Judges 9:26
Judges 9:26 in Multiple Translations
Meanwhile, Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in him.
And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.
And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him.
Then Gaal, the son of Ebed, came with his brothers, and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their faith in him.
Gaal, son of Ebed, had moved to Shechem with his relatives, and he gained the loyalty of the leaders of Shechem.
Then Gaal the sonne of Ebed came with his brethren, and they went to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.
And Gaal son of Ebed cometh — also his brethren — and they pass over into Shechem, and the masters of Shechem trust in him,
Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him.
And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.
And Gaal the son of Obed came with his brethren, and went over to Sichem. And the inhabitants of Sichem taking courage at his coming,
There was a man named Gaal, the son of Ebed, who moved into Shechem city, along with his brothers. Soon the leaders of Shechem started to trust him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:26
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 9:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֞א
גַּ֤עַל
בֶּן
עֶ֨בֶד֙
וְ/אֶחָ֔י/ו
וַ/יַּעַבְר֖וּ
בִּ/שְׁכֶ֑ם
וַ/יִּבְטְחוּ
ב֖/וֹ
בַּעֲלֵ֥י
שְׁכֶֽם
וַ/יָּבֹ֞א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גַּ֤עַל
Gaʻal
H1603
Gaal
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
עֶ֨בֶד֙
ʻEbed
H5651
Ebed
N-proper
וְ/אֶחָ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וַ/יַּעַבְר֖וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בִּ/שְׁכֶ֑ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּבְטְחוּ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
ב֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בַּעֲלֵ֥י
baʻal
H1167
master
N-mp
שְׁכֶֽם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:26
וַ/יָּבֹ֞א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
גַּ֤עַל
Gaʻal
H1603
"Gaal"
N-proper
Gaal was an Israelite who lived before Israel's monarchy, first mentioned in Judges 9:26, and was the son of Ebed. He helped the Shechemites rebel against Abimelech.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.9.26; son of: Ebed (H5651) § Gaal = "loathing" son of Eved who aided the Shechemites in their rebellion against Abimelech
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Gaal. See also: Judges 9:26; Judges 9:35; Judges 9:41.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֶ֨בֶד֙
ʻEbed
H5651
"Ebed"
N-proper
Ebed was the name of two Israelites, one mentioned in Ezra 8:6 and another in the time of the judges. The name means servant, and one Ebed was the father of Gaal. The KJV translates it as Ebed.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.6; son of: Jonathan (H3129H) § Ebed = "servant" 1) father of Gaal in the time of the judges 2) son of Jonathan and one of the sons of Adin who returned from exile with Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ebed. See also: Judges 9:26; Judges 9:31; Ezra 8:6.
וְ/אֶחָ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וַ/יַּעַבְר֖וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בִּ/שְׁכֶ֑ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
Prep | N-proper
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
וַ/יִּבְטְחוּ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
ב֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בַּעֲלֵ֥י
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-mp
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
שְׁכֶֽם
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
N-proper
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
Study Notes — Judges 9:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 9:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:26
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:26
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 9:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:26
- Sermons on Judges 9:26
Context — Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites
24in order that the crime against the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come to justice and their blood be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the leaders of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.
25The leaders of Shechem set up an ambush against Abimelech on the hilltops, and they robbed all who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech.
26Meanwhile, Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in him.
27And after they had gone out into the fields, gathered grapes from their vineyards, and trodden them, they held a festival and went into the house of their god; and as they ate and drank, they cursed Abimelech. 28Then Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 13:8 | So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers. |
| 2 | Genesis 19:7 | “Please, my brothers,” he pleaded, “don’t do such a wicked thing! |
Judges 9:26 Summary
[This verse tells us about a man named Gaal who came to the city of Shechem with his brothers, and the leaders of the city started to trust him. This is important because the leaders of Shechem were looking for someone to help them get rid of the current ruler, Abimelech, who was being very cruel to them, as we see in Judges 9:24-25. Gaal's arrival sets the stage for a big conflict, as we see in the next few verses, and it reminds us that our actions and choices can have big consequences, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8. We should always try to make wise choices and trust in God's plan, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gaal son of Ebed in the Bible?
Gaal son of Ebed is a man who came to Shechem with his brothers and gained the trust of the city's leaders, as seen in Judges 9:26, and later spoke out against Abimelech, the current ruler, in Judges 9:28.
Why did the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in Gaal?
The leaders of Shechem put their confidence in Gaal because they were looking for someone to help them overthrow Abimelech, who had been terrorizing the city, as mentioned in Judges 9:24-25, and Gaal seemed like a potential ally.
