Judges 9:35
Judges 9:35 in Multiple Translations
Now 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.
And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from lying in wait.
And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from the ambushment.
And Gaal, the son of Ebed, went out, and took his place at the doorway into the town; then Abimelech and his people got up from the place where they had been waiting.
When Gaal, son of Ebed, went out and stood at the town's entrance gate, Abimelech and his army came out from where they had been hiding.
Then Gaal the sonne of Ebed went out and stood in the entring of the gate of the citie: and Abimelech rose vp, and the folke that were with him, from lying in waite.
and Gaal son of Ebed goeth out, and standeth at the opening of the gate of the city, and Abimelech riseth — also the people who [are] with him — from the ambush,
Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city. Abimelech rose up, and the people who were with him, from the ambush.
And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose, and the people that were with him, from lying in wait.
And Gaal the son of Obed went out, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city. And Abimelech rose up, and all his army with him from the places of the ambushes.
The next morning, Gaal went out and stood at the entrance to the city gate. While he was standing there, Abimelech and his soldiers came out of their hiding places and started walking toward the city.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:35
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 9:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
גַּ֣עַל
בֶּן
עֶ֔בֶד
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֕ד
פֶּ֖תַח
שַׁ֣עַר
הָ/עִ֑יר
וַ/יָּ֧קָם
אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ
וְ/הָ/עָ֥ם
אֲשֶׁר
אִתּ֖/וֹ
מִן
הַ/מַּאְרָֽב
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גַּ֣עַל
Gaʻal
H1603
Gaal
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
עֶ֔בֶד
ʻEbed
H5651
Ebed
N-proper
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֕ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
פֶּ֖תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
שַׁ֣עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וַ/יָּ֧קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
וְ/הָ/עָ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אִתּ֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/מַּאְרָֽב
maʼărâb
H3993
ambush
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:35
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
גַּ֣עַל
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.
עֶ֔בֶד
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.
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֕ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
פֶּ֖תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
שַׁ֣עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
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.
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/הָ/עָ֥ם
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.
אִתּ֖/וֹ
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.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/מַּאְרָֽב
maʼărâb
H3993
"ambush"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a hidden trap or ambush, like in Joshua 8:14 where the Israelites set an ambush for the city of Ai. It can also describe a lurking place where someone waits to attack, as seen in Jeremiah 51:12 where the Medes prepare to attack Babylon.
Definition: 1) ambush, (hunter's) blind 1a) ambush, lurking place 1b) liers-in-wait
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: lie in ambush, ambushment, lurking place, lying in wait. See also: Joshua 8:9; 2 Chronicles 13:13; Psalms 10:8.
Study Notes — Judges 9:35
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Fall of Shechem
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.” 37Then Gaal spoke up again, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming by way of the Diviners’ Oak. ”Judges 9:35 Summary
Judges 9:35 tells us about Gaal son of Ebed, who stood at the city gate, unaware that Abimelech and his men were hiding, ready to attack. This shows how Gaal was confident in his own abilities, but not prepared for the surprise that was coming. We can learn from this that it's essential to trust in God's plans and timing, rather than just our own strength, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 37:3-7. By doing so, we can be better prepared for life's challenges and avoid being caught off guard, just like the Israelites who trusted God in Joshua 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gaal son of Ebed in Judges 9:35?
Gaal son of Ebed is a leader in Shechem who opposes Abimelech, as seen in Judges 9:26-30, and his actions in this verse show his confidence in his own abilities, similar to the confidence of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:30.
Why did Abimelech and his men hide from Gaal and the people of Shechem?
Abimelech and his men hid to launch a surprise attack, following the advice given in Judges 9:33-34, which echoes the cunning and strategy also seen in Joshua 8:3-8 when Joshua battled Ai.
What can we learn from the actions of Gaal and Abimelech in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of trusting in God's plans rather than our own strength, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 20:7, which contrasts with the self-reliance shown by Gaal and Abimelech.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Judges?
This verse is part of the story of Abimelech, a judge who rose to power through violence and deception, as told in Judges 9, illustrating the cycle of sin and redemption described in the book of Judges, where God raises up leaders to deliver His people, such as in Judges 3:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I trust in my own strength rather than God's, and how can I change this?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's plans to my current challenges, just as the Israelites did in Exodus 14:13-14?
- What are some 'hiding places' in my life where I may be avoiding confrontation or responsibility, and how can I address these areas with courage and faith like David in 1 Samuel 17:45-47?
- In what ways can I be more aware of the 'surprise attacks' of the enemy in my spiritual life, and how can I prepare myself for these battles, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:35
And Gaul the son or Ebed went out,.... He rose up early that morning, being a man of vigilance and activity, and perhaps had some intelligence of the preparations of Abimelech, his design against the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:35
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 9:35
Stood in the entering of the gate of the city, to put his army in order, and to conduct them against Abimelech, whom he supposed to be at a great distance.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:35
Judges 9:35 And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that [were] with him, from lying in wait.Ver. 35. And stood in the entering of the gate of the city.] To see what he could discover of the enemy: and had he been as valiant as he was vigilant, it might have gone better with him and his partisans.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:35
(35) Stood in the entering of the gate of the city.—This was the ordinary station of kings, judges, &c.; but Gaal only seems to have gone there in order to keep a look-out (Joshua 20:4).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:35
Verse 35. Stood in the entering of the gate] Having probably got some intimation of the designs of Zebul and Abimelech.