Judges 6:34 — Word Study
WLCוְר֣וּחַ יְהוָ֔ה לָבְשָׁ֖ה אֶת־ גִּדְע֑וֹן וַיִּתְקַע֙ בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר וַיִזָּעֵ֥ק אֲבִיעֶ֖זֶר אַחֲרָֽיו׃
BSASo the Spiritrûwach [the breath of life] of the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] came uponlâbash■ GideonGidʻôwn [the hewer, a judge of Israel] who blewtâqaʻ▸ [to blow or strike] the ram’s hornshôwphâr [a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn] and ralliedzâʻaq▸ [to cry out, to gather together] the AbiezritesʼĂbîyʻezer [the clan of Abiezer, my father is help] behind himʼachar [after, in the rear]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְר֣וּחַ | and [the] spirit of | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct |
| יְהוָ֔ה | Yahweh | Noun proper |
| לָבְשָׁ֖ה | it clothed | Verb, Qal, perfect third person feminine singular |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| גִּדְע֑וֹן | Gideon | Noun proper masculine |
| וַיִּתְקַע֙ | and he gave a blast | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר | on the ram's horn | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וַיִזָּעֵ֥ק | and it was called together | Verb, Niphal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אֲבִיעֶ֖זֶר | Abiezer | Noun proper masculine |
| אַחֲרָֽיו׃ | after him | Suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him. |
| KJV | But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abi-ezer was gathered after him. |
| ASV | But the Spirit of Jehovah came upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered together after him. |
| YLT | and the Spirit of Jehovah hath clothed Gideon, and he bloweth with a trumpet, and Abi-Ezer is called after him; |
| WEB | But Yahweh’s Spirit came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered together to follow him. |
| BBE | But the spirit of the Lord came on Gideon; and at the sound of his horn all Abiezer came together after him. |
Where they part company is לָבְשָׁ֖ה — see How Translations Differ.
The structure consists of a main clause followed by two actions, creating a clear progression from the Spirit's empowerment to Gideon's response.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאֲבִיעֶזֶר
verbלָבֵשׁ
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Judges 6:34
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Gideon's Call to Armsgenerated
Judges 6:34 describes how the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, empowering him to take action against the Midianites. This moment marks a significant turning point in Israel's struggle for freedom, as Gideon rallies his clan, the Abiezrites, to join him in battle. The narrative emphasizes the role of divine intervention in the leadership of Israel, showcasing Gideon's transformation from a hesitant leader to a courageous warrior.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 3:10 | The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him. |
| 2 | Judges 13:25 | And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him at Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. |
| 3 | Judges 14:19 | Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house, |
| 4 | Judges 15:14 | When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines came out shouting against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds broke loose from his hands. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 10:6 | Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 18 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — רוּחַ, ve.Ru.achgenerated
The word רוּחַ (ruach) refers to spirit, breath, or wind. It encompasses the concept of life and divine inspiration, indicating the presence of God empowering an individual. In this context, it signifies the Spirit of the LORD coming upon Gideon, enabling him to act decisively.
The parsing as a common feminine singular noun indicates that it embodies a broad range of meanings, from the physical breath to the emotional and spiritual essence of a person. The Spirit's action here is transformative, as it clothes Gideon with the power needed for leadership.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb לָבְשָׁ֖ה governs the entire verse, indicating the action of the Spirit clothing Gideon with power. The structure is straightforward, with a subject (Gideon) and a series of actions following the empowerment.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the Spirit's action first, highlighting its significance in the narrative. The following clauses detail Gideon's actions, creating a clear flow from divine empowerment to human response.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew רוּחַ is rendered as πνεῦμα (pneuma), which also means spirit or breath. This choice reflects a consistent understanding of the divine presence empowering Gideon.
The translation captures the essence of the Hebrew text, maintaining the focus on the Spirit's role in enabling Gideon's leadership.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Judges 6:34 shows how the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, giving him the strength to blow the ram’s horn and call the Abiezrites to follow him. This moment is crucial as it marks Gideon's transformation into a leader who responds to God's call.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies that Gideon was empowered by God to lead and act decisively against the Midianites, indicating divine support in his leadership.
