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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Judges 8  › Judges 8:4

Judges 8:4

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Judges 8:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit.

King James Version KJV

¶ And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.

American Standard Version ASV

And Gideon came to the Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Gideon came to Jordan and went over it with his three hundred, overcome with weariness and in need of food.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then Gideon crossed the Jordan with his three hundred men. Even though they were exhausted they continued the chase.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Gideon came to Iorden to passe ouer, hee, and the three hundreth men that were with him, weary, yet pursuing them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Gideon cometh in unto the Jordan, passing over, he and the three hundred men who [are] with him — wearied, and pursuing,

World English Bible WEB

Gideon came to the Jordan and passed over, he and the three hundred men who were with him, faint, yet pursuing.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them .

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when Gedeon was come to the Jordan, he passed over it with the three hundred men, that were with him: who were so weary that they could not pursue after them that fled.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Gideon and his 300 men went east and crossed the Jordan River. Although they were very tired, they continued to pursue their enemies.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:4

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 8:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֥א גִדְע֖וֹן הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑נָ/ה עֹבֵ֣ר ה֗וּא וּ/שְׁלֹשׁ מֵא֤וֹת הָ/אִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתּ֔/וֹ עֲיֵפִ֖ים וְ/רֹדְפִֽים
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גִדְע֖וֹן Gidʻôwn H1439 Gideon N-proper
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑נָ/ה Yardên H3383 Jordan Art | N-proper | Suff
עֹבֵ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal
ה֗וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
וּ/שְׁלֹשׁ shâlôwsh H7969 three Conj | Adj
מֵא֤וֹת mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj
הָ/אִישׁ֙ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אִתּ֔/וֹ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff
עֲיֵפִ֖ים ʻâyêph H5889 faint Adj
וְ/רֹדְפִֽים râdaph H7291 to pursue Conj | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:4

וַ/יָּבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
גִדְע֖וֹן Gidʻôwn H1439 "Gideon" N-proper
Gideon was a judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites. His name means 'hewer' and he is also called Jerubbaal.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.6.11; son of: Joash (H3101); father of: Jether (H3500), Abimelech (H0040H) and Jotham (H3147); also called Jerubbaal at Jdg.6.32; 7.1; 8.29,35; 9.1,2,5,16,19,24,28,57; 1xJerubbesheth at 2Sa.11.21; § Gideon = "hewer" youngest son of Joash of the Abiezrites, fifth judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Gideon. See also: Judges 6:11; Judges 7:18; Judges 8:35.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑נָ/ה Yardên H3383 "Jordan" Art | N-proper | Suff
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
עֹבֵ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
ה֗וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וּ/שְׁלֹשׁ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
מֵא֤וֹת mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
הָ/אִישׁ֙ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms
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.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אִתּ֔/וֹ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
עֲיֵפִ֖ים ʻâyêph H5889 "faint" Adj
In the Bible, this word means feeling faint or exhausted, like being very thirsty or weary. It is used to describe someone who is drained of energy. This word appears in descriptions of people who are struggling.
Definition: faint, exhausted, weary
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: faint, thirsty, weary. See also: Genesis 25:29; Psalms 63:2; Psalms 143:6.
וְ/רֹדְפִֽים râdaph H7291 "to pursue" Conj | V-Qal
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.

Study Notes — Judges 8:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
2 2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
3 1 Samuel 14:28–29 Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the troops with a solemn oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food today.’ That is why the people are faint.” “My father has brought trouble to the land,” Jonathan replied. “Just look at how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.
4 Hebrews 12:1–4 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
5 1 Samuel 30:10 because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit.
6 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
7 Judges 7:25 They also captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian; and they killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. So they pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan.
8 1 Samuel 14:31–32 That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, the people were very faint. So they rushed greedily to the plunder, taking sheep, cattle, and calves. They slaughtered them on the ground and ate meat with the blood still in it.

Judges 8:4 Summary

[Gideon and his men were very tired, but they kept going because they wanted to finish what God had asked them to do, which is to defeat their enemies, as seen in Judges 8:4-5. This shows us that even when we feel weak or tired, we can still trust in God's power to help us, just like it says in Philippians 4:13. We can learn from Gideon's example to persevere and have faith, even when things seem difficult, and to trust in God's strength, as encouraged in Isaiah 40:29-31.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Gideon and his men cross the Jordan River despite being exhausted?

Gideon and his men crossed the Jordan River because they were still pursuing their enemies, the kings of Midian, as seen in Judges 8:4-5, and they were determined to complete their mission, just like the Lord commanded them in Deuteronomy 31:6-8.

What does it mean that Gideon and his men were 'exhausted yet still in pursuit'?

This phrase means that despite being physically tired, Gideon and his men were still committed to chasing after their enemies and fulfilling their God-given task, which is a testament to their perseverance and faith, as encouraged in Galatians 6:9.

