Judges 9:42
Judges 9:42 in Multiple Translations
The next day the people of Shechem went out into the fields, and this was reported to Abimelech.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech.
Now the day after, the people went out into the fields; and news of it came to Abimelech.
The following day the people of Shechem went out to the fields, and Abimelech was informed about it.
And on the morowe, the people went out into the fielde: which was tolde Abimelech.
And it cometh to pass, on the morrow, that the people go out to the field, and they declare [it] to Abimelech,
On the next day, the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech.
So the day following the people went out into the field. And it was told Abimelech.
The next day, the people of Shechem got ready to leave the city and work in their fields. When someone told Abimelech about that,
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:42
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 9:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
מִֽ/מָּחֳרָ֔ת
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
הָ/עָ֖ם
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
וַ/יַּגִּ֖דוּ
לַ/אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִֽ/מָּחֳרָ֔ת
mochŏrâth
H4283
morrow
Prep | N-fs
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּגִּ֖דוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
לַ/אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:42
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
מִֽ/מָּחֳרָ֔ת
mochŏrâth
H4283
"morrow"
Prep | N-fs
This word means tomorrow or the next day, referring to a future time. It appears in several places in the Bible, including Genesis 30:33 and Exodus 16:23, where it is used to make promises or give instructions for the next day.
Definition: the morrow, the day after
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: morrow, next day. See also: Genesis 19:34; Judges 6:38; Jeremiah 20:3.
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
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.
הָ/עָ֖ם
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.
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וַ/יַּגִּ֖דוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לַ/אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — Judges 9:42
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Judges 9:42 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:42
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:42
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:42
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:42
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:42
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:42
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 9:42
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:42
Context — The Fall of Shechem
40but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.
41Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.
42The next day the people of Shechem went out into the fields, and this was reported to Abimelech.
43So he took his men, divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose up against them and attacked them. 44Then Abimelech and the companies with him rushed forward and took their stand at the entrance of the city gate. The other two companies rushed against all who were in the fields and struck them down.Judges 9:42 Summary
In Judges 9:42, the people of Shechem went out into the fields, unaware of the danger that was lurking nearby. This event reminds us to be aware of the spiritual battles that are taking place around us, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, and to trust in God's sovereignty, as described in Romans 8:28. Just as Abimelech's actions had significant consequences for the people of Shechem, our choices can have a profound impact on those around us, as warned in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31. By surrendering our lives to God and seeking to serve and glorify Him, we can avoid the pitfalls of seeking power and control, and instead find true freedom and purpose in Him, as described in Galatians 2:20 and Philippians 3:7-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the people of Shechem going out into the fields in Judges 9:42?
The people of Shechem going out into the fields may indicate a sense of normalcy or a return to daily life after the previous day's events, as seen in Judges 9:40-41, but it also sets the stage for Abimelech's ambush, highlighting the ongoing conflict and power struggle in the region, reminiscent of the cycles of violence in the book of Judges, such as in Judges 3:12-30.
How did Abimelech find out about the people of Shechem going out into the fields?
The verse does not specify how Abimelech received this information, but it is likely that he had spies or informants within the city, as was common in ancient times, similar to the spies sent out by Moses in Numbers 13:1-33 or by Joshua in Joshua 2:1-24.
What can we learn from Abimelech's actions in response to the people of Shechem going out into the fields?
Abimelech's decision to lay in wait and attack the people of Shechem demonstrates his cunning and ruthlessness, characteristics that are often associated with those who seek power and control, as seen in the warnings against such leaders in Deuteronomy 17:14-20 and 1 Samuel 8:10-18.
How does this event relate to the broader themes of the book of Judges?
The conflict between Abimelech and the people of Shechem illustrates the chaos and disorder that characterized the period of the judges, as described in Judges 21:25, and highlights the need for a righteous leader to guide God's people, a theme that is developed throughout the Old Testament, including in 1 Samuel 8:1-22 and 2 Samuel 7:1-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be going about my daily life without recognizing the spiritual battles that are taking place around me, and how can I be more aware of these struggles?
- How can I balance the need for vigilance and discernment with the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking power or control, rather than seeking to serve and glorify God, and how can I surrender these areas to Him, as described in Galatians 2:20 and Philippians 3:7-14?
- How can I learn from the example of Abimelech and the people of Shechem to be more mindful of the consequences of my actions and the impact they may have on others, as warned in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:42
And it came to pass on the morrow,.... The day after the battle: that the people went out into the field; some think to fight, and try the event of another battle, in order to be freed from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:42
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 9:42
The people went out into the field; either, first, To renew the fight, and avenge themselves for their last loss, the great God hardening their hearts to their destruction, and the accomplishment of his word delivered to them by Jotham. But here is not one word about the people’ s arming, or resisting, or fighting, as there was before, , but only of their slaughter, ,44. Or, secondly, To their usual and then proper employments about their lands; for though their vintage was past, the seed-time was now come, and other things were to be done in the fields. Or, thirdly, Upon some solemn occasion, not here expressed; possibly to make a solemn procession, or perform some other rites in the fields, to the honour of their god Baal-berith, as the manner of the heathen was, to make supplication to him for his help, and for better success; or only to go for that end to the house of their god Baal-berith, which is thought to have been in the fields, as may seem from ,46, on a mountain upon the east side of the city.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:42
Judges 9:42 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech.Ver. 42. Went out into the field,] viz., To renew the battle, and to rid the country of Abimelech; not to their grape gathering, or about their husbandry, as Josephus and Procopius say.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:42
(42) Set the hold on fire.—The words of Jotham (Judges 9:20) had proved prophetic. (For a similar incident see 1 Kings 16:18—Zimri burnt in the palace at Tirzah.) Died.—The Vulgate renders it, Were killed with the smoke and fire.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:42
42–49. Abimelech destroys Shechem and Migdal-Shechem After the Shechemites have suffered the severe defeat just described, and Abimelech has retired and dwelt at Arumah, it is incredible that, on the next morning, the people should come out of the city as if nothing had happened, and that Abimelech should be able to surprise them by the same device which had proved so successful the day before. All difficulties disappear if we regard these verses, not as the sequel to 34–41, but as a second account of Abimelech’s attack on Shechem, originally following 22–25. The Shechemites break out into open treason (Judges 9:25); A. takes instant (‘on the morrow’ Judges 9:42) and severe revenge. Moore thinks that Judges 9:22-25 are derived from E, Judges 9:42-49 and Judges 9:26-41 from J.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 9:42
After Gaal’s expulsion, “the people went out into the field,” either to complete the vintage, or for some other agricultural operation. “They” (Zebul and his party) sent word of this to Abimelech.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:42
42. On the morrow — After the thrusting out of Gaal. The people went out into the field — Apparently to attend to their agricultural pursuits.