Blowing the ram’s horn was a call to arms, signaling the gathering of the people for battle and rallying them to follow Gideon.
The Abiezrites were a clan within the tribe of Manasseh, and Gideon called them to join him in his fight against the Midianites.
This imagery suggests that Gideon was not only empowered but also transformed for his role as a judge and leader of Israel.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I recognize the Spirit's empowerment in my own life?
- In what ways can I respond to God's call like Gideon did?
- What does it mean to rally others for a cause, and how can I do this effectively?
- How does the concept of being 'clothed' with the Spirit influence my understanding of leadership?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Judges 6:34 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBut the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon,.... Not the spirit of prophecy, as Maimonides (x), who calls this spirit the first degree of prophecy, but a spirit of fortitude and courage, as the
Read John Gill on Judges 6 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBut the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abi-ezer was gathered after him. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon.
Read Robert Jamieson on Judges 6 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleCame upon Gideon, inspiring him with extraordinary wisdom, and courage, and zeal, to vindicate God’ s honour and his country’ s liberty. Compare . Abi-ezer, i.e. the Abi-ezrites, his kindred, And their servants, and others; who finding no harm coming to him for the destroying of Baal, but rather a blessing from God, in giving him strength and courage for so great and dangerous an attempt, changed their minds, and followed him as the person by whose hands God would deliver them.
Read Matthew Poole on Judges 6 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJudges 6:34 But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.Ver. 34. But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon.] Who had not his name for nought: for it signifieth a feller, or cutter down. He had manfully cut down Baal’ s grove, and now God had brought him these barbarians that he might hew them down, and cut them in pieces: for which end also the Spirit of the Lord clothed him with wisdom, zeal, and fortitude.
Read John Trapp on Judges 6 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(34) Came upon Gideon.—Literally, clothed Gideon. See Judges 3:10 (Othniel); Judges 11:29 (Jephthah); Judges 13:25 (Samson). This forcible figure is found also in 1 Chronicles 12:18 ( Amasai); 2 Chronicles 24:20 (Zechariah); Psalms 59:17; and in the New Testament, Luke 24:49 (endusçsthe); Galatians 3:27 (enedusasthe Christon); 1 Peter 5:5 (enkombôsasthe).Blew a trumpet.—See Judges 3:27. The trumpet is shophar, or ram’s horn (LXX., keratine). Gideon’s call was two-fold: the first he had already obeyed in destroying the Baal-worship at Ophrah; he now begins to obey the second, which was to deliver his country.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Judges 6 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 34. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon] He was endued with preternatural courage and wisdom.
Read AdamClarke on Judges 6 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges34. the spirit of the Lord came upon] lit. ‘put on as a garment,’ i.e. took possession of Gideon; cf. 1 Chronicles 12:18, 2 Chronicles 24:20. The verb is used in Syriac with the same metaphorical sense; e.g. ‘Ignatius, God-clad and martyr,’ a frequent expression in the Syr. fragments of the Ignatian Epistles1[38]. Cf. also Romans 13:14. For the spirit of the Lord see on Judges 3:10. [38] Lightfoot, Apostolic Fathers i. 184–190, iii. 100, 111. blew a trumpet] Cf. Judges 3:27. Gideon’s own clansmen respond to the call; they seem to be the 300 who follow him in Judges 8:4-21. This verse would form a suitable continuation of 11–24.
Read Cambridge on Judges 6 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon - See the margin. The word contains a striking thought.
Read Albert Barnes on Judges 6 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him.
But Yahweh’s Spirit came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered together to follow him.
So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him.
The Lord’s spirit took control of Gideon. He blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him.
Tyndale line
But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abi-ezer was gathered after him.
But the Spirit of Jehovah came upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered together after him.
But the spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered together after him.
But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was called after him.
But the Spirit of the Lord came vpon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, and Abiezer was ioyned with him.
