Judges 9:33

Judges 9:33 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And in the morning at sunrise, get up and advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, do to them whatever you are able.”

King James Version KJV

And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.

American Standard Version ASV

and it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and rush upon the city; and, behold, when he and the people that are with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And in the morning, when the sun is up, get up early and make a rush on the town; and when he and his people come out against you, do to them whatever you have a chance to do.

Free Bible Version FBV

In the morning as soon as the sun comes up, go and attack the town. When Gaal and his men come out to fight you, you can do whatever you want to them.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And rise early in the morning as soone as the sunne is vp, and assault the citie: and when he and the people that is with him, shall come out against thee, doe to him what thou canst.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and it hath been, in the morning, about the rising of the sun, thou dost rise early, and hast pushed against the city; and lo, he and the people who [are] with him are going out unto thee — and thou hast done to him as thy hand doth find.'

World English Bible WEB

It shall be that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early and rush on the city. Behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun hath risen, thou shalt rise early, and attack the city: and behold, when he and the people that are with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And betimes in the morning at sun rising set upon the city. And when he shall come out against thee with his people, do to him what thou shalt be able.

Translation for Translators T4T

As soon as the sun rises in the morning, get up and attack the city. When Gaal and his men come out to fight against you, you can do to them whatever you want to.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:33

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 9:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הָיָ֤ה בַ/בֹּ֨קֶר֙ כִּ/זְרֹ֣חַ הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ תַּשְׁכִּ֖ים וּ/פָשַׁטְתָּ֣ עַל הָ/עִ֑יר וְ/הִנֵּה ה֞וּא וְ/הָ/עָ֤ם אֲשֶׁר אִתּ/וֹ֙ יֹצְאִ֣ים אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ וְ/עָשִׂ֣יתָ לּ֔/וֹ כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר תִּמְצָ֥א יָדֶֽ/ךָ

וְ/הָיָ֤ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

בַ/בֹּ֨קֶר֙ bôqer H1242 morning Prep | N-ms

כִּ/זְרֹ֣חַ zârach H2224 to rise Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 sun Art | N-cs

תַּשְׁכִּ֖ים shâkam H7925 to rise V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms

וּ/פָשַׁטְתָּ֣ pâshaṭ H6584 to strip Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הָ/עִ֑יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

וְ/הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

ה֞וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

וְ/הָ/עָ֤ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Conj | Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אִתּ/וֹ֙ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

יֹצְאִ֣ים yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

וְ/עָשִׂ֣יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-2ms

לּ֔/וֹ Prep | Suff

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

תִּמְצָ֥א mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

יָדֶֽ/ךָ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:33

וְ/הָיָ֤ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

בַ/בֹּ֨קֶר֙ bôqer H1242 "morning" Prep | N-ms

The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.

Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning

Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.

כִּ/זְרֹ֣חַ zârach H2224 "to rise" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to rise or shine, like the sun coming up. It's used in the Bible to describe the sun rising or a symptom appearing. In the KJV, it's translated as 'arise' or 'rise up'.

Definition: 1) to rise, come forth, break out, arise, rise up, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rise 1a2) to come out, appear

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: arise, rise (up), as soon as it is up. See also: Genesis 32:32; Psalms 104:22; Psalms 112:4.

הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 "sun" Art | N-cs

The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.

Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)

Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.

תַּשְׁכִּ֖ים shâkam H7925 "to rise" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms

This verb means to rise or start early, like loading up a burden. It is used in Genesis to describe early morning activities.

Definition: 1) to rise or start early 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to rise early, make an early start 1a2) early (as adverb)

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (arise, be up, get (oneself) up, rise up) early (betimes), morning. See also: Genesis 19:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 127:2.

וּ/פָשַׁטְתָּ֣ pâshaṭ H6584 "to strip" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This Hebrew word means to strip or remove something, like taking off clothes or plundering a place. It is used in Exodus 22:26 to describe taking a pledge from someone. The word implies a sense of removal or deprivation.

Definition: 1) to strip, invade, strip off, make a dash, raid, spread out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strip off, put off 1a2) to put off (one's shelter), make a dash 1b) (Piel) to strip 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to strip of 1c2) to strip off 1c3) to flay 1d) (Hithpael) to strip oneself of

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fall upon, flay, invade, make an invasion, pull off, put off, make a road, run upon, rush, set, spoil, spread selves (abroad), strip (off, self). See also: Genesis 37:23; 1 Chronicles 14:9; Isaiah 32:11.