What is the significance of Shechem in the Bible?
Shechem is a city in the Bible that holds significant historical and spiritual importance, as seen in Genesis 12:6 and Joshua 24:1, and in this context, it is a place of refuge and plotting for those opposing Abimelech.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Abimelech?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Abimelech, as it introduces a new character, Gaal, who will play a key role in the events that unfold, including the eventual downfall of Abimelech, as prophesied in Judges 9:20 and fulfilled in Judges 9:53-54.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the leaders of Shechem, might be seeking confidence or security in people or things that are not trustworthy?
- How can I, like Gaal, be aware of the potential consequences of my actions and words, and seek to use them for good or for evil?
- In what ways am I, like the people of Shechem, seeking to overthrow or resist authority, and what are the motivations behind my actions?
- How can I, like the biblical characters in this story, learn to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in uncertain or tumultuous times, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:26
And Gaal the son or Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem,.... Who this Gaal was, and who his brethren, and from whence he came, and the place he went over, are all uncertain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:26
And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. Gaal ... came with his brethren ... and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:26
It is not known who or of what tribe Gaal was; but it is evident that he was a man very considerable for wealth, and strength, and counsel, and interest, and ill-pleased with Abimelech’ s power. Went over to Shechem, by his presence and counsel to animate and assist them against Abimelech.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:26
Judges 9:26 And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.Ver. 26. And Gaal the son of Ebed.] This thrasonical fellow, no less ambitious, subtle, and seditious than Abimelech, offereth to head the Shechemites, whom he saw to be at this time in a disorder, and to lead them against Abimelech. Put their confidence in him.] As before they had done in Abimelech, and were now grown no whit wiser by what they had suffered, but ripened apace for utter ruin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:26
(26) Gaal the son of Ebed.—We are not told any further who he was; but the context leads us to infer that he was one of these freebooters, and probably belonged to the Canaanite population. His “brethren” may have formed the nucleus of a marauding band. Josephus says he was “a certain chief, with his soldiers and kinsmen.” For Ebed some MSS. and versions read Eber, and some Jobel. “Gaal Ben-Ebed” (“loathing son of a slave “) sounds like some contemptuous distortion of his real name. Went over to Shechem.—Possibly he had been practising brigandage on the other side of the Jordan.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:26
Verse 26. Gaal the son of Ebed] Of this person we know no more than is here told. He was probably one of the descendants of the Canaanites, who hoped from the state of the public mind, and their disaffection to Abimelech, to cause a revolution, and thus to restore the ancient government as it was under Hamor, the father of Shechem.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:26
26–41. Gaal stirs up the Shechemites: Abimelech defeats them 26. Gaal the son of Ebed] i.e. of a slave; but pronounce throughout Obed, with LXX. cod. B (Ιωβηλ for Ιωβηδ) and Vulgate; a common name. Gaal is described as a new-comer, whether an Israelite or a Canaanite is not clear. Judges 9:26-33 seem to be parallel to Judges 9:22-25; both narrate the rise of treason in Shechem, and both lead up to parallel accounts of Abimelech’s retaliation.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 9:26
It does not appear who Gaal, son of Ebed, was; he may have been an officer sent by Abimelech with a force to bring the men of Shechem back to their allegiance, but who tried to turn the rebellion to his own account.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:26
26. Put their confidence in him — Entrusted him with the command of the rebellion, which he was but too ready to accept.
Sermons on Judges 9:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 22:3-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his faith. The preacher highlights the four major crises th |
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Faithful on the Outside but Decayed on the Inside by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon delves into the parable of the lost son from Luke 15, focusing on the often overlooked character of the older brother. It highlights the dangers of a decaying heart, wh |
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The Life of Abraham - Part 1 by John Hunter | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dangers and challenges that come with wealth. He uses the friendship between Abraham and Lot as an example of how wealth can strain rela |
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Becoming a Member of St. Aidan's by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of clear communication and accountability within the church. He shares a story about four people named everybody, somebody, an |
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Wisdom on Peacemaking & Prosperity by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of peacemaking and the true source of prosperity, drawing lessons from Genesis 13 and 14. He urges believers to seek God earnestly, recogniz |
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1 Corinthians 14:1 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of being consumed by the desire for wealth and the importance of using wealth for the benefit of others. He emphasizes the need to priori |
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Stop Trying to Make Peace With Your Sin by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the danger of trying to make peace with sin through the story of Lot in Sodom. Lot's attempt to negotiate with the mob, even offering his daughters, illu |