Judges 9:13
Judges 9:13 in Multiple Translations
But the grapevine replied, ‘Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’
And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?
And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my new wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to wave to and fro over the trees?
But the vine said to them, Am I to give up my wine, which makes glad God and men, to go waving over the trees?
But the grape vine replied, ‘Should I stop giving my wine that makes both gods and men happy just to go and sway to and fro over the trees?’
But the Vine sayde vnto them, Should I leaue my wine, whereby I cheare God and man, and goe to aduance me aboue the trees?
And the vine saith to them, Have I ceased from my new wine, which is rejoicing gods and men, that I have gone to stagger over the trees?
“The vine said to them, ‘Should I leave my new wine, which cheers God and man, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?’
And the vine said to them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?
And it answered them: Can I forsake my wine, that cheereth God and men, and be promoted among the other trees?
“But the grapevine replied, ‘No! I will not be your king The new wine that is made from my grapes causes people and gods who drink it to become very happy. I do not want to stop producing grapes and rule over you other trees!’ [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:13
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 9:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
לָ/הֶם֙
הַ/גֶּ֔פֶן
הֶ/חֳדַ֨לְתִּי֙
אֶת
תִּ֣ירוֹשִׁ֔/י
הַֽ/מְשַׂמֵּ֥חַ
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
וַ/אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
וְ/הָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י
לָ/נ֖וּעַ
עַל
הָ/עֵצִֽים
וַ/תֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
הַ/גֶּ֔פֶן
gephen
H1612
vine
Art | N-cs
הֶ/חֳדַ֨לְתִּי֙
châdal
H2308
to cease
Part | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
תִּ֣ירוֹשִׁ֔/י
tîyrôwsh
H8492
new wine
N-ms | Suff
הַֽ/מְשַׂמֵּ֥חַ
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
Art | V-Piel
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וַ/אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-mp
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 9:13
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/גֶּ֔פֶן
gephen
H1612
"vine"
Art | 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.
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.
תִּ֣ירוֹשִׁ֔/י
tîyrôwsh
H8492
"new wine"
N-ms | Suff
New wine, freshly squeezed from grapes, is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can also refer to fermented wine, but that is less common. The KJV translates it as new or sweet wine.
Definition: wine, fresh or new wine, must, freshly pressed wine
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (new, sweet) wine. See also: Genesis 27:28; Psalms 4:8; Proverbs 3:10.
הַֽ/מְשַׂמֵּ֥חַ
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
Art | V-Piel
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | 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.
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 9:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 9:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:13
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:13
- Sermons on Judges 9:13
Context — Jotham’s Parable
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.’ 15But the thornbush replied, ‘If you really are anointing me as king over you, come and find refuge in my shade. But if not, may fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 104:15 | wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 10:19 | A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. |
| 3 | Numbers 15:5 | With the burnt offering or sacrifice of each lamb, you are to prepare a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering. |
| 4 | Numbers 15:10 | Also present half a hin of wine as a drink offering. It is an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. |
| 5 | Proverbs 31:6 | Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul. |
| 6 | Numbers 15:7 | and a third of a hin of wine as a drink offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. |
Judges 9:13 Summary
The grapevine in Judges 9:13 is saying that it doesn't want to stop doing what it's good at, which is making wine that makes people happy, in order to be in charge of the trees. This teaches us that we should use our talents and gifts to serve and bless others, rather than seeking power or leadership for its own sake (as seen in Matthew 20:26-28). By focusing on what we're good at and using it to bring joy to others, we can be like the grapevine and bring happiness to both God and man. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 104:14-15, where wine is described as a gift from God that brings joy to people's hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the grapevine's response in Judges 9:13?
The grapevine's response highlights its importance in providing wine that brings joy to both God and man, as seen in Psalm 104:14-15, and it is unwilling to give up this role to rule over the trees.
Is the grapevine being selfish or wise in its decision?
The grapevine's decision can be seen as wise, as it recognizes its strengths and weaknesses, much like the teachings in Romans 12:3-8, where believers are encouraged to use their gifts and talents for the benefit of others.
What does the grapevine's wine represent in this context?
The grapevine's wine represents the joy and celebration that comes from a life devoted to God, as seen in Ecclesiastes 9:7, where believers are encouraged to enjoy their lives and the fruits of their labor.
How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership and service?
This verse highlights the importance of recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses, and using them to serve others, rather than seeking power or leadership for its own sake, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that bring joy to both God and others, and how can I use them to serve and bless those around me?
- In what ways can I be like the grapevine, recognizing my strengths and weaknesses, and using them to make a positive impact in the world?