How does this verse relate to the context of the surrounding verses?

This verse is a continuation of the story in Judges 8, where Gideon has just addressed the concerns of the men of Ephraim in Judges 8:1-3, and now he is proceeding with his mission to defeat the kings of Midian, as mentioned in Judges 8:5-6.

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

We can learn the importance of perseverance and trust in God's power, even when we feel weak or exhausted, just like Gideon did, and how this trust can lead to victory, as seen in Romans 8:37 and Judges 7:2-7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I feel exhausted, yet I need to keep pursuing God's will?
  2. How can I, like Gideon, trust in God's power to overcome my weaknesses and fulfill my mission?
  3. What are some ways I can demonstrate perseverance and faith in the face of challenges, just like Gideon did in this verse?
  4. How does this verse encourage me to rely on God's strength, rather than my own, in times of exhaustion or difficulty?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:4

And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over..... That river; [See comments on Jude 7:25] he and three hundred men that were with him, at the defeat of the Midianites in the valley of Jezreel; so that

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:4

And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:4

Passed over, or, had passed over: when he passed over, See Poole "".

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:4

Judges 8:4 And Gideon came to Jordan, [and] passed over, he, and the three hundred men that [were] with him, faint, yet pursuing [them].Ver. 4. And Gideon came to Jordan.] This was before that bickering he had with the Ephraimites, though set down after it. Faint, yet pursuing.] So Daniel, though sick, did the king’ s business. "Continue instant in prayer."

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:4

(4) And Gideon came to Jordan.—This verse resumes the narrative of Jdg 7:23. The intermediate verses are an episode, and they are only here introduced by anticipation, in order to close the notice about the tribe of Ephraim. And passed over.—Literally, passing over; but the English Version is correct as to the meaning, and it may be regarded as certain that Succoth was to the east of Jordan. Faint, yet pursuing.—It may be doubted whether the usual application of these words is accurate. The LXX. render them, “fainting and hungry,” and the Vulg., “and for weariness they could not overtake the fugitives.” Literally it is, faint and pursuing, where the and is explanatory. “Exhausted and pursuing,” 1 e., exhausted with pursuing (Keil). “In 1815 Mehemet All pursued the Arabs with such haste as to find himself without provisions, and had to be content with a few dates; but the result was a great success” (Ritter xii. 932).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:4

Verse 4. Faint, yet pursuing] The Vulgate paraphrases this, et prae lassitudine, fugientes persequi non poterant; "and, through fatigue, unable to pursue the fugitives."

Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:4

4–21. The pursuit on the east of Jordan This section is clearly not the continuation of the verses which immediately precede (see p. 68); if its antecedents are to be found in the foregoing narrative at all, we may suppose that after the panic and flight described in Judges 7:16-22, the main body of the Midianites escaped across the Jordan, and with their camels (Judges 8:21; Judges 8:26) easily outstripped their pursuers, insomuch that the men of Succoth and Penuel (Judges 8:6; Judges 8:8), and they themselves (Judges 8:11), believed that they were safely out of Gideon’s reach. On the other hand, it must be admitted that the section itself presupposes a raid into Gideon’s own district, where his brothers were murdered (Judges 8:18), rather than the panic and flight described in Judges 7:16-22; possibly, therefore, we have here a fragment from some independent source. In Judges 8:10 b there seems to be an attempt made to harmonize the narrative with what has gone before.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:4

PURSUIT AND DEFEAT OF ZEBAH AND , Judges 8:4-12. 4. Gideon came to Jordan — This in point of time, was before the heads of the captured princes had been brought to him. Note, Judges 7:25.

Sermons on Judges 8:4

SermonDescription
Thomas Reade Christian Perseverance by Thomas Reade Thomas Reade preaches on Christian Perseverance, drawing parallels between the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan and the Christian pilgrim's path filled with oppositio
Mary Wilder Tileston Continue the Struggle by God's Grace by Mary Wilder Tileston Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the struggles and triumphs in the Christian journey, emphasizing that although believers may feel perplexed and cast down at times, they are not
David Wilkerson (Nicaragua) I Have Labored in Vain by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a missionary who became discouraged after five years of laboring in a certain nation without seeing any results. Despite God's promi
David Wilkerson A Christian’s Response to Calamities by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker addresses the response of Christians to calamities happening in the world. They emphasize that while the world may be alarmed and nervous, Christians ha
Jim Cymbala Don't Give Up by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of not losing heart in the face of struggles and challenges. He refers to the apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:1 and 4:16,
David Wilkerson Whatever Happened to Joy by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the various forms of sadness and tragedy that people experience in life, such as illness, death, and uncertainty. However, the speaker emphasi
Jim Cymbala Spiritual Restoration by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker addresses the theme of doing good and helping others. He emphasizes the importance of not giving up or becoming weary in doing good, as it can be tiring
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