summary
[This verse shows Gideon asking his son Jether to kill two enemy leaders, but Jether is too afraid. This story teaches us about the importance of leadership and responsibility, and how we should trust in God's power and provision, even when we feel scared or unsure, as seen in Judges 8:20 and Psalm 56:3-4. We can learn from Gideon's example by seeking guidance and support from God and others, and by being patient and understanding with those who are still growing in their faith, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gideon ask his son Jether to kill Zebah and Zalmunna?
Gideon asked his son Jether to kill Zebah and Zalmunna as a way of testing his son's courage and ability to carry out justice, as seen in Judges 8:20, and also to teach him about the importance of leadership and responsibility, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:6.
Why was Jether fearful of killing Zebah and Zalmunna?
Jether was fearful because he was still a youth and lacked the experience and confidence to carry out the task, as stated in Judges 8:20, which is a reminder that we all need guidance and support as we grow in our faith, as seen in Psalm 119:105.
What can we learn from Gideon's interaction with his son Jether?
We can learn the importance of mentorship and guidance in our spiritual journey, as Gideon was trying to teach his son Jether about leadership and responsibility, and also the need to be patient and understanding with those who are still growing in their faith, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Gideon?
This verse shows Gideon's desire to teach his son about leadership and responsibility, but also highlights his own character as a leader who is willing to take action when necessary, as seen in Judges 7:1-25, and ultimately points to God's sovereignty and plan for the Israelites, as stated in Romans 11:36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am fearful or lacking in confidence, and how can I seek guidance and support from God and others?
- How can I, like Gideon, mentor and guide those around me who are still growing in their faith?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of leadership and responsibility in my own life, and how can I apply these principles in a way that honors God?
- In what ways can I, like Jether, learn to trust in God's power and provision, even when faced with challenging or intimidating situations, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:20
And he said unto Jether, his firstborn, up, and slay them,.... Being the near kinsman of his father's brethren, whom these kings had slain, was a proper person to avenge their blood on them; and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:20
And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth. He said unto Jether his first-born, Up, and slay them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:20
Up and slay them; partly, that he might animate him to the use of arms for his God and country against their enemies, and to the exercise of justice; partly, that the death of those mischievous persons might be more shameful and painful; and partly, that he might have some share in the honour of the victory.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:20
Judges 8:20 And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, [and] slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he [was] yet a youth.Ver. 20. And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them.] “ Adeo a teneris assuescere magnum est. ” Gideon would inure his son to manlike actions from his youth, and make him share with him in the honour of his victory.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:20
(20) And he said unto Jether.—By the jus talionis. as well as by every other consideration of that time, Gideon, as the last survivor of all his kingly brothers, would hold himself justified in putting his captives to death. Jether also would inherit the duties of goel (Numbers 35:12; 2 Samuel 2:22, &c), and Gideon desired both to train the boy to fearlessness against the enemies of Israel (Joshua 10:24-25). to give him prestige, and to add to the disgrace of the Midianite kings. Again. Gideon must only be judged by the standard and the customs of his own day. (Comp. 1 Samuel 15:33, Samuel and Agag; 2 Samuel 1:15, David and the Amalekite.) The name Jether is another form of Jethro and means “pre-eminence.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:20
Verse 20. He said unto Jether his first-born] By the ancient laws of war, prisoners taken in war might be either slain, sold, or kept for slaves. To put a captive enemy to death no executioner was required. Gideon slays Zebah and Zalmunna with his own hand. So Samuel is said to have hewn Agag in pieces, 1 Samuel 15:33. Benaiah slew Joab, 1Kg 2:25. Saul orders his guards to slay the priests who had contributed to the escape of David, 1 Samuel 22:17; and David caused one of his attendants to slay the Amalekite who pretended to have slain Saul, 2 Samuel 1:15.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:20
20. Jether his firstborn] Did Gideon wish to bestow an honour upon his son, and humiliate these famous warriors? Or was the youth chosen for ceremonial reasons? Robertson Smith compares the choice of young men as sacrificers in Exodus 24:5, and illustrates from the custom of the Saracens who charged lads with the slaying of their captives; Rel. of Semites, p. 396 n.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:20
It was Gideon’s place to act the part of the “avenger of blood” Numbers 35:12; Deuteronomy 19:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:20
20. Said unto Jether — He would add to their disgrace by making them perish by the hand of a boy.
Sermons on Judges 8:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(New Wine in New Wineskins) 11. Victory Through Praise by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that as disciples of Jesus, our calling is to live by faith, which is marked by praise and thanksgiving. Unlike the Israelites who praised God only after seei |