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/עִ֑יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

וְ/הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

ה֞וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

וְ/הָ/עָ֤ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Conj | Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אִתּ/וֹ֙ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

יֹצְאִ֣ים yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

וְ/עָשִׂ֣יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

לּ֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

תִּמְצָ֥א mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

יָדֶֽ/ךָ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

Study Notes — Judges 9:33

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Context
Cross References
Judges 9:33 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:33
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:33
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:33
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:33
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:33
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Context — The Fall of Shechem

31So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. 32Now then, tonight you and the people with you are to come and lie in wait in the fields.

33And in the morning at sunrise, get up and advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, do to them whatever you are able.”

34So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies. 35Now Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate just as Abimelech and his men came out from their hiding places.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 10:7	When these signs have come, do as the occasion demands, for God is with you.
2	Ecclesiastes 9:10	Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
3	Leviticus 25:26	Or if a man has no one to redeem it for him, but he prospers and acquires enough to redeem his land,
4	1 Samuel 25:8	Ask your young men, and they will tell you. So let my young men find favor with you, for we have come on the day of a feast. Please give whatever you can afford to your servants and to your son David.’”

Judges 9:33 Summary

Judges 9:33 is a verse about Abimelech giving instructions to his men to attack the city of Shechem in the morning. He tells them to use their strength and abilities to defeat their enemies, which is similar to how we can use our own gifts and talents to serve God (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). However, it's also important to remember that the Bible teaches us about the importance of loving our enemies and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42, Luke 6:27-31). We can apply this verse to our own lives by using our abilities to serve God and further His kingdom, rather than seeking to harm or defeat others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Judges 9:33 and why is Abimelech giving these instructions?

Abimelech is giving instructions to his men to attack the city of Shechem in the morning, as they have been alerted that Gaal and his brothers are stirring up the city against him, as seen in Judges 9:31. This is part of a larger conflict between Abimelech and the people of Shechem.

Who is Gaal and why is he a threat to Abimelech?

Gaal is the son of Ebed, and he has come to Shechem with his brothers to stir up the city against Abimelech, as mentioned in Judges 9:31. Gaal's actions are a threat to Abimelech's power and control over the city.

What does it mean to 'do to them whatever you are able' in Judges 9:33?

In this context, Abimelech is instructing his men to use their strength and abilities to defeat Gaal and his men when they come out against them. This is similar to the concept of using the gifts and talents God has given us to serve Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.

Is this verse promoting violence or aggression?

While this verse does describe a violent conflict, it is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The Bible also teaches us about the importance of loving our enemies and turning the other cheek, as seen in Matthew 5:38-42 and Luke 6:27-31.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can 'advance against' the challenges and spiritual battles in my own life, just as Abimelech's men were instructed to do in Judges 9:33?
How can I use my own gifts and abilities to serve God and further His kingdom, just as Abimelech's men were instructed to use their strength and abilities to defeat their enemies?
What are some ways that I can be a 'Gaal' in my own life, stirring up conflict and rebellion against God's plan for me?
How can I instead be a peacemaker and a force for good in my community, as taught in Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:33

And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city,.... For being with his forces advanced near to it by a march in the night, he would be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:33

And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:33

Behold, when he, i.e. Gaal, mentioned .

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:33

Judges 9:33 And it shall be, [that] in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, [when] he and the people that [is] with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.Ver. 33. As thou shalt find occasion.] This was welcome advice to Abimelech, who might probably hereupon set as high a price upon Zebul, as afterwards Darius did upon Zopyrus. Justin., lib. i.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:33

(33) As thou shalt find occasion.—Literally, as in the margin, as thine hand shall find, as in 1 Samuel 10:7; 1 Samuel 25:8.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:33

33. set upon] make a dash upon, rush forward against, from a place of hiding, cf. Judges 9:44, Judges 20:37. as thou shalt find occasion] For the idiom (see marg.) cf. 1 Samuel 10:7; 1 Samuel 25:8, Ecclesiastes 9:10.

Sermons on Judges 9:33

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 1-10 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the spirit of God coming upon a person's life and anointing them. He highlights the significance of having a heart turned
	Thou Shalt Do as Occasion Serve Thee by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of using our sanctified common sense in decision-making, as illustrated in the story of Saul and the guidance given by Samuel. He highlights th
	Self Denial (Reading) by John Wesley	In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series and encourages listeners to engage with classic Christian texts in audiobook form. He emphasizes the importa
	The Days of Our Flesh by Steve Hill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and being motivated to make a difference in the world. He encourages the audience to seek a pastor who wil
	(Through the Bible) Ecclesiastes 7-12 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering God in one's youth. He highlights that most conversions to Jesus Christ happen during the teenage years and en
	One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives.
	Thou Knowest by Bob Jones Sr.	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of completing the task at hand and not leaving it unfinished. He shares personal experiences of staying committed to evangeli