Judges 8:9
Judges 8:9 in Multiple Translations
So Gideon told the men of Penuel, “When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower!”
And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.
And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.
So he said to the men of Penuel, When I come back in peace, I will have this tower broken down.
So he told them, “When I return victorious, I'll demolish this tower!”
And he sayd also vnto the men of Penuel, When I come againe in peace, I will breake downe this towre.
And he speaketh also to the men of Penuel, saying, 'In my turning back in peace, I break down this tower.'
He spoke also to the men of Penuel, saying, “When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.”
And he spoke also to the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.
He said therefore to them also: When I shall return a conqueror in peace, I will destroy this tower.
So he said to the men of Peniel, “After I defeat those kings, I will return and tear down this tower!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:9
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 8:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר
גַּם
לְ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י
פְנוּאֵ֖ל
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
בְּ/שׁוּבִ֣/י
בְ/שָׁל֔וֹם
אֶתֹּ֖ץ
אֶת
הַ/מִּגְדָּ֥ל
הַ/זֶּֽה
וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
לְ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-mp
פְנוּאֵ֖ל
Pᵉnûwʼêl
H6439
Penuel
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּ/שׁוּבִ֣/י
shûwb
H7725
to return
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בְ/שָׁל֔וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Prep | N-ms
אֶתֹּ֖ץ
nâthats
H5422
to tear
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מִּגְדָּ֥ל
migdâl
H4026
tower
Art | N-cs
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:9
וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר
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.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
לְ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | 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.
פְנוּאֵ֖ל
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.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
בְּ/שׁוּבִ֣/י
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
בְ/שָׁל֔וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
אֶתֹּ֖ץ
nâthats
H5422
"to tear"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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.
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.
הַ/מִּגְדָּ֥ל
migdâl
H4026
"tower"
Art | 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.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — Judges 8:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 8:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:9
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:9
Context — Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
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!”
8From there he went up to Penuel and asked the same from them, but the men of Penuel gave the same response as the men of Succoth.
9So Gideon told the men of Penuel, “When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower!”
10Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen. 11And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 8:17 | He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 22:27–28 | and tell them that this is what the king says: ‘Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’” But Micaiah replied, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Take heed, all you people!” |
Judges 8:9 Summary
[Gideon told the men of Penuel that he would tear down their tower when he returned in triumph, which means he was confident that God would give him victory over his enemies. This confidence was based on his trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Judges 7:2-7. Gideon's response teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when others doubt or refuse to support us, and to remember that God is our ultimate source of strength and security (Psalm 46:1-3). By trusting in God, we can overcome any challenge or opposition, just like Gideon did, and experience the freedom and victory that comes from following Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gideon threaten to tear down the tower of Penuel?
Gideon threatened to tear down the tower of Penuel because the men of Penuel refused to provide him and his men with food and assistance, similar to the men of Succoth, as seen in Judges 8:8. This refusal to help was seen as a lack of faith in God's plan and a lack of support for Gideon's mission, which was ordained by God (Judges 6:14-16).
What is the significance of the tower in Penuel?
The tower in Penuel was likely a place of strength and security for the city, and Gideon's threat to tear it down was a warning that their refusal to help would ultimately lead to their own downfall, much like the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9, which was also a symbol of human pride and self-sufficiency.
How does Gideon's response reflect his faith in God?
Gideon's response reflects his faith in God because he is confident that God will give him victory over his enemies, as seen in Judges 7:2-7, and he is willing to trust in God's power and provision, even when faced with opposition and lack of support from others, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7.
What can we learn from Gideon's interaction with the men of Penuel?
We can learn from Gideon's interaction with the men of Penuel that our responses to others should be guided by our faith in God and our trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and that we should not be swayed by the opinions or actions of those around us, but rather by our commitment to following God's will, as seen in Acts 5:29.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when others doubt or refuse to support my God-given mission or purpose?
- What are some areas in my life where I am trusting in my own strength and abilities, rather than in God's power and provision?
- How can I, like Gideon, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with opposition or lack of support from others?
- What are some 'towers' in my life that I need to trust God to tear down, in order to bring about victory and freedom?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's power and provision to my daily life and decisions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:9
Ver. 9 And he spoke also unto the men of Penuel,.... In a threatening way, as he had spoken to the men of Succoth: saying, when I come again in peace: having conquered all his enemies, and delivered
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:9
And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower. He spake ... When I come again ... I will break down this tower.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:9
Your confidence in which makes you thus proud and presumptuous. He implies that he would afterwards destroy their persons, as is expressed, .
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:9
Judges 8:9 And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.Ver. 9. I will break down this tower.] Whereon you bear yourselves so bold as if there were no coming at you; as if you were out of the reach of God’ s rod and man’ s revenge.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:9
(9) When I come again in peace.—Comp. 1 Kings 22:27. I will break down this tower.—If the strength of their citadel emboldened them to refuse food to Gideon’s fainting warriors, it would also have helped to protect them against the dreaded vengeance of Midian.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:9
Verse 9. I will break down this tower.] Probably they had not only denied him, but insultingly pointed to a tower in which their chief defense lay; and intimated to him that he might do his worst, for they could amply defend themselves.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:9
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.