Strictly literal
And the Spirit of Jehovah came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, and the Abi-ezrites were gathered after him.
and the Spirit of Jehovah hath clothed Gideon, and he bloweth with a trumpet, and Abi-Ezer is called after him;
and the Spirit of YHWH has clothed Gideon, and he blows with a horn, and Abi-Ezer is called after him;
But the Spirit of the Lord endued Gid'on, and he blew the cornet: and Abi'ezer assembled and followed him.
But the Spirit of Yahweh came over Gideon. Gideon blew a trumpet, calling out the clan of Abiezer, so they might follow him.
From the Latin
But the spirit of the Lord came upon Gedeon, and be sounded the trumpet and called together the house of Abiezer, to follow him.
Simplified
The Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, calling the Abiezrites to join him.
But the spirit of the Lord came on Gideon; and at the sound of his horn all Abiezer came together after him.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with the Septuagint providing a close correspondence to the Hebrew. The primary difference lies in the arrangement of words rather than content, affirming the core message of divine empowerment.
וְר֣וּחַ יְהוָ֔ה לָבְשָׁ֖ה אֶת־ גִּדְע֑וֹן וַיִּתְקַע֙ בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר וַיִזָּעֵ֥ק אֲבִיעֶ֖זֶר אַחֲרָֽיו׃
9 of the 10 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Judges 6:34
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
רוּחַ (ruach) means breath, wind, or spirit. It encompasses various meanings, including the breath of life, emotional disposition, and the spirit of God. The term can refer to both physical phenomena, like wind, and abstract concepts, such as moral character or mental acts. Notably, it is used frequently in the context of divine inspiration and the Holy Spirit.
רוּחַ 378 n.f. (less oft. m.) breath, wind, spirit
breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
wind (117 t.)
spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
spirit of the living, breathing being
spirit as seat of emotion
occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
rarely of the will
רוּחַ esp. of moral character
spirit of God (94 t.)
base
H7307 רוּחַ breath, wind, spirit . breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
. wind (117 t.)
. spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
. spirit of the living, breathing being
. spirit as seat of emotion
. occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
. rarely of the will
. רוּחַ esp. of moral character
. spirit of God (94 t.)
7307 ruwach roo'-akh
from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or
even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger,
unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by
resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including
its expression and functions):--air, anger, blast, breath, X
cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit((-ual)),
tempest, X vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y).
see HEBREW for 07306
רוּחַ (ru.ach) — spirit.
: spirit
1) wind, breath, mind, spirit
1a) breath
1b) wind
1b1) of heaven
1b2) quarter (of wind), side
1b3) breath of air
1b4) air, gas
1b5) vain, empty thing
1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation)
1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour
1c2) courage
1c3) temper, anger
1c4) impatience, patience
1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented)
1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse
1c7) prophetic spirit
1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals)
1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being
1e) spirit (as seat of emotion)
1e1) desire
1e2) sorrow, trouble
1f) spirit
1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts
1f2) rarely of the will
1f3) as seat especially of moral character
Conj | N-cs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular constructHC/Ncfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Noun properHNpt
The Hebrew word לָבֵשׁ (*labash*) means to put on or wear clothing, and it can refer to both literal and figurative clothing. It is built from a primitive root meaning to wrap around. The entries cover various forms, including Qal, Pual, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of dressing or being clothed. The word is also noted for its use in a figurative sense, such as being clothed with a spirit.
לָבֵשׁ, לָבַשׁ vb. put on (a garment), wear, clothe, be clothed
Qal
lit. put on (one’s own) garment; = wear (more or less habitually)
very oft. fig., put on, be clothed with
lit. put on
once
clothed with
and the spirit of י׳ clothed itself with Gideon
Pu. arrayed
Hiph. clothe, array with
base
H3847 לָבֵשׁ, לָבַשׁ put on (a garment), wear, clothe, be clothed
3847 labash law-bash'
or labesh {law-bashe'}; a primitive root; properly, wrap
around, i.e. (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe
(oneself, or another), literally or figuratively:--(in)
apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on,
upon), wear.
