Judges 9:10
Judges 9:10 in Multiple Translations
Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and reign over us.’
And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us.
And the trees said to the fig-tree, Come thou, and reign over us.
Then the trees said to the fig-tree, You come and be king over us.
Then the trees asked the fig tree, ‘You come and be our king.’
Then the trees sayde to the fig tree, Come thou, and be King ouer vs.
And the trees say to the fig, Come thou, reign over us.
“The trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and reign over us.’
And the trees said to the fig-tree, Come thou, and reign over us.
And the trees said to the fig tree: Come thou and reign over us.
“Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and be our king!’
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:10
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 9:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
הָ/עֵצִ֖ים
לַ/תְּאֵנָ֑ה
לְכִי
אַ֖תְּ
מָלְכִ֥י
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/עֵצִ֖ים
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Art | N-mp
לַ/תְּאֵנָ֑ה
tᵉʼên
H8384
fig
Prep | N-fs
לְכִי
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
אַ֖תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
מָלְכִ֥י
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:10
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
הָ/עֵצִ֖ים
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
לַ/תְּאֵנָ֑ה
tᵉʼên
H8384
"fig"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to the fig tree or its fruit, and is used in the Bible to describe a common food source in ancient Israel. It appears in stories like the one about Jesus and the fig tree in Matthew.
Definition: fig, fig tree
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: fig (tree). See also: Genesis 3:7; Jeremiah 8:13; Psalms 105:33.
לְכִי
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אַ֖תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
מָלְכִ֥י
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Judges 9:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jotham’s Parable
8One day the trees set out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’
9But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’
10Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and reign over us.’
11But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my sweetness and my good fruit, to hold sway over the trees?’ 12Then the trees said to the grapevine, ‘Come and reign over us.’Judges 9:10 Summary
In this verse, the trees ask the fig tree to be their king after the olive tree says no. This shows that the trees are looking for someone to be in charge, but they're not thinking about what's best for everyone. It's like when we want to be in control, but we forget that God is the one who should be leading us, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. We can learn from the trees' mistake by remembering to put God first and seek His guidance in our lives, just like the Bible teaches us in Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the trees ask the fig tree to reign over them after the olive tree declined?
The trees asked the fig tree to reign over them because they were determined to have a king, and the fig tree was another potential candidate, as seen in Judges 9:10. This desire for a king is reminiscent of the Israelites' desire for a king in 1 Samuel 8:5-7.
What can we learn from the fig tree's response in the next verse?
The fig tree's response in Judges 9:11 teaches us that our primary focus should be on serving and honoring God, rather than seeking power or prestige, as also seen in Matthew 20:26-28.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of leadership in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of humble leadership, as seen in the olive tree's and fig tree's reluctance to reign, and is consistent with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 23:11-12, where He emphasizes the need for leaders to be servants.
What does this story reveal about human nature?
This story reveals that human nature often seeks power and control, as seen in the trees' persistence in finding a king, which is a theme also explored in Genesis 3:1-7, where Adam and Eve's desire for power and knowledge leads to sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking power or control, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I, like the olive tree and fig tree, prioritize serving and honoring God above personal ambitions?
- What does it mean to 'reign over' others in a biblical sense, and how can I use my influence to serve and bless others, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart of humility and service, like the olive tree and fig tree, in my daily life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:10
And the trees said to the fig tree,.... Another useful and fruit bearing tree, and to which also good men are sometimes compared, see So 2:13, come thou, and reign over us: which Jarchi applies to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:10
But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:10
This, as also the vine, , signifies the same thing with the olive tree; but here are various expressions used, either for the decency of the parable; or because Gideon refused this honour, both for himself and for his sons; or to signify that the sons of Gideon, whom Abimelech had so cruelly slain, upon pretence of their affecting the kingdom, were as far from such thoughts as their father, and therefore were unjustly and wickedly murdered.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:10
Judges 9:10 And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, [and] reign over us.Ver. 10. And the trees said to the fig tree.] By the fig tree the Jewish doctors understand Deborah, as by the olive tree Othniel or Ehud; and by the fruitful vine, Gideon with his numerous offspring.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:10
(10) The fig tree.—The luscious fruit and broad green shade of the ancient fig would naturally make it the next choice; but it returns the same scornful answer.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:10
10. fig] One of the commonest trees in Palestine, and cultivated from very early days; cf. on Judges 9:12.