Judges 9:12
Judges 9:12 in Multiple Translations
Then the trees said to the grapevine, ‘Come and reign over us.’
Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.
And the trees said unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.
Then the trees said to the vine, You come and be king over us.
Then the trees asked the grape vine, ‘You come and be our king.’
Then sayd the trees vnto the Vine, Come thou, and be king ouer vs.
'And the trees say to the vine, Come thou, reign over us.
“The trees said to the vine, ‘Come and reign over us.’
Then said the trees to the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.
And the trees said to the vine: Come thou and reign over us.
“Then the trees said to the grapevine, ‘Come and be our king!’
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:12
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 9:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
הָ/עֵצִ֖ים
לַ/גָּ֑פֶן
לְכִי
אַ֖תְּ
מלוכי
מָלְכִ֥י
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/עֵצִ֖ים
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Art | N-mp
לַ/גָּ֑פֶן
gephen
H1612
vine
Prep | N-cs
לְכִי
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
אַ֖תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
מלוכי
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
מָלְכִ֥י
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:12
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/גָּ֑פֶן
gephen
H1612
"vine"
Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for vine, often referring to Israel or prosperity, appears in the Bible as a symbol of God's people. It is also used to describe a grapevine. In the Bible, vines are often associated with abundance and fruitfulness.
Definition: 1) vine, vine tree 1a) of Israel (fig.) 1b) of stars fading at Jehovah's judgment (metaph.) 1c) of prosperity
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: vine, tree. See also: Genesis 40:9; Isaiah 24:7; Psalms 78:47.
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.
מלוכי
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.
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 9:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jotham’s Parable
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?’ 14Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, ‘Come and reign over us.’Judges 9:12 Summary
In Judges 9:12, the trees ask the grapevine to be their leader, but the grapevine is hesitant to give up its role of providing wine that brings joy to people, as seen in Psalm 104:14-15 and Ecclesiastes 3:13. This story teaches us that true leaders prioritize the needs of others over their own desires, like Jesus in Mark 10:45. The grapevine's response also reminds us that our gifts and talents are meant to be used to bless and serve others, as seen in 1 Peter 4:10-11. By considering the grapevine's example, we can learn to use our own gifts and talents to bring joy to those around us, while also seeking to serve and lead others with humility and selflessness, as encouraged in Matthew 20:26-28 and Luke 22:25-27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the trees asking the grapevine to reign over them in Judges 9:12?
The trees are looking for a leader, and the grapevine, like the fig tree before it, is being considered for its potential to provide and nourish, much like the role of a shepherd in Ezekiel 34:1-10, but the grapevine also declines, highlighting the theme of reluctance to lead found in other Bible stories, such as Moses in Exodus 3:11 and 4:1-17.
Why do the trees keep asking different plants to reign over them?
The trees are searching for a worthy leader, but each plant they approach has a valid reason for not wanting to give up its current role, illustrating the challenges of finding selfless leaders, as seen in the story of Gideon in Judges 6:14-16 and the reluctance of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:5-8.
Is the grapevine's response in the next verse related to its suitability to lead?
Yes, the grapevine's response in Judges 9:13 indicates that it values its current role of providing wine that brings joy to both God and man, suggesting that its priorities are not in line with the demands of leadership, much like the warnings against leaders who prioritize their own interests in 1 Peter 5:1-4 and Matthew 20:25-28.
What can we learn from the trees' approach to finding a leader?
The trees' approach highlights the importance of considering the motivations and priorities of potential leaders, as emphasized in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, which provide guidelines for choosing leaders in the church.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I prioritize my own interests over the needs of others, and how can I learn to put others first like Jesus in Philippians 2:3-8?
- In what ways can I, like the grapevine, use my gifts and talents to bring joy to both God and those around me, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5 and 1 Corinthians 10:31?
- How can I balance my own desires and priorities with the needs and expectations of others, as illustrated in Romans 12:1-2 and Galatians 5:13?
- What are some lessons that I can learn from the grapevine's response, and how can I apply them to my own life and relationships, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:1-2 and Colossians 3:12-14?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:12
Then said the trees unto the vine,.... Another emblem of good and useful men; and it may be observed, that Jotham takes no notice of any trees but fruitful ones till he comes to the bramble, and them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:12
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:12
Judges 9:12 Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, [and] reign over us.Ver. 12. Then said the trees unto the vine.] So fond they were of a king, howsoever it went. When the Romans offered the Capadocians to make them a free state, they refused it, saying they could not live without a king.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:12
(12) Unto the vine.—We might have felt surprise that the vine was not the first choice, but the low-growing, trellised vine, which needs support for its own tendrils, might seem less suitable. Indeed, ancient nations talked of the female vine— “Or they led the vine To wed her elm; she round about him flings Her marriageable arms,” &c.—Milton.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:12
12. the vine] The old phrase ‘to sit each under his vine and fig-tree,’ denoting peaceful occupation of the land, shews how widely spread and ancient was the cultivation of the vine in Palestine; 1 Kings 4:25, Micah 4:4 etc.