Judges 9:11
Judges 9:11 in Multiple Translations
But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my sweetness and my good fruit, to hold sway over the trees?’
But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?
But the fig-tree said unto them, Should I leave my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to wave to and fro over the trees?
But the fig-tree said to them, Am I to give up my sweet taste and my good fruit and go waving over the trees?
But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my good sweet fruit just to go and sway to and fro over the trees?’
But the fig tree answered them, Should I forsake my sweetenesse, and my good fruite, and goe to aduance me aboue the trees?
And the fig saith to them, Have I ceased from my sweetness, and my good increase, that I have gone to stagger over the trees?
“But the fig tree said to them, ‘Should I leave my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?’
But the fig-tree said to them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?
And it answered them: Can I leave my sweetness, and my delicious fruits, and go to be promoted among the other trees?
“But the fig tree replied, ‘No! I do not want to [RHQ] stop producing my good sweet fruit, and rule over you other trees!’
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:11
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 9:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
לָ/הֶם֙
הַ/תְּאֵנָ֔ה
הֶ/חֳדַ֨לְתִּי֙
אֶת
מָתְקִ֔/י
וְ/אֶת
תְּנוּבָתִ֖/י
הַ/טּוֹבָ֑ה
וְ/הָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י
לָ/נ֖וּעַ
עַל
הָ/עֵצִֽים
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
הַ/תְּאֵנָ֔ה
tᵉʼên
H8384
fig
Art | N-fs
הֶ/חֳדַ֨לְתִּי֙
châdal
H2308
to cease
Part | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מָתְקִ֔/י
môtheq
H4987
sweetness
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
תְּנוּבָתִ֖/י
tᵉnûwbâh
H8570
fruit
N-fs | Suff
הַ/טּוֹבָ֑ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Art | Adj
וְ/הָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י
hâlak
H1980
to go
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
לָ/נ֖וּעַ
nûwaʻ
H5128
to shake
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/עֵצִֽים
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:11
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
לָ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/תְּאֵנָ֔ה
tᵉʼên
H8384
"fig"
Art | 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.
הֶ/חֳדַ֨לְתִּי֙
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
Part | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
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.
מָתְקִ֔/י
môtheq
H4987
"sweetness"
N-ms | Suff
Sweetness is a positive quality that makes something enjoyable or pleasing, like the sweetness of a friendship or the pleasantness of a memory. It is used in Proverbs 24:13 to encourage people to taste and see the sweetness of wisdom.
Definition: sweetness
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: sweetness. See also: Judges 9:11.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
תְּנוּבָתִ֖/י
tᵉnûwbâh
H8570
"fruit"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word for fruit refers to the produce that comes from the earth, as seen in Genesis. It represents the result of labor and God's provision. It is often used to describe the abundance of God's creation.
Definition: fruit, produce
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: fruit, increase. See also: Deuteronomy 32:13; Isaiah 27:6; Ezekiel 36:30.
הַ/טּוֹבָ֑ה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Art | 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.
וְ/הָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
לָ/נ֖וּעַ
nûwaʻ
H5128
"to shake"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To shake means to move back and forth, like trembling with fear, as described in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to be unstable or to wander, like the Israelites in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to quiver, totter, shake, reel, stagger, wander, move, sift, make move, wave, waver, tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wave, quiver, vibrate, swing, stagger, tremble, be unstable 1a2) to totter, go tottering 1a2a) vagabond (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be tossed about or around 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to toss about 1c2) to shake, cause to totter 1c3) to shake, disturb 1c4) to cause to wander
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: continually, fugitive, [idiom] make, to (go) up and down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), be promoted, reel, remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down). See also: Genesis 4:12; Psalms 109:25; Psalms 22:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
הָ/עֵצִֽים
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.