לָבֵשׁ (la.vash) — to clothe.
1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear
1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.)
1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed
1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress
Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
V-Qal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singularHVqp3fs
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
גִּדְעוֹן (gid'on) refers to Gideon, a judge of Israel known for leading the Israelites against the Midianites. The name is derived from a root meaning 'feller' or 'warrior.' Gideon is first mentioned in Judges 6:11 and is also called Jerubbaal in several passages.
גִּדְעוֹן n.pr.m. judge of Israel
base
H1439 גִּדְעוֹן
1439 Gid`own ghid-ohn'
from 1438; feller (i.e. warrior); Gidon, an
Israelite:--Gideon.
see HEBREW for 01438
גִּדְעוֹן (gid.on) — Gideon.
A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.6.11;
son of: Joash (H3101);
father of: Jether (H3500), Abimelech (H0040H) and Jotham (H3147); also called Jerubbaal at Jdg.6.32; 7.1; 8.29,35; 9.1,2,5,16,19,24,28,57; 1xJerubbesheth at 2Sa.11.21;
§ Gideon = "hewer"
youngest son of Joash of the Abiezrites, fifth judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
gid'-e-un (gidh`on, "cutter down," "feller" or "hewer"):
1. His Family and Home:
Also named Jerubbaal (Jud 6:32) and Jerubbesheth (2Sa 11:21), youngest son of Joash, of the clan of Abiezer in the tribe of Manasseh. His home was at Ophrah, and his family an obscure one. He became the chief leader of Manasseh and the fifth recorded judge of Israel. The record of his life is found in Jud 6-8.
Joash was an idolater, and sacrifices to Baal were common among the entire clan. Gideon seems to have held this worship in contempt, and to have pondered deeply the causes of Israel's reverses and the injuries wrought upon his own family by the hand of the Midianites.
2. The Midianite Oppression:
Gideon
Called also Jerubbaal (Judg. 6:29, 32), was the first of the judges whose history is circumstantially narrated (Judg. 6-8). His calling is the commencement of the second period in the history of the judges. After the victory gained by Deborah and Barak over Jabin, Israel once more sank into idolatry, and the Midianites (q.v.) and Amalekites, with other “children of the east,” crossed the Jordan each year for seven successive years for the purpose of plundering and desolating the land. Gideon received a direct call from God to undertake the task of delivering the land from these warlike invaders. He was of the family of Abiezer (Josh. 17:2; 1 Chr. 7:18), and of the little township of Ophrah (
(he that cuts down), youngest son of Joash of the Abiezrites, an undistinguished family who lived at Ophrah, a town probably on the west of Jordan, (Judges 6:15) in the territory of Manasseh, near Shechem. He was the fifth recorded judge of Israel, and for many reasons the greatest of them all. When we first hear of him he was grown up and had sons, (Judges 6:11; 8:20) and from the apostrophe of the angel, ch. (Judges 6:12) we may conclude that he had already distinguished himself in war against the roving bands of nomadic robbers who had oppressed Israel for seven years. When the angel appeared, Gideon was threshing wheat with a flail in the wine-press, to conceal it from the predatory tyrants. His call to be a deliverer, and…
he that bruises or breaks; a destroyer
תָּקַע (taqa) is a Hebrew verb meaning to thrust, clap, or give a blow, with a range of uses including striking, blowing a trumpet, or pledging oneself. It appears in various forms, such as Qal and Niphal, indicating actions like driving a weapon or the sound of a blast. The entries do not present any significant disagreement.
תָּקַע 67 vb. thrust, clap, give a blow, blast
Qal
thrust, drive
give a blast, blow
strike, clap hands
Niph.
if a horn shall be blown
who is there that will strike himself (i.e. pledge himself) into my hand?
base
H8628 תָּקַע thrust, clap, give a blow, blast
8628 taqa` taw-kah'
a primitive root; to clatter, i.e. slap (the hands together),
clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or
tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become bondsman by
handclasping):--blow ((a trumpet)), cast, clap, fasten, pitch
(tent), smite, sound, strike, X suretiship, thrust.