- How can I balance my desire to serve and lead with the need to stay humble and focused on my unique gifts and talents?
- What does it mean to 'cheer both God and man' in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a spirit of joy and celebration in all that I do?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:13
And the vine said unto them,.... By way of denial and refusal, as the other two: shall I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man; which being used in the drink offerings was acceptable to God, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:13
And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? Wine, which cheereth God and man. Not certainly in the same manner.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:13
Wherewith God is well-pleased, because it was offered to God, ,7,10. See also .
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:13
Judges 9:13 And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?Ver. 13. Should I leave my wine?] This is the drunkard’ s motto, Malle so, vitam quam vinum eripi. Take away my liquor, you take away my life. Ambrose reporteth of one Theotimus (too good a name for such a wretch), that, having a disease upon his body, and told by the physician that unless he did abstain from wine he was like to lose his eyes, Vale lumen amicum, said he, If they will not away with wine, they are no eyes for me. He would rather lose his sight than his sin. So will many their souls. Woe to those drunkards of Ephraim! Which cheereth God and man.] God, because poured out in sacrifices of a sweet smelling odour to him: and man, by "refreshing his spirits"; whence Plato reckoneth wine among the μαλακτικα of man’ s life: and Simonides saith that it is αμυντωρδυσφροσιναων, an expeller of sadness. Aug., De Temp. Serm., 131.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:13
(13) My wine.—The Hebrew word is tirôsh which sometimes means merely “grape-cluster.” Which cheereth God and man.—For explanation, see Exodus 29:40; Numbers 15:7; Numbers 15:10, &c. If Elohim be here understood of God, the expression is, of course, of that simply anthropomorphic character which marks very ancient literature.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:13
Verse 13. Which cheereth God and man] I believe אלהים elohim here is to be taken in the same sense proposed on Judges 9:9. Vast libations of wine, as well as much oil, were used in heathenish sacrifices and offerings; and it was their opinion that the gods actually partook of, and were delighted with, both the wine and oil. The pagan mythology furnishes the most exquisite wines to its gods in heaven, and hence the nectar and ambrosia so much talked of and praised by the ancients. It is not reasonable to suppose that Jotham makes any reference here to the sacrifices, oblations, and perfumes offered to the true God. This language the idolatrous Shechemites could scarcely understand. What could the worshippers of Baal-berith know of the worship of the God who gave his law to Moses? And it is not very likely that Jotham himself was well acquainted with the sacred rites of the Mosaic religion, as they had been little preached in his time.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:13
13. my wine] must (Micah 6:15, Vulgate mustum), the unfermented juice as it comes from the wine-press1[41]; but also the fermented juice, as is implied here and in Hosea 4:11 (‘taketh away the heart’); cf. Genesis 27:37, Zechariah 9:17. [41] In 19 passages out of 38 tîrôsh ‘must’ is associated with ‘corn and oil,’ i.e. threshed corn and oil freshly expressed (though these words are also used of corn in the ear and oil in the berry), hence by analogy ‘freshly expressed juice of the grape.’ See Driver, Joel and Amos, p. 79 f. cheereth God and man] or gods and men, cf. Judges 9:9; the reference is to libations (Numbers 15:7; Numbers 28:7; Sir 50:15) and feasts (Psalms 104:15). See Rob. Smith l. c. 213 f.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:13
13. The vine — Palestine has ever been celebrated for the luxuriant growth, abundance, and excellence of its grape-vines, and also for the immense clusters of grapes which they produced.
Sermons on Judges 9:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Ministry of Restoration - Part 3 by Dick Hussey | In this sermon on Judges Chapter 9, Jotan, the only surviving son of Gideon, speaks a parable from the top of a hill. One of the pearls in this parable is found in verse 13, where |
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Annointing of Oil by Svend Christensen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding and remembering the Word of God. He refers to the incident in Acts 11 where Peter preached to the Gentiles an |
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How to Use the Present Life, and the Comforts of It by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the necessity of using earthly blessings in moderation and according to the purpose for which God created them, emphasizing the importance of avoiding ex |
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Twenty-Seventh Day: "Thou Anointest My Head With oil." by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the significance of anointing the head with oil, symbolizing the work of the Holy Spirit in preparing us to come before God. Just as the high priest w |
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Prepared Instrument by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of being a prepared soul and instrument for God's message. He emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the Word of God |
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Money by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the dual nature of money in the Christian life, highlighting its potential for both blessing and danger. He explains that while money represents hard work |
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Homily 19 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of walking wisely in a world filled with evil, emphasizing the need to understand the will of the Lord and to redeem the time. He highlig |