Study Notes — Judges 9:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 9:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:11
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:11
- Sermons on Judges 9:11
Context — Jotham’s Parable
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.’ 13But the grapevine replied, ‘Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 13:6–7 | Then Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the keeper of the vineyard, ‘Look, for the past three years I have come to search for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Therefore cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ |
Judges 9:11 Summary
The fig tree in Judges 9:11 is saying that it doesn't want to stop doing what it was made to do - providing sweet and good fruit - just to be in charge of the other trees. This teaches us that our main focus should be on serving and helping others, not on trying to be in control, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28. Just like the fig tree, we should prioritize our God-given purposes and responsibilities, and trust that God will take care of the rest, as promised in Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the fig tree's response in Judges 9:11?
The fig tree's response highlights its reluctance to give up its purpose of providing sweetness and good fruit to rule over the trees, as seen in Judges 9:11, similar to the reluctance of the olive tree in Judges 9:9 and the grapevine in Judges 9:13.
Is the fig tree's response a reflection of its selfishness or humility?
The fig tree's response can be seen as a reflection of its humility, as it recognizes its primary purpose is to provide for others, much like the servant-hearted attitude described in Matthew 20:26-28.
How does the fig tree's response relate to our own call to serve others?
The fig tree's response reminds us that our primary focus should be on serving and providing for others, rather than seeking power or control, as emphasized in Galatians 5:13 and Matthew 23:11.
What can we learn from the fig tree's prioritization of its fruitfulness?
The fig tree's prioritization of its fruitfulness teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to our God-given purposes and responsibilities, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'fruits' that God has called me to produce in my own life, and how can I prioritize them?
- In what ways can I, like the fig tree, humbly recognize my limitations and focus on serving others?
- How can I balance my desire for influence or leadership with a servant-hearted attitude, as seen in the fig tree's response?
- What would happen if I, like the fig tree, were to prioritize my own 'sweetness and good fruit' over a desire for power or recognition?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:11
And the fig tree said unto them,.... Rejecting the offer made: should I forsake my sweetness and my good fruit; for such the fruit of the fig tree is, sweet and good: so Julian (d) the emperor shows
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:11
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 9:11
My sweetness; for which that fruit is particularly commended.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:11
Judges 9:11 But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?Ver. 11. Should I forsake, &c.] See Judges 9:9. And my good fruit.] Dioscorides scribit ficum utile alimentum praebere: Figs are good for meat and medicine.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:11
Verse 11. But the fig tree said - Should I forsake my sweetness] The fruit of the fig tree is the sweetest or most luscious of all fruits. A full-ripe fig, in its own climate, has an indescribable sweetness; so much so that it is almost impossible to eat it, till a considerable time after it is gathered from the trees, and has gone through an artificial preparation. This I have often noticed.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:11
11. my sweetness] The early ripe fig, especially, was and is esteemed for its flavour; see Isaiah 28:4, Jeremiah 24:2, Hosea 9:10, Micah 7:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:11
11. The fig tree — Another of the excellent and highly valued trees of Palestine, the sweetness of whose good fruit is proverbial.
Sermons on Judges 9:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Church That Is, Is Not the Church That Was by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lack of impact that the church is having on the world. He references J.B. Phillips, an English preacher, who was deeply moved by reading |
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Bearing Fruit - Part 2 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in one's spiritual life, highlighting God's grief over unfruitful branches and the consequences of not producing fruit. It de |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.4:1-5:31 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Nebuchadnezzar and his encounter with God. Nebuchadnezzar had a vision of a great tree that provided shade and food for all liv |
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Artificial Christians by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher describes a beautiful location with magnificent mountains where he was invited to preach. Initially, people were more interested in enjoying their holi |
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A Lost Opportunity by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a parable about a barren fig tree and its implications for our lives. The parable emphasizes the importance of producing fruit and the conse |
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No Root, No Fruit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Luke chapter 13 and discusses a parable told by Jesus about a fruitless tree in a vineyard. The speaker interprets this parable as a represen |
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Change Our Heart's - Part 6 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit as a Christian and bringing glory to God. He warns against being like Judas, who heard and saw everything but |