תָּקַע (ta.qa) — to blow.
1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon)
1a2) to give a blast, give a blow
1a3) to strike or clap hands
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn)
1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
(neshamah, ruach):
(1) The blowing of the breath of Yahweh, expressive of the manifestation of God's power in Nature and Providence. "With the blast of thy nostrils the waters were piled up" (Ex 15:8), referring to the east wind (Ex 14:21; compare 2Sa 22:16 and Ps 18:15). "I will send a blast upon him" (2Ki 19:7 the King James Version; the Revised Version (British and American) "put a spirit in him," i.e. "an impulse of fear" (Dummelow in the place cited.); compare Isa 37:7). "By the blast of his anger are they consumed" (
שֹׁפָר (sho-far) refers to a horn or trumpet, specifically one used for blowing. It is derived from a root meaning to incise and is associated with producing a clear sound. The term encompasses both a cornet and a ram's horn, as noted in various lexicons.
שֹׁפָר, שׁוֹפָר 72 n.m. horn, for blowing
base
H7782 שֹׁפָר, שׁוֹפָר horn, for blowing
7782 showphar sho-far'
or shophar {sho-far'}; from 8231 in the original sense of
incising; a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved
horn:--cornet, trumpet.
see HEBREW for 08231
שֹׁפָר (sho.phar) — trumpet.
horn, ram's horn
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
horn (Hebrew and Aramaic qeren; keras; for the "ram's horn" (yobhel) of Jos 6 see MUSIC, and for the "inkhorn" of Eze 9 (qeceth) see separate article):
(1) Qeren and keras represent the English "horn" exactly, whether on the animal (Ge 22:13), or used for musical purposes (Jos 6:5; 1Ch 25:5), or for containing a liquid (1Sa 16:1,13; 1Ki 1:39), but in Eze 27:15 the horns of ivory are of course tusks and the "horns" of ebony are small (pointed?) logs. Consequently most of the usages require no explanation.
Horn
Trumpets were at first horns perforated at the tip, used for various purposes (Josh. 6:4,5).
Flasks or vessels were made of horn (1 Sam. 16:1, 13; 1 Kings 1:39).
But the word is used also metaphorically to denote the projecting corners of the altar of burnt offerings (Ex. 27:2) and of incense (30:2). The horns of the altar of burnt offerings were to be smeared with the blood of the slain bullock (29:12; Lev. 4:7-18). The criminal, when his crime was accidental, found an asylum by laying hold of the horns of the altar (1 Kings 1:50; 2:28).
The word "horn" is often used metaphorically to signify strength and honor, because horns are the chief weapons and ornaments of the animals which possess them; hence they are also used as a type of victory. Of strength the horn of the unicorn was the most frequent representative, (33:17) etc., but not always; comp. (1 Kings 22:11) where probably horns of iron, worn defiantly and symbolically on the head, are intended. Among the Druses upon Mount Lebanon the married women wear silver horns on their heads. In the sense of honor, the word horn stands for the abstract "my horn," (Job 16:16) "all the horn of Israel," (1 Samuel 2:3) and so for the supreme authority. It also stands for the concrete , whence it comes to mean king…
Of animals were used as drinking vessels, and to hold ointments, perfumes, etc., 1Sa 16:1 1Ki 1:39. The "horns of the altar" were its four corners and elevation on them, Ex 27:2 30:2. See ALTAR.
The principal defense and ornament of many beasts are in their horns; and hence the horn is often a symbol of strength, honor, and dominion. The Lord exalted the horn of David, and of his people; he breaketh the horn of salvation, and of defiling the horn in the dust, De 33:17 1Sa 2:1,10 Job 16:15 Ps 75:10
זָעַק (za`aq) is a Hebrew verb meaning to cry out or call for help, often in a context of distress or need. It can also refer to assembling or summoning people, particularly for military purposes. The word has various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of calling or gathering.
