Judges 9:34
Judges 9:34 in Multiple Translations
So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.
¶ And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.
And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.
So Abimelech and the people with him got up by night, in four bands, to make a surprise attack on Shechem.
Abimelech left at night along with his army, and they separated into four companies that lay in wait near Shechem.
So Abimelech rose vp, and all the people that were with him by night: and they lay in wayte against Shechem in foure bandes.
And Abimelech riseth, and all the people who [are] with him, by night, and they lay wait against Shechem — four detachments;
Abimelech rose up, and all the people who were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.
And Abimelech rose, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.
Abimelech therefore arose with all his army by night, and laid ambushes near Sichem in four places.
So Abimelech and all the men who were with him got up during the night. They divided into four groups, and hid in the fields near Shechem.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:34
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 9:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֧קָם
אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ
וְ/כָל
הָ/עָ֥ם
אֲשֶׁר
עִמּ֖/וֹ
לָ֑יְלָה
וַ/יֶּאֶרְב֣וּ
עַל
שְׁכֶ֔ם
אַרְבָּעָ֖ה
רָאשִֽׁים
וַ/יָּ֧קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הָ/עָ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עִמּ֖/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
לָ֑יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
וַ/יֶּאֶרְב֣וּ
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁכֶ֔ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
N-proper
אַרְבָּעָ֖ה
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Adj
רָאשִֽׁים
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:34
וַ/יָּ֧קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
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.
עִמּ֖/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
לָ֑יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
וַ/יֶּאֶרְב֣וּ
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Definition: 1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie in wait 1a2) ambush (participle as subst) 1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait. See also: Deuteronomy 19:11; Judges 20:38; Psalms 10:9.
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.
שְׁכֶ֔ם
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.
אַרְבָּעָ֖ה
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
רָאשִֽׁים
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — Judges 9:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Fall of Shechem
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. 36When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountains!” But Zebul replied, “The shadows of the mountains look like men to you.”Judges 9:34 Summary
[Judges 9:34 tells us that Abimelech and his troops set out at night to attack Shechem, showing how Abimelech used secret and strategic plans to try to win, similar to how God sometimes uses unexpected plans to help His people, as seen in Esther 4:14. This verse helps us remember that our plans should always be guided by trust in God, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By looking at how Abimelech's actions led to more conflict, we can learn the value of seeking peace and trusting in God's timing, as taught in Matthew 5:9 and Psalm 37:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Abimelech and his troops setting out by night in Judges 9:34?
This nighttime maneuver by Abimelech and his troops indicates a strategic and covert attack on Shechem, as seen in other biblical battles like Joshua 8:3-8, where the element of surprise was crucial for victory.
Why did Abimelech divide his troops into four companies?
Dividing his troops into four companies likely allowed Abimelech to surround the city of Shechem, preparing for a multi-pronged attack, a tactic similar to what is described in Judges 20:29-48, where the Israelites used a similar strategy against the Benjamites.
Is this verse suggesting that Abimelech's actions are justified?
The Bible does not necessarily justify Abimelech's actions but rather presents them as part of the narrative, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of trusting in God, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
How does this event relate to the broader biblical theme of leadership?
This event in Judges 9:34 reflects the broader theme of leadership in the Bible, where leaders like Abimelech, who rise to power through their own strength and cunning, are contrasted with leaders who follow God's will, such as Moses in Exodus 3:10, demonstrating the importance of God-centered leadership.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I might be trying to achieve my goals through my own strength and cunning, rather than trusting in God?
- How can I apply the lesson of waiting on God, as seen in Psalm 27:14, to my current situation, rather than rushing into action like Abimelech?
- In what ways can I be more aware of the company I keep and the influences that shape my decisions, just as Abimelech's actions were influenced by his alliance with the men of Shechem?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of patience and timing in my plans and decisions, in light of Ecclesiastes 3:1, which reminds us that there is a time for everything?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:34
And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night,.... According to the advice of Zebul: and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies; he divided his army into four
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:34
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:34
Judges 9:34 And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that [were] with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies. Ver. 34. And Abimelech rose up … by night.] According to Zebul’ s advice. It is best not to need good counsel; and it is next best to take it when given. Hesiod.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:34
(34) Four companies.—Literally, four heads. (Comp. Judges 7:16.)
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:34
34. Four companies — So as to attack the city at different points.