Judges 9:52
Judges 9:52 in Multiple Translations
When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire.
And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and drew near unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
And Abimelech came to the tower and made an attack on it, and got near to the door of the tower for the purpose of firing it.
Abimelech went up to the tower to attack it. But as he approached the tower's entrance to set it on fire,
And Abimelech came vnto the towre and fought against it, and went hard vnto the doore of the towre to set it on fire.
And Abimelech cometh unto the tower, and fighteth against it, and draweth nigh unto the opening of the tower to burn it with fire,
Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and came near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
And Abimelech came to the tower, and fought against it, and came near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
And Abimelech coming near the tower, fought stoutly: and approaching to the gate, endeavoured to set fire to it:
Abimelech and his men came to the tower and tried to get in the door, but they could not. Then Abimelech prepared to light a fire to burn down the door.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:52
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 9:52 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
אֲבִימֶ֨לֶךְ֙
עַד
הַ/מִּגְדָּ֔ל
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
בּ֑/וֹ
וַ/יִּגַּ֛שׁ
עַד
פֶּ֥תַח
הַ/מִּגְדָּ֖ל
לְ/שָׂרְפ֥/וֹ
בָ/אֵֽשׁ
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִימֶ֨לֶךְ֙
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/מִּגְדָּ֔ל
migdâl
H4026
tower
Art | N-cs
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בּ֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּגַּ֛שׁ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
פֶּ֥תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
הַ/מִּגְדָּ֖ל
migdâl
H4026
tower
Art | N-cs
לְ/שָׂרְפ֥/וֹ
sâraph
H8313
to burn
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בָ/אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
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 9:52
וַ/יָּבֹ֤א
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.
אֲבִימֶ֨לֶךְ֙
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.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/מִּגְדָּ֔ל
migdâl
H4026
"tower"
Art | N-cs
Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.
Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
בּ֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּגַּ֛שׁ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
פֶּ֥תַח
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.
הַ/מִּגְדָּ֖ל
migdâl
H4026
"tower"
Art | N-cs
Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.
Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.
לְ/שָׂרְפ֥/וֹ
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
בָ/אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
Study Notes — Judges 9:52
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Abimelech’s Punishment
50Then Abimelech went to Thebez, encamped against it, and captured it.
51But there was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower.
52When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire.
53But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. 54He quickly called his armor-bearer, saying, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So Abimelech’s armor-bearer ran his sword through him, and he died.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 9:48–49 | he and all his men went up to Mount Zalmon. Abimelech took his axe in his hand and cut a branch from the trees, which he lifted to his shoulder, saying to his men, “Hurry and do what you have seen me do.” So each man also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. Then they piled the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire above them, killing everyone in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 14:10 | You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” |
| 3 | 2 Kings 15:16 | At that time Menahem, starting from Tirzah, attacked Tiphsah and everyone in its vicinity, because they would not open their gates. So he attacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women. |
Judges 9:52 Summary
Judges 9:52 tells us that Abimelech, a powerful leader, tried to capture a strong tower by setting it on fire, but his plan ultimately backfired. This event reminds us that human strength and strategy are limited, and we must trust in God's power and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 17:5-8. Just like the occupants of the tower, we can find safety and protection in God during difficult times, and we should always remember to humble ourselves before Him, as taught in 1 Peter 5:6-7 and Matthew 23:12. By trusting in God, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance, and instead, find true strength and deliverance in Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Abimelech's strategy when attacking the tower in Judges 9:52?
Abimelech approached the entrance of the tower to set it on fire, indicating a desire to cut off escape routes and force the occupants to surrender, similar to the siege tactics described in Deuteronomy 20:12 and 2 Kings 25:1-2.
Why did Abimelech target the tower in Thebez?
Abimelech targeted the tower because it was the last stronghold of the city, where all the men, women, and leaders had fled, as mentioned in Judges 9:51, and he sought to crush the remaining opposition to his rule.
How does this event relate to the larger narrative of the book of Judges?
This event is part of the cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance in the book of Judges, where God raises up leaders like Abimelech to punish Israel's disobedience, as seen in Judges 2:10-23 and 8:34-35.
What spiritual lesson can be learned from Abimelech's actions in Judges 9:52?
Abimelech's actions demonstrate the futility of human strength and the importance of trusting in God, as emphasized in Proverbs 21:31 and Psalm 20:7-8, highlighting the need for humility and dependence on God's power and wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are the consequences of relying solely on human strength and strategy, as Abimelech did, and how can we apply this lesson to our own lives?
- How can we, like the occupants of the tower, find refuge and protection in God during times of turmoil and uncertainty, as described in Psalm 91:1-4 and Proverbs 18:10?
- What role does pride and a lack of humility play in Abimelech's downfall, and how can we guard against similar pitfalls in our own lives, as warned in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:6-7?
- How does God use the actions of individuals, like Abimelech, to fulfill His larger purposes and bring about justice, as seen in Romans 11:33-36 and Isaiah 46:10-11?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:52
And Abimelech came unto the tower,.... With his army to besiege it: and fought against it; using all the methods he could to oblige those in it to surrender: and went hard unto the door of the tower
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:52
And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:52
Judges 9:52 And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.Ver. 52. And went hard unto the door.] This was not soldier-like, whose rule must be, Neque timide neque temere, Be neither timorous nor temerarious. See 2 Samuel 11:21. But Abimelech, lifted up with his former successes, thought, belike, he might do anything, and said within himself, “ Maior sum quam cui possit fortuna, nocere. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:52
(52) Went hard unto the door.—Hard, i.e., close. Like other bad men, Abimelech was not lacking in physical courage. He had all his father’s impetuous energy. The peril of such rashness served the Israelites as a perpetual warning (2 Samuel 11:21). To burn it with fire.—He naturally anticipated another hideous success like that at Millo.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 9:52
Went hard unto the door ... - i. e. went close to the door. An act of manifest danger, seeing the roof was covered with persons who would be likely to throw down missiles of all sorts on the heads of their assailants.