[זָעַק] vb. cry, cry out, call
Qal
call, to one's aid
cry, cry out, in need
Niph. be called together, assemble, join
Hiph.
call, call out, or together, for military service
make a crying
have proclamation made
call out, or at
base
H2199 זָעַק cry, cry out, call .. call, to one's aid
. cry, cry out, in need
. be called together, assemble, join
. . call, call out, or together, for military service
. make a crying
. have proclamation made
. call out, or at
2199 za`aq zaw-ak'
a primitive root; to shriek (from anguish or danger); by
analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly:--
assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such
a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed.
זָעַק (za.aq) — to cry out.
1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to call (to one's aid)
1a2) to cry, cry out (in need)
1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon
1c2) to make a crying, proclaim
1c3) to have a proclamation made
1c4) to call out to, call out at
Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/VNw3ms
אֲבִיעֶ֫זֶר (Abiy'ezer) means 'my father is help.' It refers to two individuals in the Old Testament: a Manassite, son of Gilead, and a Benjamite warrior of David. The name is constructed from the elements for 'father' and 'help.' It appears in several verses, including Numbers 26:30 and 2 Samuel 23:27.
אֲבִיעֶ֫זֶר n.pr.m. (my father is help)—= אִיעֶזֶר Nu 26:30—
a Manassite, called ‘son’ of Gilead
a Benjamite, a warrior of David
base
H44 אֲבִיעֶ֫זֶר, אִיעֶזֶר
44 'Abiy`ezer ab-ee-ay'-zer
from 1 and 5829; father of help (i.e. helpful); Abiezer, the
name of two Israelites:--Abiezer.
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 05829
אֲבִיעֶ֫זֶר (a.vi.e.zer) — Abiezer.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.27
§ Abiezer = "my father is help"
1) a Manassite, called "son" of Gilead, also son of Gilead's sister
2) a Benjamite, warrior of David
אֲבִיעֶ֫זֶר (a.vi.e.zer) — Abiezer.
A man of the tribe of Manasseh living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.18 and Hammolecheth (H4447);
brother of: Ishhod (H0379) and Mahlah (H4244H)
§ Abiezer = "my father is help"
1) a Manassite, called "son" of Gilead, also son of Gilead's sister
2) a Benjamite, warrior of David
אֲבִיעֶ֫זֶר (a.vi.e.zer) — Abiezer.
A man of the tribe of Manasseh living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.26.30;
son of: Gilead (H1568H);
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
ab-i-e'-zer, a-bi-e'-zer ('abhi`ezer, "father of help," or "my father is help." Iezer, Iezerite (in the King James Version Jeezer, Jeezerite), is Abiezer with the letter beth omitted):
(1) A descendant of Joseph the son of Jacob, and head of one of the families of Manasseh that settled West of the Jordan (Nu 26:30; Jos 17:1-6; 1Ch 7:14-19). As he was great uncle to Zelophehad's daughters, who brought a case before Moses (Nu 36), he must have been an old man at the time of the conquest. He was the son of Gilead the son of Machir, in the sense of being a more remote descendant, for Machir had sons before the death of Joseph (Ge 50:23). The Machir that possessed Gilead and…
(father of help, helpful). Eldest son of Gilead, and descendant of Manasseh. (Joshua 17:2; 1 Chronicles 7:18) (B.C. 1450.) He was the ancestor of the great judge Gideon. [GIDEON] One of David’s mighty men. (2 Samuel 23:27; 1 Chronicles 11:28; 27:12) (B.C. 1014.)
Great-grandson of Manasseh, Nu 26:29,30, and founder of the family to which Gideon belonged, Joshua 17.2; Jud 6.34; 8.2. In this last verse, "the vintage of Abiezer" means the first rout of the Midianites by the 300, mostly Abiezrites; and "the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim," means the capture of Oreb and Zeeb, and other fruits of the victory, gathered by the Ephraimites.
father of help
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
Prep | Suff — SuffixHAcmpc/Sp3ms
